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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
BJP set to reach century mark in Rajya Sabha with latest nominations
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently with 99 members in the Rajya Sabha, could soon hit the century mark in the Upper House. Late on Saturday evening, the government nominated four individuals, including two who had previously contested elections on BJP tickets, to the Rajya Sabha. The party will breach the 100 mark if any of the four join its ranks within six months of taking their oaths as nominated members. Currently, two of the nominated members, Gulam Ali and Satnam Singh Sandhu, are among the BJP's 99 members in the Rajya Sabha. The President nominates 12 individuals to the Rajya Sabha, who are distinguished figures in various fields. With a week to go before the start of the Monsoon Session, which begins on 21 July, the government filled the four vacant seats in the nominated category. Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case Ujjwal Nikam, BJP leader from politically volatile Kannur in Kerala, C. Sadanandan Master, and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain were nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the Union Home Ministry notified later on Saturday night, filling the four vacancies. The BJP had fielded Nikam as its candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Mumbai North Central seat, which he lost to Congress's Varsha Gaikwad. Sadanandan Master, a former teacher, was a BJP candidate from the Kuthuparamba seat in Kannur district in the 2016 and 2021 Kerala Assembly elections. Kannur is known for the political violence between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the BJP-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 1994, his two legs were severed during an alleged attack by workers allegedly loyal to his political rivals after he switched his political allegiance. The Kerala Assembly elections are due by April-May next year, and the BJP hopes to become the lead opposition party. In a post on X on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Sadanandan Master's life as an epitome of courage and resilience. 'Violence and intimidation couldn't deter his spirit towards national development,' Modi said. Of Nikam, the PM said, 'He has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases.' The PM also acknowledged Shringla's contribution in India hosting the Group of 20 Summit. A 1984-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Shringla served as Chief Coordinator for India's G20 Presidency in 2023. Shringla had served as India's Ambassador to the United States and Thailand and as High Commissioner to Bangladesh. In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP leadership had considered fielding Shringla from the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat. However, the ticket was eventually given to businessman and sitting MP Raju Bista. Currently, in a house of 245, with five vacancies—four from Jammu and Kashmir and one from Punjab—the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has 121 seats and could also rely on at least one of the three Independents, and most of the nominated members, for support.
Calgary Herald
16-06-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Trump says deal with Canada is achievable but 'we have different concepts' on trade
Article content BANFF, ALTA. — U.S. President Donald Trump, following his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, said that he feels a trade deal with Canada could be achievable shortly, while adding that he strongly objects to the ejection of Russia from what was then the G8 and supports the addition of China to the summit. Article content 'I think we have different concepts,' said Trump on trade with Canada. 'I have a tariff concept. Mark (Carney) has a different concept, which is something that some people like. But we're going to see if we can get to the bottom of it today.' Article content Article content The heads of the world's seven most powerful economies are meeting amid a U.S.-led tariff war and global uncertainty over conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. In remarks made before the media on Monday morning, Carney wished Trump a belated happy birthday, which was Saturday. Trump also told reporters that he believes China, the world's second largest economy, should join the leaders of the seven most advanced economies in the world. Article content Article content 'Well, it's not a bad idea. I don't mind that,' said Trump. 'If somebody wants to suggest China coming in, I think we — but you want to have people that you can talk to.' Article content Trump also criticized the decision to eject Russia from the G8 in 2014, following that country's annexation of Crimea, and said that Vladimir Putin 'was very insulted' by the decision. Article content 'The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn't want to have Russia in, and I would say that that was a mistake, because I think you wouldn't have a war right now if you had Russia in, and you wouldn't have a war right now if Trump were president four years ago,' Trump said. 'It was a mistake in that you spend so much time talking about Russia, and he's no longer at the table, so it makes life more complicated, but you wouldn't have had the war.' Article content Article content In fact, Russia's membership in the G8 was suspended in March 2014. While Obama was the American president at the time, Conservative Stephen Harper was Canada's prime minister. Months later, Harper made international headlines at the Group of 20 Summit in Australia when he admonished Putin, then Russia's president, to 'get out of Ukraine.' However, while saying booting Russia from the G8 was a mistake, Trump stopped short of saying that Putin should be invited back. Article content Article content 'I'm not saying he should at this point, because too much water has gone over the dam, maybe. But it was a big mistake,' he said. Article content Monday morning's meeting is the first since the two men met in Washington, D.C. in early May. Canada has been a major target of Trump's trade and rhetorical belligerence. Although Trump has largely scaled back talk of annexing Canada, making its northern neighbour the 51st state, trade troubles remain top of mind for observers and Canadian diplomats. Canada will be pushing Trump this week on lowering the 50-per-cent tariffs placed on Canadian steel and aluminum and further tariffs on foreign vehicle imports.
Ottawa Citizen
16-06-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Trump says deal with Canada is achievable but 'we have different concepts' on trade
Article content BANFF, ALTA. — U.S. President Donald Trump, following his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, said that he feels a trade deal with Canada could be achievable shortly, while adding that he strongly objects to the ejection of Russia from what was then the G8 and supports the addition of China to the summit. Article content 'I think we have different concepts,' said Trump on trade with Canada. 'I have a tariff concept. Mark (Carney) has a different concept, which is something that some people like. But we're going to see if we can get to the bottom of it today.' Article content Article content Article content The heads of the world's seven most powerful economies are meeting amid a U.S.-led tariff war and global uncertainty over conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. In remarks made before the media on Monday morning, Carney wished Trump a belated happy birthday, which was Saturday. Trump also told reporters that he believes China, the world's second largest economy, should join the leaders of the seven most advanced economies in the world. Article content Article content 'Well, it's not a bad idea. I don't mind that,' said Trump. 'If somebody wants to suggest China coming in, I think we — but you want to have people that you can talk to.' Article content Trump also criticized the decision to eject Russia from the G8 in 2014, following that country's annexation of Crimea, and said that Vladimir Putin 'was very insulted' by the decision. Article content 'The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn't want to have Russia in, and I would say that that was a mistake, because I think you wouldn't have a war right now if you had Russia in, and you wouldn't have a war right now if Trump were president four years ago,' Trump said. 'It was a mistake in that you spend so much time talking about Russia, and he's no longer at the table, so it makes life more complicated, but you wouldn't have had the war.' Article content Article content In fact, Russia's membership in the G8 was suspended in March 2014. While Obama was the American president at the time, Conservative Stephen Harper was Canada's prime minister. Months later, Harper made international headlines at the Group of 20 Summit in Australia when he admonished Putin, then Russia's president, to 'get out of Ukraine.' However, while saying booting Russia from the G8 was a mistake, Trump stopped short of saying that Putin should be invited back. Article content Article content 'I'm not saying he should at this point, because too much water has gone over the dam, maybe. But it was a big mistake,' he said. Article content Monday morning's meeting is the first since the two men met in Washington, D.C. in early May. Canada has been a major target of Trump's trade and rhetorical belligerence. Although Trump has largely scaled back talk of annexing Canada, making its northern neighbour the 51st state, trade troubles remain top of mind for observers and Canadian diplomats. Canada will be pushing Trump this week on lowering the 50-per-cent tariffs placed on Canadian steel and aluminum and further tariffs on foreign vehicle imports.
Vancouver Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Trump says deal with Canada is achievable but 'we have different concepts' on trade
BANFF, ALTA. — U.S. President Donald Trump, following his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, said that he feels a trade deal with Canada could be achievable shortly, while adding that he strongly objects to the ejection of Russia from what was then the G8 and supports the addition of China to the summit. 'I think we have different concepts,' said Trump on trade with Canada. 'I have a tariff concept. Mark (Carney) has a different concept, which is something that some people like. But we're going to see if we can get to the bottom of it today.' The heads of the world's seven most powerful economies are meeting amid a U.S.-led tariff war and global uncertainty over conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. In remarks made before the media on Monday morning, Carney wished Trump a belated happy birthday, which was Saturday. Trump also told reporters that he believes China, the world's second largest economy, should join the leaders of the seven most advanced economies in the world. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Well, it's not a bad idea. I don't mind that,' said Trump. 'If somebody wants to suggest China coming in, I think we — but you want to have people that you can talk to.' Trump also criticized the decision to eject Russia from the G8 in 2014, following that country's annexation of Crimea, and said that Vladimir Putin 'was very insulted' by the decision. 'The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn't want to have Russia in, and I would say that that was a mistake, because I think you wouldn't have a war right now if you had Russia in, and you wouldn't have a war right now if Trump were president four years ago,' Trump said. 'It was a mistake in that you spend so much time talking about Russia, and he's no longer at the table, so it makes life more complicated, but you wouldn't have had the war.' In fact, Russia's membership in the G8 was suspended in March 2014. While Obama was the American president at the time, Conservative Stephen Harper was Canada's prime minister. Months later, Harper made international headlines at the Group of 20 Summit in Australia when he admonished Putin, then Russia's president, to 'get out of Ukraine.' However, while saying booting Russia from the G8 was a mistake, Trump stopped short of saying that Putin should be invited back. 'I'm not saying he should at this point, because too much water has gone over the dam, maybe. But it was a big mistake,' he said. Monday morning's meeting is the first since the two men met in Washington, D.C. in early May. Canada has been a major target of Trump's trade and rhetorical belligerence. Although Trump has largely scaled back talk of annexing Canada, making its northern neighbour the 51st state, trade troubles remain top of mind for observers and Canadian diplomats. Canada will be pushing Trump this week on lowering the 50-per-cent tariffs placed on Canadian steel and aluminum and further tariffs on foreign vehicle imports. Before flying to Canada on Sunday, Trump said, without providing any details, that he thinks ' we'll have a few new trade deals ' to announce while at the G7. 'Our primary focus would be trade and trade with Canada, and I'm sure we can work something out,' Trump told reporters. Trump then took multiple other questions, about the Iran-Israel conflict and about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in American cities that have seen major street protests mobilized in response. Eventually, Carney stepped in, ending the questions, saying that the leaders had to get to other meetings. The Trump factor generally is looming over the G7 meeting. In 2018 in Charlevoix, Que,. the defining image of the G7 summit that year was Trump sitting down, arms crossed, a look of curious disdain on his face, while Angela Merkel, then the German chancellor, leaned over a table towards him. That year, Trump refused to sign on to a joint declaration with the other countries and criticized then prime minister Justin Trudeau as 'dishonest and weak' over his criticism of tariffs. For 2025, Canada ditched the plan to issue a joint communiqué at the end of the summit, avoiding an overt show of disunity. With additional reporting from Christopher Nardi Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here . Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Jakarta's energy plan may sideline renewables
JAKARTA: The long-awaited 2025-2034 electricity business plan (RUPTL) could sideline renewable energy despite containing a huge amount of planned green power, as experts suggested the new power procurement plan was leaning toward repeating past mistakes and undermining energy transition commitments. Dody Setiawan, senior analyst for climate and energy at think tank Ember, told The Jakarta Post on May 28 that the new RUPTL backloaded 72% of the planned 42.6 gigawatt (GW) of new and renewable energy projects to the second half of the 10-year procurement period. Instead, the government and state-utility company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) designed it to frontload 12.7GW of coal and gas plants in the first half of the 10-year period, which is 76% of the planned fossil fuel powered generation in the RUPTL. 'We observed a strong energy security focus in the (new) RUPTL, with large capacity additions to support economic growth and rising demand from downstream industries. 'On the other hand, decarbonisation efforts remain (a) secondary (priority),' Dody said. He added that increased reliance on gas-powered plants would also come with supply risks, given the consistent decline in domestic natural gas production, which could translate into more costly power generation. BMI Research, a unit of Fitch, dubbed the newly launched electricity business procurement plan a 'step back' from Indonesia's energy transition and climate commitment. It pointed out that the 6.3GW of new coal-fired capacity indicates a 'persistent reliance on coal' as a baseload power source despite a 2040 coal phase-target announced by President Prabowo Subianto during the Group of 20 Summit in Rio De Janeiro late last year. Mutya Yustika, an energy economist at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), expected that placing most renewable energy projects in the second half of the RUPTL's 10-year period would raise investors' concerns over risks of shifting policy priorities, regulatory inconsistencies and PLN's capacity to support renewable projects. Despite spanning a decade, the government has a history of revising the long-term business plan midway, which occurred four times from 2015 to 2019 and two times in the past five years. Mutya also pointed out that the previous RUPTL launched in 2021 included 21GW of renewable capacity, half of which was slated for 2025, but it saw far slower-than-expected progress in renewable energy procurement, which may cloud investors' confidence in projects offered by the government and PLN in the future. Instead of the required 2.1GW per year, PLN has only added around 0.6GW annually, highlighting a significant gap between targets and execution. 'Without clearer policies, streamlined procurement and tools like joint transmission networks, investor confidence in Indonesia's renewables will remain low,' she told the Post. This lagging progress has also prompted the government to slash its projections on renewable energy contributions to the national energy mix from initially 23% by the end of 2025 to between 17% and 19% in the same period. The new RUPTL was designed with the assumption that the economy could grow by 8% by the end of 2029, which officials hoped would translate to a surge in power demand roughly at the same pace. However, experts warned this could lead to overestimations, repeating the mistakes of the past administration that resulted in PLN generating more power than the country could consume. In 2015, former President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo launched a plan to add 35GW of electricity to the grid in the next decade, as the administration expected the country's economic growth to reach about 7% over the coming years. Instead, the country's gross domestic product has been growing at an average of 5%, leaving behind an electricity oversupply, mostly from coal-powered plants, with consequences extending to delays and postponement of renewable energy projects. Experts have suggested it is unlikely the country could see the 8% economic growth envisioned by Prabowo as this year's growth is projected to expand below the usual 5% rate. Ember's Dody said if the ambitious projected demand growth fails to materialise, PLN would face another oversupply that would limit access for renewable projects to supply the grid already saturated with power from thermal plants. IEEFA's Mutya warned PLN could face similar pressure as in the past when it was locked into costly coal contracts for excess power that ended up straining its finances. Most power purchasing agreements contained take-or-pay stipulations that obligated PLN to either take delivery of electricity generated by independent power producers or pay a penalty if it chooses not to do so, which guaranteed minimum revenue for investors. — The Jakarta Post/ANN
