Evening NEWS DIGEST
21 Oct.2017: 30 Muharram 1439:Vol:9, No:25
INDIA
Union minister Hegde calls 1st freedom fighter Tipu Sultan a “brutal killer, ‘mass rapist’
http://www.apnlive.com/india-news/wont-attend-brutal-killer-mass-rapist-tipu-sultans-jayanti-skills-minister-hegde-29983
Stirring a fresh controversy over the Karnataka govt sponsored Tipu Jayanti celebrations, Union minister for Skill Development and BJP’s Lok Sabha MP from Uttara Kannada, Anant Kumar Hegde has asked the state’s chief secretary to keep his name out of the list of invitees for the event that celebrates the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, 18th Century ruler of Mysore. Hegde, a known Hindutva hardliner who has often made headlines for his radical, anti-Muslim views, has opted out of the Tipu Jayanti celebration that his party has opposed since Congress-led Karnataka Govt initiated it in 2015. The Union Skill Development minister’s remarks on Twitter and in the letter he wrote to the Karnataka chief secretary over his reasons to stay away from the function are rabid and have triggered a war of words between BJP and the Congress.5-time MP from Uttara Kannada constituency, who was inducted into PM Narendra Modi’s Cabinet last month, said on Twitter. Hegde also shared a copy of the letter that his personal secretary wrote to the state’s chief secretary, SC Khuntia, regarding his decision to stay away from the event that has been a polarising issue since it was first celebrated. The letter states: “The instructions (to not include Hegde’s name in the list of invitees) may be brought to the notice of all departments in the State celebrating Tipu Jayanti.” In 2016 too, Mr. Hegde had said he condemned Karnataka govt’s decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti “despite stiff opposition” from a section of the people and claimed that the former ruler of Mysore who is hailed by historians as a Indian freedom fighter for resisting the British East India Company in four wars was “against Kannada language and was anti-Hindu”.Hegde has found himself in the middle of a controversy several times. While his derogatory remarks about Islam have drawn criticism, he was also accused of assaulting a doctor in Uttara Kannada earlier allegedly because the doctor refused to treat Hegde’s ailing mother on priority basis even as several other patients waited their turns for getting medical attention. apnlive
Row over Tipu Jayanti: Karnataka CM says 'Tipu is entire nation's hero'
http://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/row-over-tipu-jayanti-union-minister-refuses-to-attend-state-event-karnataka-cm-says-tipu-is-entire/110223
Bengaluru: As the debate over the celebrations for Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary rages on, Karnataka CM Siddaramiah has criticized union minister Anantkumar Hegde for writing him a letter and asking his Govt to not invite him for Tipu Jayanti celebrations in the state.Taking a jibe at Hegde, Siddaramiah said that the union minister should "first learn about Tipu " before making any statements. CM said that 18th century ruler of erstwhile Mysuru kingdom was a "hero for the country" who had fought against the British.timesnownew
Linking Aadhaar number to bank accounts mandatory in applicable cases, RBI clarifies
http://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/linking-aadhaar-number-to-bank-accounts-mandatory-in-applicable-cases-rbi-clarifies-4900144/
New Delhi: RBI on Saturday clarified that linkage of Aadhaar number to bank accounts is mandatory in applicable cases. The central bank’s response came after some media reports quoted a reply to a RTI Act application that Aadhaar number linkage with bank accounts is not compulsory. “The Reserve Bank clarifies that, in applicable cases, linkage of Aadhaar number to bank account is mandatory under Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) 2nd Amendment Rules, 2017 published in the Official Gazette on June 1, 2017,” RBI said in a press release.It also stated that these rules have statutory force and, therefore, banks have to implement them without awaiting further instructions.In June, the Govt had made Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts as well as for any financial transaction of Rs 50,000 and above. A Govt notification had stated that existing bank accounts should furnish the Aadhaar number issued by UIDAI by Dec. 31 2017. It added that the account will cease to be operation if the account holder fails to do the same. indianexpress
At 2.5 million, India tops list of pollution-linked deaths:Study
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-2-5-million-india-tops-list-of-pollution-linked-deaths-study-4898337/
Pune:India has topped the list of countries with pollution-related deaths in 2015, with 2.51 million people dying prematurely in the country that year due to diseases linked to air, water and other forms of pollution, according to a new study published in the reputed medical journal, The Lancet. India accounted for about 28%of an estimated 9 million pollution-linked deaths worldwide in 2015, the study found. It also topped the list of deaths linked to polluted air (1.81 million) and water (0.64 million).Most of the pollution-related deaths — 92 % — were reported in low and middle income countries, and in rapidly industrialising nations such as India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Madagascar and Kenya, the study said. China, with 1.8 million pollution-linked deaths in 2015, followed India on The Lancet list. Most of these deaths were due to non-communicable diseases caused by pollution, such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health’s study.The study is part of a two-year project that involved more than 40 international health and environmental authors led by Philip Landrigan, an environmental scientist, and Richard Fuller, founder of NGO Pure Earth, and the secretariat of the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution. Among the authors of the study are former environment minister Jairam Ramesh and IIT-Delhi’s Prof Mukesh Khare.According to The Lancet report, air pollution was the biggest contributor, linked to 6.5 million deaths in 2015, ahead of water pollution (1.8 million) and workplace-related pollution (0.8 million). indianexpress
India accounted for 24% of all newborn deaths in 2016: UN
https://scroll.in/latest/854780/india-accounted-for-24-of-all-newborn-deaths-in-2016-says-united-nations-report
India had the largest share – 24% – of newborn deaths in the world in 2016, a UN report said. The number of children in the world who died before their fifth birthday continued to decline in 2016, but was still significant at about 5.6 million, the report titled “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality 2017” said. This works out to nearly 15,000 deaths per day. The number of such deaths was 12.6 million in 1990.Report was published by an inter-agency group, comprising the UN Children’s Fund, WHO and World Bank.Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa accounted for almost 77% of newborn deaths in 2016, according to the report. Newborn deaths refer to deaths during the first 28 days of life. 5 countries accounted for half of such deaths: India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia.Based on current trends, the report projected that 30 million newborns would die between 2017 and 2030, with 80% of them in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Among under-five deaths, India and Nigeria accounted for a third of the world’s share. Pneumonia and diarrhoea were the cause of 24% of deaths below the age of 5. scroll
At least 160 militants killed this year, Kashmir needs political initiative, says DGP: indian express
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-least-160-militants-killed-this-year-kashmir-needs-political-initiative-dgp-4898351/
Srinagar: At least 160 militants have been killed in J&K Police’s latest security campaign this year but Kashmir needs a “political initiative” and the central Govt should take steps to prevent “jobless” youth from being “influenced by a lot of unwanted and dangerous stuff”, State DGP Shesh Paul Vaid said.”There is no doubt that there is a need for a political initiative. Whether there is one going to be taken soon, I am ignorant about it. But I think some progress is happening. Political initiative is the need of the hour,” said Vaid.According to J&K’s top police officer, “there is a problem in the political narrative in Kashmir”.“Mainstream parties do not talk about India, tell people how it benefits them to be a part of India. Look at what a senior leader has been saying — stone-pelters are freedom fighters. He has been a CM …The mainstream political leaders need to speak in favour of India here and that will help change the narrative on the ground. I don’t know why they hesitate,” said Vaid. He was apparently referring to a reported remark by NC president Farooq Abdullah.Following the massive unrest that followed the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani in an encounter last year, Vaid said his worry now is to prevent another “trigger” that will spark strife on the streets again. ”My worry is that there shouldn’t be a trigger like the one last year. We are constantly preventing a trigger that is planned from across. But we must also be aware and prevent sudden triggers created by controversies surrounding issues like Article 35 A. We can’t do much in such cases,’’ he said.
383 police personnel killed in line of duty in last one year: IB Director Jain
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/383-police-personnel-killed-in-line-of-duty-in-last-one-year-says-dib-rajiv-jain/article19894605.ece
New Delhi:As many as 383 police personnel, including 56 belonging to the BSF and 42 from the J&K, have laid down their lives in the line of duty in last one year, Director of Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Jain said on Saturday. Addressing the ‘Police Commemoration Day’, where Home Minister Rajnath Singh led the nation in paying tribute to martyrs of police forces, Jain said the 383 police personnel were killed while performing various duties across the country from Sept.2016 to Aug.2017.Among these police personnel, 76 belonged to the UP Police, 56 belonged to the BSF, 49 were from CRPF, 42 from the J&K Police, 23 belonged to Chhattisgarh, 16 were from West Bengal, 13 each belonged to Delhi and the CISF, 12 each were from Bihar and Karnataka and 11 from the ITBP.Majority of the police personnel died while dealing with cross-border firing from Pakistan, fighting militancy in J&K, Naxals and other law and order duties.The day is observed to pay homage to 10 policemen killed in firing by Chinese troops in 1959 and 34,400 others who laid down their lives protecting India’s unity and integrity. thehindu
Modi Govt nothing but UPA III, says RSS-affiliate BMS
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-Govt -nothing-but-upa-iii-says-rss-affiliate-bms/story-HhzEfkwCcKI0jsqG0eQqOO.html
New Delhi: BJP-led NDA Govt is continuing with the policymaking processes of its predecessor, resulting in a scenario with no new jobs and sluggish economy, the labour wing of the RSS has said.Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), which claims to represent over 5,000 affiliated unions, has upped the ante against the Govt ’s economic policy, claiming it has neither resulted in job creation, nor given indigenous production a fillip. Outfit will organise a march to Parliament on November 17, against what it calls the “anti-labour policies”. BMS president Saji Narayanan told HT the participation of common man in policymaking is totally absent today as was the case during the UPA regime.“UPA Govt had thrown into the dustbin certain reforms due to public resentment. This Govt picked them up saying they are its own reforms. The present reforms are mere continuation of those of the UPA. That is why this Govt is nothing but UPA III as far as economic and labour reforms are concerned,” he said.He, however, rejected former finance minister Yashwant Sinha’s criticism of the Govt ’s economic policies. He said the senior BJP leader was the “pioneer in hijacking NDA’s swadeshi economics to LPG (liberalisation-privatisation,globalisation) camp.”hindustantimes
NIA wants Zakir Naik tried under terror laws
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nia-wants-zakir-tried-under-terror-laws/articleshow/61158849.cms
New Delhi:Seeking extradition of Zakir Naik, NIA has sent a detailed investigation report about alleged "terror" activities of the preacher and sought prosecution sanction from the home ministry against him under the UAPA and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.Sources said the ministry has been informed that investigation against Naik is complete and his role in radicalizing Indian Muslim youth to join jehad; spreading enmity between religious groups and disturbing communal harmony and attempting forced conversions through his NGO - IRF — has been backed by strong evidence.The prosecution sanction against Naik has been sought under the stringent Section 18 of UAPA, which relates to terror conspiracy, Sections 10 and 13 of UAPA, which deal with being member of an unlawful outfit and Section 153 of IPC, which deals with inciting communal hatred, said sources.As soon as MHA gives prosecution sanction, NIA will file its charge-sheet against Naik, his associates and IRF, which will be used to send a formal extradition request to Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, where he is said to be living and travelling frequently. Timesofindia
No Beef Ban In Meghalaya, Asserts BJP
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/no-beef-ban-in-meghalaya-asserts-bjp/303254
BJP has said there would not be any beef ban in Meghalaya and alleged that the Congress was "misleading" the people on the issue to gain political mileage ahead of the assembly elections next year.The Centre has not imposed any beef ban in Meghalaya, state BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh said, adding the May 23 notification only regulated the manner in which animal markets were supposed to function and how animals brought for trade were to be treated.BJP spokesperson JA Lyngdoh said in a statement that the party "has already clarified that it (beef ban) will not be imposed in the northeastern states. Livestock is a state subject. It is up to the states to decide".He also said beef ban would not be imposed in the state, adding preventing cow slaughter was neither a good economic measure nor had constitutional backing. Noting that the ruling Congress is running out of ideas to fight the BJP, the party spokesperson said that CM Mukul Sangma was "misleading" the people on the issue to gain political mileage ahead of assembly elections next year. Sangma had reportedly said that the Centre's notification should be withdrawn as it would impact the state's economy and the food habits of the people.PTI
AMU students issue ultimatum to VC over invitation to BJP leaders for Sir Syed’s bicentenary
http://twocircles.net/2017oct20/417784.html
Students of the AMU have given an ultimatum of 24 hours to V-C Tariq Mansoor after the administration invited BJP members for Sir Syed’s 200th bicentenary celebrations in the campus. The students have alleged that they were kept in the dark over the invitations extended to BJP Aligarh District President Devraj Singh and Sandeep Kumar Singh, a MoS in UP Govt and the MLA from Athrauli. Sandeep is the son of Etah MP Rajveer Singh and the grandson of Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh.In a letter written to V-C, the students also asked the University administration to clarify if BJP members were invited because of pressure from the state Govt. “Please state if the administration received a Fax from the Govt (via Proctor) to invite them (BJP MLAs) and please make the Fax public if that is the case,” the letter says. The students added that failing to explain or apologise, the administration will have to face the wrath of the Govt .“Inviting people who promote and capitalise on communal politics to remember a person like Sir Syed is an insult to his memory and for the students of AMU. We have always stood against people and parties that seek to divide our society and this is no different. We have always prevented BJP members from entering the campus, this was clearly an attempt by the party to infiltrate the campus. They just came, sat and observed…did not even speak. What were they doing here?” asked Faisal Nadeem, a student of AMU. The other reason why AMU students are angry at the invitation extended to the BJP is that just a couple of days ago when DU students had tried to organise a talk on Sir Syed’s Bicentenary celebrations, it was interrupted by members of the ABVP. Members of the ABVP called Sir Syed an anti-national and that he supported the two-nation theory. “At a time when we are remembering the great service that Sir Syed did to this nation, ABVP wants to drag his name also into the mud…as students of AMU, we will not let this happen,” Nadeem added. Clarifying its stand on the issue, a message issued by AMU News, official page of PRO of the AMU administration said, “A Minister was nominated by UP state Govt to be ‘Minister in waiting’ for visiting ex-President as part of protocol.University was intimated by district administration regarding the same.”TCN
Rejected Afzal Guru’s mercy plea on govt’s advice: Pranab
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rejected-afzal-guru-s-mercy-plea-on-Govt -s-advice-pranab-mukherjee/story-8Y6pgE86jbtQz4kk3OoKPL.html
New Delhi:Former president Pranab Mukherjee said on Friday he rejected Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s mercy petition on advice from the Govt as he could not have assumed the role of the court which had already considered the death sentence at various stages.Mukherjee, who is against the continuation of the death sentence, also insisted that it was for lawmakers to amend the law and abolish capital punishment, which is in the Indian Penal Code. During his tenure from 2012 to 2017, Mukherjee rejected 30 mercy pleas.“Before a mercy petition comes to the President, it passes through various stages and different actions had already been taken. The President goes by the advice of the Govt ,” he told HT.“If the Govt advises rejection of the mercy petition, the President naturally will go by that. The President cannot assume the role of the court which had already considered the death sentence at various stages.”“I did not believe in keeping the files without taking any action. I disposed them off and accepted the Govt ’s recommendations to reject mercy petitions except in 1 or 2 cases where I discussed with the then home minister and both of us agreed on commuting the death sentence. Rest all, I confirmed,” he said. Speaking about Kashmir, he said the situation “definitely requires undivided attention” of all those concerned. “We were able to manage the situation during UPA-I and UPA-II. Similarly, this Govt is also making efforts. Let us see how the situation develops and how problems are resolved.”“More than often the secessionist elements take advantage by constantly launching agitations but we shall have to resolve the issue with the cooperation of the people and the Govt in J&K,” he added. Asked about the revival of Congress, he said the party has the “capacity to face the situation, tackle adversities and come out with ideas and principles”.“...whenever there is crisis the party had the capacity to overcome that. I have no doubt that Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders and workers will be able to overcome the crisis and Congress will play its own role.”HT
Babri Masjid case hearing on Dec 5, UP govt given the task to translate case documents
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/babri-masjid-ram-janambhoomi-ayodhya-up-cm-yogi-adityanath-supreme-court/1/1072200.html
New Delhi: UP govt has raised the pitch for construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site (above) as CM Yogi Adityanath celebrated the Diwali festival in Ayodhya.The UP govt has raised the pitch for construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site (above) as CM Yogi Adityanath celebrated the Diwali festival in Ayodhya.Even as the UP Govt raised the pitch for construction of a Ram temple with CM Yogi Adityanath celebrating a grand Diwali in Ayodhya coupled with a visit to the disputed site, the Supreme Court hearing of the Ramjanmabhoomi - Babri Masjid case is scheduled for Dec.5 - on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the demolition of the structure.It is to be noted that the case, which remained in the cold storage for seven years in the Supreme Court, has been a flashpoint between Hindus and Muslims since 1992.After a preliminary hearing of 13 appeals, a bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra had on August 11 said that first, the voluminous case documents running to nearly 10,000 pages - most of them in Urdu, Pali, Sanskrit Arabic and Persian dating back to 16th century - had to be translated for the benefit of both parties and the court.533 documentary evidences in the case include scripts and even palimpsests. Giving the responsibility of translation to the UP Govt , the judges gave 10 weeks time to complete the task.According to sources, the work is "going on at a fast pace and will be over by the date of next hearing".
US biased, always tries to create pawns: Jittery China on growing New Delhi-Washington ties
http://zeenews.india.com/world/us-biased-always-tries-to-create-pawns-jittery-china-on-growing-new-delhi-washington-ties-2051192.html
New Delhi: Growing Indo-US ties may well be making Beijing slightly jittery.With US secretary of state Rex Tillerson appreciating India's efforts for a global rule-based order and accused China of "at times" undermining the same order, China has been harping on Asian solidarity to counter Western 'agenda'.The growing bond between India and US though has left China feeling the heat. On Thursday, Beijing hit back and accused US of being biased. "We hope the US side can look at China`s development and role in the international community in an objective way, and abandon its biased views of China," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.On Saturday, an article in the state-run Global Times went a step further and described Indo-US ties as 'more symbolic than substantial.' Harping on China's efforts to develop the region into an economic hub courtesy its controversial Belt and Road initiative, the report said Washington has a habit of creating pawns. "Beijing is never against the US and India upgrading their relationship, but opposes any move that targets China. That only escalates tensions in the region and exposes the White House's calculated ruse to make as many nations as possible into pawns." zeenews
India says ready for stronger US ties after Tillerson’s call
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/Nn5oBcT67UAteOf8S0CPcM/India-says-ready-for-stronger-US-ties-after-Rex-Tillersons.html
New Delhi:India stood ready to further strengthen ties with the US, the Govt said on Friday, after US secretary of state Tillerson vowed to dramatically expand cooperation as a way to counter China’s influence in Asia.An Indian foreign ministry spokesman said Tillerson had made an important speech on the future of India-US relations and India looked forward to detailed discussions next week.“We appreciate his positive evaluation of the relationship and share his optimism about its future directions,” the spokesman said. livemint
AAP, Congress share stage at JNU, vow to bring back Najeeb Ahmad, fight BJP
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/aap-congress-share-stage-at-jnu-vow-to-bring-back-najeeb-ahmad-fight-bjp/
New Delhi:Sharing the platform at an event for Najeeb Ahmad on Friday, AAP and the Congress called for a “united front” to bring back the JNU student who has been missing for over a year, and to fight the BJP. At “pratirodh sabha” organised by JNU Student’s Union, AAP MLA Alka Lamba said it will not be an easy fight for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.“2019 election will be fought by the country’s youth, where they will talk about unemployment and lack of development. It is time we make them realise that students coming together in Delhi to demand something is the voice of students from across the country. It will be a fight between civil society and tana sahai sarkar,” said Lamba, urging students to organise such events so that “like-minded forces can come together to fight for a common cause”. Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said various agencies have failed in their responsibility to bring back Najeeb. “We don’t know what happened that night. Why are those who had a fight with Najeeb not being questioned? This means they are hiding,” Aiyar said, referring to the nine students who got into a scuffle with Najeeb a day before he disappeared from the hostel. Indianexpress
Congress eyes anti-BJP front in Gujarat, invites Hardik, Alpesh, Jignesh Mewani
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cong-eyes-anti-bjp-front-in-gujarat-invites-hardik-alpesh-jignesh-mewani/story-Pb5KmPmY9exXyuF5PBBvfK.html
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Congress reached out on Saturday to Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakore and Jignesh Mewani, activist leaders who could bring crucial support ahead of the state elections due in a few months.Patel, Thakore and Mewani have led powerful campaigns against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party Govt for their communities.“If Hardik Patel wants to contest elections in future, the Congress is ready to give him ticket. Jignesh Mewani is leading an agitation for the rights of Dalits and Alpesh Thakore is fighting issues like corruption and alcohol addiction. The Congress invites them to join hands with us,” said Gujarat Pradesh Congress committee president Bharatsinh Solanki at a press conference.Patel, 24, who has been at the forefront of an agitation for reservation benefits in college admission and Govt jobs for his otherwise politically influential Patidar community, is yet to reach the age in which he is allowed to contest election.While Patel has said he has no intention of contesting elections, Mewani – who emerged as a Dalit leader in the wake of the Una flogging incident – told HT that his “movement” has a political “perspective” but he would respond to the Congress invitation after consulting community members and organisations.Thakore, who has been leading OBC, ST and ST Ekta Manch, was not available for comment.
Nalanda man allegedly made to lick spit for entering influential villager’s house, 8 booked: indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/nalanda-man-made-to-lick-spit-for-trespassing-an-influential-villagers-house-eight-including-village-mukhiya-booked-bihar-4898890/
Patna:A 54-year-old man in Bihar’s Nalanda was allegedly made to spit and lick his own saliva, and was also beaten with slippers for “trespassing” on the house of a fellow villager on Thursday. The ‘punishment’ was handed over to the man, who is a barber by profession, by the Azadpur village panchayat that falls under Noorsarai police station. Nalanda police on Friday lodged a case against eight persons, including the Azadpur mukhiya, in this regard. No arrest has been made so far in the case.Police said Mahesh Thakur had allegedly entered the house of one Surendra Yadav on Wednesday evening without knocking. Yadav is reportedly an influential farmer and enjoys a good rapport with fellow villager.indianexpress
RSS worker, a journalist with Hindi daily, shot dead in UP, violence breaks out
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rss-worker-a-journalist-with-dainik-jagran-shot-dead-in-up/story-o6wf0aKvSNErYKTYhJzpHP.html
Lucknow: A RSS worker, who was also associated with the ruling BJP and a Hindi daily, was shot dead in UP’s Ghazipur district on Saturday morning, triggering violence in the area.Police said around 7am two bike-borne miscreants pumped six bullets into Rajesh Mishra (35) at his construction-material shop at Bramhapura village. He died on the spot.An agency report said the deceased was also a journalist with Hindi daily Dainik Jagran.Rajesh’s brother Amitesh Mishra, who was sitting with him, suffered serious bullet injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in nearby Varanasi. His condition is stated to be critical.Police suspect personal enmity could be the cause behind the attack.Enraged over the killing, agitated locals soon hit the streets and vandalized four vehicles in Mishra Bazar area of Ghazipur. Hindustantimes
Muzaffarnagar: Clashes break out over burning crackers, 2 arrested
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/muzaffarnagar-clashes-break-out-over-burning-crackers-2-arrested/story-s8438nTRaPyDKD6euv4cBL.html
Several people from the Dalit community were injured in a clash over burning of firecrackers at Muzaffarnagar’s Charthawal town, the police said on Saturday. Trouble started when some Dalit youths opposed the bursting of crackers by another group, they said.“Two persons have been arrested and a case has been registered against 30 people,” police out-post in-charge Naresh Bhati said.Security has been tightened in the town and police personnel have been deployed to thwart any untoward incident, he said.In another incident, at least six people were injured after two groups clashed over bursting of firecrackers at Kirti village, the police said.PTI
Jharkhand ‘starvation’ death: Victims’ mother allegedly heckled by residents over ‘bringing bad name to village’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/jharkhand-starvation-death-simdega-aadhaar-ration-pds-4899822/
Ranchi:The family members of Santoshi Kumari, the girl who died allegedly due to lack of ration in Jharkhand’s Simdega district on September 28, were allegedly harassed and heckled by some women residents of the village on Friday night. On Saturday morning, she went to the house of activist Tara Mani Sahu, who has been taking up their cause, in nearby Patiamba village. The administration, which swung into action following reports in this regard, reached the village, Karimati, and talked to the mother. She has now been brought back to her house. Officials said they would register an FIR if she lodges a formal complaint.Activist Sahu said: “We got the information that she has been forced to leave the village after being heckled and all her belongings being thrown outside by her fellow residents. We informed the Deputy Commissioner to send security for her this morning.” indianexpress
10-yr-old dead as Bulandshahr's Jama Masjid dome collapses
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/1-dead-as-bshahrs-jama-masjid-dome-collapses/articleshow/61157147.cms
Meerut: A 10-year-old boy died and six other people were injured when one of the domes of the centuries-old Jama Masjid collapsed on Diwali evening in Bulandshahr.The falling debris caught a few youths off-guard.According to witnesses, the mosque is one of the oldest Islamic religious structures in the district and is in a dilapidated condition. They said nearby drains have weakened the foundation of the structure.Mohd Tasleem, 67, a resident of the area, said, “The structure is very old and is in a dilapidated condition. Locals claimed that they have approached the authorities concerned several times seeking urgent repairs of the dilapidated structure, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Drain water has weakened the foundation of the structure.”There is a narrow lane on one side of the mosque. After the dome collapsed, locals rushed to the spot and it took them quite some time to dig out the injured youths.According to the imam of the mosque, Zainul Abidin, “Jama Masjid has 3 domes and all of them are made of limestone and bricks, dating back to more than eight centuries. On Thursday evening, a few youths and children were playing when the structure collapsed, killing 10-year-old Mohd Saad on the spot. Two other boys are seriously injured. They are recuperating in district hospital.” timesofindia
Rajasthan law: No probe against judges, officers without sanction
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-vasundhara-raje-govt-law-no-probe-against-judges-officers-without-sanction-4899562/
Jaipur:Vasundhara Raje Govt in Rajasthan is ready with a Bill to replace an Ordinance promulgated last month which prohibits investigation without prior sanction against “a Judge or a Magistrate or a public servant” for any “act done by them while acting or purporting to act in the discharge of their official duties”.Under the new law, the media too cannot report on the accusation against such a person until the prosecution gets the go-ahead from the sanctioning authority, which may take up to 6 months.In the assembly session that starts Monday, the Govt will bring in Code of Criminal Procedure (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill to replace The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance,2017, promulgated on Sept.6.Ordinance made additions to sections 156 (3) and 190 (1) of CrPC which empower a magistrate to take cognizance of an offence and order an investigation. indianexpress
Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar resigns citing personal reasons
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/solicitor-general-ranjit-kumar-resigns-citing-personal-reasons-4899295/
New Delhi:Solicitor General of India Ranjit Kumar resigned from the post Friday, citing “family” reasons. He is the second senior law officer of the Govt to quit in the last few months — Mukul Rohatgi had stepped down as Attorney General in June this year.There is no word on who will succeed Kumar. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta is considered a front runner for the post. Kumar’s one-line resignation letter to the Govt said “due to certain personal family issues, I hereby tender my resignation with immediate effect”.Kumar said: “I confirm resignation due to family issues.”Indian Express,
Can't call yourself Muslim if you worship other gods:Deoband
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cant-call-yourself-muslim-if-you-worship-other-gods-darul-uloom-deoband/articleshow/61161720.cms
New Delhi: Influential Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband on Saturday issued a fatwa against Muslim women who performed 'aarti' on Diwali in Varanasi, pronouncing that they can no longer be considered 'Muslim-Ulema' if they worship other gods."If anyone worships any god except Allah they don't remain Muslim-Ulema," a representative for the Islamic seminary told ANI.The edict comes days after a group of Muslim women performed aarti and dedicated prayers to Lord Rama on the eve of Diwali in Varanasi. The event was organised by Muslim Mahila Foundation and Vishal Bharat Sansthan to promote communal harmony. timesofindia
WORLD
'UAE on the verge of splitting Yemen in two'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/verge-splitting-yemen-171020063508888.html
After a tumultuous marriage of more than 27 years, South Yemen appears to be edging closer to divorcing the north in a move politically and financially sponsored by the oil-rich UAE. In the southern coastal city of Aden, unified Yemen's familiar flag of three horizontal bars has all but vanished, replaced by the former Communist nation's emblem of a red star within a sky-blue chevron, while pictures of Emirati royals adorn the hallways of Govt buildings and ministries.Military units once loyal to the Govt of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi are also distinctly absent. Instead, local militias and Yemeni soldiers are flanked by Emirati troops - tasked with guarding key installations and protecting Aidarous al-Zubaidi - UAE's 'man in the south' and leader of the southern secessionist movement. Perceived by some as the only credible rival to Hadi, the 50-year-old militia leader set out his vision for the region on Friday saying an independence referendum would be "held soon."Speaking to a raucous crowd of southerners hungry for secession, he announced the formation of a new 303-member parliament, a body analysts say will be administered under his presidency. Aljazeera
Tillerson blames Saudi-led group for Gulf diplomatic rift stalemate
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/tillerson-blames-saudi-led-group-gcc-rift-stalemate-171019204415880.html
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said he has little hope that the months-long Gulf diplomatic crisis will be resolved soon, blaming the Saudi-led group of countries for lack of progress.Tillerson made the comments on Thursday, a day before he embarks on a trip to the region in a renewed attempt to mediate the dispute."I do not have a lot of expectations for it being resolved anytime soon," he said."There seems to be a real unwillingness on the part of some of the parties to want to engage." Aljazeera
US to visit Saudi-bloc over Gulf-Qatar rift
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171020-us-to-visit-saudi-bloc-over-gulf-qatar-rift/
US’ Secretary of State has started a diplomatic tour across the Middle East to ease tensions over the Qatar rift.Rex Tillerson is blaming the Saudi Arabian-led alliance for not engaging in dialogue with Qatar. Qatar has shown eagerness to enter into negotiations.“There seems to be a real unwillingness on the part of some of the parties to want to engage,” Tillerson told Bloomberg. “It’s up to the leadership of the quartet when they want to engage with Qatar because Qatar has been very clear – they’re ready to engage.” middleeastmonitor
No Rohingya woman safe as rapists run rampant, say experts: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rohingya-rape/no-rohingya-woman-safe-as-rapists-run-rampant-experts-idUSKBN1CO2O9
cox‘s bazar: Rape is being used as a weapon of war in the Rohingya crisis, with no woman safe from the risk of sexual attack as Myanmar’s Muslim minority is driven out of its homeland, according to experts in the field and those caught up in the crisis.Doctors treating some of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar in recent weeks have seen dozens of women with injuries consistent with violent sexual attacks, according to UN clinicians.And women interviewed by the Reuters tell of violent rape by Myanmar security forces as they flee their homes, part of a mass Rohingya exodus.“Burmese (Myanmar) military has clearly used rape as one of a range of horrific methods of ethnic cleansing against Rohingya,” said Skye Wheeler, a sexual violence expert with HRW who has assessed the fast-filling camps.“Rape and other forms of sexual violence has been widespread and systematic as well as brutal, humiliating and traumatic,” she said.Yet villagers fleeing the violence say rape is a routine weapon in the military’s armory, with the UN now deliberating whether the violence amounts to genocide. Speaking to Reuters from the relative safety of her camp, Nurshida recalled how her class of 30 was marched in silence to their school last month, held at gunpoint by uniformed soldiers, then manhandled into the main auditorium. The gang rape began immediately.“All of the schoolgirls were raped and there were loud screams everywhere,” said Nurshida, sitting in a mud hut in Bangladesh’s Kutupalong camp where she is waiting to register as a refugee.Authorities say her story fits a horribly familiar pattern.“The stories we hear point to rape being used strategically as a weapon of war,” aid Rashed Hasan, a lieutenant colonel in Bangladesh army.Women of all ages and backgrounds have reported similarly brutal sexual assaults - as well as witnessing family killings, losing children and being forced from their homes.
My Interview With a Rohingya Refugee: What Do You Say to a Woman Whose Baby Was Thrown Into a Fire? NYT
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/19/insider/my-interview-with-a-rohingya-refugee-what-do-you-say-to-a-woman-whose-baby-was-thrown-into-a-fire.html?smid=fb-share
Putin, Erdogan discuss Syria, Astana peace process in phone call
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/putin-erdogan-discuss-syria-astana-peace-process-in-phone-call/story-EYGa6awN1ZE2TbhqgDET8H.html
Moscow:Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed an upcoming meeting of the Astana process on the Syrian conflict in the Kazakh capital in late October, the Kremlin said on Saturday.During their phone conversation, Putin and Erdogan talked about joint efforts within the Astana process, including the creation of “de-escalation zones” in Syria, and further coordination towards resolving the Syria situation, the Kremlin said in a statement. Astana talks are brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran. In mid-September, the three countries agreed to post observers on the edge of a de-escalation zone in northern Syria’s Idlib region largely controlled by Islamist militants.Putin and Erdogan also said agreements reached between Russia and Turkey in Ankara in late Sept. were being successfully implemented, particularly in trade and economic relations.Reuters
West Bank: Israel forces raids Darwish Hospital
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171020-qalqilya-israel-occupation-forces-raids-darwish-hospital/
A number of Palestinian patients at the Darwish Nazzal Hospital in Qalqilya, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, were injured yesterday and suffered severe suffocation, especially in the children’s ward, after Israeli occupation forces raided the hospital’s courtyards, firing live ammunition, gas bombs and smoke at the hospital.Minister of Health Jawad Awwad issued a statement condemning the attack, describing it as “barbaric act and despicable crime” which violates all international norms and human rights conventions.He added that the occupation forces’ repeated raids and attacks on hospitals indicate their systematic policy against hospitals and the entire Palestinian health sector, which is a violation of international laws and poses a threat to the lives of Palestinian patients.He stressed the need for immediate and urgent intervention by all international health organisations operating in Palestine in order to rein in the occupation, noting that he will be sending urgent letters to them in this regard.middleeastmonitor
Hamas: We are keen on the reconciliation and will not abandon the resistance
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171020-hamas-we-are-keen-on-the-reconciliation-and-will-not-abandon-the-resistance/
Head of Hamas Abroad, Maher Salah, stressed the movement’s commitment to the resistance, noting that it will only support the truth and justice.In his speech during the 9th Guardians of Jerusalem Conference held in Istanbul today, Salah said:"Those who believe Hamas and the Palestinian people would abandon the resistance are delusional. Rest assured that Hamas will not abandon the resistance; resistance is part of its name."He cited statements made by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in a religious event regarding Israel’s existence, Salah said: “Israel will not celebrate its 100th birthday… it is destined to demise.” middleeastmonitor
52 Egypt police suffer casualties in ambush: aljazeera
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/egyptian-police-suffer-casualties-raid-171020183055197.html
At least 52 Egyptian police and conscripts were killed and six more wounded in a gun battle on Friday during a raid on a hideout of fighters in the western desert, security sources said. Sources had said late on Friday at least 30 police were killed.Egypt is battling armed groups concentrated in the Sinai peninsula, including an ISIL affiliate, that has killed hundreds of security forces since 2013.Reuters quoted sources as saying deaths occurred on Friday when the officers were following a lead to an apartment thought to house 8 suspected members of Hasm.Hasm is a group that has claimed several attacks around Cairo targeting judges and policemen since last year.
Afghanistan: At least 15 army cadets killed in suicide attack near Military Academy in Kabul
http://www.firstpost.com/world/afghanistan-at-least-15-army-cadets-killed-four-others-injured-in-suicide-attack-near-kabul-military-academy-4163175.html
Kabul: A suicide bomber killed 15 Afghan army trainees as they were leaving their base in Kabul on Saturday, the defence ministry said, in the latest deadly attack in the capital."This afternoon when a minibus carrying army cadets was coming out of the military academy, a suicide bomber on foot targeted them, martyring 15 and wounding 4," defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said.Kabul crime branch chief General Mohammad Salim Almas said police have launched probe into the attack.AFP
Mogadishu bombing death toll rises to 358
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/mogadishu-bombing-death-toll-rises-358-171020223155870.html
The number of people killed in last week's devastating bombing in the Somali capital Mogadishu has risen to 358, according to the govt.As well as the confirmed death toll, 228 people were injured in what was the deadliest attack in the country's history, Somalia's news agency quoted the information and internal security ministers as saying late on Friday.The announcement came as a car bomb exploded outside Mogadishu, killing the driver, police said, with a witness saying there were at least two bodies. aljazeera
Turkey says Kurdish militant banner in Raqqa shows US sided with terrorists
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171021-turkey-says-kurdish-militant-banner-in-raqqa-shows-us-sided-with-terrorists/
Turkey said on Friday that a huge banner of jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan unfurled in central Raqqa by US-backed Kurdish forces would further harm already fraught relations between Ankara and Washington.The banner of Ocalan was raised on Thursday at a ceremony to mark Raqqa’s capture from Daesh in a campaign spearheaded by Kurdish Syrian YPG fighters, with military support from the US.Turkey considers the YPG to be an extension of Ocalan’s Kurdistan PKK, which has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey’s southeast and is designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, European Union and Turkey.Ankara says that weapons supplied to fighters in Syria have ended up in PKK hands, threatening Turkish security.“I wonder what more evidence the US needs to accept that the … YPG is a terrorist organisation,” Turkish PM Binali Yildirim told reporters as he left a mosque in Istanbul. Middleeastmonitor
Aleppo: 250,000 people displaced as winter approaches
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171020-aleppo-250000-people-displaced-as-winter-approaches/
A quarter of a million people displaced in northern Aleppo are in urgent need of humanitarian aid as the upcoming winter season sees the temperature drop, Syrian news agency Zaman Al-Wasl reported yesterday.Refugees from one of Syria’s most populous provinces are awaiting basic supplies from charities and camp administrators, including tents, heaters and blankets, as more civilians continue to flee fighting in the Jizera area.However, camp administrators have little to offer as international organisations fail to provide the sites with the necessary aid. middleeastmonitor
Iraq issues arrest warrant for Kurdistan vice president
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171020-iraq-issues-arrest-warrant-for-kurdistan-vice-president/
Iraq has ordered the arrest of Kurdistan Regional Govt Vice President Kosrat Rasul after he called Govt troops sent to Kirkuk this week “occupying forces”.Spokesman for the Supreme Judicial Council, Abdul Sattar Al-Birqdar, said in a statement that the Court of Inquiry has issued the arrest warrant because it believed Rasul’s comments incited violence. “The court considered Rasul’s statements insulting and incite against the armed forces,” he said.On Wednesday, Rasul issued a statement saying the Iraqi military operation in Kirkuk is another Kurdish genocide, in reference to the genocide that was inflicted on the Kurds in 1988 by the regime forces at the time. middleeastmonitor
Spain to suspend Catalonia's leaders, call elections
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/spanish-Govt -discusses-revoking-catalonia-powers-171021083614755.html
Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy has confirmed that Spain will go forward with Article 155 after his cabinet held a crisis meeting to decide how to put an end to Catalonia's secession drive.The previously untapped article of Spain's constitution will enable Madrid to seize powers from the wealthy northeastern region.Rajoy listed four goals for enacting Article 155: A return to legality, to recover normality and co-existence, to continue with economic recovery and to have an election in Catalonia in "normal political circumstances".The Catalan Govt will be dissolved as a result. aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
How Israel engages in 'water apartheid'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/israel-engages-water-apartheid-171013110734930.html
Saudis and Emiratis are on a Yemeni collision course: Omair Anas
http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/yemen-s-southern-council-end-game-crisis-saudi-arabia-90299838
Discovering Jashn-e-Chiraghan, the Mughal Festival of Lights:RUCHIKA SHARMA
https://thewire.in/188612/how-the-mughals-celebrated-diwali/
Is Narendra Modi losing his mojo?BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41563751
Pavan Varma: EC Hasn’t Given Credible Answer on Gujarat; BJP Wrong to Use Religion to Polarise:Karan Thapar
https://thewire.in/188978/pavan-varma-interview-karan-thapar-jdu-nitish-kumar-bjp/
With 27% of world GDP, India was richest country under Muslim rule: Shashi Tharoor
http://www.ummid.com/news/2017/October/20.10.2017/shashi-tharoor-on-indias-gdp-under-muslim-rule.html
Maulana Mahmud al-Hasan, tallest leader of India: Muslim Freedom Fighters Series: Syed Ubaidur Rahman
http://viewsheadlines.com/maulana-mahmud-al-hasan-the-tallest-leader-of-india-muslim-freedom-fighters-series-18427/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:38 PM)
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