Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST
10 Dec.2016: 09 Rabiul Awwal 1438: Vol:8, No:58
INDIA:PERSONAL LAW vs UNIFORM CIVIL CODE
AIMPLB dismisses HC’s comments on triple talaq
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/AIMPLB-dismisses-HC%E2%80%99s-comments-on-triple-talaq/article16787017.ece
Lucknow:All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed reservations over certain aspects of the Allahabad High Court’s latest observations on triple talaq even as it downplayed its significance.AIMPLB on Friday said the HC’s comments on the practice of triple talaq were “unrequired” and “to some extent, against the observations of the Supreme Court.” In an order dated Nov.5 but only reported on Thursday, a single bench of Justice Suneet Kumar termed triple talaq “cruel”.Referring to this specific observation, AIMPLB said the court seems to have not considered previous Supreme Court judgments. “The matter raised in the observation has been considered in the SC several times, and the SC has said it will not test personal laws on the anvil of fundamental rights. The learned judge has not considered the SC judgement or the Madhu Kishwar or Mathura Ahir cases... there are 4 such cases,” said senior advocate and AIMPLB secretary Zafaryab Jilani. Playing down the HC’s remarks as “the personal views of a particular judge,” the AIMPLB said, “There is no need to challenge it in any court of law” as it would not impact the ongoing triple talaq case in the SC, the parties or the Muslim community.“The court’s observations are what we refer to in legal terms as obiter dicta, which has no concern with the merit of the case or question. The court has itself said the matter (of triple talaq) is pending in the SC. What the SC orders will be followed,” Jilani said. HC had also said the “arbitrary” and “unilateral” use of triple talaq by Muslim husbands was not in sync with Islamic laws, and it was a “popular fallacy that a Muslim man enjoys, under the Quranic Law, unbridled authority to liquidate the marriage.”Responding to this, Jilani said: “If he means to say that divorce requires consent of wife, he is mistaken.That is not the law or the Quran. He has misunderstood Quran. There is no requirement of consent.” Asked what the AIMPLB’s position was on solving the issue of triple talaq, Jilani said: “We have always taken the stand that the law should remain. In some circumstances, it is required to provide freedom to the woman, it is in her interest. It should, however, not be ordinarily invoked as it is done. If it is not applied properly or in the right cases, the remedy should be punishment. We have submitted this in writing before the SC.”
Triple talaq: Shiv Sena asks PM Modi to bring changes in Sharia law
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2016/dec/10/triple-talaq-shiv-sena-asks-pm-modi-to-bring-changes-in-sharia-law-1547673.html
Mumbai: Days after the Allahabad High Court termed the practice of triple talaq as 'cruel', the Shiv Sena today asked PM Narendra Modi to give his nod to bring changes in Sharia law in the interest of Muslim women."The Allahabad High Court had asked whether there should be changes in Sharia. Modi should say yes without seeking anyone's advice."This decision would be as revolutionary as demonetisation," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.PTI
Taslima Nasrin bats for Uniform civil code
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Taslima-bats-for-Uniform-civil-code/articleshow/55912449.cms
Thrissur: Taslima Nasrin on Saturday said she continued to believe that all the countries must have Uniform Civil Code. "I was arguing for a Uniform Civil Code even in Bangladesh, where some Hindu women were not enjoying equal rights because they were following their religious rules on marriage. Here in India the Muslim women are being exploited in the absence of Uniform Civil Code. A secular state must have uniform civil code, then we can address all issues like triple talaq and polygamy in one stretch,", Taslima who was here to attend the function organised to release her book said.TOI
Judiciary cannot snatch our fundamental rights: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind chief
http://jamaateislamihind.org/eng/judiciary-cannot-snatch-our-fundamental-rights-jih-chief/
New Delhi: The President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari reacted sharply to the latest Allahabad High Court observation regarding triple talaq and said that: “the judiciary cannot snatch our fundamental rights duly sanctioned by the Constitution of India.”In response to the issue, the JIH chief said: “every section of Indian society has been given certain fundamental rights by the Constitution of India. One important fundamental right is the freedom to follow one’s religion and its personal laws. The judiciary should not interfere in this as Muslims are following their religion and personal laws duly sanctioned by the Constitution of India. It is not a question of Muslims alone. Followers of other religions like Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and Jains too follow their own personal laws and the Courts should not interfere in them.The High Court observation was totally uncalled for when the Supreme Court was already seized of the matter”.Maulana Umari continued: “yes, triple talaq in one sitting is highly undesirable and Muslims are advised to refrain from that practice, but in certain conditions and situations, it might be required. Although triple talaq is not the recommended way to divorce, once given it becomes valid. We advise Muslims to avoid believing in rumors, observe restraint under such provocation and rally solidly behind the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.”
OTHERS
SC exempts differently abled from standing up during national anthem in cinemas but not foreigners
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4018886/Patriotism-forced-anybody-s-throat-Supreme-Court-exempts-differently-abled-standing-national-anthem-cinemas-NOT-foreigners.html#ixzz4SR210f7p
Foreigners will have to stand up when the national anthem is played in Indian theatres, at least for now. A Supreme Court bench of justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy, which ruled on Nov. 30 that cinemas must play Jana Gana Mana before every screening and audiences must stand, refused to exempt foreigners from its ambit. But the judges admitted that the issue: 'if fundamental duties are only applicable on the citizens of India and not on foreign nationals' needs a debate and will be taken up on December 14, next hearing date. Advocates Chander Uday Singh and PV Dinesh who appeared for the Kodungallur Film Society contended that the order to stand during the anthem would mean that foreign delegates will have to get up at least 5 times a day as 5 movies will be screened back to back daily.They also argued that fundamental duties are not applicable to foreigners and those who do not understand the anthem Foreign delegates at the International Film Festival of Kerala will have to stand up at least 5 times a day as 5 movies will be screened back to back. Daily mail
SC asks govt to explain Asthana’s appointment
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-govt-to-explain-rakesh-asthana-s-appointment-as-interim-cbi-chief/story-hUKa4y5qidVQ7Uk8XcFNrM.html
The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Centre’s response on a plea challenging the appointment of Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as CBI’s interim director after govt allegedly shifted out a senior officer by curtailing his tenure.“Why was senior-most officer RK Dutta, supervising high-profile 2G and coal scam cases, shifted out of agency without the nod of this court,” a bench of justices Kurian Joseph and Rohinton Nariman asked while issuing a notice to the govt .HT
Punjab police makes foolproof security for Ahmadiyya community meet in wake of terror threats: dailymail report
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4018966/Punjab-police-makes-foolproof-security-arrangements-Ahmadiyya-Muslim-meet-wake-terror-threats.html#ixzz4SR2Lbisq
In the wake of virulent criticism of Ahmadiyya community and terrorist threat perception for their annual convention to be held in Punjab this month, Union home ministry has ordered a 2-km foolproof security perimeter around the Ahmadiyya HQRS in Qadian, Gurdaspur. Highly-placed intelligence sources said the ministry has passed on instructions to Punjab Police to secure Ahmadiyya Community headquarters in Qadian for the community's annual convention on Dec. 26. Instructions have also been passed on to other state police forces to secure the community's missions and branches that are spread all over India. Sources said there has been criticism of Ahmadiyyas by prominent Muslim organisations, leaders and fundamentalists in different parts of the country. The report prepared by the home ministry says efforts by the 'rabid' groups to harm Ahmadiyya interests cannot be ruled out. Daily Mail
Delhi: Drug peddlers supply opium spiked chocolates in the 'rave parties organised at city's outskirts'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4018610/Delhi-s-new-high-Drug-peddlers-supply-opium-spiked-chocolates-rave-parties-organised-city-s-outskirts.html
Drug suppliers in the city have doped out a way to stay afloat and keep clients on a high, amid a cash crunch triggered by the govt's demonetisation drive. They are mixing grains of chocolate malt drinks into opium to cut costs and provide patrons a fresh flavour with Christmas and New Year celebrations just round the corner. Sources say a colour resemblance allows peddlers to combine the two products apart from the fact that both contain sugar and gum. They can sell it for Rs 60,000-1 lakh a kg. Investigation agencies in NCR say this is not the first time that drug addicts are experimenting with fusion of high-end drugs and eatables. Sources say youngsters frequently want to try something new and fresh concoctions often debut near the end of the year when drug supply and consumption go up. Also, when a new user enters the world of drugs, party organisers who are illegally supplying narcotics, allegedly facilitate them with flavoured stimulants such as cocoa cocaine, opium mixed with Chinese food and concoctions of chocolate and drugs. DailyMail
Chopper scam: Ex-air force chief SP Tyagi sent to 4-day CBI custody
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chopper-scam-former-air-force-chief-sp-tyagi-sent-to-4-day-cbi-custody/story-T9wtuEfzDBNnNU5Pmc9BUJ.html
A Delhi court sent ex Air Force chief S P Tyagi, arrested in Rs 450 crore Agusta Westland bribery case in procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters, to CBI custody for 4 days after the investigation agency said he was needed to be quizzed to unearth a “very large conspiracy having international ramifications”. Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Khaitan and the former air force chief’s cousin Sanjeev Tyagi were also sent to police custody till Dec 14. This is the first time a retired service chief has been arrested in India’s military history. Tyagi, who retired in 2007, was called for questioning to CBI headquarters along with Khaitan and Sanjeev Tyagi. HT
Avoid wrapping food in a newspaper? It is very harmful, says FSSAI
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/do-you-often-wrap-food-in-a-newspaper-it-is-very-harmful/articleshow/55904767.cms?from=mdr
New Delhi: Wrapping food items in newspaper is bad for your health as its ink has multiple bioactive materials with known negative health effects, FSSAI said on Friday. "Wrapping food in newspapers is an unhealthy practice and the consumption of such food is injurious to health, even if the food has been cooked hygienically," Food, Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) said in an advisory."Printing inks may also contain harmful colours, pigments, binders, additives, and preservatives. Besides chemical contaminants, presence of pathogenic micro organisms in used newspapers also poses potential risk to human health," the advisory said. It also said that even paper/cardboard boxes made of recycled paper may be contaminated with harmful chemicals like phthalate which can cause digestive problems and also lead to severe toxicity."Older people, teenagers, children and people with compromised vital organs and immune systems are at a greater risk of acquiring cancer-related health complications, if they are exposed to food packed in such material," it warned.
AIADMK claims 280 persons died of 'shock' over Jayalalithaa's demise so far
http://www.firstpost.com/india/aiadmk-claims-280-persons-died-of-shock-over-jayalalithaas-demise-so-far-3149676.html
Chennai: On Saturday, ruling AIADMK released a list of 203 deceased persons, saying they died of "shock" over the demise of party supremo and ex-Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa on 5 Dec., taking the number of toll in this regard to 280. The party HQRS released the list containing the names of 203 such deceased persons from different parts of the state, including Chennai, Vellore, Tiruvallore, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Krishnagiri, Erode and Tirupur districts.The party condoled their death and announced a welfare fund of Rs three lakh each to families of the deceased.PTI
Senior functionaries of AIADMK urge Sasikalaa to lead it
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Senior-functionaries-of-AIADMK-urge-Sasikalaa-to-lead-the-party/articleshow/55910057.cms
Chennai: "Senior functionaries of AIADMK have urged thirumathi Sasikalaa to lead the party on the path shown by Puratchi Thalaivi Amma," AIADMK tweeted on Saturday. Strongly defending former CM and party supremo Jayalalithaa's aide VK Sasikalaa, ruling AIADMK said there is nothing wrong in its leaders calling on her.AIADMK organisational secretary C Ponnaiyan answering a question related to state ministers' recent meetings with Sasikalaa, said "even if somebody (belonging to party) met Sasikalaa Amma, what is wrong in it?, Is she not an important member of the party? What you say is wrong."Drawing a distinction between govt-led by AIADMK and the party organisation, he told reporters at the party HQRS here that while the govt was led by O Panneerselvam, the party was steered by elected party bodies."AIADMK is steered by party bodies, including general and executive committees and functionaries at multiple levels and Sasikalaa is a key member," Ponnaiyan, who is also the party spokesperson, said. timesofindia
MP govt refuses to give details of Bhopal encounter
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-govt-refuses-to-give-details-of-simi-encounter/
Bhopal:After taking credit for quickly eliminating “dreaded terrorists” and publicly felicitating police officials and villagers, the state govt has become so circumspect about the Oct.31 shoot-out that it is refusing to disclose the direction in which the 8 men fled and the distance between Bhopal Central Jail and the encounter spot.“Since encounter is being probed, providing specific facts is not accordant with the Code of Criminal Procedure,” Jail Minister Kusum Mehdele told Congress MLA Arif Aqueel in a written reply submitted in Assembly. Congress MLA wanted to know the time of the jailbreak and the encounter, the direction in which they escaped, the distance to the place where they were killed, the charges against them and how they were labelled terrorists when the trials were still on in various courts. The minister justified calling them terrorists on the ground that the eight were booked under UAPA. Mehdele said a judicial commission had been set up and refused to divulge names of policemen involved in the encounter.indianexpress
Asked to discard hijab, Mumbai teacher quits job
http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/101216/asked-to-discard-hijab-mumbai-teacher-quits-job.html
Mumbai: A teacher working with a school in suburban Kurla has resigned alleging that her religious sentiments were being "compromised" due to the directives from her newly appointed senior. Shabina Khan Nazneen (25) resigned on Wednesday, accusing her senior of forcing her to remove burqa and hijab during the teaching period. She cited that it was "not worthy to compromise with her religious sentiments."However, the school management has not accepted her resignation so far and said that a decision would be taken by next week. "I repeatedly requested the senior headmistress and conveyed my anguish to Principal too about how I was being regularly forced to do away with the burqa and hijab. But no one paid heed and so finally I sent my resignation to the Principal on Dec.6," she claimed. Nazneen, who teaches Information Communication Technology to the students, admitted that while other Muslim teachers remove their burqa and hijab while taking classes she is not ready to compromise with this at any cost.Meanwhile, Nazneen has also approached an NGO Jai Ho Foundation. The foundation has written a letter to Education Minister Vinod Tawde. Adil Khatri, trustee of the foundation, said, "This is in violation of her fundamental right to religion and personal liberty. We have urged minister to initiate an enquiry into the matter and act against the wrong-doers." asianage
Mumbai teacher resigns after harassment over hijab,
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/mumbai-teacher-resigns-after-harassment-over-hijab-school-refutes-allegations/story-pmfRomb8HgiLDsqNBtPYnL.html
Yashwant Sinha-led delegation visits Kashmir again, meets separatist leaders
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/yashwant-sinha-led-delegation-visits-kashmir-again-meets-separatist-leaders/story-762Uvx5xeu8QoLKXsikH2H.html
A delegation headed by ex Union finance minister Yashwant Sinha arrived in Srinagar on Saturday to continue its efforts to “empathise with the people of Kashmir”. Delegation members went to the residence of senior Shia separatist leader Aga Hassan Badgami in Badgam district immediately after landing at the Srinagar airport. They are likely to meet other separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik in the evening.This is the second visit of Sinha-led delegation to Kashmir since late October.IANS
J-K CM Mehbooba walks out of meeting after tiff with BJP minister: Sources
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/j-k-cm-mehbooba-mufti-walks-out-of-meeting-after-rift-with-bjp-minister-sources/story-xHhxHEXnev45vvxKlaQEPP.html
J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti left a Cabinet meeting midway after a rift with a BJP minister over police service restructure.The CM , who had the rift with the BJP minister over her proposal to restructure the Kashmir Police Service (KPS) officers’ cadre, left the meeting midway, a source privy to the meeting said. She became angry over the issue and immediately left the meeting hall and the secretariat, the source said.As soon as the CM left the secretariat, the meeting was shifted to the office of deputy CM Nirmal Singh. Hindustantimes
US religious freedom official's visit to India follows criticism
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/us-religious-freedom-official-s-visit-to-india-follows-criticism-116121000167_1.html
New York: A US religious freedom official is to visit India next week on the heels of criticism by Congressional leaders on restrictions on a Christian organisation funding activities in India. New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are on the itinerary of David Saperstein, the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, who will discuss religious freedom with govt officials, civil society representatives, and leaders of both majority and minority religious communities, the State Department said on Friday.IANS
US passes bill declaring India ‘major defence partner’
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-congress-passes-bill-declaring-india-major-defence-partner/story-ZQwVeTJg01mMecC4eAqf7J.html
New Delhi: US Senate passed a defence bill that, among other things, declared India a “major defence partner”, as ministers of the two countries wrapped negotiations about the exact contours of the designation that is unique to both.Though the designation was announced by the Obama administration in June and details were being worked out, the legislation – the National Defense Authorization Act, 2017 – codified it, locking in all future administrations. hindustantimes
UP polls in Feb-Mar? EC tells govt to change dates for board exams
http://www.hindustantimes.com/assembly-elections/ec-directive-to-change-board-exam-dates-spurs-speculation-over-up-poll-schedule/story-HMgCtrVs5RNqI2U5in2WYN.html
Will the UP assembly elections be held through February and March, or April and May? Election Commission (EC) on Friday directed the state govt to send across a fresh schedule of the high school and intermediate board examinations by December 15, generating widespread speculation on likely dates for the upcoming polls. Jitendra Kumar, principal secretary of the state secondary education department, said UP Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) had earlier announced that the board examinations would be held from Feb.16 to March 20. “However, in keeping with the EC’s directive, UPMSP will prepare a fresh schedule and send it to the poll panel for approval,” he added. hindustantimes
Post-demonetisation, madrasas see spurt in donations: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, WB
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/post-demonetisation-madrasas-see-spurt-in-donations-jamaat-e-islami-hind-4417892/
Kolkata:The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes benefited madrasas across the country, Md Nooruddin, president of the state Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) said on the sidelines of an event here on Thursday. “Many people who had money in those denominations paid a huge amount of the currency to madrasas overnight. We have received reports from across the country that donations received by madrasas have gone up considerably after the demonetisation announcement,” Nooruddin said.He added that JIH too had received donations in those denominations. “We had planned to print some books, the cost of which was an estimated Rs 18 lakh. When we approached people for donations, they said that they were ready to donate, but only in old currency. We received donations amounting to Rs 5-7 lakh in old notes,” he said. JIH leader further said they would carry out several programmes across the country between Dec.9 and 23 to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. indianexpress
Delhi HC slams police for failure to trace missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-HC-slams-police-for-failure-to-trace-missing-JNU-student-Najeeb-Ahmed/articleshow/55896596.cms
New Delhi: Delhi high court on Friday slammed the police for remaining clueless about missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, who has remained untraced for 55 days, asking how can a man just "vanish suddenly".Maintaining that it was concerned with the recovery of the boy whose mother has been running from pillar to post to be united with her son, the court said a situation, in which a missing person has not been traced for over 50 days, would create a sense of insecurity among the people."It is over 50 days. Still you (police) do not know about his whereabouts. How can somebody vanish suddenly and police have no clue about it? Even if we think of the worst, something has to be found out. We are pained that the missing person has not been traced till date," a bench of Justices G S Sistani and Vinod Goel said.PTI
55 days after Najeeb went missing, JNU identifies students guilty of scuffling with him, decides to change their hostel
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/55-days-after-student-najeeb-ahmad-went-missing-jnu-identifies-the-students-guilty-of-scuffling-with-him-decides-to-change-their-hostel?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: After 55 days of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed went missing, varsity administration has decided an immediate transfer of the students from their hostel who were reportedly involved in scuffle with Najeeb on the night of 14th Oct. Chief Proctor of JNU in the enquiry report submitted to the VC, has also recommended that a strong warning should be issued to these students against repeating such scuffle in future. Interestingly, in the latest press note released from the Office of Dean of the Students neither has mentioned the names of the students nor that how many students the transfer order has been served to.IndiaTomorrow
Maha: Muslims organisations present charter of demands seeking reservation in education, jobs
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/muslims-organisations-present-charter-of-demands-seeking-reservation-in-education-jobs/articleshow/55906064.cms
Nashik: Muslim organisations presented a charter of demands to the collectorate seeking reservation for Muslims in education and employment which will contribute for their social upliftment. "Gopal Commission, Sacchar Commission, Ranganath Mishra Commission, Mehmood Durrani Committee formed by the govt of India at the various points have all advocated constructive activities for the development of the Muslim community, but the govt s have failed to provide any solution," Muslim Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti, said.TOI
Maha Govt resolves to give quota to Marathas, but not Muslims: Mid Day
http://www.mid-day.com/articles/govt-resolves-to-give-quota-to-marathas-but-not-muslims/17819195
Nagpur: Following a 2-day debate in the state legislature, the state govt has reiterated its resolve to give a 16% quota to the Maratha community, but refused to grant a similar sop to Muslims saying that it would defy a constitutional provision that reservations cannot be given on the basis of religion.In his reply that lasted almost two hours on Friday, CM Devendra Fadnavis said that his govt was able to do what the previous govt had failed in terms of making a strong case for Maratha reservation in the Bombay High Court. He said the govt has gathered historic and contemporary evidence to prove that the Maratha community was socially and economically backward.
BJP touts about Muslim, Dhangar reservation
http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/101216/bjp-touts-about-muslim-dhangar-reservation.html
The proposed marriage of Tina Dabi and Athar: A milestone in Dalit-Muslim unity
http://muslimmirror.com/eng/the-proposed-marriage-of-tina-dabi-and-athar-a-milestone-in-dalit-muslim-unity/
DEMONETISATION-ECONOMY
Before demonetisation, mystery of Rs 3-lakh Crore deposits in 15 days
http://thewire.in/85629/mystery-demonetisation-rs-3-lakh-crore-deposits-15-days/
New Delhi:From Sept.16 to 30, a staggering Rs 3.03 lakh crore of time deposits – fixed and recurring – were made at banks. This has never happened in any fortnight since Jan.2001. Sept.16 is also the date from which the RBI, in a rare later decision, chose to implement an incremental Cash Reserve Ratio rule of 100%, retrospectively. RBI said this was done to impound additional cash flowing into banks, assessing the impact of demonetisation, which was announced only on the night of Nov.8.Clearly, then, RBI was aware that enough deposits – liquidity in bank parlance – were available with banks from Sept.16.What is also intriguing is that in the fortnight after Sept.30, as much as Rs 1.2 lakh crore of time deposits were liquidated. This is again unprecedented. More, these liquidated deposits do not show up in saving or current accounts in the fortnight report of Oct.14. In fact, these latter deposits also dipped by Rs 1.22 lakh crore over the same fortnight.To understand this, Business Standard sent detailed queries to the ministry of finance and RBI, on these series of exceptional deposits and withdrawals. Neither replied. thewire
Delhi gold outlet logs Rs 75-crore cash sales in 4 hrs on night of Nov 8
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/demonetisation-cash-ban-one-delhi-gold-outlet-logged-rs-75-crore-cash-sales-in-4-hrs-on-night-of-november-8-4419680/?google_editors_picks=true
One Delhi Trader Sold ₹100 cr Worth Gold In Just 4 Hours, Right After PM's Demonetisation Announcement
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/12/10/one-delhi-trader-sold-100-cr-worth-gold-in-just-4-hours-right/?utm_hp_ref=in-news
Banks on a 3-day holiday: How to meet your daily needs being cashless?
http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/banking-finance/banks-on-a-3-day-holiday-how-to-meet-your-daily-needs-being-cashless/470358/?google_editors_picks=true
RSS labour wing BMS hits out at Modi: 'Note ban has failed completely'
http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/rss-labour-wing-bms-hits-out-at-modi-note-ban-has-failed-completely-1481301261.html
It has been a month since PM Narendra Modi announced the scrapping of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes. While making the announcement, he had said that this would "strengthen the hands of the common man in the fight against corruption, black money and fake currency".However, Baij Nath Rai, president of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), labour wing of the RSS, criticised PM for his 'ill-prepared move', and said the demonetisation exercise had failed completely.BMS is India's largest central trade union organisation, and one of its objectives is to "assist workers in organising themselves in trade unions as a medium of service to the motherland irrespective of faiths and political affinities".
Plastic money to be introduced from 2017 on pilot basis: MoS Finance
http://www.tehelka.com/2016/12/plastic-money-to-be-introduced-from-2017-on-pilot-basis-mos-finance/?google_editors_picks=true
Centre on Friday told Parliament that they have taken a decision to print plastic currency from next year, albeit on a pilot basis, and raw material for the same is being purchased. “The bank notes are proposed to be based on plastic or polymer substrate. The raw material is being purchased,” said Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal. tehelka
'Do you need judicial order to pay money?' Supreme Court raps govt on NOT being able to solve currency ban
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4018774/Do-need-judicial-order-pay-money-Supreme-Court-raps-govt -NOT-able-solve-currency-ban.html
Not happy with the pace of steps being taken to alleviate people's suffering, the Supreme Court asked the Centre why even a month after demonetisation, it was not even able to ensure that people got at least the Rs 24,000 they were allowed to withdraw a week from banks or ATMs.'We could have said raise the weekly limit from Rs 24,000 to Rs 50,000.' 'But then you say you don't have the notes and printing will take time. If you have agreed to Rs 24,000, at least ensure that people are given that. At least allow people to withdraw Rs 10,000.' 'Can you do that or you need a judicial order?' a bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi who represented the Centre. DailyMail
8 Times Supreme Court's Statements On Demonetisation Echoed India's Confusion And Frustration
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/12/10/8-times-the-supreme-courts-statements-on-demonetisation-echoed/?utm_hp_ref=in-news
India's foreign exchange reserves go down by $1.4 billion
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/55897244.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Income Tax staff bodies cry over manpower blues to Modi
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/i-t-staff-bodies-cry-over-manpower-blues-to-pm-modi-116120901056_1.html
'Demonetisation is biggest scam in Indian history': Rahul Gandhi promises to invoke an 'earthquake' if allowed to reveal Real reasons behind note ban
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4018754/Demonetisation-biggest-scam-Indian-history-Rahul-Gandhi-promises-invoke-earthquake-allowed-reveal-REAL-reasons-note-ban.html
India should brace for tough period due to demonetisation: Manmohan Singh
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/55892679.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Demonetisation side effects: While you waited in bank queues for hours, here is where your money truly was
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/demonetisation-side-effects-while-you-waited-in-bank-queues-for-hours-here-is-where-your-money-truly-was/469628/
Demonetisation side effects: While you waited in bank queues for hours, here is where your money truly was
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/demonetisation-side-effects-while-you-waited-in-bank-queues-for-hours-here-is-where-your-money-truly-was/469628/
Rs 40 lakh in new currency notes seized from ‘anti-corruption society’ president’s car
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rs-40-lakh-in-new-currency-notes-seized-from-anti-corruption-society-presidents-car-4417601/
New Delhi:As the common man continues to queue up before banks and ATMs in the hope of withdrawing money within the limits set by the RBI, a few appear to have rigged the system as the number of arrests of those found in possession of huge bundles of unaccounted cash has multiplied since the new Rs 2000 note was introduced. Over Rs 40 lakh was seized in Hoshangabad, MP on Thursday, ABP Hindi reported. Police allegedly confiscated the large sum of money from a white-coloured Innova car with a fancy number plate, bearing the registration number MP04 BC 2505. The words ‘President of anti-corruption society’ adorn the number plate in thick gold lettering. The new currency notes, stuffed in a black cloth bag, were mostly in higher denominations. indianexpress
Demonetisation: ‘Behead PM Modi, Amit Shah, take home rewards,’ announces SP leader Tarun Deo
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/sp-leader-announces-reward-for-beheading-pm-narendra-modi-amit-shah/470128/
New Delhi; A Baghpat-based Sawajwadi Party leader has announced “appropriate reward” for beheading of PM Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Tarun Deo Yadav, former SP youth wing president of Baghpat district, made the announcement via a hand-written note. The leader alleged Modi and Shah of creating an Emergency-like situation” through demonetisation and held them responsible for the 2002 Godhra riots. “These 2 Jallads (Executioner) are being on creating Godhra like situation in the country,” he said in the statement. Financial express
BJP hard-sells cashless theory to Muslims, gets back reality dose
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/BJP-hard-sells-cashless-theory-to-Muslims-gets-back-reality-dose/articleshow/55902091.cms
Tomato on its toe: At 50 paise a kg, Chhattisgarh farmers prefer crushing their produce under trucks: indiatoday
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tomato-fifty-paisa-demonetisation-chhattisgarh-marathwada-bihar/1/831298.html
WORLD
Saudi to remove Muslim Brotherhood from terrorist lists
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161208-saudi-to-remove-muslim-brotherhood-from-terrorist-lists/#.WEqlAFgYmtE.facebook
Saudi Arabia plans to remove the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt from terrorist lists.The group was banned in the kingdom in March 2014.Senior-level sources stated that there has recently been discussions and meetings held in London, Riyadh, and Istanbul between Muslim Brotherhood officials and representatives of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz’s govt resulting in the possibility of removing the group’s name from the terrorist lists in exchange for understandings between Saudi and the Brotherhood’s international organisation.The sources noted that the decision expected to be made soon will be followed by a group of measures including lifting the restrictions imposed on individuals affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood inside Saudi Arabia, unfreezing millions of dollars belonging to the individuals in Saudi banks, and removing any obstacles preventing individuals affiliated with the group from entering Saudi territories.They added that Egyptian-Saudi relations have been tense since Egypt voted in favour of a Russian project regarding the situation in Syria in UNSC. Saudi responded to the vote by stopping oil shipments to Egypt. This may have contributed to facilitating the Muslim Brotherhood’s mission to normalise relations with Riyadh.According to the sources, the normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and the Brotherhood will not be limited to removing the group’s name from the terrorist lists, but will be followed by political support for the group and the intervention of international parties to impose a reconciliation with the Egyptian govt and reintegrate the group into the political scene due to Saudi Arabia’s desire to direct harsh blows to the govt .middleeastmonitor
200 Egyptian troops in Syria to back Assad regime
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161208-200-egyptian-troops-in-syria-to-back-regime/
Egypt has sent 200 military officers and advisors to Syria to help the regime with security coordination, Jordanian Assabeel newspaper reported yesterday.Reporting the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which has close ties to Hezbollah, Assabeel said that the Egyptian military officers and advisors are distributed among a number of centres, including a centre in the headquarters of the Syrian regime in Damascus.The paper said that this plan came after an official visit made by the Chief of the Syrian National Security Bureau Brigadier General Ali Mamlook and a senior intelligence delegation which visited Cairo.It is also reported that Russia supports coordination and cooperation between the two countries. middleeastmonitor
Egypt excludes Brotherhood prisoners from pardon list
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161209-egypt-excludes-muslim-brotherhood-prisoners-from-pardon-list/
The second list of pardoned prisoners in Egypt will not include members of the Muslim Brotherhood detained on “charges of committing acts of violence”, a member of an Egyptian committee tasked with reviewing potential prisoners for pardon has said. Osama Al-Ghazali Harb said the Muslim Brotherhood is waging “a fierce war against President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi outside of Egypt, and the commission will contribute to providing a true picture of the state abroad.” middleeastmonitor
Morsi’s family denounce arrest of his son
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161209-morsis-family-denounce-arrest-of-his-son/
The family of Egypt’s ex-President Mohamed Morsi yesterday denounced the arrest of his son Osama at the hands of Egyptian authorities.Osama’s brother, Ahmed said:“Arrest of Osama, who is our family spokesman, is a new crime against the president’s family and a continuation of the harassment against the president and his rights.”The family demanded “the free world” reject and condemn Osama’s arrest, adding that “settling scores with the family will not deter the president.” Osama was arrested from his home yesterday in the Sharkiya province.No reasons were given for his arrest. middleeastmonitor
Turkey drops case against Israelis over Gaza-bound ship storming
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/turkey-court-drops-case-against-israelis-over-ship-storming-116121000008_1.html
Istanbul: An Istanbul court today dropped a case against four top former Israeli commanders who were being tried in absentia over the 2010 deadly storming of a Turkish ship bound for Gaza that caused an over half-decade crisis in ties. Ten Turkish citizens lost their lives as a result of the raid that saw Israeli commandos storm the Mavi Marmara ship. But dropping the charges was a key pillar of a deal agreed between Israel and Turkey this June to normalise bilateral ties. Deal had been keenly supported by Turkey's NATO ally the US which has always supported the key alliance between Israel and overwhelmingly Muslim Turkey. AFP
Turkey drops case against Israelis over Mavi Marmara
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/181456/turkey-drops-case-against-israelis-over-mavi-marmara
Russia tried to help Trump win White House:CIA report
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/obama-orders-review-of-russian-hacking-during-presidential-campaign/2016/12/09/31d6b300-be2a-11e6-94ac-3d324840106c_story.html?utm_term=.f787a40e1f8d
CIA has concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 election to help Donald Trump win presidency, rather than just to undermine confidence in the US electoral system, according to officials briefed on the matter. Intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to Russian govt who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from Democratic National Committee and others, including Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman, according to US officials. Those officials described the individuals as actors known to the intelligence community and part of a wider Russian operation to boost Trump and hurt Clinton’s chances.“It is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia’s goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected,” said a senior US official briefed on an intelligence presentation made to US senators. “That’s the consensus view.”Obama administration has been debating for months how to respond to the alleged Russian intrusions, with White House officials concerned about escalating tensions with Moscow and being accused of trying to boost Clinton’s campaign.In September, during a secret briefing for congressional leaders, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voiced doubts about the veracity of the intelligence, according to officials present. washingtonpost
Russia interfered in U.S. election to help Trump win: report
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Russia-interfered-in-U.S.-election-to-help-Trump-win-report/article16789588.ece?homepage=true
Fall of Aleppo to lead to tighter Iran, Syria grip on Lebanon
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161210-fall-of-aleppo-will-lead-to-tighter-iran-syria-grip-on-lebanon/
Bashar Al-Assad’s imminent victory in Aleppo will increase Syrian and Iranian influence in Lebanon, a leading Lebanese Druze politician said yesterday, as Al-Assad said Lebanon could not remain unscathed by regional conflicts.Syrian army and allied forces have made rapid gains against anti-Assad regime opposition’s main urban stronghold in Aleppo in the past two weeks, and look closer than ever to taking the city at the heart of a conflict now in its sixth year.“Assad will win in Aleppo, benefiting from the fact that most of the international community has given up on the Syrian people. Then he will destroy Idlib,” said Walid Jumblatt, the main political leader of the minority Druze community in Lebanon. middleeastmonitor
UN adopts opposition initiative in Aleppo
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161210-un-adopts-opposition-initiative-in-aleppo/
Syria: US to send troops to help seize Raqqa from IS
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38274191
US is sending 200 more military personnel to help fight the Islamic State group in its Syrian stronghold of Raqqa, US defence secretary says.Speaking at talks on Middle East security, Ash Carter said the troops would include special forces trainers, advisers and bomb disposal teams.They will join 300 US special forces who are already in Syria.Last month a US-backed coalition of Kurdish and Arab fighters said it had begun an operation to capture Raqqa.
Turkey to step up offensive against IS, 300 commandos enter Syria
http://www.firstpost.com/world/turkey-to-step-up-offensive-against-islamic-state-300-commandos-enter-syria-3148276.html
Istanbul: Turkey is sending hundreds of commandos to reinforce its military campaign inside Syria, where the Turkish army has suffered increasing casualties in its fight to capture a key town from IS jihadists, reports said on Friday.A total of 300 commandos from a base in the western Turkish province of Denizli were first taken in buses to a military airport and then to the border region in military planes to join the Turkish-led operation, Anadolu agency reported.AFP
IS lost 50,000 fighters over last 2 years: US military
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/islamic-state-lost-50-000-fighters-two-years-mosul-aleppo/1/830674.html
A US-led coalition was initiated to fight in Iraq and Syria two years ago. According to a US military official, since then, as many as 50,000 militants from so-called Islamic State have been killed.Not talking in excess, the senior official described the figure as a "conservative estimate".IndiaToday
IS kill 49 Syria regime fighters near Palmyra: monitor
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/islamic-state-jihadists-kill-49-syria-regime-fighters-near-palmyra-monitor/story-NJyG2q8cq0tfAuAAqQLnEK.html
Beirut: Islamic State group jihadists have killed at least 49 members of Syrian govt forces in 24 hours of fighting near the desert city of Palmyra, a monitor said on Friday.They included 15 Syrian soldiers and allied fighters killed in a Friday morning ambush near the Mahr oil field, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.IS fighters launched simultaneous attacks on several govt positions in the eastern desert of Homs province on Thursday, including areas near the Mahr and Shaar oil and gas fields.It has seized govt checkpoints, silos and the village of Jazal, northwest of Palmyra, in ongoing assault, it said.AFP
IS seizes more ground near Syria's Palmyra - monitor
http://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-palmyra-idINKBN13Y1R5
Syrian army battles ISIL on the edge of Palmyra
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/syrian-army-isil-palmyra-161210101937654.html
Dutch court convicts anti-Islam politician Wilders of inciting discrimination
http://in.reuters.com/article/netherlands-wilders-idINKBN13Y16J
A Dutch court on Friday convicted politician Geert Wilders of insulting a group and inciting discrimination, but it imposed no penalty on him.The charges stem from a 2014 incident in which Wilders led supporters to chant that they wanted "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!" Moroccans in the Netherlands. reuters
US: Bloodied pig carcass dumped outside Islamic center
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-bloodied-pig-carcass-dumped-outside-oklahoma-islamic-center/story-p5jyqrNhOTnJf8TaHOZzjM.html
Authorities are investigating after the carcass of a wild hog was dumped in the parking lot of an Islamic center in Oklahoma. Lawton Police spokesman Sgt. Tim Jenkins says security cameras showed a person dropping the carcass at about 2 a.m. Wednesday at the Islamic Center of Lawton, about 75 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. HT
Germany: some Muslim refugees convert to Christianity
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/In-Germany-some-Muslim-refugees-convert-to-Christianity/articleshow/55909498.cms
Berlin: Clad in white at a Berlin church, asylum seekers Saeed, Veronica, Farida and Matin were just about to become Christians on a recent Sunday."Do you believe from the bottom of your heart that Jesus Christ is your Lord and saviour, and will you follow him every day of your life?" Pastor Matthias Linke asked them. "If so, say yes."All 4 replied with a frank "Ja", to enthusiastic applause of the faithful at Free Evangelical Church, and were plunged head-to-toe into a baptism basin.afp
UN calls on Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi to halt 'ethnic cleansing' of Rohingya Muslims: independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/burma-rohingya-myanmar-muslims-united-nations-calls-on-suu-kyi-a7465036.html#gallery
Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize winner and head of Burma's young govt , has been called upon by the UN to "listen to her inner voice" and halt the violence against the persecuted Rohingya minority.At least 10,000 members of the Muslim ethnic group have been driven across the Bangladeshi border by threat of violence in recent weeks.Rape, arson and slaughter of dozens of civilians have also been documented, and a closed military zone has been declared in the northern state of Rakhine,which is home to around 1,400,000 Rohingya.
Burmese military killed 7 of my children:Rohingya refugee
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/10/burmese-military-killed-seven-of-my-children-says-rohingya-refugee
Noor Ayesha held her last surviving daughter tight as their boat crossed into Bangladeshi waters. She left behind a firebombed home, a dead husband, 7 slain children and the soldiers who raped her.“A group of about 20 of them appeared in front of my house,” the 40-year-old Rohingya woman recalled of the morning in mid-Oct when her village was invaded by hundreds of Burmese govt troops. “They ordered all of us to come out in the courtyard. They separated five of our children and forced them into one of our rooms and put on the latch from outside. Then they fired a ‘gun-bomb’ on that room and set it on fire.“5 of my children were burnt to death by the soldiers. They killed my 2 daughters after raping them. They also killed my husband and raped me.” theguardian
Muslim scholars urge solidarity with Myanmar’s Rohingya
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/181443/muslim-scholars-urge-solidarity-with-myanmars-rohingya
Qatar-based International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) has called on Muslims worldwide to stage a "Friday of rage" Dec. 9 to show solidarity with Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority.In a statement released late Thursday, the IUMS said it was "following the unfortunate circumstances faced by the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar".World Bulletin
Israel approves 770 housing units in illegal settlement
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161210-israel-approves-770-housing-units-in-illegal-settlement/
Israeli Planning and Construction Committee approved the construction of 770 housing units in the illegal Gilo settlement in the south of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, according to Israeli sources.Rachel Greenspan, a spokesperson for the Jerusalem municipality, told Ma’an that the building plans were approved in 2013, and were “currently undergoing routine processes of allocation regarding roads and public spaces.”Greenspan added that the municipality “continues to work according to the city’s master plan and will continue to develop Jerusalem for the benefit of all residents, Jewish and Arab alike.” Middleeastmonitor
Committee: Israel ‘deliberately’ tries to kill Palestinian hunger strikers
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161210-palestinian-committee-israel-deliberately-tries-to-kill-palestinian-hunger-strikers/
Iraq: Sunni MP assassinated in roadside ambush
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161210-iraq-sunni-mp-assassinated-in-roadside-ambush/
A Sunni Arab lawmaker has been killed in a roadside ambush by “unidentified gunmen” today as his convoy travelled near the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah in Dhi Qar province, sources in Iraq have revealed.According to sources Abduladheem Al-Ajman, a Sunni Arab MP, was in his car when gunmen opened fire. Al-Ajman’s driver was hit by the hail of gunfire, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. middleeastmonitor
Qatar acquires stakes in Russian state oil firm
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161209-qatar-acquires-stakes-in-russian-state-oil-firm/
Qatar’s Investment Authority (QIA) and Swiss Commodity trading Glencore have agreed to acquire 19.5% of Russia’s largest oil-producer, Rosnet.The deal is worth €10.2 billion ($11.3 billion), US Bloomberg Economic reported. middleeastmonitor
India abstains from voting on UN General Assembly resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Syria
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-abstains-from-voting-on-un-general-assembly-resolution-on-syria/story-HohBiZT6b379TaQRByttxJ.html
India along with 35 other nations abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Syria and urgent aid deliveries in the war-ravaged country. The Canada-led resolution, which expressed “outrage” at the escalation of violence in Syria, particularly war-battered Aleppo, was adopted by a vote of 122 in favour, 13 against and 36 abstentions on Friday.Indian diplomatic sources told PTI that India abstained from voting on the resolution in line with its traditional approach that it does not mix humanitarian issues with political issues.The sources said the resolution had several elements mixed up -- the humanitarian elements mixed with a large amount of political elements, which are “contentious”.“The resolution had elements addressing the humanitarian situation mixed with political viewpoints of the sponsors which made for an uncomfortable cocktail. Consequently we abstained in line with our approach that is for a delineation of humanitarian issues from the politics of a situation,” the sources said.193-member Assembly adopted the resolution demanding an immediate and complete end to all attacks on civilians as well as an end to all sieges in the war-ravaged country.The Assembly also expressed grave concern at the continued deterioration of the devastating humanitarian situation in the country and demanded “rapid, safe, sustained, unhindered and unconditional humanitarian access throughout the country for UN...and all humanitarian actors.”The resolution in the General Assembly comes just days after UNSC failed to adopt a similar resolution demanding a ceasefire in Aleppo, as 2 of its permanent members, China and Russia, cast their vetoes. China, Russia, Iran and Syria voted against the General Assembly resolution, while Bangladesh, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, Pakistan and Nepal abstained.HT/PTI
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:39 PM)
