Politics

Who is John Kelly, President Trumps new chief of staff?

Retired Marine Gen. John Kelly is a battle-hardened commander who would bring a background of military discipline and order to President Donald Trumps roiling White House as the new chief of staff.

Jul 31, 2017

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro lambasts Donald Trump, calls for state of emergency

President Nicolas Maduro lambasted President Donald Trump on Sunday (30 July) as elections were held in Venezuela. He criticised Washington for calling a vote on a constituent assembly with powers to change the constitution a sham. The Trump administration called the election a step toward dictatorship and Washington has touted another round of sanctions against Caracas to drum up pressure. But a defiant Maduro spoke to the nation, stating that he does not care what Trump thinks of the election. The Venezuelan opposition has criticised the vote which it sees as a means to cement Maduros power in the divided OPEC nation, which is reeling from food shortages, a flailing economy and rampant crime. One of Maduro;s fiercest critics comes from within the ranks of his Socialist Party, dissident state prosecutor Luisa Ortega. She has criticised Maduro for heavy-handed tactics against protesters and criticised the vote for a constituent assembly, fearing its ramifications for democracy. Speaking after the vote, Maduro called on the new assembly to consider restructuring of Ortegas Attorney General department and to declare a state of emergency over the country, where more than 120 people have been killed.A host of other nations such as Argentina, Colombia and Spain have also declared they will not recognise the results of Venezuelas constituent assembly election.

Jul 31, 2017

US carries out successful THAAD missile defence test after reported North Korea threat

The US Missile Defense Agency successfully conducted a test of the THAAD weapon system on 30 July, shooting down a medium-range missile launched by a US Air Force C-17 aircraft over the Pacific Ocean. The test was a result of North Korea announcing on 29 July, that it had carried out a similar test of a long-range ballistic missile capable of hitting the US mainland.

Jul 31, 2017

Huge explosion injures Venezuelan police officers during protest

An explosion injured a group of police officers during a protest in Caracas as Venezuelans trickled to the polls to elect a constitutional super-body that unpopular leftist President Nicolas Maduro vowed would begin a new era of combat in the crisis-stricken nation.Maduro, widely disliked for overseeing an economic collapse during four years in office, has pressed ahead with the vote to create the all-powerful assembly despite the threat of further U.S. sanctions and months of opposition protests in which more than 115 people have been killed. Opposition parties are boycotting what they call a rigged election.Authorities confirmed three deaths over the weekend, including the killing of a candidate to the assembly during a robbery. Opposition lawmakers said the toll was much higher.

Jul 31, 2017

Disqualified as prime minister but Nawaz Sharif could not do what Indira Gandhi could in 1975

In 1975, the then Indian PM Indira Gandhi had proclaimed Emergency after getting disqualified by a court. But she hit back by calling Emergency. In Pakistan, Sharif couldn't do so despite being the most prominent political leader.

Jul 31, 2017

'Fake riot photos' from Bengal YES; 'fake flood photos' from Gujarat NO: BJP's politics of convenience

Recently Union minister Smriti Irani objected to 'use' of flood photos from Chennai as those from Gujarat; a few weeks ago, another BJP leader had passed off photos of Gujarat riots as those from Bengal. Is BJP in favour of media neutrality or not?

Jul 31, 2017

Bomb-detecting dog given final salute before being laid to rest

A bomb-detecting dog with bone cancer was given an official send-off before he was put down. Cena served with Corporal Jeff DeYoung in Afghanistan before he adopted the pooch after DeYoung was diagnosed with PTSD. After the dogs diagnose, DeYoung made a bucket list of activities to do before his death. Cena received a final salute watched by service members and the public. The video has since gone viral, leaving viewers heartbroken watching the dogs final goodbye.

Jul 30, 2017

Venezuela goes to polls as opposition boycotts Nicolas Maduros socialist power-grab

Venezuelans have begun to vote in the controversial election of a constitutional super-body. Opposition parties are boycotting the election which is opposed by a large majority of Venezuelans. Voters only get to select the super-bodys members not vote on its establishment. The election is expected to grand the ruling Socialist Party widespread new powers. President Nicolás Maduro states this move will bring peace after months of violent protests. Critics say it will allow Maduro to dissolve the opposition-run Congress. They see the election super-body as an attempt to establish dictatorial rule in the crisis-hit country.

Jul 30, 2017

Australian polar bear cub thrilled to explore new enclosure

A three-month-old polar bear cub got to explore her new enclosure at Sea World Australia. The Cub Kindy enclosure was built to expose the baby bear to new experiences. This will help her develop her life-skills. Polar bear mum Liya stayed close by to watch over the cub. Sea World is currently running a naming competition for the fluffy white baby.

Jul 30, 2017

Celtic and Sunderland fans clash with police ahead of friendly

Sunderland supporters clashed with police ahead of a match against Celtic. Police officers attempted to separate fans of both teams but were attacked and had glass thrown at them. One man was injured in the clashes. Celtic fans also clashed with far-right activist Tommy Robinson in Sunderland.

Jul 30, 2017

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