Labour leader Chris Hipkins conceded defeat to National Party’s Christopher Luxon. Observers say New Zealand ruling party's domestic policies “backfired”, leading to its defeat.
Ardern was named 'Dame Grand Companion', the second highest honour in New Zealand. The awardee is chosen in New Zealand by the PM & approved by British monarch, the head of state.
Ardern stepped down as PM in January saying she had 'no more in the tank' to lead the country and would also not seek re-election to parliament. She quit parliament earlier this month.
Ardern will serve as unpaid special envoy for Christchurch Call, an initiative she co-founded in 2019 to bring together nations and tech firms to combat extremism, govt said.
Hipkins was first elected to parliament in 2008 and was appointed minister for Covid-19 in November 2020. He was the minister for police, education and public service.
A Labour Party vote for a new leader will take place Sunday; the party leader will be PM until the next general election. Ardern's term as leader will conclude no later than 7 Feb.
Ardern, holding back tears, said that it had been a tough five and a half years as prime minister and that she was only human and needed to step aside.
Under Xi, the CCP’s political structure has become even more centralised and male-dominated. Power increasingly revolves around a tight inner circle of male loyalists.
Tajikistan did not want to extend the lease because of apparent pressure from Russia & China over non-regional military personnel at the air base, it is learnt.
On 21 Oct, a buzz went up that the govt had released full list of gallantry award recipients along with Op Sindoor citations. I put an AI caddy on the job. It took me into a never-ending rabbit hole.
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