Tag: Join

  • Democrats, Republicans join up to urge Biden to send F-16s to Ukraine

    Democrats, Republicans join up to urge Biden to send F-16s to Ukraine

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    The letter was organized by Maine Democrat Jared Golden. Also signing on were Democrats Jason Crow of Colorado and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Republicans Tony Gonzales of Texas and Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin.

    The missive is the latest push from Capitol Hill to give Kyiv U.S.-made fighters. It also comes as supporters of Ukraine aid in both parties look to navigate a faction in the new House Republican majority that wants to curtail assistance.

    The lawmakers contend that fighters — either the Lockheed Martin-manufactured F-16 or something similar — would give Ukrainian forces greater capability than ground-based artillery provided by the U.S. and other nations.

    “F-16s or similar fourth generation fighter aircraft would provide Ukraine with a highly mobile platform from which to target Russian air-to-air missiles and drones, to protect Ukrainian ground forces as they engage Russian troops, as well as to engage Russian fighters for contested air superiority,” they argued.

    The bipartisan push from Capitol Hill comes after a coordinated U.S.-German decision to send main battle tanks to the front lines. After some wrangling, the U.S. agreed to send Abrams tanks at a future point while Germany will donate Leopard tanks that will enter the field sooner.

    But Biden appeared to reject sending F-16s to Ukraine last month, though the president later said he’d speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    Even if Biden elected not to send U.S. F-16s, other Western nations that fly the American-made fighters could send them to Ukraine, though the U.S. would need to approve the transfer.

    POLITICO reported the move has picked up steam at the Pentagon. But some argue there’s a greater need for artillery, air defenses and armor for Ukraine.

    U.S.-made F-16s have been on Kyiv’s wish list for weapons since Russia’s invasion began a year ago. Lawmakers have also said the U.S. should send F-16s to Eastern European that transfer their old MiG fighters to Ukraine. That move won bipartisan support, though a weapons swap never came.

    In their pitch to Biden, the lawmakers argued a decision on F-16s “must be made quickly” given the time needed to train Ukrainian pilots.

    Still, they noted many Ukrainian pilots have already trained with the U.S. military in major exercises before the war and argued sending the jets “represents a sound strategic investment in bolstering Kiev’s military capability and bringing this conflict to a just conclusion.”

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    #Democrats #Republicans #join #urge #Biden #send #F16s #Ukraine
    ( With inputs from : www.politico.com )

  • Telangana, Flanders to join hands to promote Lifesciences industry

    Telangana, Flanders to join hands to promote Lifesciences industry

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    Hyderabad: Telangana government has announced that it is partnering with Flanders (named the International Regional Partner at BioAsia 2023) a vibrant and dynamic region of Belgium, to explore multiple opportunities in the Lifesciences sector aimed at Vaccines and mRNA technological platforms, Immunotherapy, Life Sciences university partnership and Cluster-to-Cluster collaborations (VIB and Genome Valley in particular).

    In continuation with its focus on strengthening its growing stature in the global Lifesciences ecosystem, the state government is taking one more step towards forging key global alliances.

    Currently, the Flanders’ Lifescienes industry is estimated to be at over 350 companies employing over 200,00 people including indirect jobs.

    The region has attracted in the Life Sciences & Pharma segment more than a quarter of the total record investment of Euros 5.2 Bn in 2022 into Flanders from across the globe. The total estimated Life Sciences business in Belgium is estimated around US$ 44 Bn.

    As the first step of this partnership, Flanders will be participating as International Region Partners for the next 3 editions of BioAsia starting with the forthcoming 20th edition of BioAsia – the marquee healthcare and life sciences event, organized by the Government of Telangana. At BioAsia 2023, Flanders Investment & Trade will bring a key delegation of senior officials from Flanders and also participate in multiple B2B, G2B, and other meetings.

    A task force with members including industry, academia and Government from both sides have been formed and the group will discuss and implement the partnership.

    BioAsia in Telangana and Knowledge for Growth in Flanders shall be the two anchor events on either side in which both ecosystems shall participate in these events to steer the Flanders Telangana Lifesciences Cooperation in the next 3 to 4 years.

    Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) is the Flemish public agency under the Flanders government and advises supports and stimulates Flemish companies in their exports of products & services.

    It also encourages & supports overseas companies to set up business in Europe based out of Flanders, Belgium. In India, FIT has been active for the last 25 years and has played a key role in promoting economic cooperation between Flanders and India over the past two decades.

    With Belgium being the nerve center of Europe, Flanders in Belgium has a combination of a strongly focused research and innovation ecosystem, a highly educated and productive workforce with fluency in languages, and a highly developed transport and communication infrastructure to ensure sustainable, profitable growth.

    While announcing the partnership with Flanders Investment & Trade, K.T. Rama Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce, IT & MAUD said, “A region equally headstrong in innovation, growth, and R&D, Flanders’ partnership with Telangana will boost both parties to share the latest developments in the Lifesciences Industry.

    The industry landscape of Flanders and Telangana is very similar with focus on lifesciences (more specifically vaccines), technology and engineering, and this partnership will allow us to explore Flanders’ robust technology landscape and the sectoral strengths it possesses to provide an ideal environment for industries in both regions.

    Commenting on the partnership, Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce and Information Technology, Govt of Telangana said “We are delighted to enter into a partnership with Flanders Investment and Trade that will pave the way to leverage multiple synergies between both regions.

    Telangana-based companies will be able to get access to the potential business opportunities, R&D facilities, and the high-quality know-how of Flanders-based organizations. This will play a significant role in the faster growth of both regions and their participation in BioAsia 2023 will certainly lead to many collaborations.”

    “Flanders’ Life Sciences ecosystem is very diverse and ranges from young start-ups to established local firms and multinationals – the entire value chain – from research and discovery to development and commercialization. It is also characterized by the fertile cross-pollination between BioTech, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, and Healthcare.

    We engage with companies, industry associations, and other stakeholders in the economic ecosystem. As part of this, we have been engaging with our esteemed partner Government of Telangana extensively and are proud of our association and have jointly embarked on a long-term Flanders – Telangana Life Sciences Cooperation, and we look forward further to engaging and consolidating our interaction,” added Jayant Nadiger – Trade & Investment Commissioner of Flanders, Belgium for South India.

    “BioAsia 2023 will attract the participation of globally eminent leaders from over 50 countries. Having Flanders, Belgium as an International Regional Partner will help accelerate connect businesses and budding enterprises through platforms like the BioAsia forum. This partnership is a testimony of two similar regions with a similar ecosystems coming together, increasing connectivity and paving a path for tomorrow that’s driven by robust research, innovation and excellence,” said Shakthi Nagappan, Director (Life Sciences and Pharma), Govt of Telangana and CEO – BioAsia.

    Areas of cooperation between Telangana and Flanders Investment Trade:

    • Cluster to Cluster cooperation – Clusters in Flanders like FlanderBIO, VIB, would engage with the identified clusters in Hyderabad, including Genome Valley (one of Asia’s largest lifesciences R&D clusters with more than 200 companies), Medtech Park (more than 50 companies) in Telangana, to help companies explore market access, technology partnerships, joint venture opportunities, testing / CRO engagement, etc.
    • Vaccines and mRNA technological platform: Hyderabad is known as the vaccine capital of the world producing about 9 bn doses of vaccines each year. Another 5 Bn doses capacity is currently being added. Also, WHO’s mRNA vaccine hub will also be housed in Hyderabad. Hyderabad’s vaccine manufacturing legacy would be another key aspect that the partners would leverage.
    • Immunotherapy – The Government of Telangana intends to establish an Institute of Curative Medicine in Hyderabad that aims to develop and commercialize the latest age-appropriate therapies for diseases prevalent in this region. Government’s and global players’ preliminary interest in this initiative would be an area of discussion between the partners.
    • HPC and Lifesciences University: Hyderabad Pharma City (HPC) will be the world’s largest pharmaceutical cluster being developed as a new global benchmark for sustainable industrial clusters with its extraordinary and efficient infrastructure networks. HPC will also house a global university embedded in the industrial ecosystem with a focus on driving innovation. Flanders’ knowledge in the area will be leveraged through this partnership.
      With the theme of – “Advancing for ONE: Shaping the next generation of humanized healthcare”, BioAsia 2023 is all set to be held between 24th to 26th February 2023 in Hyderabad. Over the course of the three days, prominent industry leaders, distinguished scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs will come together to discuss humanizing healthcare and will hold constructive discussions on how cross-sectional ecosystems can be integrated, how disruptive technologies can be best utilized, and how we can drive quality healthcare with accessibility and affordability at the forefront in the near future.
      BioAsia is born with a vision to enhance, enrich and encourage newer innovations, path-breaking discoveries and effective solutions in the biotechnology industry by offering a vibrant global platform for convergence of the key stakeholders – Biotech & Biopharma Companies, research institutions, academia, investors, service providers, policymakers, regulators, and analysts. BioAsia is focused in its efforts – to drive the growth of the industry by enabling an effective environment for fostering collaborations, JV’s M&A’s; ensure knowledge and experience sharing by global industry players to benefit all stakeholders; promote innovations and initiatives through appropriate awards and recognitions; play a pivotal role in advocating issues to the policymakers and chartering the road-map of biotechnology. BioAsia is a dynamic platform for companies -to exhibit, launch and showcase their unique strengths, products, and services. BioAsia is playing the role of a key catalyst in mobilizing all elements that are required to drive the growth of the emerging industry of Biotechnology as well as optimize the immense business potential of biotech. On a larger level, BioAsia is working to drive a global transformation from the treatment of illness to wellness.
      This story has been provided by SRV. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article.

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    #Telangana #Flanders #join #hands #promote #Lifesciences #industry

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • Over 3 lakh Indian students to join UK Universities in 2023: UKScholar Forecast

    Over 3 lakh Indian students to join UK Universities in 2023: UKScholar Forecast

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    Hyderabad: When considering that just 54000 students visited the UK in 2021, the stats are even more startling. A sixfold increase is therefore expected in 2023.

    Commenting on the immigration report released by the government of the United Kingdom, Bharath Kumar Ryaga, the Chief Operating Officer of UKScholar, shared, “The dream of Indian students to work in the UK post their study has made a huge comeback in the post-pandemic world. Because of the Graduation Immigration Route, students who graduate from UK institutions can work there for up to two years without a tier-2 visa! This is a terrific opportunity for Indian students.”

    With the number of career options in the UK reaching unprecedented levels, UKScholar provided university and visa consultation services for three times as many Indian students in 2022. Only recently, the University of Essex in the United Kingdom announced its GREAT Scholarships, valued at 10,000 pounds, for Indian students enrolled in any one-year Master’s program.

    To top it off, the UK government has granted 75 fully funded scholarships for Indian students. These scholarships have been announced as part of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” India’s 75th anniversary of independence.

    Correspondingly, it should be noted that in the past few months, both countries have implemented measures for Indian students to gain easier access to visas. The United Kingdom has declared that Indian students will receive their visas within 15 business days. The British High Commissioner, Alex Ellis, referred to it as “great news for the living bridge” because this makes it much easier for individuals to travel between India and the UK.

    Unlike the case in the US or Canada, most post-graduate degrees in the UK are for one year. This gives a distinct cost advantage for Indian graduates to pursue a master’s degree in a first-world country. Owing to the Graduation Immigration Route, UKScholar believes that Indian students can land lucrative job offers in the UK. This has inspired confidence and trust among students from countries around the globe. If you are a working professional or a recent graduate, progress in your chosen career is your topmost priority. A postgraduate degree from the UK improves the odds of landing up with a dream job in any field.

    To avail of scholarships and get placements, one must select the right university and course. By choosing the right overseas education consultancy, the entire overseas education plan gets processed sooner than expected.

    UKScholar is a leading overseas education consultancy specialising in education in the UK for Indian students. One may seek counselling for course selection, city selection, university selection, smooth application processing, aiding best scholarships, visa processing, and post-visa support by getting in touch with the professionals at UKScholar, who have decades of expertise offering end-to-end services.

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    #lakh #Indian #students #join #Universities #UKScholar #Forecast

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • Over 3 lakh Indian students to join UK Universities in 2023: UKScholar Forecast

    Over 3 lakh Indian students to join UK Universities in 2023: UKScholar Forecast

    [ad_1]

    Hyderabad: When considering that just 54000 students visited the UK in 2021, the stats are even more startling. A sixfold increase is therefore expected in 2023.

    Commenting on the immigration report released by the government of the United Kingdom, Bharath Kumar Ryaga, the Chief Operating Officer of UKScholar, shared, “The dream of Indian students to work in the UK post their study has made a huge comeback in the post-pandemic world. Because of the Graduation Immigration Route, students who graduate from UK institutions can work there for up to two years without a tier-2 visa! This is a terrific opportunity for Indian students.”

    With the number of career options in the UK reaching unprecedented levels, UKScholar provided university and visa consultation services for three times as many Indian students in 2022. Only recently, the University of Essex in the United Kingdom announced its GREAT Scholarships, valued at 10,000 pounds, for Indian students enrolled in any one-year Master’s program.

    To top it off, the UK government has granted 75 fully funded scholarships for Indian students. These scholarships have been announced as part of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” India’s 75th anniversary of independence.

    Correspondingly, it should be noted that in the past few months, both countries have implemented measures for Indian students to gain easier access to visas. The United Kingdom has declared that Indian students will receive their visas within 15 business days. The British High Commissioner, Alex Ellis, referred to it as “great news for the living bridge” because this makes it much easier for individuals to travel between India and the UK.

    Unlike the case in the US or Canada, most post-graduate degrees in the UK are for one year. This gives a distinct cost advantage for Indian graduates to pursue a master’s degree in a first-world country. Owing to the Graduation Immigration Route, UKScholar believes that Indian students can land lucrative job offers in the UK. This has inspired confidence and trust among students from countries around the globe. If you are a working professional or a recent graduate, progress in your chosen career is your topmost priority. A postgraduate degree from the UK improves the odds of landing up with a dream job in any field.

    To avail of scholarships and get placements, one must select the right university and course. By choosing the right overseas education consultancy, the entire overseas education plan gets processed sooner than expected.

    UKScholar is a leading overseas education consultancy specialising in education in the UK for Indian students. One may seek counselling for course selection, city selection, university selection, smooth application processing, aiding best scholarships, visa processing, and post-visa support by getting in touch with the professionals at UKScholar, who have decades of expertise offering end-to-end services.

    [ad_2]
    #lakh #Indian #students #join #Universities #UKScholar #Forecast

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • ‘Ab ki baar kisan sarkar’: KCR asks Maha farmers to join hands at BRS’ meet

    ‘Ab ki baar kisan sarkar’: KCR asks Maha farmers to join hands at BRS’ meet

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    Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) supremo K Chandrashekhar Rao asked the farmers of Maharashtra to learn to write and enact laws along with running the plough in their fields.

    “My dear farmer brothers, too much time has passed. You have waited too much for help. Until now, you have run ploughs letting others write. Now, you should get ready not just to run the plough, but also to write and make laws,” he said.

    KCR made these remarks at the BRS’ public meeting held at Nanded, Maharashtra. This is BRS’ first public meeting outside Telangana.

    “This party was first named TRS and was only present in Telangana. After looking at the situation in the country, we understood that it’s important to bring transformation to the ideology that is ruling this nation. That is why we have decided to work on the national level. BRS is getting support from across the country,” KCR said.

    KCR said that in spite of 75 years of independence and successive governments, there is not much change on the ground level. “Water for drinking and irrigation purposes and electricity are not being provided to people. Are the resources not available?” he asked.

    The BRS supremo said that Maharashtra is seeing the most number of farmer suicides in the country and its extremely sad. “Please think. When will someone die by suicide? When all the routes in life come to an end, people in distress die by suicide. Why are farmers, who are feeding this country, who are toiling day and night, forced to die by suicide?’ he asked.

    KCR said that for the first time in the history of India, his party has pushed forward the theme of ‘Ab ki baar kisan sarkar’ keeping BRS’ central theme around farmers’ welfare. “Please go tonight to your villages and discuss this. India is a country of buddhi jeevi (wise), not buddu (fools),” he said.

    The BRS supremo further remarked that when the time came, the greatest of leaders were overthrown by people very easily. “When the emergency was enforced, Jai Prakash Narayan’s movement made people overthrow such big leaders,” he remarked.

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    #baar #kisan #sarkar #KCR #asks #Maha #farmers #join #hands #BRS #meet

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • Indian Army Announced Major Changes in Agniveer Recruitment For Candidates Wishing to Join the Force- Details Here – Kashmir News

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    Indian Army Announced Major Changes in Agniveer Recruitment For Candidates Wishing to Join the Force- Details Here – Kashmir News

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    #Indian #Army #Announced #Major #Agniveer #Recruitment #Candidates #Wishing #Join #Force #Details #Kashmir #News

    ( With inputs from : kashmirnews.in )

  • Will quit BJP to join Congress, says Karnataka BJP MLC Vishwanath

    Will quit BJP to join Congress, says Karnataka BJP MLC Vishwanath

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    Mysuru: Karnataka BJP MLC and senior party leader, H. Vishwanath on Saturday confirmed that he is quitting the ruling BJP and joining Congress.

    Talking to reporters after a meeting with Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar and state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, he said, he would join Congress either before the elections or after the elections in the state.

    He also maintained that he does not have any difference of opinion with Opposition party leader Siddaramaiah. “We are always fine on personal levels. We studied law together and are friends,” he said.

    “I was with Congress party for 40 years. I don’t bother about anything. I have always seen Congress party like a mother. I will not contest in upcoming assembly elections. Not even my children will face the polls,” he said.

    “I was with JD(S) party and it was a party of one family members. Seven family members of former Chief Minister Kumaraswamy were cabinet ministers in the coalition government. Later, BJP came to power and administration was not good during BJP’s rule as well. Yediyurappa has continued corruption till date in the state,” he said.

    “For all these reasons, I am supporting Congress. Pro-people governance is very important. More than joining Congress party, I support the party,” he added.

    Vishwanath, who was the President of JD(S), had quit the party to join BJP. He was in the forefront of rebellion while ‘operation lotus’ was carried out in Karnataka by the ruling BJP.

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    #quit #BJP #join #Congress #Karnataka #BJP #MLC #Vishwanath

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • Giridhar Gamang, several Odisha leaders join BRS

    Giridhar Gamang, several Odisha leaders join BRS

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    Hyderabad: Former chief minister of Odisha, Giridhar Gamang, who quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) two days ago, joined the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) here on Friday.

    Gamang, a nine-term Lok Sabha MP, along with several other leaders from Odisha joined the party in the presence of BRS president and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

    Speaking on the occasion, Rao stated that BRS is floated with a determination to change India’s future and the thought and ideology of the country.

    He welcomed Giridhar Gamang, his wife and former MP Hema Gamang, son Shishir Gamang and other leaders into the BRS fold.

    KCR, as Rao is popularly known, said that joining Giridhar Gamang and supporters gives a great strength to the BRS.

    The leaders who joined BRS include Odisha BJP State Yuva Morcha General Secretary Sneranjan Das, Koraput Parliamentary Constituency Youth Congress President and AICC Member, Rabindra Mohapatra, Phalguni Sabar, P. Gopal Rao, Mallya Ranjan Swain, convenor of Navnirman Kishan Sangthan Akshay Kumar, Mayur Bhanj ex-MP Ramchandra Hansada, Dhenkanal ex-MLA Nabin Nanda, six other former MLAs and leaders of various parties and organisations.

    The BRS chief said that Akshay Kumar is a great person and is following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi. Many people who took up movements for farmers are joining BRS on Friday, he said.

    KCR reiterated that if people elect the BRS to rule the country, 24-hour quality electricity will be supplied to the entire country in two years.

    “We will give free electricity to agriculture and implement Kisan Bandhu for farmers in the country and Dalit Bandhu for 20 lakh Dalit families every year,” he said.

    He said that clean drinking water will be provided all over the country as being done in Telangana land while 83 crore acres of cultivable land in the country will be provided for irrigation facilities at the earliest.

    The BRS leader remarked that parties are winning elections, leaders are winning but people are the losers after every election.

    “India’s politics is about to undergo drastic changes. People should win elections, not parties or leaders. Then only, democracy can flourish in the country,” he said.

    KCR stated that, aiming for power, political conspirators are raising many slogans and making tall promises.

    “In the name of caste and religion, political parties are creating discord between people. People are being divided. Parties should come out with the aim of public service and national development. The parties that have won the election should work in that direction. But what is happening today,” he asked.

    He claimed that Mahanadi in Odisha has more water availability than the state needs.

    “We are using only 25-30 per cent. Rest of the water flows into the sea. Brahmani and Vaitarani rivers also flow along with Mahanadi. But there is no water to drink. Where is all this water going? Why is this water not coming into our houses as drinking water through drains?”

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    #Giridhar #Gamang #Odisha #leaders #join #BRS

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • Ex-Odisha CM Giridhar Gamang, son likely to join BRS after resigning from BJP

    Ex-Odisha CM Giridhar Gamang, son likely to join BRS after resigning from BJP

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    Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Minister Giridhar Gamang and his son Sishir have resigned from the BJP and are likely to join Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

    The father-son duo, who had joined the BJP in 2015 after quitting Congress, announced their resignation from the primary membership of the party at a press conference here on Wednesday.

    They have sent their resignation letters to BJP President J.P.Nadda.

    “I realised that I am unable to discharge my political, social and moral duty to my people in Odisha during the last several years. Hence, I tender my resignation from the primary membership of the BJP with immediate effect. Please accept the same,” the former Chief Minister said in his resignation letter.

    Giridhar Gamang, a nine-time MP, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, for clarifying on the floor of Parliament on his voting against the Vajpayee government in 1999.

    Similarly, Sishir in his letter said he resigned after realising that he was unable to do much for the welfare of the tribal community and the youth during the last several years.

    Hinting towards his joining the BRS, Giridhar Gamang said: “I have come from a national party (Congress) to BJP, another national party. I will join another national party, which is yet to put its feet in Odisha.”

    He also announced that he will not contest in the elections anymore as he is old. “My son Sishir will contest,” the tribal leader said.

    The father-son duo further said that their resigned also stemmed from being humiliated within the BJP.

    “Insult is tolerable but not humiliation,” said the former Chief Minister.

    Sishir said the BJP had promised him to give a party ticket for the Koraput Lok Sabha seat in 2019. However, he was given a ticket for the Gunupur Assembly seat from where he lost with a dismal show.

    “No one has helped me in the 2019 election. After the election also, the entire party in the Koraput area was working under the behest of one leader and no importance was given to me,” he added.

    Wednesday’s development comes after the father-son duo met the Telangana Chief Minister in Hyderabad on January 13.

    Senior Gamang is likely to be appointed as the Odisha President of the BRS to lead the party in the 2024 elections, sources said.

    Sishir is likely to contest the next poll on a BRS ticket, they added.

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    #ExOdisha #Giridhar #Gamang #son #join #BRS #resigning #BJP

    ( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

  • Finland may need to join NATO without Sweden, foreign minister says

    Finland may need to join NATO without Sweden, foreign minister says

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    Finland could reconsider its joint NATO bid with Sweden if Stockholm’s application is delayed further, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said Tuesday, a day after Turkey said it would not support the Swedish candidacy.

    “You have to assess the situation,” Haavisto told Finnish public broadcaster Yle. “Has something happened that the longer term would prevent the Swedish project from going ahead? It [is] too early to take a position on that.”

    Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO together last October, as a consequence of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Turkey and Hungary are the last two members of the military alliance who still need to ratify the joint bid.

    While Budapest has pledged it would sign off the bid, Ankara is yet to follow suit.

    But relations between Sweden and Turkey have taken a turn for the worse in recent days, after a far-right Swedish politician burned a copy of the Quran during a protest in Stockholm last Saturday.

    On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the burning was an insult, and that Sweden would not receive “any support from [Turkey] on the NATO issue.”

    Haavisto seemed more restrained in an interview to Reuters, also on Tuesday morning. When asked if Finland could join NATO on its own, the Foreign Minister said: “I do not see the need for a discussion about that.”

    Haavisto also told Reuters the three-way talks between Finland, Sweden and Turkey on NATO accession would be paused “for a couple of weeks” until “the dust has settled after the current situation.”

    “No conclusions should be drawn yet,” Haavisto added.



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    #Finland #join #NATO #Sweden #foreign #minister
    ( With inputs from : www.politico.eu )