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Evening NEWS DIGEST
23 Nov. 2016: 22 Safar 1438: Vol: 8, No:43
INDIA: DEMONETISATION
Arthakranti that called for demonetization, not satisfies with the way govt executed; Thinktank also says it is closest to Islamic Banking, which prohibits interest
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/banning-notes-will-not-curb-black-money-says-thinktank-that-called-for-demonetisation/articleshow/55550552.cms
Until a couple of weeks ago, few had heard about Anil Bokil or the socioeconomic he founded, Arthakranti Pratishthan. This changed after Nov.8, when PM Modi announced his plans to “demonetise” Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Arthakranti has been credited with sowing the seeds of “demonetisation” in minds of PM and his economic advisors. But the man of the hour is not satisfied with the way the “demonetisation” has taken off. “This is not what we proposed,” says Bokil. “Govt has only taken one part of our 5-point plan… We had a proper transition plan from large currency denominations to smaller ones,” laments Bokil. As several experts have pointed out, Bokil also does not agree that this was demonetisation. “Govt has only replaced large denomination currencies with even more larger notes.” What Arthakranti proposed was to “positively change” India’s socio-economic scenario by restructuring tax policies, limiting the use of hard cash, making capital and credit cheaper and reducing the flow of black money in the system. Bokil draws a lot of inspiration from Islam too. Arthakranti is the closest to Islamic Banking, which prohibits widespread use of interest, he adds. “The best thing about Islam is that it does not take credit for anything good that has happened. Everything is Inshalla (if Allah wills it) in Islam… We’d also like to take no credit for our good work; it’s Inshalla for us too,” sums up Bokil, as he prepares for another round of volunteer meetings. Bokil and his volunteers met Modi in July 2013 when he was CM of Gujarat. Meeting, scheduled for 10 minutes, extended to over 90 minutes. Modi, according to it, was impressed with idea of revamping existing tax system and replacing it with one overarching banking transaction tax (BTT). Indeed, Modi had alluded to BTT in his poll rallies 2 years ago. But the withdrawal of high-value currencies is only 3rd step in Arthakranti plan. ‘Compression of currencies’ (denomination withdrawal)should have followed the withdrawal of all central govt taxes like personal income tax, central excise and service tax and circulation of additional Rs 500 notes in system (to temporarily replace withdrawn Rs 1000 notes) so that people did not face an acute shortage of money. Countering govt’s argument, it say the banning of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes would do little to curb the incidence of black money. After withdrawing existing taxes and imposing BTT, govt must withdraw all high denomination currency (above Rs 50) in phases. Entire transition to smaller currencies would take place over 18 months. Govt has picked this part (of “currency denomination compression”) in isolation, and is hoping to set things right in barely2 months. It also counts increased transparency, lower interest rates and freeing up of capital (via capitalisation of banks and higher tax collection), reduction in commodity prices (generally thrust up by middlemen using unaccounted money) and limiting occurrence of black money as other benefits of its 5 point plan. ET
Banning notes will not curb black money, says think tank that called for demonetisation
http://www.arthakranti.org/news-events/242-banning-notes-will-not-curb-black-money-says-think-tank-that-called-for-demonetisation
PM Modi will do well to avoid the Arthakranti tax
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe-columnist/pm-narendra-modi-will-do-well-to-avoid-the-arthakranti-tax-rs-500-rs-1000/452829/
Note ban could have been handled in a better way: ArthaKranti
http://www.financialexpress.com/economy/note-ban-could-have-been-handled-in-a-better-way-arthakranti/452949/
Meet Anil Bokil, man who gave Modi the idea of demonetisation
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/Ik4lpJUvejB3bIDm0VWKgN/Meet-Anil-Bokil-the-man-who-gave-Narendra-Modi-the-idea-of.html
Never suggested overnight banning of high value notes: ArthaKranti
http://m.rediff.com/business/interview/maza-aa-gaya-man-behind-demonetisation/20161122.htm
Withdraw all Taxes, Says Organisation That Claims to Have Come up with Demonetisation Idea
http://thewire.in/80987/withdraw-taxes-says-organisation-claims-come-demonetisation-idea/
Supreme Court refuses to stay demonetization proceedings in various HCs
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-demonetization-proceedings-in-various-hcs-2276143
New Delhi: Supreme Court has refused to stay proceedings in 7 high courts against the Modi govt’s decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.The court issued notices to the petitioners who have challenged the demonetisation move on various grounds, including calling the decision illegal. Some have also questioned the limits on cash withdrawals.A bench headed by Chief Justice of India TS Thakur, however, declined to stay the proceedings and ordered the next hearing on Dec.2.HT
No transaction charges on debit card payments till 31 Dec: Govt
http://www.livemint.com/Industry/Fz3upIYlXxBhRM96t8mcRO/No-transaction-charges-on-debit-card-payments-Govt.html
New Delhi: To encourage the widespread usage of digital payments post demonetization, the govt on Wednesday said no transaction charges will be levied on debit cards till 31 Dec. All public sector banks and some private sector ones have agreed to waive the transaction cost for all payments made through debit cards, economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said.Move comes after the govt reviewed the situation post demonetization of Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes and decided to encourage digital payments.PTI
Govt asks NABARD to disburse Rs 21000 crore to farmers
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/govt-asks-nabard-to-disburse-rs-21-000-crore-to-farmers-116112300375_1.html
Free online transactions until Dec.31 among slew of measures announced to relieve demonetisation
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Free-online-transactions-until-December-31-among-slew-of-measures-announced-to-relieve-demonetisation/articleshow/55574959.cms
RBI on wedding withdrawals: Submit declaration that payees receiving Rs 10000 or more don't have bank a/c
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/RBI-on-wedding-withdrawals-Submit-declaration-that-payees-receiving-Rs-10000-or-more-dont-have-bank-accounts/articleshow/55566441.cms
RBI increases e-wallet spend limit to Rs. 20,000
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/RBI-increases-e-wallet-spend-limit-to-Rs.-20000/article16686732.ece?homepage=true
Anil Ambani led Reliance Communications gets SC relief in Rs 4,800 cr tax case
http://www.financialexpress.com/economy/anil-ambani-led-reliance-communications-gets-sc-relief-in-rs-4800-cr-tax-case/453080/
New Delhi: In a major relief to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications, the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the income tax department’s appeal seeking to tax the proceeds of its $1.5-billion foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) issued by the telecom firm nearly a decade ago.While the company said the apex court has quashed a “contingent tax liability of RCom for about R4,800 crore”, the I-T department in its appeal had claimed a tax liability of R2,236.01 crore for assessment year 2007-08.A bench led by Justice Kurian Joseph said:“We find no reason to entertain this special leave petition, which is, accordingly, dismissed.”RCom had issued $1.5 billion (R6,485 crore) of FCCBs in 2007 in line with RBI’s extant guidelines and applicable laws. Subsequently, I-T dept took the view to assess FCCB proceeds as ‘unexplained cash credits’ and had raised tax demands thereon, the company statement said. Challenging the Bombay High Court’s March 28 judgment that dismissed its petition, the department in its appeal said the funds by way of FCCBs were introduced by RCom in its books to the tune of R6,485 crore without furnishing details in respect of the actual subscribers to the FCCBs.F Express
CAG pulls up Income Tax dept for Rs 1,767 crore benefit to Reliance Industries by allowing deductions
http://www.jantakareporter.com/business/cag-pulls-up-income-tax/78080/
CAG has pulled up Income Tax department for giving benefit of Rs 1,767 crore to the port and terminal arm of Reliance Industries by allowing deductions meant for public facilities to the company’s captive jetties.CAG said the income tax assessing officer (AO) allowed deduction of Rs 5,245.38 crore to Reliance Ports and Terminals Ltd towards construction of four captive jetties at Port Sikka in Gujarat without examining the eligibility criteria for allowance of the deduction.In a performance audit of tax holiday for development of infrastructure sector, which was tabled in Parliament today, CAG said: “The irregular allowance of deduction by the AO has resulted in under assessment of income of Rs 5,245.38 crore involving tax effect of Rs 1,766.74 crore”.PTI
Did Modi receive over Rs 55 crore from the Sahara Group as the CM of Gujarat? EPW
http://www.epw.in/journal/2016/47/web-exclusives/did-modi-receive-rs-55-crore-sahara-group-gujarat-cm.html#sthash.oZ3JdULg.DafZUrej.dpuf
First fake Rs 2,000 note surfaces in Gujarat: TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/First-fake-Rs-2000-note-surfaces-in-Gujarat/articleshow/55557803.cms
Even as Rs 2,000 notes printed by the RBI are yet to reach banks everywhere, the first fake note of this denomination has surfaced in Gujarat. A paan shop owner in Bodakdev here found a forged Rs 2,000 currency note in his till. While fake notes found in other parts of the country were photocopied versions, this note had features including the Gandhi watermark next to the national emblem and a fake security thread. Centre's move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes meant brisk business for Vansh Barot who owns a paan and soda shop next to the branch of a bank on busy Judges Bungalow Road. Tired of standing in line, people would walk into the 25-year-old's shop to buy snacks and drinks. So, when a customer handed over a magenta 2,000-rupee note to the employee manning the cash counter on Thursday, it raised no alarm. That was until Vansh emptied the cash over a magenta 2,000-rupee note to the employee manning the cash counter on Thursday, it raised no alarm. That was until Vansh emptied the cash box to count the day's earnings. A soiled-looking note sent warning bells ringing. "Rs 2,000 note was introduced recently so it had to be crisp and new in appearance.This note, however, looked begrimed and faded in colour. I suspected it could be a fake," said Barot, a resident of Sattadhar Society in Sola. He had completed his MBA in Human Resources from London and had set up a franchisee of Anand Paan Shop 6 months ago. Ahmedabad Mirror
Richest 1% of Indians now own 58.4% of wealth
http://www.livemint.com/Money/MML9OZRwaACyEhLzUNImnO/The-richest-1-of-Indians-now-own-584-of-wealth.html
The richest 1% of Indians now own 58.4% of the country’s wealth, according to the latest data on global wealth from Credit Suisse Group AG, the financial services company based in Zurich. Credit Suisse has published the report every year since 2010.The share of the top 1% is up from 53% last year. In the last two years, the share of the top 1% has increased at a cracking pace, from 49% in 2014 to 58.4% in 2016. Accompanying Chart 1 has the details. livemint
Ex-US Treasury Secretary faults Modi’s demonetisation drive
http://www.siasat.com/news/former-us-treasury-secretary-faults-modis-demonetisation-drive-1070763/
India just made a big mistake with its currency ban: Washington Times
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/22/india-just-made-a-big-mistake-with-its-currency-ban/
India's war on cash seems misguided: Will the economy go Nigeria’s way? Elaine Ou
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/indias-war-on-cash-seems-misguided-will-the-economy-go-nigerias-way/articleshow/55554914.cms?prtpage=1
: Opposition Forms Giant Human Chain Outside Parliament, Demands PM Modi's Presence In The House
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/11/23/demonetisation-opposition-forms-giant-human-chain-outside-parli/?utm_hp_ref=in-homepage
New Delhi: Opposition parties on Wednesday put up a united front against the Centre over demonetisation, as they formed a giant human chain outside the Parliament chanting slogans and carrying placards, fervently demanding PM Narendra Modi's presence in the House."Nation is standing in line and we are doing just that here," Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said.TMC leader Derek O'Brien, JDU's Sharad Yadav, and the DMK's Kanimozhi were among the almost 200 Opposition MPs gathered in Parliament premises. huffingtonpost
Opposition To Launch 'Aakrosh Diwas' Against Demonetisation On Nov. 28
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/11/23/opposition-to-launch-aakrosh-diwas-against-demonetisation-on-n/?utm_hp_ref=in-homepage
Huffingtonpost -BW-CVoter Survey: 87% Indians Think Demonetisation Is Hurting Black Money Owners
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/11/22/huffpost-bw-cvoter-survey-87-indians-think-demonetisation-is-h/?utm_hp_ref=in-homepage
The govt's demonetisation of Rs 500 and 100 notes gets a huge thumbs up from people across India, urban and rural, young and old, shows a HuffPost-BW-CVoter survey. Nearly 87% of respondents felt move was hurting those with black money, and 85% felt inconvenience caused by demonetisation was worth the effort of fighting black money. The survey was conducted by CVoter on 21st Nov across 252 parliamentary areas for Huffington Post India and Businessworld. In all, 1,212 respondents were surveyed. Respondents in rural and semi-urban areas were only slightly less enthusiastic.
UP: Teen hangs self after ‘failing to withdraw money’
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Teen-hangs-self-after-%E2%80%98failing-to-withdraw-money%E2%80%99/article16686688.ece?homepage=true
All India Bank Employees Association demands RBI Governor’s resignation
http://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/all-india-bank-employees-association-demands-rbi-governors-resignation-4391125/
New Delhi:Holding RBI Governor Urjit Patel responsible for ineffective handling of the crisis post the demonetisation drive, All India Bank Employees Association vice-president Vishwas Utagi on Wednesday said that bank unions are adamant on their demand for the former’s resignations as well as lockdown of RBI.ANI
Demonetised notes not valid for deposits in small savings schemes: RBI
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/demonetised-notes-not-valid-for-deposits-in-small-savings-schemes-rbi-4391540/
New Delhi:RBI on Wednesday asked banks not to accept demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for deposit in the small savings schemes, with immediate effect, an official notification said.The small savings schemes include Public Provident Fund (PPF), Post Office Saving Schemes, National Savings Certificates (NSC), Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) Account and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) among others.
Demonetization: Not an end, but beginning, says PM
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-not-an-end-but-beginning-pm-2276065
OTHERs
Indian shelling kills 9 in Kashmir, Pak says: Aljazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/indian-shelling-kills-civilians-pakistan-161123071537408.html
At least 9 civilians were killed, and 9 injured, in Pak-administered Kashmir (PoK) when an Indian artillery shell hit a passsenger bus in the disputed region on Wednesday, Pakistani officials said."The passenger bus was attacked by Indian shelling at 8:30 in the morning, resulting in the death of nine people onboard," DSP Neelum Valley Maqsood said."The ambulance heading to the site came under attack as well, and locals arranged transportation for those injured, taking them to the hospital in private cars."According to the police, the bus was heading towards Muzaffarabad from Kel when it came under attack.Local administration official Sardar Waheed said firing between the two countries was continuing and that it was preventing ambulances from reaching the scene. Indian officials did not comment on the deaths, but a military spokesperson said the Pakistan army initiated "indiscriminate" firing on Wednesday morning on Indian army posts in the Bhimber Gali, Krishna Ghati and Nawshera sectors.
Pak official says Indian shelling kills 11 including 9 travelling in bus
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-says-indian-shelling-kills-4-civilians-in-kashmir/story-OJ90gaq6YoZCi3gcFZjDmM.html
9 killed as Indian troops target passenger bus near LoC:DAWN
http://www.dawn.com/news/1298130/9-killed-as-indian-troops-target-passenger-bus-near-loc
17 Indian soldiers killed since Army's surgical strike. How should India respond? India Today
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-indian-soldiers-surgical-strike/1/817711.html
J-K: Army launches massive assault along LoC a day after Pakistan mutilates soldier
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/j-k-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-again-as-indian-army-retaliates-4390866/
Pakistan talks of big plans to 'counter India's propaganda'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistan-talks-of-big-plans-to-counter-Indias-propaganda/articleshow/55580534.cms
New Delhi: Pakistan has formed a committee "to counter India's propaganda campaign" and has already taken steps to reach out to Indians "opposed to Narendra Modi's extremism" Dawn reported today."Our missions abroad, including in New Delhi, are making outreach efforts to emphasise the extremist Indian policies," foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz told the Pakistani Senate yesterday, according to the newspaper.Aziz also said the Pakistan's information technology ministry will prepare a "comprehensive strategy" to highlight the "J&K dispute" via social media.The committee - that will include top military, defence and intelligence officials - is also expected to formulate "a doable and sustainable India-Kashmir policy", Aziz told the Senate yesterday.TOI
Pakistan wooing Indians opposed to Modi’s ‘extremist policies’: Sartaj Aziz
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pakistan-sets-up-committee-to-woo-indians-opposed-to-narendra-modi-extremist-policies-sartaj-aziz-4391582/
Aziz to attend Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sartaj-Aziz-to-attend-Heart-of-Asia-conference-in-Amritsar/articleshow/55580943.cms
India, Pak have recalled 8 staffers each from missions: Sushma Swaraj
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Pak-have-recalled-8-staffers-each-from-missions-Sushma-Swaraj/articleshow/55582213.cms
No decision to review MFN status to Pak: Govt
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-decision-to-review-Most-Favoured-Nation-status-to-Pakistan-Govt/articleshow/55581714.cms
India speeds up rebuilding activity in Afghanistan: TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-speeds-up-rebuilding-activity-in-Afghanistan/articleshow/55574204.cms
‘Opponents’, activists hail AIMPLB's women's wing, toll free number move
http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/activists-laud-aimplb-s-move-to-set-up-women-s-wing-toll-free-number-1479829966.html
All India Muslim Personal Law Board's decision to form a women's wing and set up a toll free number to counsel "Muslim women in distress" has been lauded by several activists. The number goes operation from 1 Dec.Activists say these measures will help address the concerns of Muslim women about thorny issues such as triple talaq and the proposed Uniform Civil Code."Setting up a women's wing of AIMPLB will enable Muslim women to share their problems," says activist Miratun Nahar.Ruby Sain, who heads the sociology department at Jadavpur University, feels there are "many issues that Muslim women do not want to discuss openly and the women's wing will help them to come forward and share their concerns".Indeed, not just AIMPLB, govt too must "feel the pulse" of Muslim women before making a move on Uniform Civil Code, Sain says.Prof Nandini Chakraborty, who teaches International Relations at Jadavpur University, echoes the sentiment. "Govt's intention to abolish triple talaq and implement the UCC is welcome, but before taking any such decision, Muslim women should be taken into confidence."Sunanda Mukherjee, chairperson of West Bengal Commission for Women, says, "Toll free number will help Muslim women consult counselors before taking any decision on talaq and such issues." catch news
Muslim organisations warns Centre not to interfere with Sharia law
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/Muslim-organisations-warns-Centre-not-to-interfere-with-Sharia-law/articleshow/55564329.cms
MANGALURU: Various Muslim organisations that united under the banner of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Districts Muslim Central Committee warned the central govt not to interfere in Sharia Laws. At a Shariat Protection Convention on Tuesday, Muslim leaders opposed the central govt's plans of introducing Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and declared it as an impractical move. "Muslim community has opposed strongly when the idea of Uniform Civil Code was mooted 30 years ago. It is anti-Islamic and impractical in India, where people with various faiths and religions co-exist. Moreover, it will escalate problems in the country," said B K Abdul Khader Musliyar Khasimi, chief of Bambrana Juma Masjid after inaugurating the convention. Karnataka Samastha Mushavara member Abdul Azeez Darimi said Muslims are united to protect Sharia Law in India. Jamat-e-Islami Hind local president Muhammed Kunhi said debate on triple talaq and uniform civil code is irrelevant when the nation has several other major issues to be sorted out. He pointed out that Ram Jethmalani, who was the law minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee govt, had rejected Uniform Civil Code as non-practical move. "Conduct a survey to ascertain the actual number of Muslim women who suffered due to triple talaq. In fact triple talaq is a blessing when divorce becomes necessary for couple," he added. Muslim Central Committee president K S Mohammed Masood presided.timesofindia
Muslim Central Committee organises huge meet against govt's plan to introduce uniform civil code
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/582563/union-govts-plan-introduce-uniform.html
Keep away from sharia, Muslims tell Centre
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/Keep-away-from-sharia-Muslims-tell-Centre/articleshow/55568754.cms
‘Do not politicise matters pertaining to Muslim laws’
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/%E2%80%98Do-not-politicise-matters-pertaining-to-Muslim-laws%E2%80%99/article16684214.ece?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
Freeze accounts, block websites of Zakir Naik’s IRF: NIA to banks
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/zakir-naik-nia-irf-4391541/
New Delhi:On the fifth day of its crackdown on Zakir Naik’s NGO IRF, the NIA on Wednesday wrote to banks asking them to freeze accounts of the banned NGO and Zakir. It has also written to the Home Ministry for blocking websites and other online activities of Zakir Naik and IRF. indianexpress
Enforcement Directorate suspects Zakir Naik’s family, trust laundered over Rs 100 crore: economictimes
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/Enforcement-Directorate-suspects-Zakir-Naiks-family-trust-laundered-over-Rs-100-crore/articleshow/55575256.cms
Mumbai: Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing a layering of funds amounting to Rs 47.69 crore received by Zakir Naik through banking channels and Rs 64 crore received as donations by his trust, IRF. Sources said the money, received through banking channels, has travelled through a series of accounts maintained by Naik's family members. Around Rs 23 crore remitted from Naik's overseas account to his Indian bank account was transferred to his sister Nailah Noorani's account, sources in the security establishment said. In the case of donations received by IRF, the donors were mentioned just as "well-wishers", raising doubts, said an official in the security establishment. On financial transactions from Naik's accounts and them not reflecting in ITRs, Mubin Solkar, advocate for Naik said, "All the transactions were bank-to-bank. They were legal and disclosed at every point of time and to all parties concerned."
Lens on Zakir Naik's Rs 112 crore money trail:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lens-on-Zakir-Naiks-Rs-112-crore-money-trail/articleshow/55572570.cms
We’re not with Zakir Naik: School
http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/231116/were-not-with-naik-school.html
Mumbai: Islamic International School (IIS) presented a petition to state education minister Vinod Tawde asking govt to allow the school to continue with its educational activities. School contended that the students shouldn’t have to suffer since its management was controlled by a separate educational trust and is separate from the now banned IRF, headed by Zakir Naik. “We combine Madarasa education with academics and many parents like the fact that their children, in addition to learning normal subjects, also gain knowledge about the religion. But since the ban on IRF, everybody is worried. Our accounts have been frozen and I have had to pay from my pocket to manage daily expenses,” said Imran Qureshi, principal of the school.He, along with staff members and some parents, met Tawde and submitted a petition containing the signatures of over 200 people, including the parents.Asian Age
Kerala preacher accused of radicalising files for bail
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/kerala-preacher-accused-of-radicalising-youths-files-for-bail-4390654/
Mumbai:Maulana Mohammed Hanif, the preacher arrested on charges of radicalising 21 youths from Kerala, has applied for bail before a special court in Mumbai. In his plea filed through advocate Sharif Sheikh, Hanif has said he was professing his religious work as an imam in a mosque and did not instigate the youths.“The present allegation in the entire FIR if taken as it is, has remotely no unlawful or illegal act made out against the applicant (Hanif). The complainant is completely silent as to how and in what way the present applicant has instigated or abetted to brain-wash any of the residents of the said village to motivate to join any terror group through his speech (sic),” the application states. indianexpress
Poonawalla knocks NCM for banning Bajrang Dal
http://www.siasat.com/news/shehzad-poonawalla-knocks-ncm-banning-bajrang-dal-1071641/
New Delhi: Renouwend Social Activist Shehzad Poonawalla today petitioned National Commission for Minorities (NCM) againt a video of Bajrang Dal goons in Bulandshahr’s Khurja in UP mercilessly thrashing a Muslim couple because they felt both were ‘dirtying’ Hindu neighbourhood has surfaced.He said the video is extremely reprehensible and offensive set of actions violative of various sections of the Indian Penal Code,1860 made by Members of Bajrang Dal in UP .Upon learning that the man in question was a Muslim, one armed youth lost his temper and unleashed brutal attack on the victim leaving him bleeding. The attackers did not spare the woman either. The woman was thrashed with heavy stick as she pleaded for mercy.The SHO at Khurja Police station confirmed to Janta Ka Reporter that at least three arrested goons belonged to Bajrang Dal. The district convenor of Bajrang Dal is also involved as per evidence. siasat
NIA may get FBI-like powers to investigate terror attacks on Indians abroad
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nia-fbi-like-powers-investigate-terror-attacks-indians-abroad/1/816812.html
New Delhi:Union Home Ministry today told Lok Sabha that it was considering a proposal to empower NIA with a provision to register a case and investigate, if an Indian is killed or injured in a terror act overseas.This information was shared by Minister of State for Home, Hansraj Ahir, while replying to written questions in the Lower House today." indiatoday
Day after witness murder in Kairana: BJP MP asks Hindus to fight ‘shaitan’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/day-after-witness-murder-in-kairana-bjp-mp-asks-hindus-to-fight-shaitan-4390426/
kairana:A day after a man believed to have been a key witness in the gangrape and murder of a woman was found dead, Kairana’s BJP MP Hukum Singh held a panchayat at a temple in Akbarpur Sunheti village, near Kairana town, Tuesday. He asked Hindus in the Muslim-majority village to remain united and fight the “shaitan” who killed a “decent man”. Brahmpal Singh, 55, was shot dead in his house on Monday, according to the police. He was a relative of the woman who was kidnapped on April 4, and was found murdered three days later.Seven people from the village — all of them Muslims — have been named in the murder case on the basis of a complaint registered by Brahmpal’s brother. indianexpress
Papers of 2002 riot case missing, cop tells HC
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Papers-of-02-riot-case-missing-cop-tells-HC/articleshow/55570250.cms
Ahmedabad: The assistant commissioner of police, D division, Baldev Desai, on Tuesday stated before Gujarat high court on affidavit that the case papers of a 2002 murder case are missing.Desai was asked to explain why a court order to investigate a suspect in a 2002 riot victim's murder was not followed for more than 12 years. When the cop had last time conveyed to the court that he could not explain the issue due to paucity of time, Justice ZK Saiyed summoned him on Tuesday.The HC took the affidavit on record and will hear the matter further hearing on Dec.14.Meanwhile, court suggested that petitioner Roshanbibi Mansuri's advocate Rajesh Shah file a separate petition with regard to the trial court's order to city police to investigate a suspect, Kishan Singh Tomar, in connection with Khalil Mansuri's murder. timesofindia
Love in a Sarkari set-up: 2015 IAS topper Tina Dabi to wed No 2 Athar Aamir-ul-Shafi Khan: TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Love-in-a-Sarkari-set-up-2015-IAS-topper-Tina-to-wed-No-2-Athar/articleshow/55572251.cms
New Delhi:He may have lost the top rank of UPSC examination in 2015 to Tina Dabi but clearly he won her heart. 22 year old Dabi will soon tie the knot with Athar Aamir-ul-Shafi Khan who secured second rank in the UPSC exam. Dabi said the couple was yet to set a wedding date, but the engagement would happen "very soon".TOI
Bhopal encounter: 15 days on, no office for the panel, no probe yet
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/SIMI-jailbreak-15-days-on-no-office-for-the-panel-no-probe-yet/articleshow/55581243.cms
Bhopal: It has been a fortnight since the state govt set up a judicial commission to probe Bhopal jailbreak and encounter, but the investigation is yet to get off the ground, as the state govt has not even provided an office and other basic infrastructure to the panel.The govt had announced a judicial commission, headed by Justice (retd) SK Pandey, five days after 8 alleged SIMI activists were killed in an encounter. The commission has 3 months to file its report."Justice Pandey has written to the govt that he will leave for Bhopal as soon as the infrastructure is provided and start the investigation once he reaches here," said a highly placed source. Bhopal divisional commissioner Ajatshatru Shrivastav has been made the nodal officer for providing infrastructure to the judicial commission. When TOI contacted his office, spokesperson Ravi Sharma said, "Divisional commissioner is unwell and on leave till Nov.25."It is the responsibility of the general administration department(GAD) to provide infrastructure to any such probe commission. TOI
Najeeb: Cops keep close watch on clinics and hospitals
http://www.asianage.com/metros/delhi/231116/najeeb-case-cops-keep-close-watch-on-clinics-and-hospitals.html
New Delhi: After failing to trace missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, the Delhi police has now narrowed its investigation on clinics, health centres and hospitals to trace him.A senior police official said that the SIT has been instructed to keep a watch on hospitals and clinics. The search has been initiated from hospitals and clinics in Jamia Nagar.SIT is also reconstructing Najeeb’s personality with the help of a medical team.Asian Age
Mumbai: Minority groups to rally against ABVP
http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-minority-groups-to-rally-against-abvp/976453
Mumbai: Over 40 Ambedkarite and Muslim groups got together in Kurla on Tuesday to mobilise for a rally on Nov.24, to rally for the missing JNU student, Najeeb Ahmed.free press
No rules on singing, playing of 'Vande Mataram': Govt
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-rules-on-singing-playing-of-Vande-Mataram-Govt/articleshow/55582329.cms
New Delhi:Govt has not framed any rules for circumstances in which the 'National Song' may be sung, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said this in response to a question by Vikas Mahatme seeking to know "whether there are rules in place to ensure that National Song is performed uniformly in one voice, one beat and rythm, since our National Song enhances our feeling of patriotism and it is mandatory to have rules for National Song..."He had also asked whether these rules are to be taken seriously as in theatres, it has been often observed that National Song is sung in different tunes and different ways and music is composed in different styles, although there is no objection in showing soldiers or other things in background but people singing this song commit physical movement.PTI
‘9.2 lakh minorities employed with Centre till March’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/9-2-lakh-minorities-employed-with-centre-till-march-mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-4391736/
New Delhi:A total of 9.2 lakh minority community members were employedwith Central govt and its institutions/enterprises as on March this year, Lok Sabha was informed.PTI
Gandhi family reunion in Allahabad fuels speculations of Priyanka Gandhi's entry into politics
http://twocircles.net/2016nov22/1479815615.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29#.WDVzhxp97IU
L&T sheds 14,000 employees from its workforce
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/55570052.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Meat exporter Moin Qureshi returns from Dubai
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Meat-exporter-Moin-Qureshi-returns-from-Dubai/articleshow/55574673.cms
World
China asks residents of Muslim-dominated ‘Xinjiang’ province to report religious activities
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world-china-asks-residents-of-muslim-dominated-xinjiang-province-to-report-religious-activities-357864
China has made it mandatory for the residents of Muslim-dominated ‘Xinjiang’ province to "report" on any religious activities in the area.Xinjiang is largely inhabited by Uighur Muslims who have long said that the Chinese govt's policies in the region are against the U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, according to a report in ‘Global Times’, the govt’s directions in this regard are aimed at assisting with the residents' religious practices."Xinjiang has established religious committees and residential communities to manage religious practices since September, requiring local residents to report their religious activities or activities attended by religious people, including circumcision, weddings and funerals," La Disheng, a professor at the Party School of the Communist Party, told Global Times. indiatvnews
Report religious activities; China to Xinjiang residents
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/report-all-religious-activities-china-to-xinjiang-residents-116112300751_1.html
Turkey Widens Crackdown, Purging 15,000 More Officials; Over 125,000 dismissed so far:Reuters
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/turkey-coup-purge_us_58344b47e4b058ce7aacde1f
Turkey has dismissed 15,000 more officials, from soldiers and police officers to tax inspectors and midwives, and shut 375 institutions and news outlets, deepening purges condemned by Western allies and rights groups after a failed coup.The latest dismissals, announced in two decrees, bring to more than 125,000 the number of people sacked or suspended in the military, civil service, judiciary and elsewhere since July’s failed coup. Some 36,000 have been jailed pending trial. European allies have criticized the breadth of the purges under President Tayyip Erdogan, with some calling for a freezing of Turkey’s EU membership talks. Nearly 2,000 members of the armed forces, 7,600 police officers, 400 members of the gendarmerie, and more than 5,000 people from public institutions, including nurses, doctors and engineers, were dismissed in Tuesday’s decrees for suspected links to terrorist organizations. Reuters
Equating all NGOs to FETO 'not right': Turkey’s top cleric Gormez
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/180575/equating-all-ngos-to-feto-not-right-turkeys-gormez
Indian-American Governor Nikki Haley Tapped To Be Trump's UN Ambassador
http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/indian-american-governor-nikki-haley-tapped-to-be-trumps-un-ambassador-1629271
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a rising Republican star and daughter of Indian immigrants, has accepted President-elect Donald Trump's offer to serve as US ambassador to the United Nations in the coming administration, according to a person familiar with the selection process.Washington Post
Trump: I'd love to make Israel-Palestine peace deal
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/trump-love-israel-palestine-peace-deal-161123060008778.html
US President-elect Donald Trump has said he would "love" to reach a peace deal between Israel and Palestine, adding that he would appoint his son-in-law as a Middle East envoy and help broker a deal after he takes charge at White House.aljazeera
US grants second Airbus license to sell planes to Iran
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161123-us-grants-second-airbus-license-to-sell-planes-to-iran/
US said on Tuesday it had issued a second license to France’s Airbus to sell commercial planes to Iran Air, bringing Iran’s flag carrier a step closer to receiving new Western jets under last year’s deal to ease sanctions. middleeastmonitor
Sisi expresses support for Trump's proposed Muslim registry
https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/11/23/sisi-expresses-support-for-trumps-proposed-muslim-registry
Egypt's president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has defended Donald Trump's proposal to set up a database of Muslims, arguing it would ensure "security and stability". alaraby
More Rohingyas flee to Bangladesh as violence spreads in Myanmar
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/more-rohingyas-flee-to-bangladesh-as-violence-spreads-in-myanmar-4391767/
More Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar poured into neighbouring Bangladesh this week,with some feared drowned after a boat sank in a river during a bid to flee escalating violence that has killed at least 86 and displaced about 30,000 people. Some Rohingya refugees have been missing since Tuesday after a group crossed the river Naaf that separates Myanmar and Bangladesh. Those who managed to enter Bangladesh sought shelter in refugee camps or people’s homes. Reuters
Hamas blasts planned wall around Lebanese refugee camp
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hamas-blasts-planned-wall-around-lebanese-refugee-camp/691548
GAZA: Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has criticized plans by the Lebanese authorities to build a concrete wall around a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon.The planned wall, the group said in a statement, is "the wrong way to deal with the issue of Palestinian refugees".On Tuesday, reports emerged that the Lebanese authorities had begun erecting a concrete barrier around Ain al-Hilweh, the country’s largest Palestinian refugee camp.
Brotherhood denies mediation for Egypt reconciliation
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/brotherhood-denies-mediation-for-egypt-reconciliation/691519
How the Iranian-Saudi proxy struggle tore apart the Middle East: NYT
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/How-the-Iranian-Saudi-proxy-struggle-tore-apart-the-Middle-East/articleshow/55578401.cms
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:53 PM)
