Evening NEWS DIGEST
02 Jan.2017: 03 Rabius Sani 1438: Vol:8, No:78
INDIA
Politicians cannot seek votes in name of religion, caste or creed: Supreme Court on Hindutva case
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/politicians-cannot-seek-votes-in-name-of-caste-creed-or-religion-supreme-court/articleshow/56288938.cms
New Delhi: Politicians are barred from seeking votes in the name of religion, caste or creed the Supreme Court ruled today in a landmark judgment, ahead of crucial assembly polls+ in five states. The court also ruled that seeking votes in this manner will be deemed a corrupt practice and not permissible. The court's bench said today by a 4:3majority that elections are a secular exercise and that the relationship between people and whom they worship is an individual choice. Therefore, the state is forbidden to interfere in such an activity, the court said. A 7-judge constitution bench passed the verdict in the Hindutva case after hearing arguments from various petitioners/ respondents. The SC was examining a politically explosive question arising out of a plea filed in 1990. That question - Will a religious leader's appeal to his followers to vote for a particular political party amount to electoral malpractice under Section 123 of the Representation of People Act. The court gave a wider meaning to Section 123 of the Act to stamp out the use of religion and community affiliation from elections.TOI
Supreme Court historic verdict: Politicians can’t use religion, caste, creed or language for votes
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/supreme-court-historic-verdict-hindutva-case-politicians-cant-use-religion-caste-creed-or-language-for-votes/493633/
Supreme Court terms seeking votes on basis of religion illegal, but top court isn't laying down a new format
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/supreme-court-terms-seeking-votes-on-basis-of-religion-illegal-but-top-court-isnt-laying-down-a-new-format-3184292.html
Religious groups Jamaat, VHP hail Supreme Court ruling on caste, creed religion vote
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/religious-groups-hail-supreme-court-ruling-on-caste-creed-vote-4455629/
New Delhi: Religious organisations across the ideological divide welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on Monday barring political parties and candidates from seeking votes in the name of religion, caste, community, race or language. VHP said that the politics based on caste, community and religion has harmed the country.“Vote bank politics should be curbed by this decision. This judgement may prove a landmark in nation-building,” VHP leader added. On the other side of the divide, Jamat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) said the prohibition to use religion etc. to garner vote should be strictly implemented. “Although the Supreme Court ruling was not something new as the existing law already bars people from stoking communal sentiments to get votes, but now this order should be implemented in letter and spirit,” JIH Secretary General Mohammed Salim Engineer said.He said that the SC took notice of it was an evidence of the fact that such practice by political parties and candidates have been “rampant”.IANS
No coercive action against man who married minor Muslim girl: Gujarat HC
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-no-coercive-action-against-man-who-married-minor-muslim-girl-gujarat-hc-2288644
Ahmedabad:The Gujarat High Court has ordered that no coercive action can be taken against a 21-year-old man, who eloped with a 15-year-old Muslim girl and married her in accordance with Sharia law, which holds marriage of a Muslim minor girl who has attained puberty legitimate.Justice JB Pardiwala, however, directed the police to carry out an investigation into the girl's alleged kidnapping after her father, a resident of Jamnagar, filed an FIR against the man, Jainulaabedin Yusuf Ganji.After an FIR was registered on Nov.10, 2016 at Jamnagar's 'A' division police station, Ganji filed an application in the high court for quashing the FIR and produced the 'nikaahnama' (marriage proof) to prove that he had not kidnapped the girl. While seeking relief, he also referred to an earlier order passed by the same court which held marriage of a minor Muslim girl legitimate as she had attained puberty as per the Islamic law. The court, while setting aside his application on Nov.22, 2016, said no coercive action shall be taken against him and directed the police to conduct an investigation, and also file a charge sheet (against Ganji), if deemed fit (on charge of kidnapping). Following this, the girl's father filed a modification application telling the court that Jainulaabedin and his daughter had also signed a live-in-relationship agreement, while arguing that the police had not initiated any investigation into the matter.The court, in its order passed on Dec.26, 2016 said, "Let me remind the investigating officer that this court has not stayed the investigation. All that the court has said is that no coercive steps be taken against the applicant (Jainulaabedin)." Jainulaabedin Ganji had eloped with the girl on Nov.9, 2016 from Jamnagar, and the same day, the two formalised their marriage as per Sharia law and also entered into a live-in-relationship agreement, apparently to make sure that their action was legitimate.PTI
Muslim minor can legally wed, but can’t sign agreement: Gujarat HC
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/muslim-minor-can-legally-wed-but-cant-sign-agreement-hc/articleshow/56284404.cms
Gujarat HC Says No Coercive Action Against Man Who Eloped With 15-Year-Old Muslim Girl
http://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/gujarat-hc-says-no-coercive-action-against-man-who-eloped-with-15-year-old-muslim-girl/963628
Supreme Court to hear plea on beef ban case
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-on-beef-ban-case-4455152/
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will on Monday hear a plea filed by Congress leader Tehseen Poonawalla demanding a ban on ‘gau rakshaks’, who are active in several states — especially those ruled by the BJP that have strict cow protection law. The apex court earlier agreed to examine rising cow vigilantism across states following a string of recent cases of violence, especially against Dalits and Muslims, by members of bovine-protection groups.Poonawalla, in his plea, said violence committed by these ‘Gau Raksha’ groups have reached to such proportions that even PM Narendra Modi declared them as people who are “destroying the society”..ANI
Chief Justice Thakur slams Modi govt for ‘sitting’ over transfer of HC judges
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/hc-judges/90221/
The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Centre as why judges and chief justices of high courts are not being transfered despite the recommendations of the collegium and asked it to file a status report on such pending transfers with detailed reasons in two weeks.The apex court said it gives rise to “speculation and misgivings” due to continuance of such judges in the same high court and instead of sitting over the recommendation, the Centre should return back to the collegium for reconsideration.PTI
Delhi HC seeks J&K, Centre’s response on J&K HC judge not taking oath to Constitution of India
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-hc-seeks-jk-centres-response-on-jk-hc-judge-not-taking-oath-to-constitution-of-india/
New Delhi:The Delhi High court on Monday asked the Advocate General for J&K, as well as the Central govt to respond on the issue of whether a plea challenging a provision of the Constitution of India that protects J&K from automatic application of all laws and constitutional amendments can be heard by the Delhi High court. The bench of chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita DHingra Sehgal noted that it found it “appropriate” to get a response from the Center and the J&K govt since the petitioners alleged that the Judges of the J&K High court “do not appear to be under oath to uphold the constitution of India.”Senior Advocate Ravindra K Raizada, who was appearing for the petitioners, alleged that “Judges in J&K do not take oath to bear true faith and allegiance to the constitution of India as by law established,” and argued that a question regarding a Constitutional principle could therefore not be heard before the J&K HC.The argument came after the Delhi High court raised the question of why the plea was filed in Delhi and not before the J&K High Court. Indianexpress
JK has 68.31% Muslims,Hindus 28.44 %: Census 2011
http://brighterkashmir.com/jk-has-68-31-muslimshindus-28-44-census-2011/
According to the Census 2011, J&K has population of 1.25 Crores, an increase from figure of 1.01 Crore in 2001 census.The total population of the state according to the last census is 12,541,302 of which male and female are 6,640,662 and 5,900,640 respectively.In terms of the religion, J&K is the India’s only Muslim majority state with approximately 68.31 % of state population following Islam as their religion followed by Hinduism with approximately 28.44 % of population.Christianity is followed by 0.28%, Jainism by 0.02%, Buddhism by 0.90 % and Sikhism by 1.87%. Around 0.01 % stated ‘Other Religion’; approximately 0.16 % stated ‘No Particular Religion’.Total Muslim population in state as per 2011 Census is 8,567,485, followed by Hindus who are 3,566,674 in number. brighterkashmir
J&K governor bats for early resumption of Indo-Pak talks
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-governor-bats-for-early-resumption-of-indo-pak-dialogue-4455988/
In Samajwadi Pari-War for election symbol, cycle could be the biggest casualty
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/samajwadi-pariwar-cycle-election-symbol/1/847594.html?google_editors_picks=true
New Delhi:After being outdone and outmaneuvered by his son Akhilesh Yadav, the dethroned czar of the Samajwadi Party, Mulayam Singh Yadav, is not giving up without a fight.As the Yadav family feud shifts from Lucknow to Delhi, all eyes are now on the Election Commission of India (EC).From occupying party office, now the next round is all about the cycle--the Samajwadi Party's well-known election symbol.Laying first claim to the cycle, Mulayam Singh Yadav and brother Shivpal are meeting EC at 4:30 pm. Mulayam is expected to explain to the poll body that he is still the president of the party and has first claim over the party symbol. Mulayam has already termed Akhilesh's crowning as against party's constitution.Meanwhile, Ram Gopal Yadav, from the Akhilesh camp, the man who is said to be architect of the coup within SP, is also in Delhi. Akhilesh camp, however, is yet to approach EC.indiatoday
Mulayam lonelier, on son Akhilesh’s side are ministers, old aides, family members
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/mulayam-singh-yadav-lonelier-on-sons-side-are-ministers-old-aides-family-members-4454998/
Time for Muslims to teach SP a lesson: Bukhari
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/time-for-muslims-to-teach-sp-a-lesson-bukhari/articleshow/56281960.cms
Rampur: Muslim voters in UP should stop thinking about Samajwadi Party and its leaders as the time has come for the community to consider another option, said Syed Ahmad Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, remarking on the ongoing feud in the ruling party.Speaking with TOI over phone, Bukhari, who had openly supported SP, even sharing the dais with Mulayam Singh Yadav during the 2012 assembly polls, said, "They cheated Muslims and supported BJP in forming a govt at the Centre. Only 5 MPs from Mulayam Singh Yadav's family were sent to the Lok Sabha back then. The SP leaders have failed to address the issues related to the Muslim community, which they promised in their 2012 manifesto." Bukhari said, "Muslims should teach the warring factions within SP a lesson in the upcoming Assembly polls for cheating them. The community should look for an option and not let the leaders take them for granted.""TOI
AIMIM begins civic poll campaign: ‘Rs 7,770 crore of civic budget will be spent for Mumbai Muslims’
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mumbai-civic-polls-aimim-begins-poll-campaign-rs-7770-crore-of-civic-budget-will-be-spent-for-muslims-4454907/
Mumbai: Kicking off his party’s campaign for upcoming civic elections, president of the AIMIM, Asaduddin Owaisi, promised to use Rs 7,770 crore of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s annual budget to provide amenities to the Muslim population in the city. Owaisi and other senior leaders of the party, including Aurangabad MLA Imtiaz Jaleel and Byculla MLA Waris Pathan, addressed a crowd of thousands at a rally at the Nagpada junction Sunday.Highlighting civic issues such as old water pipelines resulting in cases of water contamination, lack of storm water drainage, poor waste management, poor quality of education in municipal schools and poor hospitals, Owaisi said that despite having an annual budget of Rs 37,500 crore, the BMC had failed to fulfill its responsibilities as a planning authority. indianexpress
‘He announced several UPA-era schemes’, Shiv Sena mocks PM Modi’s address
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/he-announced-several-upa-era-schemes-shiv-sena-mocks-pm-modis-address-4455934/
Mumbai:Taking a dig at PM Narendra Modi over his New Year eve address, BJP ally Shiv Sena on Monday said most of the schemes he announced were initiated under the UPA rule, and asked what more “sacrifices” would be required for situation to normalise post note-ban. “People were under the impression that PM Modi would apply balm on the sufferings faced by them. But, it does not seem Modi was very serious while he was addressing the nation. More than 400 people lost their lives standing in queues. Families of all deceased must be cursing the govt ,” an editorial in Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ said. The schemes announced by Modi hold no value for families of those who lost their lives, the ruling ally said. “Many of the schemes announced by Modi are old and have been running since UPA regime. For instance, Rs 6,000 announced for women (who undergo institutional delivery) is already running since 2013 under Food Security Act,”it said.PTI
Fact check: Modi just extended old schemes in New Year announcement
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/fact-check-pm-modi-just-extended-old-schemes-in-new-year-announcement-117010100447_1.html#.WGnhg9Mdg-E.facebook
DEMONETISATION
NRIs can deposit upto Rs 25,000 by showing old notes to Customs at airport
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/nris-can-deposit-upto-rs-25000-by-showing-old-notes-to-customs-at-airport-117010200424_1.html
New Delhi: NRIs and Indian nationals abroad can deposit up to Rs 25,000 of the demonetised currency during the 3 to 6 month grace period, but only if they show the junked notes to Customs officials at the airport and get declaration form stamped.The declaration will have to be submitted at specified branches of the RBI while depositing the junked currency, a finance ministry notification stated.While the 50-day window for such deposits at banks or post offices ended on Dec.30, the govt has offered a grace period for those who were abroad. The window for Indian nationals who were travelling abroad is untill March 31 and for NRIs, it is June 30, 2017.This facility, however, is "subject to Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations,2015. According to these regulations, bringing back such currency into the country is restricted to Rs 25,000 per person".Those returning from Nepal and Bhutan are not permitted to carry specified bank notes (SBNs) of old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.PTI
OTHERS
Hope and despair about Islamic banking in India: HT spl
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/hope-and-despair-about-islamic-banking-in-india/story-T1MTU5Ecbl8YiJa2PK2g8K.html
Mumbai:A few months ago, reports that RBI, national banking regulator, was planning to introduce rules that would allow banks to start Islamic banking divisions had excited groups that want these type of financial services in India.Islamic banking is run on religious principles that consider the taking and giving of interest as sin. Customers earn returns on investments through equity, lease rents and dividends. India does not have norms for such services. According to the promoters of this kind of financial service, scriptures of other religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism, mention the taking and paying of interest as wrong. This column had reported that a major public sector bank had announced that it will start a division that will provide interest-free banking. Those hopes have now died down. Last month, Chandrakant Khaire, a Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP), submitted a plea during zero hour in the Lok Sabha opposing an “Islamic window” in the banking system. Syed Zahid Ahmad of Mumbai-based Economic Initiatives, a group that has been campaigning for interest-free banking products, said that Khaire’s views are important because he is a member of the Standing Committee on Finance. Khaire, incidentally, represents Aurangabad, an area with a high proportion of Muslim residents. Khaire’s doubts about interest-free banking largely comes from a misunderstanding that borrowings are free of cost. “If the RBI allows banking without interest, Muslim youth will benefit; where will Hindus go?” said Khaire. “Banking should not be done in the name of religion. There should be a discussion on the subject before such facilities are introduced.” Campaign to promote Islamic banking received another jolt when the minister of state for finance, while replying to a question in the Lok Sabha on Dec.9, said that though Islamic finance was explored by the RBI as one of the ideas for financial inclusion, other schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana and Suraksha Bima Yojna worked too. H Abdur Raqeeb, convenor, National Commitee on Islamic Banking and general secretary, Indian Centre for Islamic Finance, said that the discussion on interest-free banking was made much before the programmes. “We are very disheartened because the RBI has given a road map for interest-free banking.” Raqeeb, who recently wrote to two MPs for the revival of SBI Shariah Fund, said that the RBI’s agenda for the financial year mentioned an alternate system of interest-free banking. “This is to mainstream people who are away from banking because of religious reasons,” said Raqeeb. HT
Muslims asked to donate bank interest to charity
http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/020117/muslims-asked-to-donate-bank-interest-to-charity.html
Mumbai: The Association for Muslim Professionals, an NGO, has started an awareness drive asking Muslims to utilise the interests earned from their bank deposits for charity.As accepting interest in not allowed in Islam according to AMP, the NGO has asked Muslims to give away the interest money in charity so that it can be utilised for education and employment purposes of the youth. Speaking about the NGO’s move, Javed Anand of Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy (IMSD) said, “There is nothing wrong in the interest money being utilised for charity. The fact that the money is being sought for addressing the education and employment issue in the Muslim youth is a good initiative,” said Anand.asian age
Patna: Muslim organisations extend a helping hand to Sikh Guru's 350th birth anniversary celebrations
http://muslimmirror.com/eng/patna-muslim-organisations-extend-a-helping-hand-to-sikhs-prakashotsav
Patna: Nowadays, Patna the capital of Bihar is vivacious and vibrant with the ongoing Prakashotsav- 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh- the 10th Guru of Sikh community.Takhat Sri Harmandir Sahib, considered as the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh is situated in Patna where the Prakashotsav scheduled from 1st to 5th Jan. 2017 will witness the visit of an estimated 5 Lakh devotees from all over the country.Working with the spirit of religious harmony and solidarity two prominent Muslim organizations Jamaat e Islami Hind Bihar and Imaret e Sharia have extended their support to the Sikh pilgrims. Nazim of Imarat e Sharia Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi said that two ambulances and a team of 5 doctors will be ready and available round the clock to provide medical assistance to devotees in case need arises. Rizwan Islahi, the Patna circle Chief of Jamat e Islami Bihar told MuslimMirror.com that tea stalls at different locations along the route have been put up for Sikh pilgrims and refreshments will be provided free of cost.Moreover, stalls have been put up to showcase the oneness of the Creator of all humanity and literature will be distributed mentioning oneness of the Almighty, he added. MuslimMirror.com
Bhopal encounter: All state investigations call my son a terrorist when he was under-trial; want independent investigation, says Mahmooda Bi
http://twocircles.net/2017jan01/1483276209.html#.WGpAoPB97IU
Solapur/Bhopal: Mahmooda Bi, mother of Khalid Muchale, one of the 8 under-trial prisoners encountered on Oct.31, has rejected all the three ongoing state investigations in the case and has petitioned for an independent probe at the Jabalpur High Court. Muchale and seven other under-trial prisoners who were lodged in Bhopal central prison under the allegations of being members of banned organization SIMI were killed in an encounter near Bhopal on the morning of Oct.31.Following this encounter MP govt initially felicitated police officials involved in the encounter killing, but after pressure mounted, it ordered for enquiry into the encounter killing. Presently, MP govt has initiated three investigations: Inquiry entrusted to a Senior IPS Officer and in charge of Special Investigation team at Bhopal, a Magisterial inquiry into the matter by a SDM Baresiya and an inquiry by a retired Judge of MP High Court Justice S K Pande. Subsequent to the controversial encounter, many petitions were filed before Jabalpur High Court including one by Mahmooda Bi praying for an independent probe into the matter. Almost all such petitions have been rejected by the High Court so far maintaining that no interference is required into already initiated inquiries. Mahmooda Bi’s writ is still pending before the High court.Mahmooda Bi has rejected all the investigations directed by MP govt and said, “No matter how many inquiries are initiated to investigate the matter, it will yield no reasonable results unless such inquiries are done out of the influence of the authority whose genuineness in handling the matter is challenged.”“How can it be the fair investigation when the order for probe itself calls my son a ‘SIMI terrorist’ even though he was only an undertrial prison and none of the court ever judged him to be a member of any banned organization?”, she questioned.TCN
Malegaon blasts case: Like Kalsangra, Dange, no trace of 3 Muslims accused
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/malegaon-blasts-case-like-kalsangra-dange-no-trace-of-three-muslims-accused-4454914/
Mumbai:The claims of suspended assistant police inspector Mahiboob Mujawar over the disappearance of Ramchandra Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange, 2 accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, has made the NIA assure a Mumbai court that it would probe the matter. However, Kalsangra and Dange are not the only men who have disappeared after being named as conspirators in the Malegaon bomb blasts cases. 3 Muslim men who were accused of involvement in the 2006 Malegaon blasts — initially deemed to have been caused by SIMI activists — are also ‘missing’. While police records show them as absconding, activists in Malegaon claim their disappearance is far more surprising as all the eight Muslim men who were their co-accused in the case were discharged last year by a Mumbai court. Maharashtra ATS and then the CBI had chargesheeted 13 Muslim men for their role in the 2006 Malegaon blasts. A total of 9 were arrested, while 4 others, including a Pakistani, were declared absconders. The 3 Indians include Munawwar Ahmed — the then 36-year-old who was accused of being one of the main conspirators who directed that the blasts be carried out at at Bada Kabrastan and Hamidiya Masjid complex.The second was Riyaz Ahmed Shafi Ahmed, accused of placing an IED at the blast site. The third was Ishtiyaq Ahmed Mohammed Isaaq, deemed a conspirator in the case. The families of all the three have been waiting for news of their sons since 2006. “The cases in which they were framed have fallen through. I fail to understand why they have not been found yet,” said 64-year-old Mohammed Amin, the father of Munawwar.A former muezzin, the sexagenarian is now living a life of penury. “They say the biggest pain of a parent is to lose their child. For us, this pain is double because we do not even know whether our son is dead or alive. I may seem normal to you but this is false normalcy,” Amin had said outside his ramshackle tin-roofed house in Pharamacy Nagar on the outskirts of Malegaon.Indian Express
Malegaon blasts accused's custodial death mystery deepens
http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/crime/malegaon-blasts-accuseds-custodial-death-mystery-deepens/articleshow/56285516.cms
Malegaon blasts case: Mujawar never tried to meet me, did not address letter to me, says ex-DGP
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/malegaon-blasts-case-mujawar-never-tried-to-meet-me-did-not-address-letter-to-me-says-ex-dgp-4454915/
Rs 42 lakh payments to Naik's IRF employee under NIA scanner:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-42-lakh-payments-to-zakir-naiks-ngo-employee-under-nia-scanner/articleshow/56279739.cms
New Delhi: Probing Zakir Naik's, NIA is looking into suspicious payments of Rs 42 lakh to Arshi Qureshi, a guest relation manager with his NGO IRF, who was arrested in July 2016 for allegedly radicalising some Kerala youths to join the Islamic State terror group.While checking the financial details of IRF, NIA sleuths recently noticed payments of Rs 42 lakh to Arshi in bank documents, sources said. Whether this payment, which has been made over a period of time, has been used to fund any suspect is being looked at, they said.Sources said they are looking into the transactions and it could be regular salary payments as well. The bank documents analysed by NIA sleuths raised eyebrows as recently it was found that IRF paid Rs 1.5 lakh to Rajasthan-based IS operative Abu Anas in the form of scholarship payments.TOI
Family grieves death of Abis Rizvi, Khushi Shah
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/family-grieves-death-of-abis-rizvi-khushi-shah-says-year-started-on-sad-note-117010200091_1.html
New Delhi:A day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj informed that film producer Abis Rizvi and fashion designer Khushi Shah have lost their lives in the Istanbul nightclub attack, the film fraternity and family of the duo expressed grief at the tragic loss.Expressing shock over the incident, a family member of Khushi, said: "The family is under total shock, Khushi had gone there for business work."ANI
Bollywood shocked at Abis Rizvi’s death in Istanbul attack
http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bollywood-shocked-at-abis-rizvi-death-in-istanbul-terror-attack-4455138/
For the first time ever, Haj application process goes digital
http://punemirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/for-the-first-time-ever-haj-application-process-goes-digital/articleshow/56293243.cms
Mumbai: Giving a digital push to the Haj application process for first time, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today launched a mobile application in Mumbai, which will provide information and facilitate e-payments for the pilgrimage. "It is for the first time that Haj application process is going to be digital," Naqvi said during the launch of the event at Haj House in south Mumbai. "This is a major initiative in the govt 's 'Digital India' programme," he said. PTI
Telangana govt appoints AK Khan as adviser
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/020117/telangana-govt -appoints-ak-khan-as-adviser.html
Hyderabad: AK Khan, who retired as director-general of the ACB on Dec. 31, was on Sunday appointed adviser on minority welfare. CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao issued orders to this effect on Sunday, taking number of advisers to 9 including ex- chief secretary Rajiv Sharma as chief adviser.Deccan Chronicle.
Service charge by hotels/restaurants not mandatory: Govt
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/consumer-has-the-option-to-pay-service-charge-or-not-in-hotels-says-govt -4455691/
New Delhi:In the wake of a number of complaints from consumers that they are being forced to pay service charge in the range of 5-20% , in lieu of tips, irrespective of the kind of service provided to them, govt has said that a consumer can now refuse to pay the service charge if he/she is not satisfied with their dining experience. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 stipulates that a trade practice which, for purpose of promoting the sale, use or the supply of any goods or for the provision of any service, adopts any unfair method or deceptive practice, is to be treated as an unfair trade practice and that a consumer can make a complaint to the appropriate consumer forum established under the Act against such unfair trade practices.
JNU affirmative admission axe: Varsity set to scrap easier entry rules for deprived students
https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170102/jsp/nation/story_128075.jsp#.WGpZAvB97IU
Crackdown in AMU reveals anti-Muslim prejudice, again: Abhay Kumar for MuslimMirror
http://muslimmirror.com/eng/crackdown-in-amu-reveals-anti-muslim-prejudice-again
WORLD
US-Israel intelligence agencies cooperated against Egypt after Morsi elected in 2012
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170102-us-israel-intelligence-agencies-cooperated-against-egypt-in-2012/
Israel’s signal intelligence Unit 8200 and America’s NSA spied on Egypt after the election of Mohamed Morsi as president in 2012, specialist magazine Israeli Defence claimed on Saturday. In a report based on documents released by WikiLeaks, the Israeli magazine said that the NSA was asked to expand its cooperation with Unit 8200 to collect information about Egypt. It is alleged that the two agencies cooperated on many missions against “strategic targets” across the Middle East, the Gulf States, South Asian countries and the predominantly Muslim states which once were part of the Soviet Union. Joint US-Israel intelligence programmes, reported Israeli Defence, collected information about local policies in such countries, including details about their armed forces, the economy, diplomatic channels and other issues. Unconventional weapons and active “terrorists” were also under scrutiny; Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Palestinian resistance movements and global jihadists have apparently been common targets. Such cooperation, claims the magazine, has led to the development of strong ties between the NSA and Unit 8200. Agencies exchange raw data and intercept communications; provide analyses; and build joint target banks. Each has representatives of the other in their offices as well as in their countries’ embassies. middle east monitor
Egypt-Hamas rapprochement getting more likely, claims Israeli report
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170102-egypt-hamas-rapprochement-getting-more-likely-claims-israeli-report/
Relations between Egypt and Hamas, are improving, a new media report by Israel’s News One has claimed. Egypt, it is pointed out, has recently facilitated the movement of Palestinians by opening the Rafah Border Crossing for the first time in a very long while.The transport of goods has also been allowed, including cement and steel, which Israel bans in Gaza without UN supervision of the imported materials. In return, says the report, Hamas will prevent the smuggling of money and weapons to Daesh militants alleged to be operating in the Sinai Peninsula.Meanwhile, relations between Egypt and the Palestinian Authority headed by Mahmoud Abbas have been deteriorating on the back of Cairo’s support for PA president’s rival, former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan.Initial withdrawal of the draft UN resolution condemning Israeli settlements made the situation worse, the report adds. middleeastmonitor
Trump’s ‘unlimited’ support for Israel ‘harmful,’ warns former Israel Defence Forces officer: middleeastmonitor
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170102-trumps-unlimited-support-for-israel-harmful-warns-former-idf-officer/
A former spokesman of Israel Defence Forces has warned that Donald Trump’s “unlimited” support for Israel will cause “unimaginable harm” to Israel, Arabi21.com reported on Sunday. Brigadier General Avi Benayahu suggested that it could actually “explode” the security situation in the occupied West Bank and Israel, and cause a new intifada (uprising). “[Trump] is unintentionally holding the flame which could ignite the third intifada and present an unprecedented challenge for Israel,” Benayahu said in an article in the Hebrew daily Maariv.
Israel to propose annexing large settlement of Jerusalem
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170102-israel-to-propose-annexing-large-settlement-of-jerusalem/
Israel’s education minister and leader of the far right, pro-settlement Jewish Home party Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that he plans to introduce legislation this month that would extend Israeli sovereignty to the Jerusalem-area settlement of Ma’ale Adumim.In a tweet, Bennett said his Orthodox-nationalist party would present to the Knesset what he described as a coalition-backed plan to lawmakers later this month — presumably after the Jan.20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.“Before the end of January, we, together with all the coalition parties, will propose a bill for the imposition of Israeli law on Ma’aleh Adumim,” Bennett said. Habayit Hayehudi chairman called on the govt to pass a law annexing Ma’aleh Adumim, a large settlement east of Jerusalem, to Israel by the end of the month.
150 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa on Sunday
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170102-150-settlers-stormed-al-aqsa-yesterday/
Official data: 18,000 Israelis stormed Al-Aqsa in 2016
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170102-official-data-18000-israelis-stormed-al-aqsa-in-2016/
Polygamy approved by Israeli rabbis to counter Arab demographic threat
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161228-polygamy-sanctioned-by-israeli-rabbis-to-counter-arab-demographic-threat/
Israeli rabbis have approved the practice of polygamy to counter what they believe is a demographic threat posed by Arab populations living in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.An expose by Channel 10, an Israeli broadcasting channel, revealed the practice was approved by the rabbinate that has actively encouraged and facilitated polygamy, claiming the practice will give Jews an edge in the demographic race against Arabs in Israel. One rabbi who has been married for 26 years is filmed by an undercover reporter persuading a single woman to become his second wife.“If your parents ask you why you don’t marry like everyone else,” he told her, “tell them that it is a mitzvah [religious commandment] and I want to do a mitzvah.”The rabbi showed the reporter a letter signed by Jerusalem’s Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar permitting him to marry a second wife. middleeastmonitor
Israel urged to apologise for disappeared babies: ljazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/01/israel-urged-apologise-disappeared-babies-170101134501812.html
Nazareth:Some 200,000 documents concerning the mysterious disappearance of thousands of babies in Israel’s early years were made public last week for the first time. Israeli govt declassified the files, publishing them in an online archive, after decades of accusations that officials have been concealing evidence that many of the babies were stolen from their parents.Families, most of them Jews from Arab countries recently arrived in Israel, fear the infants were handed over by hospitals and clinics to wealthy Jewish families in Israel and abroad.
Francois Hollande in Iraq to review war on ISIL
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/francois-hollande-iraq-review-war-isil-170102043441720.html
French president Francois Hollande has arrived in Baghdad to meet the French forces helping Iraq in the fight against ISIL and to hold talks with top officials.Hollande, who was travelling with French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, had already visited in 2014 and remains the most prominent head of state to come to Iraq since the launch, two and half years ago, of a US-led coalition against the armed groups.”We’re not done with the plight of terrorism. We have to keep on fighting it,” Hollande said in a New Year address to the nation that was broadcast on French television. ljazeera
Battle for Mosul: Residents flee city as army advances
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/battle-mosul-residents-flee-city-army-advances-170102074755258.html
US-led coalition hit IS mortar position in Mosul: Reuters
http://www.firstpost.com/world/u-s-led-coalition-hit-islamic-state-mortar-position-in-mosul-pentagon-reuters-3183052.html
Hundreds flee fighting near Syria capital despite truce
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/hundreds-flee-fighting-syria-capital-truce-170101163848141.html
Hundreds of civilians fled a mountainous region outside the Syrian capital on Sunday where govt forces battled several armed groups, including one excluded from a recent nationwide ceasefire. Syrian military said some 1,300 people fled the Barada Valley region since Saturday. The region has been the target of days of air strikes and shelling despite the truce, which was brokered by Russia and Turkey and appears to be holding in other parts of the country, despite some reports of fighting.aljazeera
IS claims attack in Syria killing 2 security officers: Reuters
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/islamic-state-claims-bomb-attack-in-syrias-tartous/articleshow/56282320.cms
Myanmar promises action over Rohingya abuse video
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/myanmar-promises-action-rohingya-abuse-video-170102112251701.html
Myanmar’s govt said it would take action against police officers shown beating villagers in a video that has circulated on the internet.Monday’s front-page story in state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper about the November 5 incident was a rare official acknowledgment of abuses taking place in the western state of Rakhine. Authorities have been conducting “clearance” operations there since an attack in October by unidentified armed men killed nine border guards.Human rights groups accuse security forces of abuses against the Muslim Rohingya minority in Rakhine, including rape, killings and the burning of more than 1,000 homes. ljazeera
Pak Senate body unanimously passes Hindu Marriage Bill
https://www.geo.tv/latest/125889-Senate-body-unanimously-passes-Hindu-Marriage-Bill-2016
Islamabad: Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights on Monday unanimously passed the much-awaited Hindu Marriage Bill 2016, in a landmark move aimed at easing growing insecurity among the country’s Hindu community.The committee met here Monday with Senator Nasreen Jalil in the chair. Senator Sitara Ayaz, Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, Mufti Abdul Sattar, Nisar, Aitzaz Ahsan, Farhatullah Baber, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani and Dr. Darshan were also present at the meeting. The bill will enable the Hindu community to get their marriages registered and separation cases could be resolved in the courts.geo tv
Muslim should formulate own UN, military, syllabus: Siraj
http://arynews.tv/en/muslim-ummah-should-formulate-own-united-nations-military-syllabus/
Karachi: Ameer Jamaat e Islami Pakistan (JI) Siraj-ul-Haq Sunday stressed for unity among the Muslim Ummah and said Muslims should make a joint military, formulate one syllabus and their own united nations organization by dissociating from the UN, ARY News reported.“The Muslim Ummah has been divided in the name of different thoughts and ethnicities. 56 Islamic countries found on world map should shun differences to get united,” he said while addressing a rally titled ‘Ummat-e-Rasool-ullah (SAWW)’ organized by JI in Karachi. He said the rally was held in solidarity with the oppressed Muslims of Aleppo and Kashmir.The JI Ameer said regretfully the Islamic world was not raising its voice against the atrocities on Muslims in Burma and Aleppo because the United States was not calling it injustice. ARY News
Siraj says Muslim bloc should abandon UN
http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/119417/
http://nation.com.pk/karachi/02-Jan-2017/siraj-demands-separate-un-for-muslims
Keralite in Kyrgyzstan top military post
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/keralite-in-kyrgyzstan-top-military-post/articleshow/56288063.cms?
Dubai: A Saudi-based entrepreneur of Indian origin has assumed a top position in the defence department of Kyrgyzstan.Sheikh Rafik Mohammed, Malayali, was appointed major general by Kyrgyzstan defence minister Ali Mirza at an official ceremony, said a report in the Khaleej Times on Saturday.This could be the first time a Keralite has been included in top military leadership of a foreign country, said Rafik's media adviser Omar Abu Baker.TOI
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:08 PM)
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