Evening NEWS DIGEST
14 Oct.2017: 23 Muharram 1439:Vol:9, No:19
INDIA
BJP officials go on spending drive in Gujarat after delay in poll date announcement
https://thewire.in/187289/bjp-officials-go-on-spending-drive-in-gujarat-after-delay-in-poll-date-announcement/
New Delhi: After the Election Commission (EC) on Thursday failed to announce the exact dates for the Gujarat polls – meaning the model code of conduct (MCC) is not in force – the BJP announced sops worth hundreds of crores.According to a report in the Indian Express, standing committee of BJP-ruled Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) was convened on Friday to finalise a mega event for Sunday where Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani is expected to inaugurate development works worth Rs 780 crore.Similarly, the BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation on Friday (AMC) extended its standing committee meeting by an hour and a half to clear projects worth Rs 530 crore in just 10 minutes. AMC today also concluded the ninth ‘Shahri Garib Kalyan Mela’ in Ahmedabad where of a total 4103 beneficiaries, 3262 were given kits including cheques, funds and bonds under the ‘Manav Garima Yojana’, reported the Indian Express.In Vadodara, the VMC cleared 59 development projects this week, of which road projects itself are worth Rs 47.50 crore.According to the Indian Express report, among the schemes cleared is a Rs 165.75-crore project for providing drinking water to the city from Mahi river at a capacity of 150 million litres per day and the beautification of the Sursagar Lake at a cost of Rs 38 crore. The projects also include widening of the Kalaghoda Bridge, a flyover on the Sussen Crossroads, a storm water drain parallel to the national highway on the east zone of the city as well as approval for a budget of Rs 15 lakh to “settle a court case” in the matter of non-payment of electricity dues, the report in the Indian Express said.VMC proposal to provide services to Sri Sri Ravishankar’s Art of Living Foundation event on Oct.19 stated:“Lakshmi puja and satsang event is to be held at Polo ground on Oct.19 by Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar. Since it is a religious festival, the municipal commissioner seeks power to extend logistical services to the foundation such as medical assistance, lighting, hoardings, banners and cut outs at no cost.”Union home minister Rajnath Singh will visit Bardoli in Surat district today to attend the ‘Gujarat Gaurav Yatra’, which is due to conclude on Sunday and PM Modi will address the gathering at Gandhinagar on Monday. UP CM Adityanath is expected to lead the yatra in Kutch district in the constituencies of Mandvi,Abdasa and Mundra.The Wire
Poll code delayed by Election Commission, Gujarat officials open project purse-strings
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/election-commission-poll-code-delayed-by-ec-gujarat-officials-open-project-purse-strings-4889459/
Gujarat Poll Date announcement delayed:Congress accuses BJP of pressuring Election Commission
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/announce-gujarat-poll-dates-cong/article19856013.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi: Congress plans to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission of India on the poll panel not announcing dates of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections together. It was a violation of the principle that all parties have a level playing field. Modi Govt was resorting to “shameless pressure tactics” on the autonomous body and denigrating its authority and power, senior Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said. He alleged that within 10 minutes of the Commission announcing the dates of the Himachal Pradesh elections, the Gujarat Govt announced sops worth hundreds of crores.“... Gujarat Govt on Thursday declared a slew of sops aimed at wooing the agitating Patidars, the Valmiki community, lakhs of Govt employees and the powerful builder lobby. Why was it in such a tearing hurry,” he asked. Singhvi said that anticipating the announcement of election dates for Gujarat on Thursday afternoon, and the consequent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) advanced its standing committee meeting by an hour-and-a-half to clear proposals estimated at Rs530 crore in just 10 minutes.“The anomaly of announcing elections in Himachal first, and not announcing the elections in Gujarat, casts a serious shadow of suspicion on the workings of the Election Commission,” he said.“The frenzied, desperate and last-minute attempt by BJP to force this change so as to enable PM Modi announce various sops like a Santa Claus in Gujarat on Oct.16;this speaks volumes about how BJP is staring at a complete decimation in Gujarat,” he said. Singhvi pointed out, that barring 2002-2003(due to Gujarat riots), Gujarat and Himachal have had polls together since 1998. He found it odd that BJP, which advocated simultaneous State and Central elections, was so loath to hold just 2 elections together. Singhvi said BJP “is trying its best to influence the functioning of the Election Commission. Just like it belittled the authority of the RBI, the judiciary, and other important institutions, it is trying to pressurise the Election Commission. We demand that the dates of Gujarat polls be announced and Model Code of Conduct immediately enforced.” thehindu
ECI decision to not announce Gujarat poll dates surprises former CEC SY Quarishi
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gujarat-poll-schedule-delay-raises-suspicion/article19846992.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:Ex-Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has said that the decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to not announce the dates for Gujarat Assembly polls even as it announced the dates for Himachal Pradesh elections, created a “ground of suspicion” as PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit Gujarat next week.The terms of both the Assemblies come to an end in Jan.2018.The model code of conduct comes into effect the moment ECI announces the poll dates, barring Govt from announcing any new scheme or project. He said the Commission’s decision also went against the “spirit of simultaneous polls.”“What were the compulsions of the Commission to announce the poll dates for Himachal and not Gujarat?They must have some good reasons to justify this. Modi’s visit to Gujarat next week creates a ground of suspicion and its unfortunate,” he said.“I am quite surprised by ECI’s decision as the Gujarat Assembly also expires around the same time as Himachal Pradesh. Why didn’t they club it?” he said.Different schedules would also impact governance, he felt.“The results of both the States will be announced together as the results of one State, if announced before, could influence the results in another.The model code of conduct paralyses administration, governance and other works.It goes against the spirit of simultaneous elections,” he said. thehindu
Election Commission a toothless tiger: Varun Gandhi
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/election-commission-a-toothless-tiger-varun-gandhi/articleshow/61077019.cms
Hyderabad:BJP MP Varun Gandhi termed the Election Commission as a "toothless tiger" which, he said, has never derecognised any political party for not submitting poll expenditure details within the stipulated time.Gandhi also said political parties spend a lot on poll campaign, denying opportunity to people from humble background to contest elections. His remarks come even as the BJP is under opposition attack for "pressuring" the Election Commission to not declare elections to the Gujarat Assembly with those for Himachal Pradesh legislature. PTI
Gujarat govt wanted more time: Election Commission
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gujarat-govt-wanted-more-time-election-commission/story-Lb6ogKBTgkXNbMg1DIJ65J.html
New Delhi:The election commission (EC) defended its decision of not announcing the schedule for the upcoming assembly polls in Gujarat simultaneously with Himachal Pradesh, by pointing out that the state Govt needed more time for carrying out relief and rehabilitation work for flood affected people.The poll panel said the Himachal administration on the other hand, pressed for completing the polling exercise before mid-Nov., when snow fall is in the higher reaches. hindustantimes
EC may not hold Gujarat, Himachal counting together
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ec-may-not-hold-gujarat-himachal-pradesh-counting-together/articleshow/61076171.cms
New Delhi: Election Commission may not hold counting for Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat simultaneously on Dec.18, according to a senior EC functionary."Results for Gujarat and Himachal assembly polls need not and may not be declared the same day.The idea is to only finish polling in Gujarat before Dec.18 so that Himachal results do not affect the way Gujarat votes. This means polling in Gujarat can be held right until Dec 17."Given that there must be a 46-day gap between announcement of poll and actual polling, the announcement of Gujarat assembly poll dates can wait till Nov.2," panel said.TOI
SC bars deportation of Rohingya Muslims until case hearing, says govt can't be blind to plight of women, kids
http://www.firstpost.com/india/supreme-court-bars-deportation-of-rohingya-muslims-until-case-hearing-says-govt-cant-be-blind-to-plight-of-women-kids-4139369.html
The Supreme Court has deferred hearing on the deportation of Rohingya Muslims in India to 21 Nov. It, however, allowed petitioners to approach it in case of contingency. The apex court also said the Govt should be sensitive to the Rohingyas and cannot be oblivious to the plight of innocent women and children, reported CNN-News18. It further rapped the Govt saying that there is a need to strike a balance between human rights and national security."Children and women do not know anything about it. As a constitutional court, we cannot be oblivious to it. We expect that the executive will not be oblivious to it," the bench said.The court said, "We have to strike a balance. It is not an ordinary case. The issue involves human rights of many," as per ANI. Furthermore, the SC also added that Rohingyas cannot be deported till the matter is being heard in the court. "Do not deport. You take action if something wrong is found," the court told the Govt.A bench comprising CJI Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and Y Chandrachud said the issue was of great magnitude and therefore, the state has a big role.The top court made it clear that there was a need for holistic hearing and it is neither going to be swayed by the arguments of senior lawyer Fali S Nariman, who is representing the petitioners, nor by any other senior counsel and the submissions have to go by the letter of the law."We will not permit any emotional arguments," the bench observed.During the brief hearing, the bench suggested to the Centre not to deport the Rohingya Muslim refugees, but Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta requested that it should not be written in the order as anything coming on record will have an international ramification."We know our responsibility," ASG said.At the outset, Nariman argued about the rights of the Rohingyas and said no person can be deprived of the liberty granted under the Constitution and other statutes. He referred to the Union home ministry's order and said though it says that the Myanmar issue might aggravate the security challenge, it does not say that all Rohingyas are terrorists.Observing that Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju has given a statement about Govt's decision to deport all Rohingyas from India, Nariman said "such an order ought not have been passed. This is the essence of the whole case." Nariman said he has no objection to Govt agencies going against terrorist elements among the Rohingyas but his client was not a terrorist and there was no such allegation.firstpost
SC hasn’t given any reprieve, Rohingya will be deported: MHA
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-hasnt-given-any-reprieve-rohingya-will-be-deported-mha-4889464/
Union Home Ministry has said that the Supreme Court ruling on Rohingya do not give any reprieve to the petitioners, and that the Centre’s instructions to states and Union Territories on identification and deportation of illegal migrants stands valid. Centre’s observation came after the Supreme Court decided to give a detailed order on the petition on Nov 21.A MHA spokesperson said, “The matter pertaining to deportation of Rohingya came up for hearing before the Supreme Court. Central Govt is of the opinion that deportation of illegal immigrants has to be dealt with only by Central Govt because it is essentially an executive function (of Govt ).” indianexpress
Rohingya influx is a conspiracy, they should be sent back before unrest: RSS leader Joshi:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingya-influx-is-a-conspiracy-they-should-be-sent-back-before-unrest-4890141/
Bhopal:RSS functionary Bhaiyyaji Joshi came down hard on the issue of growing numbers of Rohingya migrants in India. Referring to the influx he said,“It appears they have come to India not to take shelter but as part of conspiracy and are trying to settle here, they stay in places like Jammu and Hyderabad. There is a need to do a background check of these elements as they can pose a danger to the country.”He said, “Some have managed to get Aadhar number,some PAN card and some are on voter list. We don’t want them to die of hunger or fall prey but there’s a limit to how long outsiders can stay. They should be sent back before they become a cause of unrest.”
Diwali cracker ban: SC refuses to modify ruling,‘anguished over communal angle’
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/sc-says-firecracker-sale-ban-to-stay-in-delhi-ncr-anguished-over-communal-angle-on-order/story-PdkPhijKoTjYnxxPwGMADK.html
New Delhi: The Supreme Court refused on Friday to modify its order banning firecracker sales in Delhi-NCR, saying it was anguished at people giving the ruling a communal angle.On Monday, the SC reinstated its ban on the sale of firecrackers in and around New Delhi ahead of Diwali, a preemptive step aimed at preventing a toxic haze from engulfing the region like last year.“We are pained to hear when people give a communal angle. Everybody knows I am a very spiritual person but this is something different,” said justice AK Sikri who heads the bench that issued the order. The other judge is Ashok Bhushan. Both judges said they welcomed criticism of their order since people have a right to express. But to give it a communal angle was anguishing. Also, there was not a ban on bursting crackers nor has the court disallowed anyone from celebrating the festival.“The matter is still pending. This is an experiment which we want to try for this year. We will take a stock of the situation,” the court said, refusing to get drawn into the argument that culturally crackers were an integral part of Diwali celebrations in India. hindustantimes
Delhi HC notice on pleas to ban loudspeakers at religious structures
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/delhi-high-court-notice-on-pleas-to-ban-loudspeakers-at-religious-structures/story-iwzx0C1oKYcwoXRU0pz6aM.html
The Delhi High Court on Friday sought a response from the Centre, Delhi Govt and police on a plea seeking direction to ban loudspeakers at religious structures, claiming it violates fundamental right to privacy of people living nearby.The petition filed by a rights activist said loudspeakers violate fundamental rights of citizens and person right of left alone, their physical and mental peace, one’s spatial control, personal space and hence it encroach one’s fundamental right to privacy.Petitioner Sanjjiiv Kkumaar said “loudspeakers were never part of any of the religions whether it’s Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism or Zoroastrianism”. He argued “loudspeaker came into existence in 1924, that is less than 100 years and hence banning it will not hit (violate) Article 25 or 26 of the Constitution of India”.HT
Amit Shah denies son took unsecured loan but Jay Shah’s filings say otherwise:The Wire
https://thewire.in/187271/amit-shah-denies-son-took-unsecured-loan-jay-shahs-filings-say-otherwise/
New Delhi:BJP president Amit Shah broke his silence on the swirling controversy surrounding his son, telling the India Today group on Friday that although “no one has levelled allegations of corruption”, the decision to file criminal and civil defamation cases against The Wire for writing about the business affairs of Jay Amitbhai Shah was a sign that he was open to an enquiry.BJP leader defended the growth in revenue of one of Jay Shah’s companies, Temple Enterprise, noting that the commodities business was marked by high turnover but low profits and that his son’s firm had lost a crore and half of rupees despite earning revenues of Rs 80 crore. Though this loss was duly reported by The Wire in its recital of the company’s fortunes, Amit Shah claimed that it was not.Shah said this in response to a question from India Today TV’s Rahul Kanwal at a specially event,‘Gujarat Panchayat’, telecast by Aaj Tak from Ahmedabad on Oct.13.When Kanwal asked next whether it would have been possible for Jay Shah’s small companies to receive the kind of “unsecured loans and letters of credit they did if he was not Amit Shah’s son”, BJP president denied there had been any such loans. “Please understand, he got a letter of credit, he did not get a loan,” Shah then went on to explain how the LC was fully secured against the cash margin and goods purchased.The ‘letter of credit vs loan’ explanation refers only to the Rs 25 crore borrowed by another of Jay Shah’s companies, Kusum Finserve, from the Kalupur Commercial Cooperative Bank. However, Amit Shah’s denial of any unsecured loan or borrowing by his son’s companies is contradicted by Jay Shah’s own filings with the Registrar of Companies and other official statements for his company, Temple Enterprise Pvt Limited.In a reply to The Wire last week, and duly noted in the story published on Oct.8, Jay Shah’s lawyer had said, “Since working capital facilities were not available to a new business/company, interest bearing Inter Corporate Deposits (ICD) were taken from time to time from KIFS Financial Services Ltd., a registered NBFC, to run this business.”However, Amit Shah’s unwillingness to acknowledge the reality of his son taking an unsecured loan from KIFS Financial Services Ltd. of Rs 15.78 crore means the question that Aaj Tak said everyone is asking still remains unanswered: How did a small company with little to show by way of track record in the years preceding 2015-16, suddenly manage to make such unsecured borrowings?
‘Every BJP reform burdened the poor’, RSS trade union chief attacks Centre on economic policies
https://scroll.in/latest/854118/every-bjp-reform-burdened-the-poor-rss-trade-union-chief-attacks-centre-on-economic-policies
RSS’s trade union president Saji Narayanan on Saturday criticised BJP-led Union Govt’s economic and labour policies. “On the economic and labour front, BJP Govt is nothing more than UPA-III!”, Narayanan wrote in an article for Outlook India. Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh head said that the Indian economy was going in “a wrong direction” because the “identification of issues, priorities, methodology adopted to analyse them and the remedies prescribed are highly defective and based on a failed western capitalist model”. He claimed that every new reform Govt undertook benefited the rich and “burdened” the poor. Narayanan criticised Govt’s Niti Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission of India.He said that many bureaucrats and advisors who were part of the Congress-led UPA Govt had been retained by NDA dispensation. scroll
Jaipur:Day after Muslim man assaulted outside hotel, no complaint filed
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/day-after-man-assaulted-outside-jaipur-hotel-no-complaint-filed-4889526/
Jaipur:Allegedly assaulted after checking into a Barmer hotel with a Hindu woman on Thursday, Padu Khan suffered a fractured rib cage, his uncle Lateef said on Friday. “I met him at Mathura Das Mathur Hospital in Jodhpur this morning and the doctor said he had suffered a fractured spine,” Lateef said.“The doctors told him about some good spine hospitals in Ahmedabad, and he went on his way. I last spoke to him when was at Abu Road (on Gujarat border), then he switched off his phone.”Lateef said that he returned to his home in Jalore, while one of Khan’s cousins agreed to accompany him to Ahmedabad.“His parents passed away a few months ago, within 12 hours of each other. Khan now lives here with us,” Lateef said. Both Khan’s and his cousin’s phone numbers were switched off, he added. The family hails from Sangana gram panchayat under Sayla panchayat samiti of Jalore district. Khan was reportedly dragged out of the hotel in Balotra area of Barmer district and assaulted by a mob, which allegedly included Shiv Sena members, after he checked in with a Hindu woman. Recalling the Shiv Sena’s role in the Babri Masjid demolition, Sena’s Barmer chief Jabar Singh Sodha said, “Whenever there is a religious issue, all (other) political parties recede in the background.”He continued, “This is laxity by the administration; hotels have been directed (to record details of occupants), yet an illegal thing happened. This is not a Hindu-Muslim issue, kisi dharm ki bachhi ho, kisi dharm ka ladka ho (the girl and the boy may be from any religion), but if they go into a hotel like this and do wrong things, then it is wrong; it is wrong in any society.” “Someone followed her, or did a recce (on her)… because what they (the couple) did was wrong. If the boy ensnared the girl… both families are at fault,” he said. He added that he had been out of town for past few days. Barmer SP Gagandeep Singla said, “We tried taking the statement of the man, Padu Khan, aged about 25, but he was very reluctant about lodging a complaint. He didn’t reveal the identity of the girl either. We are trying to convince him to submit a complaint.” indianexpress
Muslim man beaten up by mob for spending time with Hindu woman in hotel
http://www.timesnownews.com/india/video/mob-assaults-muslim-man-spending-time-with-hindu-woman/106124
Cow-protection vigilantes attack men carrying ‘buffalo meat’ in Faridabad
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/vigilantes-attack-men-carrying-buffalo-meat-in-faridabad-wanted-victims-to-say-gau-mata-ki-jai/story-DzeBZnVeNhVnYY3VzrdwBM.html
Faridabad:A group of men was allegedly assaulted by so-called cow protection groups in Old Faridabad on Friday, the latest in a string of attacks by right-wing Hindu groups on people over suspicions that they may be selling or consuming cow meat.Police have filed cases against the victims as well as “15-20 unknown persons” who attacked them, and will investigate the origin of the meat that the men were carrying for which they were assaulted.“We were beaten black and blue and told to raise slogans like ‘gau mata ki jai’ (hail the cow mother) and hanuman ki jai (hail hanuman) —which we refused”, said Azad, who was one of the people attacked. Three of the four victims appeared to be Muslims.He added that the assault continued even after the policemen arrived on the scene.“We have registered a case under sections of Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act Act against Asad, Shehzad, Shakeel and Sonu”, said ACP Mujesar Radhey Shyam. Officer said another FIR has been registered under sections of rioting, causing hurt and criminal intimidation against 15-20 unknown people.Azad, being treated for his injuries at a hospital, said he and his accomplices buy meat from the Fatehpur Tageh area and sell it in Old Faridabad meat market.“We sell buffalo meat in Old Faridabad market and we do this every day,” he said, denying they were carrying cow meat.Friday’s attack, according to victim, started after group was intercepted near Bajri village on Nangla-Pali road.HT
15 people accused of killing Akhlaq get jobs in NTPC, family of accused who died gets Rs 8 lakh as compensation
http://twocircles.net/2017oct14/417610.html
In a strange turn of events, people accused of murdering Mohammad Akhlaq have got contractual jobs at the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) on Friday.On Sept.28, 2015, Akhlaq and his son Danish were attacked by a mob on suspicion of slaughtering and consumption of calf. While Akhlaq died on the spot, Danish suffered serious injuries.All the 18 accused of lynching Akhlaq are out on bail, as promised by BJP leaders in the run-up to UP state elections earlier this year. The fifteen accused got jobs in NTPC following a meeting between BJP leader Tejpal Nagar and NTPC officials.The family of one of the accused, Ravin Sisodia, who died in prison because of multiple organ failures will also get Rs 8 lakh as compensation. Moreover, Sisodia’s wife will also get a job in primary school, Nagar told the media on Friday.After the death of Sisodia, his body was wrapped in Indian flag and Union Culture minister Mahesh Sharma paid his respect to the dead body of the accused.Nagar said, “I told NTPC officials that why not take workers from the city if they are already recruiting people from outside? They agreed to the demand.”One NTPC official confirmed Nagar’s claim but said, “We have given jobs to local people. It has nothing to do with the Akhlaq’s lynching.” Akhlaq’s village Bisahara is situated in the vicinity of NTPC, whose establishment was done after acquiring some land from the village as well.Talking to News18, Akhlaq’s brother Mohammad Jan said, “We have no problem is someone is getting a job to support their families. But the issue is that after the two years of the incident, all accused are out on bail and no charges have been put on them yet.”TwoCircles
Akhlaq Murder Accused to Get Jobs, Rs 8 Lakh For Deceased Accused's Family
http://www.news18.com/news/india/akhlaq-murder-accused-to-get-jobs-rs-8-lakh-for-deceased-accuseds-family-1545949.html
Yavatmal pesticide poisoning: Farmers’ families battle death and despair
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/yavatmal-pesticide-poisoning-battling-death-and-despair/story-wEhrpAsEVd6RUVi309q3PK.html
Yavatmal: Life has come to a stop for Ranjana Kamble (24), a resident of Andhbori village in Yavatmal district. 8-month pregnant first-time would-be mother has been waiting for her husband Vinod to respond to treatment for the last one month. Vinod,a farm labourer, developed respiratory problems on Sept.17 after he returned from the farm of district BJP leader Raju Dange where he had sprayed pesticide. Admitted to hospital, he has been on life support since.Bandu Sonule (48) of Monali village was not as lucky. He died two days after being admitted on Sept.19, leaving his wife Geeta, 2 children and mother distraught. He too had sprayed pesticide at the farm of Shankarrao Chowdhury.Around 50 farmers or farm labourers — 22 in Yavatmal — have died and nearly 800 have been hospitalised due to an infection,caused by spraying of a pesticide on cotton crops in Vidarbha region, known for farmer suicides.20 have lost vision too.Farmers in Yavatmal, who mainly grow cotton, soybean and lentils, say they use a highly potent mix of pesticides, both in powder and liquid form.HT
Gauri Lankesh murder:SIT releases sketches of 2suspects
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/gauri-lankesh-murder-sit-releases-sketches-of-two-suspects/article19859815.ece?homepage=true
Bengaluru:After 38 days of investigation, SIT probing the murder of activist and journalist Gauri Lankesh on Saturday released three sketches of two suspects and sought help from the public to identify them.SIT chief B.K. Singh said that the sketches, including two different ones of a suspect, were prepared after analysing the CCTV footage and getting physical description of suspects from eyewitnesses. The SIT had questioned over 250 persons in the case.Investigation had revealed that the accused stayed at least one week in the area to do recce before attacking Gauri Lankesh. SIT officials said investigation was on to trace the motorcycle used by the accused. Video clips of a motorcycle rider, who is suspected to be involved in the crime, have been obtained. thehindu
Dowry case judgment against women’s rights: SC to revisit its ruling banning automatic arrests
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-to-reconsider-ruling-that-banned-automatic-arrests-in-dowry-cases/story-NGzMNuD2AuyU9rTFc2OjCM.html
New Delhi:The Supreme Court said on Friday it will reconsider its own three-month-old ruling restricting automatic arrests in dowry cases, terming July judgment detrimental to women’s rights.Women rights activists had slammed the verdict which, they said, diluted the anti-dowry law by barring police from arresting the accused without verifying allegations. A bench headed by chief justice Dipak Misra said it did not agree with the earlier verdict.“We think it’s dilution of woman’s rights...We are not in agreement with the view taken as it is liable to affect the rights of woman,” the bench said while hearing a petition seeking modification to the July order laying down guidelines on complaints under section 498 (A) of the IPC. The section deals with subjecting married woman to cruelty. hindustantimes
Reconsider new Haj policy, urges Rajasthan body
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/reconsider-new-haj-policy-urges-rajasthan-body/article19849458.ece
Jaipur:The reduction of embarkation points for Haj pilgrimage from the existing 21 to only 9 across the country, recommended in the new Haj policy for 2018-22, has left the pilgrims disturbed in Rajasthan because of termination of flights from Jaipur. Haj flights from the State capital had started in 2005 after a 7-year-long agitation.Rajasthan Haj Welfare Society general secretary Haji Nizamuddin said that the termination of flights from Jaipur would put the pilgrims to a great inconvenience, as they would be required to travel to either Delhi or Ahmedabad to board the special flights. “It will impose an additional expenditure and cause a great difficulty to old and infirm pilgrims,” he said.thehindu
Govt unlikely to contest cort's order criminalising sex with minor wife; feels judgement will curb child marriages
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-govt-unlikely-to-contest-sc-order-criminalising-sex-with-minor-wife-feels-judgement-will-curb-child-marriages-406463
New Delhi: Govt feels that Supreme Court’s order criminalising sex with minor wife will work as a deterrent to child marriages and is unlikely to challenge the apex court order.According to a senior Govt functionary, the top court order will help curb child marriages as it has created the needed "legal deterrent". The functionary said that the Govt is happy with the verdict and is unlikely to challenge it. PTI
Barelvi clerics may challenge SC order criminalising sex with minor wife
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/barelvi-clerics-may-challenge-courts-ruling/articleshow/61044973.cms
Meerut: The SC judgement on criminalising sex with a minor wife drew mixed reactions from clerics.While the Barelvis are mulling a legal course to challenge the verdict, clerics in Deoband chose to adopt a soft approach. Maulana Shahbudin Razvi, national general secretary, Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, a Sunni Barelvi organisation said, "Indian law says any girl below 18 years is a minor, but Sharia says a girl turns adult at the age of 13. If such a girl is married to a man...they have the right to consummate it"."If the law of the land is against Sharia, that does not render the latter invalid," said Maulana Abul Qasim Nomani, V-C, Darul Uloom Deoband.President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Maulana Arshad Madani said, "Any woman who begins her menstrual cycle is considered a major in Sharia.. But, that is in countries where Sharia is applicable. In India one must obey the law of the land"TOI
Waiting for CBI's response, missing JNU scholar's family, students spent night on road
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/waiting-for-cbis-response-missing-jnu-scholars-family-spend-night-on-road
New Delhi:Relatives and friends of missing JNU scholar Najeeb Ahmed spent entire Friday night outside the CBI headquarters here in the hope of getting an answer from the agency regarding his whereabouts.Ahmed's mother, his sister and his brother and scores of students slept on straw mats spread on the road outside the agency's office and demanded to talk to the CBI chief Alok Kumar Verma.NSUI leader Sunny Dhiman told IANS that Verma did come to meet the protesters but said nothing of substance to provide any hope."He consoled Najeeb's mother but was still as clueless as ever about his whereabouts... We hope to get something from it (CBI) when the hearing is due in the case where they are supposed to submit its report.. They have been lambasted even previously twice by the court for their slow action," Dhiman, who was at the forefront of the protest, told IANS over phone.As of now, the protesters are still picketing the CBI HQ and Ahmed's mother Fatima Nafees has called for a public meeting to support her at 5 p.m. on the spot where JDU Sharad Yadav, CPI-Marxist leader Brinda Karat and poet Munawwar Rana are expected to attend.IANS
Modi govt to give Muslims girls who graduate before marrying Rs 51,000 'Shaadi Shagun'
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-modi-govt-to-give-muslims-girls-who-graduate-before-marrying-rs-51000-shaadi-shagun-2552563
Meritorious female students who complete graduation before getting married will get a special gift of Rs 51,000 from the Modi govt. Proposal by Maulana Azad Education Foundation has been cleared by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, reported News 18. Shaadi Shagun Scheme is aimed at incentivising higher education among women. All students funded by the Azad Foundation are eligible to apply for this provision.The proposal was submitted to Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Naqvi in July. Hussain Ansari, treasurer of Education Foundation said: “We felt that families of Muslim girls and other minorities are always in dilemma about their daughter’s graduation studies and marriage. The minority groups prefer to save money for their daughter’s marriage rather than spend it on their graduation.” This is in addition to the existing Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship given to students from six minority communities - Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains. However, parents of wards who earn more than Rs 2 lakh per annum cannot avail this scholarship. dnaindia
Modi govnt to give Rs 51k as part of Shaadi Shagun scheme for graduate Muslim Girls
http://www.indialivetoday.com/narendra-modi-Govt -to-give-rs-51k-as-part-of-shaadi-shagun-scheme-for-graduate-muslim-girls/206184.html
Shia Waqf Board backs UP govt's proposal for 100m tall Ram statue in Ayodhya
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/oct/14/shia-waqf-board-backs-uttar-pradesh-Govt s-proposal-for-100m-tall-ram-statue-in-ayodhya-1673690.html
Lucknow: UPShia Central Waqf Board chairman came out on Friday to support UPGovt ’s proposal to install a huge 100-metre high statue of Lord Rama on the banks of river Sarayu in the temple town. The project, estimated to cost around `200 crore, is part of the larger beautification plan of the areas in and around Ayodhya.Lauding the state Govt ’s decision, UP Shia Waqf Board chairperson Waseem Rizvi said Shia Board supports the proposal to uphold the essence Awadh’s Ganga-Jamni tehzeeb (culture of communal harmony). He added that the grand statue of Lord Ram would be in furtherance of the tradition introduced by the Nawabs of Awadh besides bringing global acclaim to the temple town. newindianexpress
Kancha Ilaiah case: We’re not here to ban books says SC
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kancha-ilaiah-case-were-not-here-to-ban-books-says-supreme-court/article19861971.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:It is not up to the Supreme Court to use its powers to ban books, which are a free expression of a writer’s thoughts and feelings about the society and world he lives in. Courts cannot be asked to gag free expression. The SC has always placed the fundamental right to free speech at the highest pedestal.This is what the Supreme Court recorded in its two-page order while dismissing a petition to ban a book written by writer and activist Professor Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd called Samajika Smugglurlu Komatollu .The petition filed by advocate K.L.N.V. Veeranjaneyulu also took exception to a particular chapter in a book titled ‘Post-Hindu India’ called ‘Hindutv-Mukt Bharat’. Book is critical about the caste system prevailing in India, especially in the Arya Vysya community. thehindu
Protests after encounter in J&K: 1 civilian killed, 4 injured
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/protests-after-encounter-in-south-kashmir-1-civilian-killed-four-injured/story-Ji0IlX44wLPhzjNGm6DuRO.html
Srinagar:One civilian was killed and at least 4 others critically injured when security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters in Pulwama district near the site of the gun-battle in which 2 militants, LeT commander Waseem Shah, were neutralised. According to locals, civilian casualty and injuries occurred when forces opened fire to quell the protest. A senior Pulwama police officer, however, told HT that the civilian was killed because “he was caught in the cross-fire”.Locals gathering in large numbers near an encounter site and pelting stones on security forces carrying out counter-insurgency operation to distract them and help militants escape has been a common phenomenon in Kashmir lately.“Gulzar Ahmad Mir was brought dead with a firearm injury,” an official at the district hospital Pulwama said. He added that two others were rushed in critical condition with firearm injury and they were referred to Srinagar hospitals.“Another 2 were brought with pellet injuries -- with one of them hit in the right eye. We have referred them to Srinagar hospitals as well after preliminary check-up.”HT
Protests, clashes rock Kashmir against braid-chopping; Friday prayer not allowed at Srinagar jamia masjid
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/front-page/protests-clashes-rock-kashmir-against-braid-chopping/263050.html
Srinagar:Many areas of Kashmir witnessed massive protests and clashes between the youth and the Govt forces on Friday against the continued braid chopping incidents, with people accusing Govt of failing to deal with the “grave issue.”On directions of Govt, all educational institutions remained closed for the second consecutive day Friday, while authorities disallowed the Friday congregational prayers at historic Jamia Masjid for the third consecutive week.The call for protests was given by Kashmir’s joint separatist leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik. A witness said that strict curbs remained in place in Mahraj Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari and Safa Kadal areas in Downtown Srinagar. Govt didn’t allow congregational Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid for the third consecutive week, triggering strong resentment from the Jamia Auqaf.greaterkashmir
No power can stop resolution of Kashmir issue: Rajnath
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-power-can-stop-resolution-of-kashmir-issue-rajnath-singh/articleshow/61081260.cms
Bardoli: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said no power in the world can stop the Govt from resolving the Kashmir issue and hit out at Pakistan for its "impious" activities against India.Singh said the NDA Govt has given a free hand to the Army to act against terrorists and give a befitting reply to any firing from across the border+ in Kashmir."I would like to say that nobody needs to be worried about Kashmir. No power in the world can stop us from resolving the issue," he said. Addressing a gathering here in Surat district as part of the BJP's 'Gujarat Gaurav Yatra', Singh attacked Pakistan saying it sends terrorists into India and wants to break the country."Pakistan is our neighbouring state. Its name is 'Pak'-istan, but it regularly indulges in 'napaak' (impious) activities, tries to break India and sends terrorists into India ," he said.PTI
Amid Chinese reported build up away from site of showdown, Bhutan talks Doklam with China
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pla-activity-in-doklam-bhutan-talks-to-china/articleshow/61075111.cms
New Delhi: Amid reports that Chinese troops remain stationed in the Doklam region — though away from the site of the showdown with India — Bhutan has again discussed the situation with the Chinese mission here in the context of its border dispute with China.Diplomatic sources here said Bhutan's ambassador to India Vetsop Namgyel met Luo Zhaohui, his Chinese counterpart here, on Sept. 27 to discuss the issue of Chinese activities in the Doklam region.The meeting took place at the Chinese embassy around 4 pm. This was exactly a month after India and China announced disengagement of their troops from the eyeball-to-eyeball standoff on Doklam plateau which, as both New Delhi and Thimpu believe, is located in Bhutan but is claimed by China.To be sure, the disengagement announced by India and China on Aug.28 still holds. timesofindia
BJP files complaint against Congress minister Roshan Baig over expletive against PM Modi: indiatoday
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/roshan-baig-narendra-modi-congress-bjp-karnataka/1/1068778.html
Bengaluru:BJP's Bengaluru unit has filed a criminal defamation complaint against Karnataka Minister Roshan Baig, who was filmed using a Tamil expletive to insult PM Narendra Modi.BJP said that if police don't file an FIR against Baig, it will take the matter to court. The party isn't interested in an apology, and wants him out of CM Siddaramiah's cabinet.Baig is the Minister for Infrastructure, Urban Development, Information and Haj.
WORLD
Trump refuses to certify Iran deal, threatens new sanctions
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-will-not-certify-iran-deal-threatens-new-sanctions-scrapping-the-deal/article19857162.ece?homepage=true
Washington: The nuclear deal with Tehran is the worst in the history of the US and he would no longer be certifying for its continuation, President Donald Trump announced on Friday, unveiling a new American strategy on Iran that could heighten tensions in West Asia. The new policy abandons the focused approach of the previous Obama administration on rolling back Tehran’s nuclear weapons programme and threatens punitive measures against Iran for a range of alleged transgressions. Trump has also called upon American allies to join in the effort to confront Iran, adding that he would not allow it to obtain a nuclear weapon and threaten America like North Korea is currently doing.Terming Iran the world’s “leading state sponsor of terrorism,” Trump said Tehran was in violation of the terms of the agreement, a doubtful claim as other countries party to it do not share that view. He blamed his predecessor Barack Obama for singing the deal when sanctions were leading to a "total collapse of the Iranian regime.” According to Trump, the deal would not stop Iran’s nuclear pursuit. “… in just a few years, as key restrictions disappear, Iran can sprint towards a rapid nuclear weapons' breakout,” the President said. “The Iran deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions that the United States has ever entered into.”the hindu
US allies,EU, Russia back Iran deal after Trump threat
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/world-leaders-react-donald-trump-speech-iran-171013183124584.html
World leaders were quick to react to US President Donald Trump's decision to "decertify" an international deal on Iran's nuclear programme.2015 deal, reached between Iran and the US,Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the European Union, saw Tehran curtailing its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of crippling economic sanctions. Trump's speech put him at odds with US allies in Europe, as well as Iran and Russia, with leaders saying they would stick by the landmark pact."We encourage the US Administration and Congress to consider the implications to the security of the US and its allies before taking any steps that might undermine the JCPOA, such as re-imposing sanctions on Iran lifted under the agreement," French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British PM Theresa May said in a joint statement. In Brussels, Federica Mogherini, EU foreign policy chief, said Iran deal is an international agreement and "it is not up to any single country to terminate it."Russia's foreign ministry said there was no place in international diplomacy for "threatening" and "aggressive" rhetoric, adding that such methods were doomed to fail. aljazeera
EU: Trump doesn't have power to cancel Iran deal
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/mogherini-trump-doesn-power-cancel-iran-deal-171013175108150.html
Israeli study warns PM against ending Iran nuclear deal
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171013-israeli-study-warns-netanyahu-against-ending-iran-nuclear-deal/
An Israeli study recently conducted by Tel Aviv’s Institution for National Security Studies warned aboutnegative consequences of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to cancel the nuclear deal with Iran. The institution called for maintaining the deal as the best option, stressing the need to continue coordination between Israel and the US against Tehran. Study, conducted by General Amos Yadlin, states that although the nuclear deal with Iran poses a strategic danger to Israel in the long run, it would be wrong to think that cancelling the deal would not pose strategic dangers.Yadlin notes that “opponents of the agreement argue that it actually paves the way for Iran to establish a nuclear threshold just short of a bomb, while in the second decade of the agreement there will be no way to stop Iran from crossing the nuclear threshold. middleeastmonitor
Israel announces conditions to accept Palestinian reconciliation: middleeastmonitor
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171013-israel-announces-conditions-to-accept-palestinian-reconciliation/
Israeli officials have announced their conditions for accepting the Palestinian reconciliation agreement signed on Thursday between Fatah and the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, in the Egyptian capital Cairo.According to officials in the office of PM Benjamin Netanyahu, “Any reconciliation between the PA and Hamas must meet the Quartet’s conditions: accepting international agreements, recognising Israel and disarming Hamas.” They explained that Israel will not accept any reconciliation that does not include these points.“Continued tunnel activity, rocket building and the exporting of terrorism against Israel is in contradiction of the Quartet’s conditions and US efforts to restart the diplomatic process,” officials added.
Christian priest calls for Palestinian resistance weapons to be retained
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171013-christian-priest-calls-for-palestinian-resistance-weapons-to-be-retained/
A member of the Christian-Islamic Committee in support of Jerusalem and the Holy Places, Father Manuel Musallam, has called for the Palestinian resistance groups not to give up their weapons, and to retain them until Palestinians receive their full rights and freedom.Speaking to Shehab news agency, Father Musallam said that Palestinian people have 2 demands: first is national reconciliation among Palestinian factions to preserve Jerusalem and all holy places, “which is demanded by the various religions and groups and is fundamental.”The 2nd demand, he added, is to keep the resistance weapons to protect Palestine and the Palestinian people, as well as the Palestinian reconciliation. He described any attempt to remove the weapons as “treachery”.middleeastmonitor
Egypt extends state of emergency for 3 months
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171013-egypt-extends-state-of-emergency-for-3-months/
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi extended yesterday Egypt’s countrywide state of emergency for an additional three months. The renewed three-month state of emergency will start today, according to a presidential decree.“ State of emergency will be applied across the country, effective as of 1:00 am on Friday, for an additional 3 months, due to ongoing security concerns,” the presidential decree read.“The armed forces and the police will take the necessary measures to confront the dangers of terrorism,”decree added.The parliament is yet to approve the presidential resolution.middleeastmonitor
Attack on mosque kills 20 in Central African Republic
http://aa.com.tr/en/africa/attack-on-mosque-kills-20-in-central-african-republic/935640
Bangui, CAR: More than 20 Muslims were killed in a mosque in the Central African Republic's southeast during Friday prayers, community leaders said Saturday.“The victims were at the mosque when Anti-balaka militants stormed the mosque, killing at least 20 worshipers,” said Abdouraman Bornou, a local community leader.The incident took place at the Djimbi Mosque, in the country’s southeast.Ousman Mahamat, a Muslim community leader, said he was outraged at the behavior of some of his countrymen who promote inter-communal hatred.Violence erupted in the central African state in 2013, when Muslim Seleka rebels ousted then-President Francois Bozize, Christian leader, who himself came to power in a 2003 coup.Fierce fighting has continued between Muslim Seleka and Christian Anti-balaka rebels. Anadolu agency
Kurds on high alert as Iraqi forces mass near Kirkuk
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/kurds-high-alert-iraqi-forces-mass-kirkuk-171013081422969.html
Kurdish Regional Govt (KRG) has deployed thousands of troops around the disputed oil city of Kirkuk for fear of an attack by Iraqi Govt army and militia, a senior official said."Thousands of heavily armed peshmerga units are now completely in their positions around Kirkuk," a top aide to KRG President Masoud Barzani posted on social media on Friday."Their order is to defend at any cost," Hemin Hawrami wrote on Twitter. According to AP, as many as 6,000 Kurdish troops have been deployed in the Kirkuk area.The alert came after the Kurdish authorities accused the Iraqi Govt of massing forces in readiness for a reported offensive to seize Kurdish-held oil fields around Kirkuk, as tensions soared after a vote for independence last month. Aljazeera
Turkish troops enter northern Syria in new operation
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/turkish-troops-enter-northern-syria-operation-171013001304475.html
Turkish troops travelling in a convoy of 12 armoured vehicles have entered northern Syria in a new military operation.Turkish news media reported that the vehicles carrying the troops crossed into Idlib province late on Thursday.The development came after Turkey said it was sending troops into Syria to enforce a de-escalation zone in Idlib, which is largely controlled by the Hay'et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance.The de-escalation zone forms part of an agreement reached between Turkey, which backs forces battling the Govt of President Bashar al-Assad, and Iran and Russia, which support his Govt .Turkish media sources said the convoy included about 80 soldiers. Local sources told Al Jazeera the troops were headed towards the western part of Aleppo province.Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Antakya, near Turkey's border with Syria, said dozens of military vehicles have crossed into Syria."We know from different sources that the Turkish military is in the western outskirts of the province of Aleppo, but their final destination is going to be Idlib. "It remains to be seen what will happen to the Hay'et Tahrir al-Sham fighters, the former al-Qaeda affiliate; are they going to put up resistance against this operation? Are they going to pull out and hand over their weapons?"Civilians there have been living in fear of potential clashes between Turkish-backed opposition Free Syrian Army fighters and HTS. aljazeera
ISIL faces imminent Raqqa defeat: Syria's Kurdish YPG militia
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/isil-faces-imminent-raqqa-defeat-syria-ypg-171014083234093.html
ISIL is on the verge of defeat in Syria's Raqqa and the city may finally be cleared of the group's fighters on Saturday or Sunday, the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said."The battles are continuing in Raqqa city. Daesh (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) is on the verge of being finished. Today or tomorrow the city may be liberated," YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud told Reuters news agency by telephone."The battles are continuing in Raqqa city. Daesh is on the verge of being finished.Today or tomorrow the city may be liberated," YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud told Reuters. YPG dominates the US-backed SDF, an alliance of Arab and Kurdish militias that has been battling since June to defeat ISIL at Raqqa, which served as the group's de facto capital in Syria.Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Antakya in Turkey, said only about 7% of the city was still under control of ISIL on Saturday. "Thousands of people have been trapped in those areas. Many are now being evacuated, with thousands ending up in refugee camps. These camps lack basic infrastructure and services, and a cold winter is just a few weeks ahead," Ahelbarra said."It's a very difficult situation for so many." aljazeera
IS attacks kill at least 50 in east Syria Kurdish, says Red Crescent:Reuters
http://zeenews.india.com/world/islamic-state-attacks-kill-at-least-50-in-east-syria-kurdish-red-crescent-2049792.html
Beirut: Islamic State suicide attackers killed at least 50 people in a triple car bomb attack on Thursday among a group of refugees in northeast Syria, a medical source in the Kurdish Red Crescent said. The attack took place at Abu Fas, near the border of Deir al-Zor and Hasaka provinces, said a war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said earlier that at least 18 people had been killed. The dead included refugees fleeing the fighting in Deir al-Zor as well as members of Kurdish Asayish security force, the Observatory reported. Syrian state television said dozens had been killed in the attack. US-backed SDF alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias is pressing it from the north and a rival offensive by Syrian army, supported by allies including Iran and Russia, is attacking it from the west. Reuters
Islamic school's girl-boy segregation ruled unlawful by UK court
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/islamic-school-s-girl-boy-segregation-ruled-unlawful-by-uk-117101301000_1.html
London:An Islamic school's policy of segregating boys and girls in classrooms has been ruled unlawful by a court panel in the UK today. A 3-judge bench of the Court of Appeal in London ruled that the policy of Al-Hijrah school in Birmingham of compulsory segregation from Class 5 onwards caused detriment and less favourable treatment for both male and female pupils by reason of their sex, and was contrary to the UK's 2010 Equality Act. The ruling will have an impact on other faith schools that follow similar policies in Britain. In a test case ruling, the master of the rolls, Sir Terence Etherton, Lady Justice Gloster and Lord Justice Beatson unanimously allowed a challenge by the UK's schools watchdog Ofsted against a previous High Court ruling in favour of the school. Around 20 other schools of Islamic, Jewish and Christian denomination are believed to have similar segregation policies in the country, which will now have to be reviewed.During the appeal hearing, Al-Hijrah's interim executive board had claimed that boys and girls at the school were treated entirely equally despite the segregation, which was attributed to religious reasons. PTI
Pakistan senate: Increasing legal marriageable age of girls from 16 to 18 is un-Islamic
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-age-girls-marry-un-islamic/1/1068172.html
Senate of Pakistan has pounded a legislation governing the minimum age girls can marry, saying a Bill to increase the legal age from 16 to 18 was un-Islamic.The chairman of the Senate Standing Committee, Rehman Malik, cited advice from religious scholars as reasons why he thought the committee should reject the Bill.Rehman Malik said the bill, which suggests increasing the minimum age for girls to marry from 16 to 18,was contrary to Islamic injunctions."I have also discussed it with religious scholars and they also believe that girls can be married before the age of 18 according to Islam, so these kinds of bills cannot be passed,"RT quoted Rehamn.IndiaToday
Bangladesh's first Hindu Chief Justice accused of graft after he leaves country
http://www.newindianexpress.com/pti-news/2017/oct/14/bdesh-first-hindu-cj-accused-of-graft-after-he-leaves-country-1674186.html
Dhaka: Bangladesh's first Hindu Chief Justice S K Sinha was today accused of graft and money laundering after he left the country amid reports that the Govt was upset with him over his decision to scrap parliament's authority in impeaching Supreme Court judges.In an unusual move, the country's SC said the apex court judges earlier this month decided not to sit in the bench of Sinha over allegations of graft and moral lapses brought to their notice by President Abdul Hamid.The Supreme Court issued a statement as Sinha overnight left for Australia saying he was "embarrassed" over the controversy surrounding his July ruling. He also denied claims by the Govt that he was sick."This written statement (of Sinha) is misleading," reads the Supreme Court statement signed by its Registrar General Syed Aminul Islam.PTI
UNESCO race exposes rift between Egypt, Qatar
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/unesco-race-exposes-rift-between-egypt-qatar/935692
Cairo/Doha :A race for the helm of the United Nations’ cultural agency has exposed a diplomatic tiff between Egypt and Qatar. On Friday, UNESCO selected former French culture minister Audrey Azoulay as its new chief after edging Qatar’s Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari after a fifth round of voting. This came hours after Azoulay defeated Egyptian candidate Moushira Khattab in a run-off vote for the post.UNESCO vote was marred by tension between Egypt and Qatar with Cairo accusing Doha of using its financial power to influence the UN agency’s 58-member executive council. In a statement on Saturday, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the results of the Qatari candidate “have reflected its good reputation and distinguished stature” in the world. The ministry said it has not been dragged by “conflicts caused by some officials of a competitor state, which only sought to undermine Qatari candidate”, in an implicit reference to Egypt. On Friday, Al Jazeera television aired a video it said was by an Egyptian diplomat chanting against Qatar during the final round of vote. Anadoluagency
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Non-announcement of Gujarat poll dates invites questions:S. Y. Quraishi
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/election-commission-ec-himachal-pradesh-election-gujarat-poll-4889201/
By playing Hindutva game for decades, Congress helped BJP rise: Saeed Naqvi, IANS
http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/playing-hindutva-game-decades-congress-helped-bjp-rise-69998
I am in Guantánamo Bay. US Govt is starving me to death:Khalid Qassim
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/13/guantanamo-bay-us-Govt -hunger-strike
Activist writes open letter to former Republic journalist, says ‘what you sow, so shall you reap!’
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/open-letter-t-republic-journalist/154997/
We Rank 100 in 119 Nations For Wasting Our Children But Yet We Don't Care, Shame!NATASHA SINGH
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/NewsDetail/index/1/11980/We-Rank-100-in-119-Nations-For-Wasting-Our-Children-But-Yet-We-Dont-Care-Shame
One person from armed forces kills self every 3 days: TOI
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/one-person-from-armed-forces-kills-self-every-three-days/articleshow/61014621.cms?from=mdr
Rohingya repatriation minister: Exodus may be 'planned'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/rohingya-repatriation-minister-exodus-planned-171014123528529.html
Why removing ‘H’ from BHU and ‘M’ from AMU is an unworkable idea: Faizan Mustafa
http://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/why-removing-h-from-bhu-and-m-from-amu-is-an-unworkable-idea/story-Ghw634cxhJG6jZ0Jtc6WMM.html
Pranab Mukherjee thought he could be Congress’ PM choice: Excerpts from his memoirs
http://www.hindustantimes.com/books/pranab-mukherjee-thought-he-could-be-congress-pm-choice-excerpts-from-his-memoirs/story-ySWuz7a7dGKeKdTdIq9BBK.html
Gujarat Polls: What’s the Secret Behind Amit Shah’s ‘Mission 150’?
https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/amit-shah-mission-150-for-gujarat-elections
Where is my son? A year on, painful question remains unanswered for this mother: IndiaTomorrow.net
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/where-is-my-son-a-year-on-painful-question-remains-unanswered-for-this-mother
In the name of Najeeb : Left and exclusion of Muslims in JNU:Waseem RS for TCN
http://twocircles.net/2016nov06/1478430111.html
Muslim Council Dimapur to regulate Muslim community
http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/mcd-to-regulate-muslim-community-in-dimapur/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:12 PM)
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