Biden picks retired Army general Lloyd Austin as first Black Pentagon chief
Washington, Dec 8: US President-elect Joe Biden has selected retired Army general Lloyd Austin to be the first African-American secretary of defense, according to media reports.
If confirmed by the Senate, the 67-year-old career military officer would be the first African-American to lead the Department of Defence.
The office of the President-elect did not confirm the news, but said Biden will announce additional members of his Cabinet before Christmas, including his nominee for Secretary of Defence and members of his economic and domestic cabinet before the end of this week.
Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin, once viewed as a long-shot candidate to be President-elect Joe Biden's defence secretary, has been chosen to lead the Pentagon, Politico reported on Monday.
Biden has selected retired Austin, the former commander of US Central Command, to be his secretary of defence, the CNN also reported, quoting a source familiar with the decision.
Biden's decision to pick Austin comes amidst increasing pressure from the African Americans to name one of them to the top four positions -- Secretary of State, Treasury Secretary, Defence Secretary and Attorney General, according to political observers.
Austin was the Commander of the US Central Command from 2013 to 2016. In this position, he closely interacted with the top Pakistani military leadership.
If nominated by Biden, he would be the second Defence Secretary after James Mattis in four years to require Congressional waiver to head the position. Mattis, a retired US Marine Corps general, served as the defence secretary from January 2017 through January 2019.
As per rules, a former member of the military should be out of uniform at least seven years before serving as defence secretary. The laws were meant to preserve the civilian nature of the Department of Defence.
Austin in 2012 also served as the first African-American vice chief of staff of the Army. A year later, he assumed charge of the US Central Command.
Austin retired from the Army in 2016.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Chhattisgarh CM announces Rs 5 lakh aid for Kerala lynching victim’s family
Raipur (PTI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced an assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the family of a migrant worker from the state who was killed in a mob lynching incident in Kerala.
Ramnarayan Baghel (31), a resident of Karhi village in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district, was allegedly beaten to death on December 17 after being accused of involvement in theft at Kizhakeattappallam of Palakkad district in the southern state.
Describing the incident as unfortunate and inhuman, Sai, in a post on 'X' on Monday night, said, "I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate and extremely inhumane incident that occurred with Ramnarayan Baghel, a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh, in Palakkad, Kerala. Such violence against any innocent citizen is a disgrace to civilised society."
He urged the Kerala government to ensure the strictest legal action against those involved in this heinous crime, so that such inhuman incidents don't recur.
ALSO READ: UP: 2 killed, 16 injured as 6 vehicles collide due to fog in Amethi
"The Chhattisgarh government stands firmly with the bereaved family with full sensitivity in this difficult time. I have announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the victim's family," he wrote.
Sai stated that the deceased man's family members were immediately sent to Kerala, and arrangements have been made to bring his body to his native village with due respect.
The remains will be brought to Chhattisgarh by Tuesday, he added.
He reaffirmed that the Chhattisgarh government is fully committed to the safety, dignity and justice of its citizens and will extend all possible support to the victim's family.
According to Kerala police, five people have been arrested so far for allegedly beating Baghel to death on suspicion of theft.
