Historic Bill for Women’s Empowerment Unanimously Passed in India’s Lok Sabha



International Desk, Barta24.com
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In a momentous development for gender equality and women’s empowerment in India, the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, unanimously passed The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023. This groundbreaking legislation, popularly referred to as the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill, received resounding support from members of all political parties during a day-long debate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the historic achievement, emphasizing the significant impact it will have on women’s participation in the country’s political process. In a tweet, he thanked MPs from across party lines for their overwhelming support, stating that this legislation would further boost women’s empowerment.

The Women’s Reservation Bill, included in The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, paves the way for a transformative change in Indian politics. The most remarkable aspect of the bill is its provision for a 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. This reservation will not only empower women but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal played a pivotal role in explaining the nuances of the bill to the Lok Sabha members. His efforts were instrumental in gaining consensus, and after the thorough deliberation, the bill was approved. During the division, an astounding 454 members supported the legislation, with only two voting against it. Opposition-proposed amendments were rejected, reaffirming the strong backing for the bill’s various clauses. Speaker Om Birla officially announced the successful passage of the historic legislation.

The ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill carries significant weight, especially considering that it is the first piece of legislation to be passed in the Lok Sabha since its relocation to the new Parliament building. The bill was passed by a majority of the total membership of the House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of House members present and voting. The division was conducted meticulously through the distribution of slips, ensuring a transparent and democratic process.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal dismissed criticism from the Opposition regarding implementation delays, emphasizing that the bill guarantees transparency. The day-long debate, led by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, showcased the commitment of Parliament to women’s rights and gender equality.

The journey for this historic bill does not end with its passage in the Lok Sabha. It is now set to be debated in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, on the following day. This represents a crucial step towards its eventual implementation.

Notably, the Rajya Sabha had previously passed the Women’s Reservation Bill during the Congress-led UPA government in 2010. However, it remained unaddressed in the Lok Sabha, ultimately resulting in the bill’s stagnation and eventual demise.

The introduction of The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 by the government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolute commitment to women’s empowerment, underscores the significance of this legislation. As it progresses through the legislative process, India moves one step closer to achieving a more equitable and inclusive political landscape, where the voices and contributions of women are recognized and valued. The ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill stands as a testament to India’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in the 21st century.

   

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger passed away



International Desk, Barta24.com
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Former US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger has died. He was 100 years old at the time of his death. He died on Wednesday (November 29) local time.

The British media BBC reported this information in a report on Thursday (November 30).

Kissinger Associates, the political consulting firm Kissinger founded, confirmed his death, according to reports. The former diplomat of German origin died at his home in Connecticut on Wednesday local time.

Henry Kissinger passed his centenary in May this year. But still he was active in various activities. He attended meetings at the White House, published a book on leadership styles, and testified before a Senate committee on the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.

And in July 2023, he went to Beijing on a surprise visit to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

While serving as Secretary of State and Security Advisor under Republican President Richard Nixon in the 1970s, he had a hand in many epoch-changing global events of the time.

His efforts led to the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, US-Soviet arms control talks, expanded relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors and the Paris Peace Accords with North Vietnam.

After Nixon's resignation in 1974, Kissinger's reign as the chief architect of US foreign policy waned. Still, he served as a diplomatic force under President Gerald Ford and continued to express strong opinions on diplomatic issues throughout his life.

Notably, Henry Kissinger celebrated his centenary on May 27. He is the only official in US history to serve as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor to the President.

He is also considered a forerunner of American diplomacy. His pragmatic approach to foreign policy became very important in Washington's policy in the 1970s in the wider world reality of the time.

Meanwhile, in 1973, Kissinger was widely criticized as he termed Independent Bangladesh as "bottomless basket". Henry Kissinger was unhappy with Indira Gandhi for taking a stand for the independence of Bangladesh. He even made obscene comments about Indira Gandhi. However, he later apologized for his comments.

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COP-28 climate conference in Dubai begins today



International Desk, Barta24.com
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The 28th session of the COP (Conference of the Parties) organized by the United Nations is starting from Today (November 30) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This conference will continue till December 12.

Qatar-based media Al Jazeera reported this information.

This year's COP conference is being organized with more than 70 thousand delegates. However, no head of state or government of the United States, United Kingdom or China is participating in this conference.

Basically these dominant countries are more responsible for releasing more carbon into the atmosphere. According to statistics, the United States, China, India and Russia emit more than 55% of harmful carbon in the world.

Meanwhile, oil is one of the fossil fuels responsible for carbon emissions. One of its biggest producers is the United Arab Emirates. And in that country, discussions on reducing carbon emissions have started.

In addition, Sultan Al-Jaber, the chief executive of ADNOC, the national oil company of the Emirates, has been made the president of COP-28. Therefore, the question has been raised whether he can work honestly to make the conference a success. However, Al-Jaber wants companies to help reduce carbon emissions during oil and gas extraction.

It is known that more businessmen are participating in this conference than any previous conference. Besides, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, British King Charles will also participate in the conference.

On the other hand, should the use of coal, oil and gas be stopped to combat climate change, or should emphasis be placed on technological innovation to reduce the impact of industry on the climate; there is division among countries on that. That divide may be more pronounced this time around at the conference.

So Al-Jaber wants companies to help reduce carbon emissions during oil and gas extraction.

By 2030, the European Union, the United States and the United Arab Emirates want to greatly increase the use of renewable energy. For that they want to make an agreement in this conference. Officials of various countries told Reuters that more than a hundred countries are already in favor of this plan. However, China-India has not fully supported this plan yet.

In this conference, efforts will be made to finalize the formation of funds to compensate for the losses due to natural disasters such as drought and floods in the countries of the world due to climate change. It has already been drafted.

After 1760, when the industrial revolution began in Europe, the dangers of nature began. Since then, carbon emission has started in the world. As a result, the air temperature increases day by day; there is air pollution.

Environmental scientists said that the sea level may rise by at least 1.62 centimeters by the year 2100 due to climate change. As a result, at the end of the twenty-first century, about half a hundred countries will sink to the sea level.

They also think that due to the effect of climate change, sea level rise, salinity increase, river erosion, floods, droughts, fires are increasing.

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Building collapse in Penang: 3 Bangladeshis killed, 2 injured, 4 trapped



Special Correspondent, South East Asia, Barta24.com,Bangkok
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3 Bangladeshis died so far in a terrible building collapse in Penang, Malaysia. 2 people were hospitalized with serious injuries. Also, the rescue team believes that 4 people are trapped inside the collapsed building. Efforts are underway to rescue them.

This building collapsed last Tuesday at 9:45 pm. Penang deputy police chief Deputy Commander Datuk Mohd Yusuf Jan Mohd said nine people were trapped inside the building. 5 of them have been found.

A pillar weighing 14 tons and 12 meters in length collapsed on top of 14 other pillars at the spot, causing the building to collapse. There were 18 workers at the construction site. He said that 9 of them went for prayer at that time.

The deputy police chief also said that three people have died so far. Two died on the spot. Another died on arrival at the hospital. Two other seriously injured people are being treated at Penang Hospital.

He said, we think 4 more workers are trapped in the collapsed building. All the workers working in the building are Bangladeshis.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Zulfahmi Sutaji said the rescue operation was delayed and made difficult because the fallen pillars were very heavy. They have to gain momentum to move them. We need bigger and more powerful rescue vehicles to remove them and reach those trapped.

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Jimmy Carter in a wheel chair at his wife's funeral



International Desk, Barta24.com
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Former US President Jimmy Carter's wife Rosalyn Carter passed away on November 19. The funeral of the former first lady was held at the church in Georgia.

Jimmy Carter, 99, arrived in a wheelchair to say his last goodbyes to wife Rosalyn at the funeral on Tuesday (November 28).

Jimmy Carter, who is in hospice care, traveled two and a half hours to attend the ceremony, British media The Daily Mirror reported. Jimmy Carter arrives in a wheelchair.

Former First Lady Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and others appeared in this heartbreaking farewell. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were also present.

Earlier in a statement after Rosalina's death, former President Carter said, "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it." As long as Rosalyn was on earth, I always knew that someone loved and supported me.

In 1976, former Democrat Jimmy Carter was elected President of the United States. The 39th President of the United States served one term. He later lost to Republican candidate Ronald Reagan in 1980 re-election. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Jimmy Carter's current age is 99 years.

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