Mongolia holds parliamentary elections on Friday, with voters choosing a new government amidst concerns about corruption and economic challenges. The ruling Mongolian People’s Party appears to be favored, but other parties are hoping to capitalize on voter discontent. Issues like unemployment, inflation, and the recent “dzud” (combination of drought and severe weather) are also major concerns for voters.
An Israeli commission investigating government purchases of submarines and missile boats from Germany has warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he may have used his position to approve the deals without proper procedures, potentially jeopardizing national security and economic interests. Netanyahu maintains the purchases were crucial for Israel’s security, but the commission will soon release evidence gathered during its investigation.
The Congress party in Madhya Pradesh has criticized the state government’s decision to include teachings of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna in the education curriculum, urging them to prioritize addressing issues like paper leaks and corruption instead. The party’s president, Jitendra Patwari, acknowledged the importance of religious teachings but stressed the detrimental effects of exam irregularities on students’ futures.
The UK’s political system allows unlimited donations to parties, leading to concerns about corruption and undue influence. While scandals have plagued the system, reforms have been elusive due to a lack of cross-party consensus. Experts argue that the current system allows for excessive influence from wealthy donors and calls for stricter regulations, including a cap on donations, to protect democratic integrity.
Jessica Alba stars in the action-packed ‘Trigger Warning’ as Parker, a Special Forces commando who returns to her hometown after her father’s suspicious death. Determined to uncover the truth, she faces opposition from corrupt Senator Swann (Anthony Michael Hall) and her former boyfriend, Sheriff Jesse (Mark Webber). With the help of her fellow soldier Spider (Tone Bell) and local drug dealer Mike (Gabriel Basso), Parker uncovers a violent gang’s involvement in her father’s demise. The trailer showcases Alba’s impressive action sequences and her character’s resilience in the face of danger.
South Korea has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades, becoming a global economic and technological powerhouse. However, it also faces challenges such as a low birth rate, gender and class inequalities, and corruption. This article highlights six books and a film that provide insights into the country’s complexities.
As campaigning ramps up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, major political parties – the BJP, Congress, and AAP – have released their respective lists of ‘guarantees’ to attract voters. These guarantees cover a wide range of issues such as unemployment, inflation, healthcare, education, agriculture, and corruption. The BJP’s ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ emphasizes continuing and expanding existing government schemes, while the Congress’ ‘Paanch Nyay’ focuses on introducing new policies and fulfilling popular demands. The AAP’s ‘Kejriwal ki 10 Guarantee’ draws inspiration from its governance model in Delhi, promising free utilities, employment, and other benefits. A Lokniti-CSDS pre-poll survey reveals that unemployment and price rise are key concerns for voters, while corruption and class divide are also pressing issues. The guarantees offered by the parties address these concerns to varying degrees.
The high-profile corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez has commenced with a dozen jurors and six alternatives hearing opening statements. Prosecutors accused Menendez and two businessmen of a bribery scheme involving millions in cash, gold bars, and other gifts. Menendez’s attorney denied the allegations, describing the Senator as an “American patriot.” A lengthy list of prominent individuals, including sitting senators, may be called as witnesses.
The Supreme Court has assured advocate Prashant Bhushan that a petition to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of quid pro quo, corruption, and kickbacks in electoral bond disclosures will be heard soon. The petition, filed by Common Cause and the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, alleges that investigative agencies like the CBI, ED, and I-T Department have been compromised, as several companies under investigation have made substantial donations to the ruling party. The investigation aims to uncover the conspiracy involving company officials, government officials, political party functionaries, and potentially corrupt agency officers.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice and senior BJP leader, criticized AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for celebrating his release from jail as if he had been cleared of all charges. Meghwal questioned Kejriwal’s actions, reminding him that he remained an accused with a pending surrender date. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva labeled Kejriwal as the “liquor scam kingpin” and accused him of corruption and lying. Other BJP leaders also attacked Kejriwal’s policies, citing pollution, substandard medicines, and corruption in health and education sectors as evidence of his failures.
