News Mash-up: Politics

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Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. allegation / ˌæl ɪˈgeɪ ʃən / (n.) – a statement without any proof that accuses someone of doing something wrong or illegal
    Example:

    The politician denied all allegations of corruption against him.


  2. detainee / dɪˈteɪ ni / (n.) – a person staying in jail because of an offense
    Example:

    Detainees can only be visited by their lawyers. Other visitors are not allowed.


  3. day-to-day / ˈdeɪ təˈdeɪ / (adj.) – happening on a daily basis
    Example:

    I handle the day-to-day operations in this restaurant.


  4. climbdown / ˈklaɪmˌdaʊn / (n.) – the act of changing one’s opinion after admitting that it was wrong
    Example:

    The president’s apology speech was a climbdown from his earlier statements defending the controversial law he approved.


  5. scant / skænt / (adj.) – very little, not enough
    Example:

    I can’t remember what she said. I only paid scant attention while she was complaining.


Article

Read the text below.

Interpol elects UAE official as president


Global police agency Interpol elected Emirati Inspector General Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi as its president Nov. 25, despite accusations from rights groups that he failed to act on allegations of detainee torture in the United Arab Emirates.


The presidency is a part-time role and does not oversee day-to-day operations of the agency, but the president is a high-profile figure who chairs meetings of Interpol’s assembly and executive committee.


Rights groups have said that electing Raisi would put Interpol’s commitment to human rights in doubt. (Reuters)


Indian lawmakers repeal farm reforms


Indian lawmakers Nov. 29 repealed agricultural legislation in a move that was seen as a major reversal and rare climbdown for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.


The Farm Laws Repeal bill passed the lower and upper houses of Parliament with scant debate — 10 days after Modi announced the surprise decision to withdraw the three laws in a televised national address.


Protesting farmers have camped outside the capital of New Delhi for a year to demand the removal of the laws. (AP)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Raisi was elected as Interpol’s president despite accusations from rights groups that he failed to act on allegations of detainee torture in the UAE. Do you think anyone who will get nominated or elected for the position should first be cleared of any issues or accusations? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Given the unresolved accusations on him, do you agree that Raisi’s election would put Interpol’s commitment to human rights in doubt? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Sources say that the controversial farm reforms were enacted into law during the peak of Covid-19, which gave the public very limited opportunity to express their opinion about it. Do you think the protests could’ve been avoided if the public were consulted about the reforms? Should laws always be consulted with the public before they’re passed? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think it’s ever okay to repeal a law that was already enacted by the government? Why or why not? Do you think repealing a law could affect the government’s credibility? Discuss.