Kim Jong – un Bans Christmas celebration

The President of North Korea has banned Christmas celebration, instead the day is to be observed a day to celebrate the day as the birthday of his grandmother who was born on December 25 1919. She was the wife of the first dictator Kim il-sung. She was also the mother of former leader Kim Jong – il’s mother, an anti-Japanese guerrilla and a Communist activist. Visiting her tomb is a sacred act, she died under mysterious circumstances.

However, this is not the first time Kim Jong’s has expressed an aversion for the festival.  As per the report, the autocrat had flipped out in 2014, when he discovered that South Korea planned to erect a huge Christmas tree along the border. However, the tree was never put up due to threats of an all-out war. DECCAN CHRONICLE

According to the newspaper the upmarket stores do have Christmas trees despite the present dictator’s aversion to them.

Pyongyang used to have more Christians than any other city in Korea – and even had a seated Catholic bishop. All that changed by the early 1950s, when authorities clamped down on all Christian activities in the country.

Human rights groups estimate that between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians are locked up in prisons that have been compared to concentration camps simply for their faith.

NEW YORK POST

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DECCAN CHRONICLE | NEW YORK POST

Tamilnadu chief secretary’s house raided by IT

PICTURE SHOWS ANNA NAGAR

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The New Indian Express reports that the house of the chief secretary of Tamilnadu was raided by income tax department. The IT officials landed at the door step of his Anna Nagar residence at day break and according to the newspaper the raid was on when the report was being written. Stalin said that the chief secretary had brought disgrace to Tamilnadu. His appointment was itself controversial, according to him. According to him the controversies rose because Rama Mohana Rao, the chief secretary was hands in glove with those in power.

CRPF personnel were seen guarding the residence from outside, according to THE HINDU newspaper. The chief secretary had the additional charge of Vigilance Commissioner and Administrative Reforms Commission. Mr. Rao had been under the scanner of the income tax department, The Hindu reports, citing a senior investigation officer.

The raids are reportedly linked to a tax evasion investigation against Mr Rao’s son and some relatives. Simultaneous raids began at 5:30 this morning at the bureaucrat’s home and seven other locations, including the homes of his relatives. NDTV

Earlier a businessman who had close links with the chief secretary’s son had been raided, and gold worth 100 kilos and 96 crore in the demonetized Rs.500 notes were recovered along with Rs. 34 crore in new currency notes.

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THE HINDU | NDTV | NEW INDIAN EXPRESS.

Germany: Truck plows into crowd

 

Policemen stand next to a truck that crashed into a christmas market in Berlin. / PICTURE FROM CNN

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Berlin: A truck plowed into a Christmas market, at least 12 people are dead. The lorry crash is presumed to be a terrorist attack the police say. The driver is suspected to be an Afghan or Pakistani asylum seeker, he arrived in Germany in February. The police knew the man as he was involved in some petty crimes. The politicians in Berlin have not yet termed it as a terrorist attack.

The truck, which was loaded with steel beams, veered into the market at 20:14 local time (19:14 GMT),one of its busiest times. It crashed through wooden huts and stands packed with tourists and locals.

According to the DPA news agency, police believe the lorry drove 50-80 metres (160-260 ft) through the market area. BBC

The spokesperson for CSU, parliamentary group, party to which Chancellor Angela Merkel belongs, has said that there are clear hints it had terrorist background.However, the identity of the driver is still not clear. According to Guardian newspaper the Chancellor is due to make a statement, shortly. The driver was seized after he abandoned the lorry and fled. A witness had followed the suspect for a mile and reported it to the police.

The Polish owner of the lorry confirmed that the driver is missing. He was, according to the owner his cousin and had known him since childhood and was prepared to vouch for him.

According to Deutsche Welle  tv 48 persons were wounded.

German special forces stormed a hangar at Berlin’s Tempelhof airport where the city’s largest refugee shelter is located, reported German newspaper “Die Welt.” The suspect was allegedly registered at the refugee center there, the paper said. Police did not immediately confirm the special forces operation. DW.com

BBC | DW | CNN | THE GUARDIAN | 

Amnesty International accuses Myanmar military of “crimes against humanity”

PICTURE FROM NEW STRAITS TIMES

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The actions against the Rohingyas by the Myanmar military have been called “crimes against humanity by the rights group Amnesty International, BBC reports. The Rohingyas are Muslim minorities in the Buddhist Myanmar. The Rohingyas had suffered atrocities under the military regime. It continues even in the democratic government now in place.

The rights body’s report has accused military of killings, rape and torture. The army however maintains that it is carrying out anti terror operations. Malaysia has said that it is a matter of regional concern and called upon ASEAN member states to “coordinate humanitarian aid.”

The operation started after border police were attacked by a militant group, which Amnesty said was composed primarily of Rohingya.

In November a UN official said Myanmar was conducting “ethnic cleansing” of Rohingya, while Human Rights Watch has published satellite images of razed villages. BBC

According to the Guardian newspaper website, 27,000 people of the ethnic group have fled to Bangladesh which has resulted in a spat between Bangladesh and the regional grouping, ASEAN. Malaysia which had led the group to hold talks in Yangon, capital of Myanmar, warned of a boat crisis similar to the one seen last year.

In his speech at the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Yangon today, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said the grouping should coordinate delivery of aid to Myanmar’s impoverished Rakhine state, where most Rohingya live.

NEW STRAITS TIMES, MALAYSIA

Malaysian foreign minister urged the Myanmar government to do more for the people of Rakhine state. Readers of Graffiti would recall that Malaysia had sent back boat loads of Rohingya refugees, last year.

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BBC | THE GUARDIAN | THE NEW STRAITS TIMES

Venezuelan Inflation

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Venezuela has sky rocketing inflation. The currency is almost useless. The inflation according to some estimates is pegged to be 500 percent. The government had proposed to withdraw the highest denomination note, the 100 Bolivar, from circulation to curb inflation. However, it has now decided to wait. Long queues formed outside the banks and there was a scramble to exchange the notes, BBC reports.

CNN reports that violence erupted outside the Venezuelan assembly, as a special meeting was to take place. The protesters pushed their way brushing past the security. There have been reports of looting at shops, anti government protests and at least one death, Guardian UK reports. President Mauro has blamed the neighboring Columbia for the inflation. He called it a “sabotage” campaign. This was in connection with the delayed arrival of the 500, 2000, 20,000 Bolivar notes. The people already have no money to pay for food, Christmas preparation, and gasoline. The 100 Bolivar note was worth only 2 US cents.

40 percent Venezuelans don’t have bank accounts and so they cannot use electronic means to transact without cash. Add to this the fact that the country has the world’s highest inflation.

In the southern mining town of El Callao, a 14-year-old boy was shot dead during looting on Friday, authorities confirmed. An opposition legislator reported three fatalities. THE GUARDIAN

The opposition blames the President for incompetence and for inflicting misery on the people of Venezuela. Maduro blames the mafia from across the border. He has closed the border with Columbia and Brazil until 2 January.

Earlier on Saturday, about 400 people in western Tachira state jumped fences and defied security personnel to surge into Colombia in search of food and medicines, which are scarce in Venezuela, witnesses said. THE GUARDIAN

President Maduro succeeded President Hugo Chavez who died has seen his popularity plunge. This is mainly attributed by the opposition to the recession the country is facing. They say 18 years of socialist economy has wrecked the country. Venezuela was once one of the wealthiest countries in south America. Its main source of wealth was oil, which it still has, however, Maduro says the fall in oil prices had led to the downturn in the economy.

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BBC | THE GUARDIAN | CNN

China seizes US underwater drone in South China sea

 

 

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An underwater drone belonging to the USNS was “grabbed” by the Chinese Navy in what US claims were international waters. The incident occurred near the Subic Bay in Philippines. The underwater unmanned glider had just surfaced and the US navy men were about to retrieve it when the Chinese seized it. Guardian says that it was a clear message to the president elect Donald Trump who had defied US foreign policy to deepen ties with Taiwan, which China regards as a its breakaway province.

Meanwhile the outgoing President Obama has warned Donald Trump that his actions (with regard to Taiwan) may put the US on a course of confrontation with China. He said that the telephone call could trigger “significant” response from China. President-elect had drawn criticism from China when the former accepted a call from the President of Taiwan. President Obama while welcoming fresh ideas in foreign policy said, “all of our foreign policy should be subject to fresh eyes,” however he warned that with regard to China the policy should be to approach things methodically and cautiously.

President Obama has “pointed a finger” at Vladimir Putin with regard to the electoral interference from Russia, He was referring to the hacking incident that allegedly led to the defeat of Ms. Clinton.

Obama also used his final press conference of 2016 to criticize the media for its coverage of Hillary Clinton’s emails, insisting “I don’t think she was treated fairly during the election.” THE GUARDIAN

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THE GUARDIAN | WALL STREET JOURNAL | THE NEW YORK TIMES 

Aleppo evacuation halted after blasts

Those left in east Aleppo report confusion as thousands wait for evacuations in freezing weather Aleppo Media Centre / Picture from THE INDEPENDENT

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There are reports of ceasefire violations and the evacuation of civilians has been halted by the Syrian authorities. The Syrian  state TV said they were rebel gunfire. The Independent said that the blasts were from locations from where the buses carrying the civilians were leaving. There were four blasts, the rebels say that the gunfire was from the Shia militia which is pro government.

The evacuation was to the neighboring Idlib. It has now been suspended, however a Syrian official termed it as temporary. The rebel groups were on high alert according to the newspaper.

“Everyone is manning positions and the fronts. Readiness is at the highest level,” the head of the Fastaqim rebel group said, claiming pro-government forces had abducted civilians trying to leave Aleppo and deployed heavy weaponry on the road.

THE INDEPENDENT UK

According to the BBC, Russia has said that the “operation to remove the fighters and their families is over.” Russia backs Assad. Recently the Iranians had commended the operation to regain Aleppo from the rebels. A Syrian military source had contradicted the Russians and said the evacuation has only been suspended, BBC said citing AFP. At least 6000 have left Aleppo, though according to the UN 50,000 still remain in the city.

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THE INDEPENDENT | BBC

Workers in Businesses most Affected by Demonetization

BEEDI WORK INVOLVES FAMILIES MAINLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN / PICTURE FROM THE HINDU

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Workers involved in diamond polishing, crafts people in Lucknow, jute workers in Kolkatta, garment workers in Tripura are all facing adversities due to the demonetization of currency. These workers are paid in cash. There are micro businesses that entirely depend on cash economy.

There are small businesses that fall in the unorganized sector. One such micro enterprise is bidi making. The bidi workers earn mere Rs.3000 in which they have to look after their families and meet their expenses (see Beedi: Low paid and dangerous work, Sunday Reader). The river on whose bank the villages are located are eroding the land and the villagers have to move every year to a new place. This constant movement also erodes their savings, demonetization has resulted in their savings depleting quickly.

“All of us are out of work and have exhausted our savings,” says Zialul Sheikh from Kamalpur “For so long, the Ganga was a monster, swallowing our land … now demonetization is the new one,” he says.

Soumya Das, The lights go out of the lives of Bengal bidi workers, THE HINDU

Malda and Murshidabad districts of Bengal have seen many factories close down as the owners don’t have money to pay worker’s wages. They have to have 35 crores to pay the wages per week. The cash crunch has also affected supply of tendu leaves that is the outer covering of a bidi, according to the article in The Hindu. The tendu leaves come from Jharkhand and Chattisgarh states.

Factory owners say the rent for trucks is at least Rs. 1 lakh, out of which Rs. 20,000 has to be paid in cash for fuel and other expenses on the road. “It was initially very difficult to pay this amount and still we are failing to meet the expenses,” says Minister Jakir Hossain, who owns Shib Bidi, which employs more than 30,000 workers. He blames the Prime Minister for the “calamity”. THE HINDU

Calamity it certainly is as is the case with the natural disasters, the demonetization has brought cyclonic change in  the lives of the poor and those who employ the poor.

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THE HINDU

Advani says he “feels like quitting”

L.K ADVANI

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The veteran BJP leader has said that he feels that he should resign. His comments came in the wake of ongoing deadlock in both the Houses of Parliament. Both opposition and Treasury Benches created ruckus. The opposition was fuming over Augusta Westland chopper deal and demonetization. Mr. Advani was miffed over the course of action adopted by the ruling party and the opposition.

This is the second time that the former Deputy PM has expressed his candid views.

After Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for the day before lunch, Mr. Advani was seen speaking to Textiles Minister Smriti Irani, who gestured to Home Minister Rajnath Singh that the senior leader wanted to say something.

THE HINDU

Mr. Advani then urged Mr. Rajnath Singh, Minister for Home Affairs, that an all party meet should be called where the deadlock could be discussed. He told Mr. Singh that neither the opposition not the government gained anything from the deadlock. Mr. Advani expressed his deep anguish to some BJP members as he was leaving the House.

Matters have some to such pass that no one heeds the voice of reason and there is no moral authority even in the House of Parliament. what business will it transact and what would be the future of billions of people whose future is decided by the legislation passed here.

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THE INDIAN EXPRESS | THE HINDU 

Chidambaram opens new battle front against demonetization

P. Chidambaram

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Dr. P. Chidambaram, the former Finance Minister asked for a probe into how freshly minted Rs.2000 notes came to be in the hands of the hoarders. He said that while people in large numbers including himself waited in queues for the currency notes, there were people who were hoarding money.

He said that Mr. Modi had moved the goal post, he was now speaking about cashless economy, earlier he had stressed on black money.

“This is the biggest scam of the year. This is the one that should be investigated,” Chidambaram said at a press conference.

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Calling demonetisation a “thoughtless, meaningless” move he said it will irrepairably damage 45 crore people of the country who depended on daily wages for their livelihood.

“45 crore people in this country depend on their daily income. Tomorrow nobody will compensate them for that,” he said.

“Nearly 45 crore people in this country depend on their daily income. Tomorrow nobody will compensate them for that,” he said pointing out that the rich were unfazed by demonetisation. NEWS18.com

He said that no country was totally cashless. In India, low value transactions were carried out in cash. Before making the move the party could have consulted stalwarts like Yashwant Sinha, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and others. He also spoke about the fact that there had been a leak, he said that there are over hundred officers involved in budget making and there has been no leak, “what kind of secrecy is this?”

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INDIAN EXPRESS | NEWS18.com