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Madeira President Resigns Amid Corruption Allegations

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In a dramatic turn of events, Miguel Albuquerque, the president of the Government of Madeira, has officially submitted his resignation amid corruption allegations. The resignation, accepted by the representative of the Republic, Ireneu Barreto, is pending an effective date, leaving the region in a state of political uncertainty.

Albuquerque’s decision comes just two days after he was accused in an ongoing corruption investigation, which subsequently led to the arrest of Funchal’s mayor, Pedro Calado (PSD), and two businessmen associated with the construction and tourism sectors.

While Ireneu Barreto has accepted the resignation, the timing of its effect remains undetermined. Barreto mentioned that he is considering the best time for it to take effect, possibly after the approval of the Regional Budget or sometime later this week.

The resignation process, as outlined in article 62 of the Political-Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, requires the president of the Regional Government to present the request for dismissal. This process initiates a period of transition that will likely impact the region’s political landscape.

Madeira recently held elections for the Regional Legislative Assembly on September 24, 2023, and according to the law, any possible dissolution of the government by the President of the Republic can only occur after March 24, 2024, ensuring a stable political environment for at least six months following the elections.

Miguel Albuquerque’s resignation leaves a leadership vacuum in the PSD/CDS-PP coalition, which holds an absolute majority in the Legislative Assembly. The PAN’s support through a parliamentary advocacy agreement adds complexity to the situation.

Ireneu Barreto emphasized that he will only engage with the nine parties represented in the regional parliament after the executive is officially dismissed. The discussions with PSD, PS, JPP, Chega, CDS-PP, PCP, IL, BE, and PAN will shape the path forward for Madeira’s political landscape.

The upcoming Budget discussions for the Autonomous Region of Madeira in 2024, with a record value of 2,238 million euros, take center stage in the midst of this political turmoil. Scheduled for February 6-9, the Budget approval is crucial for the region’s stability, preventing management by twelfths.

Albuquerque, who has served Madeira for 30 years, expressed his commitment to the region’s primary interests, citing families and businesses. He stressed the importance of avoiding economic and social instability that could hinder the region’s development.

Remaining as the President of the PSD/Madeira until a new congress is convened, Albuquerque confirmed that he will not occupy the position of deputy in the Regional Legislative Assembly. As Madeira navigates these challenging times, the focus remains on ensuring the best interests of the region are safeguarded.

World

Nitish Kumar Resigns, Eyes Return to BJP Alliance

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has resigned from his position, sparking political upheaval in the state. The seasoned politician, known for his strategic alliances and switches, is reportedly eyeing a return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), particularly with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move, if materialized, will mark Nitish Kumar’s fourth political switch, shaking the foundations of the current political landscape in Bihar.

In a dramatic turn of events, Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, announced his resignation today, sending shockwaves through the political corridors of the state. Addressing the media soon after tendering his resignation to the Bihar Governor, Kumar revealed the reasons behind his decision, stating, “Today, I have resigned as the Chief Minister, and I have also told the Governor to dissolve the government in the state. This situation came because not everything was alright…I was getting views from everyone. I listened to all of them. Today, the Government has been dissolved.”

This unexpected move by Kumar comes after days of speculation about his potential political realignment. Reports suggest that Nitish Kumar may be sworn in as Bihar’s Chief Minister for the eighth time later in the evening, solidifying his reputation as a political strategist with a penchant for strategic alliances.

The current political landscape in Bihar is intricate, with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) being the largest alliance partner in the Mahagathbandhan, which includes the Congress and three Left parties. The alliance, however, falls eight members short of a majority in the assembly if the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), under Kumar’s leadership, decides to pull out.

In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, the RJD holds 79 seats, closely followed by the BJP with 78, JD(U) with 45, Congress with 19, CPI (M-L) with 12, and smaller contributions from other parties. If Nitish Kumar aligns with the BJP, it could potentially shift the balance of power in the state.

Notably, this wouldn’t be the first time Nitish Kumar has switched sides. Historically an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he quit the coalition in August 2022, accusing the BJP of attempting to split the JD(U). Kumar’s political journey has been marked by strategic shifts, including leaving the NDA in 2013 due to differences over Narendra Modi’s candidacy as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

In 2015, Nitish Kumar returned as Chief Minister after forging a grand alliance with the RJD and Congress. However, he walked out of this alliance in 2017, citing corruption allegations against the RJD. In 2022, he severed ties with the BJP once again, alleging conspiracy and attempts to influence JD(U) MLAs to rebel against him.

With his latest resignation, Nitish Kumar has exited the 28-party Opposition bloc called INDIA, signaling a potential return to the NDA fold. There are reports that Kumar is planning to remove ministers belonging to his previous alliance partner, Lalu Yadav’s RJD, from the government.

The BJP and JD(U) have reportedly finalized a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, which are just three months away. All BJP MLAs in Bihar have already pledged their support to Nitish Kumar, indicating a cohesive strategy between the two parties.

In response to the political developments, BJP MLAs and MPs convened for a meeting at the party office in Patna at 10 am, outlining their strategy for the evolving situation. BJP President JP Nadda, along with other party leaders, is expected to arrive in Patna at 3 pm today.

Addressing the media after submitting his resignation to the Governor, Nitish Kumar explained, “I have resigned as the CM and given a letter to the governor to dissolve the government. There were suggestions from all leaders to resign. I had issues, that’s why I resigned. I had left the previous alliance and made a new one, but I saw that the situation here was not good. So the suggestion (to step down) was coming from all sides.”

Taking a swipe at the newly-formed alliance of Opposition parties called INDIA, Kumar remarked that it was “in distress.” He highlighted problems in Bihar and confirmed that talks are scheduled with parties of the ‘previous alliance,’ implying a potential return to the NDA.

As the political drama unfolds in Bihar, the implications of Nitish Kumar’s resignation and the speculated realignment with the BJP remain uncertain. The state, known for its fluid political landscape, is once again at the center of attention as politicians and observers closely monitor the unfolding developments. The coming days are likely to provide clarity on the future course of Bihar’s politics, with Nitish Kumar once again at the helm of key decisions that could reshape the state’s political landscape. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving political saga.

World

Saskatoon mayor Charlie Clark won’t seek re-election

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In a surprising announcement on Wednesday, Mayor Charlie Clark revealed that he will not seek re-election this fall, marking the end of an impactful tenure that spanned two terms. Clark, who unseated incumbent Mayor Don Atchison in 2016 and secured re-election in 2020, cited his desire to prioritize family life and experience parenthood without the responsibilities of public office.

“I only have a brief window of time to experience being a parent who isn’t also a public figure, and I want to get the most out of these last years with my kids,” Clark expressed during a news conference at city hall.

Having served as a city councillor for a decade before assuming the mayoral office, Clark emphasized that he did not initially enter civic politics with a career mindset. “After almost 18 years — life-changing years — on city council, I can tell in my heart that it’s time for a new chapter in my life, and I honestly do not know what that is yet.”

Despite his decision not to seek re-election, Clark assured the public that he plans to fulfill the remainder of his term, emphasizing the importance of ongoing projects and commitments, including plans for a downtown entertainment district, shelter initiatives, housing developments, and bus rapid transit.

Clark’s tenure as mayor has been marked by significant achievements, including the initiation of large infrastructure projects in the downtown core. Notably, the city is embarking on a major project to construct a new downtown arena and an accompanying “entertainment district.” The Saskatoon Public Library is also set to begin construction on its new main branch downtown.

Under Clark’s leadership, the city implemented a compost program and introduced the first electric buses to the Saskatoon Transit fleet, contributing to environmental initiatives. However, his term faced financial challenges, as the city had to impose a 6.04% property tax hike on residents in 2024, coupled with an expected increase of at least 5.64% in 2025. These measures were necessitated by a $52.4-million funding gap attributed to inflationary pressures, pandemic recovery efforts, and the cost of snow removal following major blizzards in 2022.

As Saskatoon gears up for its municipal election on November 13, American readers may find parallels between the challenges faced by Saskatoon and those in their own cities. Clark’s departure signals the end of an era for the Canadian city, leaving behind a legacy of transformation, environmental progress, and the pursuit of ambitious civic projects. The forthcoming election will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Saskatoon and provide an opportunity for new leadership to continue building upon the groundwork laid by Mayor Charlie Clark.

World

Grand Inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

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In the ancient city of Ayodhya, ornate gifts are pouring in as India prepares for a historic event—the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. This monumental Hindu temple, set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been a long-standing promise and a symbol of the country’s complex religious and political landscape. The ceremony, slated for Monday, has stirred controversy, with implications for the nation’s diverse communities.

The sprawling temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, a revered deity in Hinduism, is being constructed on the site where a 16th-century mosque, Babri Masjid, once stood. The destruction of the mosque more than three decades ago by Hindu mobs marked a turning point in India, catalyzing the Hindu nationalist movement. As the inauguration approaches, the event has become highly polarized, with Hindus celebrating the fulfillment of a promise and Muslims grappling with painful reminders of religious divisions.

The Grand Inauguration Event

The ceremony on Monday will feature the unveiling of an idol of Lord Ram inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, conducted by Prime Minister Modi himself. Over 7,000 individuals, including high-profile politicians from across India, have been invited to attend the event in person. Ayodhya is witnessing an influx of visitors, with reports of approximately 100 chartered planes landing for the occasion. Hotel prices have surged, with last-minute bookings costing upwards of $1,200 per day.

Since January 16, priests have been performing rituals and prayers, preparing for the consecration ceremony. The inauguration has received extensive coverage on Indian news channels, with expectations of global viewership, including broadcasting in Indian embassies and on large screens in New York’s Times Square.

In a recorded message on his YouTube channel, Prime Minister Modi expressed his role in the ceremony, stating, “The Lord has made me an instrument to represent all the people of India during the consecration. I seek blessings from all of you.”

Controversy Surrounding the Ram Mandir

The controversy surrounding the Ram Mandir stems from its location, once occupied by the Babri Masjid. Hindus believe that the mosque was constructed on the ruins of a Hindu temple, allegedly destroyed by Babar, the first Mughal emperor. For Hindus, the site is sacred, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, justifying the construction of the new Ram Mandir.

The destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992 by Hindu hardliners, supported by the BJP and other right-wing groups, led to widespread communal violence. Dozens of temples and mosques became targets in revenge attacks, resulting in over 2,000 deaths nationwide. The violence marked one of the worst incidents since India’s independence in 1947.

The Ram Mandir project became a rallying point for Hindu nationalists, resulting in a decades-long emotionally charged standoff. In 2019, the Supreme Court granted permission for the construction of the temple on the contested site, seen as a victory for Prime Minister Modi and his supporters but a source of tension and loss for many Muslims.

Modi’s Role in the Temple Project

Prime Minister Modi, who came to power in 2014 with promises of economic reform, has also been a proponent of a Hindutva agenda, emphasizing India as a land for Hindus. Throughout his political career, Modi has actively supported the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, aligning with the ideology of his party, the BJP.

In response to the Supreme Court’s verdict in 2019, Modi hailed it as a “new dawn” for the nation, envisioning the “creation of a new India.” Critics argue that Modi’s alignment with Hindu nationalist principles has steered India away from its secular founding principles, with the construction of the temple representing a culmination of a multi-decade campaign to transform the country.

The temple’s opening is anticipated to boost Modi’s chances in the upcoming general election, expected later this year. While the government hasn’t directly funded the construction, Modi and the BJP have vigorously promoted the inauguration, treating it as a historic national event. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the BJP’s parent organization, has distributed food to millions of families in the vicinity, urging their participation in the temple celebrations.

Muslim Concerns and Reactions

India’s Muslim population, numbering around 200 million, is expressing concerns over the temple’s inauguration. Ayodhya, situated in the electorally significant state of Uttar Pradesh, is home to about 500,000 Muslims, and some fear potential attacks on the day of the inauguration.

Messages of support are circulating among Muslims on social media, with warnings to refrain from using public transportation for safety reasons. The 2019 Supreme Court order, while granting permission for the temple’s construction, also mandated the allocation of land for a mosque to be built approximately 25 kilometers away. However, the construction of the mosque is not expected to commence until May.

Prominent Muslim lawmakers have criticized the temple’s inauguration, lamenting the loss of the Babri mosque. Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen political party, spoke to his followers, saying, “Young people, we have lost our Masjid (mosque), and you are seeing what is being done there. Don’t you have pain in your hearts?”

Opposition’s Response

The Indian National Congress, the main opposition to the BJP, has announced a boycott of the inauguration, alleging that the event is being politicized by the ruling party. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, in response to the Congress’ decision, accused them of “jealousy, malice, and inferiority complex towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” stating that the party is opposing the “country” and “god.”

Temple Construction Details

The construction of the Ram Mandir is being carried out by Indian engineering group Larsen and Toubro within a 70-acre complex. The expected cost of construction is about 15 billion rupees ($180 million), funded through donations of approximately 30 billion rupees ($361 million). The government has not directly contributed to the establishment of the temple.

The temple features murals of Lord Ram, with one selected by a panel to reside inside the sanctum sanctorum. The black stone sculpture, weighing between 150-200 kgs (440 lbs), depicts the deity as a five-year-old boy.

Conclusion

As India gears up for the grand inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, the event stands as a symbol of historical and religious significance, intertwined with the nation’s complex sociopolitical fabric. The ceremony reflects the culmination of a decades-long struggle, marked by controversy, communal violence, and legal battles. While many Hindus celebrate the temple’s construction, it remains a source of pain and concern for the Muslim minority, adding layers to the ongoing narrative of religious coexistence and tensions in the diverse nation of India. The political implications of this event, particularly in the context of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and the upcoming elections, further underscore the significance of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in shaping the trajectory of India’s future.

World

India in Top 20: $7.8M to Trump

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In a recent report released by Democrat members of the US House Oversight Committee on January 4, it has been revealed that former President Donald Trump’s businesses received payments totaling at least $7.8 million during his tenure, with India ranking fifth among the 20 countries contributing to this amount.

The report, titled ‘White House for Sale: How Princes, Prime Ministers, and Premiers Paid Off President Trump,’ sheds light on foreign payments directed to Trump and his family from 2017 to 2020, during which he served as the President of the United States. India’s payments, amounting to $282,764, were primarily directed to Trump World Tower in New York and Trump International Hotel in Washington DC.

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN allocated $264,184 for payments to the Trump World Tower from 2017 to 2020. This location, situated opposite the UN headquarters, has served as the official residence of India’s Permanent Ambassador since the country purchased a unit in 2004. Trump’s accounting firm, Mazars, reported that in 2018 alone, India spent $66,046 on common charges for two units at Trump World Tower, with the report projecting a total of $264,184 over the four years of Trump’s administration.

The report highlights that these figures do not encompass additional charges such as electricity and special assessments paid in 2018. The Indian embassy in Washington DC also contributed $18,500 for three separate stays occupied by Indian diplomats in February and March 2017, according to information obtained under the Right to Information Act.

Remarkably, India housed the largest number of Trump-owned business projects outside the United States within the South Asian region. The Democrats’ report emphasizes that Trump’s foreign business entanglements in India and his influence on US foreign policy during his presidency created conspicuous conflicts of interest.

The report suggests that Trump’s business ventures laid the foundation for his “uniquely warm relationship” with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It points to Modi’s acknowledgment of Trump’s “very warm remarks and observations” during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the White House.

Furthermore, the report delves into Trump’s 2014 visit to India to promote a project, coinciding with PM Modi’s election as Prime Minister. Notably, BJP leader and current Maharashtra cabinet minister, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, was a partner in Trump’s project. The report raises concerns, noting that several of Lodha’s companies were reportedly under investigation by Indian officials for corrupt practices and tax evasion in 2013 when Trump’s Mumbai Tower deal was announced.

The House Oversight Committee’s report underscores the intersection of Trump’s business interests and foreign policy decisions during his presidency, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. As the findings continue to unfold, they add to the ongoing discussions about the ethical considerations surrounding the business dealings of world leaders and their impact on diplomatic relations.

World

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark to Abdicate Throne

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In a surprising New Year’s speech, Queen Margrethe II, the longest-serving monarch in Europe, revealed her decision to step down from the throne after over 50 years of reign. The 83-year-old monarch cited age and health concerns, specifically referencing a recent back surgery, as factors influencing her choice. Her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, is set to succeed her.

Transition of Power

Queen Margrethe II, who ascended to the throne on January 14, 1972, following the death of King Frederik IX, will officially abdicate on January 14, 2024. The Danish Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Crown Prince Frederik will then become King Frederik X. This transition marks the end of an era and a new beginning for the Danish monarchy.

Historical Significance

The passing of the throne to Crown Prince Frederik will also see his Australian-born wife, Princess Mary, become the Queen Consort—the first Australian to hold this esteemed position. The couple’s love story, which began in a Sydney bar during the 2000 Olympics, has captivated the public’s imagination.

Princess Mary’s rise to the throne adds an extra layer of international intrigue, as she will be the first Australian to ascend to such a role. Previously a real estate sales executive in Hobart, Tasmania, her journey from Australia to Denmark has been nothing short of remarkable.

Royal Family Dynamics

Queen Margrethe II’s family includes Prince Frederik and his younger brother, Prince Joachim. In a move aimed at future-proofing the monarchy, Queen Margrethe stripped Prince Joachim’s four children of their royal titles in 2022. However, this decision did not affect Crown Prince Frederik’s children, who will retain their titles.

Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary’s union has produced four children: 18-year-old Prince Christian, 16-year-old Princess Isabella, and 12-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. The family has been a prominent fixture in Danish society, capturing the public’s admiration and support.

Global Engagement

While Denmark’s monarchy holds a limited role in the country’s constitutional framework, the royal family, led by Queen Margrethe II, has been active in ambassadorial roles and the signing of new legislation. Crown Prince Frederik, in particular, has focused on global climate and environmental challenges since the COP15 climate conference in Copenhagen in 2009.

As Denmark prepares for this historic transition of power, the world will be watching the ceremony on January 14, 2024, at Christiansborg Castle. The abdication of Queen Margrethe II and the ascension of King Frederik X mark a significant chapter in Danish history and the continuation of the royal legacy.