Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST
31 Jan.2017: 2 Jamadiul Awwal 1438: Vol:8, No:103
INDIA
Economic Survey projects slower growth, no rate easing; market recovers a bit
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/slower-growth-not-big-fall-in-interest-rate-ahead-in-fy18-economic-survey/articleshow/56889083.cms
Expect the pain from demonetisation to linger on in the economy in the new financial year and do not expect interest rates to fall sharply. Those are the key takeaways from the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Tuesday. GST, which has created a lot of euphoria in industry and markets, may actually play spoiler as tax collections are expected to be rather muted, which may hurt the government's public capex and various social sector allocations. Following the announcement, the BSE Sensex which was down over 150 points before the release, cut losses and was trading 85.77 points lower at 27,763.79 at the time of writing this report. The survey sees GDP growth in FY18 at 6.7-7.5 per cent, as it sees three key risks to growth in the form of a possible spike in oil prices, rise in global trade tension and a spillover of the demonetisation pain beyond 2 quarters as estimated earlier. economictimes
Economic Survey has a cure for Modi govt's biggest headache - job creation
http://www.firstpost.com/business/economic-survey-has-a-cure-for-narendra-modi-govts-biggest-headache-job-creation-3240226.html
Eco Survey projects growth slump, slower rate easing in FY18; here's how D-St analysts reacted
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/56889083.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
India Economic Survey 2017: President's speech signals a populist Budget ahead
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/current-affairs/india-economic-survey-2017-presidents-speech-signalspopulist-budget-ahead_8379041.html?utm_source=ref_article
President Pranab Mukherjee has appeared to lay the foundations for a populist Budget when he drew parallels between the Champaran movement in the independence struggle and the poor’s strength of character in the ongoing battle against black money. Mukherjee, in his address to Parliament ahead of the crucial Budget Session,said that Champaran, whose centenary is being celebrated this year, gave a new direction to the freedom struggle, channelising ‘jana shakti’. He said resilience demonstrated by the poor in the fight against black money and corruption was remarkable.money control
President Mukherjee lauds note ban, surgical strikes; favours joint polls
http://zeenews.india.com/india/president-pranab-mukherjee-lauds-note-ban-surgical-strikes-favours-joint-polls_1972315.html
Budget Session: Ordinances on bank notes, Enemy Property tabled in Parliament
http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-ordinances-on-bank-notes-enemy-property-tabled-in-parliament-2302508
An Ordinance under which old denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 will cease to be liabilities of the RBI was tabled in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Ordinances on 'The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) 2016 and 'Payment of Wages' (Amendment), promulgated on Dec 22 and 28 of last year, respectively, were also tabled in both the Houses on the first day of the Budget session.Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Ordinance, 2016, promulgated on Dec.30 last year, in pursuance to announcement by PM Modi on Nov.8 to scrap notes, was tabled in Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs SS Ahluwalia. He tabled the other 2 ordinances as well.In the Rajya Sabha, the 3 ordinances were tabled by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.The Ordinance on bank notes provides that the specified old currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 will cease to be liabilities of the RBI from Dec. 31, 2016 onwards.PTI
Ex-ATS officer Mujawar seeks probe into 26/11 autopsy reports
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/ex-ats-officer-seeks-probe-into-2611-autopsy-reports-4499954/
New Delhi: In a fresh twist into 2008 Malegaon blasts, ex-Maharashtra ATS officer Mehboob Mujawar has demanded investigations into the postmortem reports of two unidentified men who were reportedly killed during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The autopsy reports are part of chargesheet filed by Maharashtra ATS into 26/11 attacks investigations against Mohd. Ajmal Kasab. Mujawar had claimed that the 2 prime suspects of Malegaon blasts — Ramji Kalsangre and Sandeep Dange — were killed by senior ATS officers on Nov.26, 2008 and were later shown as victims of 26/11. He was recently examined by NIA which is now probing the Malegaon blasts along with other right wing terror cases. Mujawar said, “NIA has recorded my statement. PM reports needs to be investigated and DNA samples of these unidentified bodies can be obtained for verification. I have more evidence to back my claims and will present it at an appropriate time.” NIA officials however said that a probe is underway and more cooroboration is required. indian express
Malegaon blast: Accused tries to assert patriotism while seeking bail in HC
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/2008-malegaon-blast-accused-tries-to-assert-patriotism-while-seeking-bail-in-hc/story-HWZn5sjLCZLpoyauyBDICL.html
Mumbai:Malegaon blast accused, Lt Colonel Shrikant Purohit claimed before the Bombay High Court on Monday that there existed little evidence against him and that he was being falsely incriminated in the case.Purohit went on to recount before the court how he had “killed many terrorists” while in service, and “prevented an infiltration bid,” thus, attempting to establish that he was a patriot who had “risked his own security” for the nation and hence, could not have taken part in any terrorist activity himself.Purohit’s counsel advocate Shrikant Shivade read out from his service record telling the court that while in service, Purohit “had killed three terrorists...risking his own life and safety.. that he displayed courage in the face of hostile fire..”The submissions came while the court was hearing a plea filed by Purohit seeking bail in the case.HC is likely to continue the hearing on Purohit’s plea today.HT
Sanction vitiated as procedure flouted: Purohit's counsel in bail plea
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sanction-vitiated-as-procedure-flouted-purohits-counsel-in-bail-plea/articleshow/56879076.cms
Hafiz Saeed in house arrest: Protests in Pak, India reacts cautiously
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-india-reacts-cautiously-to-reports-of-saeed-s-detention-2302734
India reacted cautiously to the reports of detention of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed and 4 others under an anti-terrorism act by Pakistan.External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said govt has seen reports on Pakistan Interior Ministry order placing JuD and Falah e-Insaniyet Foundation under watchlist and also the notification under which foundation has been included in the second schedule of their anti-terror legislation under UNSC Resolution number 1267.Saeed, who was detained at his Lahore HQRS, has been shifted to his residence which has been declared as a sub-jail by authorities in Punjab province. The provincial authorities have also started to remove the banners of JuD from the roads of Lahore. National flags have been hoisted at JuD offices in Lahore, instead of party flags, on the directives of the provincial home dept. Supporters accused Sharif govt of succumbing to the wishes of US. Another spokesman, Farooq Azam, announced protests in Karachi by "different religious and Kashmiri leaders". Other govt officials have said recently that a broader diplomatic campaign pushed by India to isolate Pakistan has taken a toll, even involving pressure from longtime ally China. PTI
My arrest will give fresh impetus to Kashmiris struggle: Hafiz Saeed
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/my-arrest-will-give-fresh-impetus-to-kashmiris-struggle-jud-chief-hafiz-saeed/531009/
Lahore:A defiant Hafiz Saeed said his detention would give a “fresh impetus” to the Kashmiris’ “struggle against India”,Saeed said if Indian PM Narendra Modi thinks that he would get respite in Kashmir after his arrest he is seriously mistaken.“We have declared 2017 a year of solidarity for Kashmiris,” he said adding that all programmes planned for Feb.5 will be held across Pakistan and PoK. He vowed to challenge his house arrest in the Lahore High Court.PTI
Hafiz Saeed's detention a 'policy decision': Pak Army
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/saeeds-detention-a-policy-decision-pak-army/articleshow/56894681.cms
Republic Day invite for Pak defence advisor first time in 3 yrs
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/republic-day-invite-for-pakistan-defence-advisor-first-time-in-3-years-4499909/
New Delhi: In a rare gesture amid the chill in diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan High Commission’s defence and army advisor Brig Chaudhary Amir Ajmal was invited to the Republic Day parade last week, sources said.The last such invitation was extended in Jan.2014, before NDA govt came to power, when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest. The advisor is the top-ranking serving Pakistan Army official in India and heads the High Commission’s defence wing. Currently, there are two more officials in the wing, one each from the Navy and Air Force.Government sources said Brigadier Ajmal had sought an invitation, and was sent one last week through the Ministry of External Affairs’s protocol division and not through the usual contact point, the Defence Intelligence Agency. He was extended “due courtesy” along with officials of similar rank from other countries in the VVIP enclosure on Rajpath, said sources.Indian Express
Weakening Article 370 will be the biggest anti-national act, says Mehbooba Mufti
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/weakening-article-370-will-be-the-biggest-anti-national-act-says-mehbooba-mufti/story-vE3nBsGapNkq4d0479dv5K.html
Jammu:In a clear message to ally BJP, J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said anybody weakening Article 370, which grants special status to the state, will be doing the “biggest anti-national act” even as she contended that a “conspiracy is being hatched against our culture and state” in this regard.She also attacked those opposing setting up of colonies for Kashmiri Pandits in the valley, saying that by doing so, they do not want in their “heart of hearts” the displaced people to return.Speaking in Legislative Assembly, she underlined that Pandits cannot go back to live in their original villages and other places in Kashmir in the prevailing security situation when even political workers and MLAs and MLCs are seeking a protective set-up.PTI
Missing Najeeb: Protest held at Delhi Police HQRS; SIO seeks President's intervention
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/missing-najeeb-protest-held-at-delhi-police-headquarters;-sio-seeks-presidents-intervention
New Delhi: The family members of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed including his mother and dozens of students held a demonstration outside the Delhi Police headquarters here on Monday as a mark of protest against an alleged raid by police at the houses of Najeeb's grandfather and other relatives in UP's Badaun district earlier this week.As more than 100 days passed since Najeeb's mysterious disappearance from his hostel room at JNU, day after scuffle with some members of a Hindu-right student group, Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) has written to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking his intervention for safe recovery of Najeeb and justice with his family.The protesters were angry at the alleged police raid at Najeeb's house while, they alleged, those who assaulted him in the night of 14 Oct 2016 at JNU hostel, have not even been interrogated and they are scot-free. On the other hand, Najeeb's family has filed a habeas corpus in the Delhi High Court and made nine students and members of ABVP accused. "More than 100 days has been completed on disappearance of Najeeb, a young student of JNU campus, when students and concerned citizens ask questions to govt, police and JNU administration there is no response from the either side of the authorities," wrote Syed Azharuddin, National Secretary of SIO, in his letter to the President.indiatomorrow
A day of protest for JNU students: Asian Age
http://www.asianage.com/metros/delhi/310117/a-day-of-protest-for-jnu-students.html
New Delhi: It was a day of protests for JNU students on Monday. While the JNU Students’ Union protested against the alleged raid in the house of missing student Najeeb Ahmed’s relatives house in Badaun, the RSS-affiliated ABVP held a protest against the varsity’s new admission policy for M.Phil/Ph.D. courses.The protest by JNUSU outside the Delhi police HQRS comes after a team of Delhi police, along with the Badaun local police in UP, carried out a search at Najeeb’s maternal grandfather’s house on Saturday.“Insensitive attitude of the police still continues. After being completely failed to trace whereabouts of Najeeb, the poli-ce under crime branch, has now gone to the extent of forcefully entering into Najeeb’s house in Badaun. Whereas, Najeeb’s assault-ers are given impunity,” said JNUSU general secretary Satarupa Chakrabo-rty.The protest also witnessed Najeeb’s mother Fatima Nafees, Student Islamic Organisation of India and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind organisation supporting the JNU students.In a separate incident, JNUSU tried to meet UGC chairman over the issue of UGC gazette notification but were allegedly dragged out of UGC office by the security guards and the Delhi police. Intensifying their struggle, union said it would be launching an “indefinite” hungerstrike from Monday night if May 5 UGC regulation were not revoked.
JNU protests bring traffic to a halt at many places
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/jnu-protests-bring-traffic-to-a-halt-at-many-places/articleshow/56880944.cms
AMU: Teachers’ Association alleges violation of norms in VC’s selection:PTI
http://indianexpress.com/article/education/amu-teachers-association-alleges-violation-of-norms-in-vcs-selection/
Aligarhl:AMU Teachers’ Association has accused the varsity’s executive council of flouting norms while drawing up names for the selection of the next V-C, claiming that the list includes those facing “serious graft charges”. AMUTA’s executive committee has also passed a resolution describing the manner in which the panel of 5 names was drawn up as “illegal”. In an official statement today, the Secretary of AMUTA,Mustafa Zaidi, alleged that UGC norms have been flouted brazenly by including names of persons facing “serious charges of graft” in the list and described it as “shocking”.
states polls & politics
Samajwadi-Congress supported by over 73 per cent Muslims, Yadavs: ABP News-Lokniti survey
http://www.india.com/news/india/uttar-pradesh-assembly-elections-2017-opinion-poll-samajwadi-party-supported-by-over-73-per-cent-muslims-yadavs-abp-news-survey-1796225/
Lucknow: The pre-poll survey conducted by ABP News-Lokniti CSDS found the alliance of Samajwadi Party-Congress to be the most-preferred electoral option for Muslims and Yadavs in the upcoming UP assembly elections 2017. The opinion poll claims that coalition of Samajwadi Party and Congress enjoys the support of over 73% of Muslims and Yadavs in the poll-bound state. The findings of the ABP News-Lokniti CSDS opinion poll gives a major boost to the campaign of Samajwadi Party, as the party has traditionally targeted Muslim-Yadav electoral base to storm to power. Yadavs constitute approximately 20% of the state population, whereas, the Muslim voters form 18% of the state’s electoral roll. The combined electoral base could drive Akhilesh Yadav back to power. ABP News-Lokniti CSDS survey, while predicting 74% of Muslims to support Samajwadi -Congress, claims that another 21% would side with BSP, whereas, 3% could vote for BJP.india.com
Shia-Sunni joint front to oppose Samajwadi-Congress alliance: TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/shia-sunni-joint-front-to-oppose-sp-cong-alliance/articleshow/56881877.cms
Lucknow: A section of Muslim clerics from both Shia and Sunni sects came together under a unified front against the SP-Congress alliance for UP elections on Monday, a day after CM Akhilesh Yadav and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi undertook a massive road show in Muslim-dominated areas of Lucknow. As a joint front, however, the clerics said they would decide within a day or two on which party to support.Interestingly, the dais included Imran Hasan Siddiqui, president of Al Imam Welfare Association, who only recently publicly extended his support to BSP. Headed by Maulana Kalbe Jawad, the clerics said that both the SP and Congress not only fooled Muslims in the past 5 and fifty years respectively but people of all religions, failing to fulfil promises made.
RSS School’s Hindu Values & a Madarsa’s Discipline in Western UP: thequint
https://www.thequint.com/life/2017/01/18/2017-promises-to-be-the-year-of-long-weekends-have-you-started-planning
A RSS-managed school in Western UP’s Muzaffarnagar is firm about discipline and ‘Hindu’ values which it wants to inculcate in its students.While the students of an Islamic school in Deoband undergo a rigorous schedule of reciting Quranic verses, going through Arabic scriptures and law books through the week.The Quint recently visited the Saraswati Shishu Mandir school and the Darul Uloom madarsa in Deoband, ahead of the Assembly polls in Feb. thequint
BJP's Yogi Adityanath praises Trump ban, compares western UP to Kashmir
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjps-yogi-adityanath-praises-donald-trumps-immigration-ban-says-india-needs-it-1654430
Bulandshahr: BJP lawmaker Yogi Adityanath has praised US President Donald Trump's temporary ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries - roundly condemned within the US and worldwide - and said similar action is needed to check terrorism in India. While campaigning for the UP polls to be held from Feb.7, the firebrand leader also focused on his party colleague's claims of a Hindu "exodus" from western UP and warned that the region could soon "become another Kashmir". Addressing a rally in Bulandshahr, he referred to Trump's immigration order temporarily banning entry to the US for citizens of seven countries and refugees from around the world, and said: "Similar action is needed to contain terror activities in this country."He also alleged during his speeches that the situation in western UP is similar to the Kashmir Valley around three decades ago, when "Kashmiri Pandits were terrorized and forced to leave". Situation, he claimed, was especially grim in Muzzafarnagar, Baghpat, Meerut and Ghaziabad. He accused the ruling Samajwadi Party and Mayawati's BSP of allowing it to happen with their policies over the years.NDTV
OTHERS
Living in fear: Dalits still at receiving end of caste atrocities in UP
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/living-in-fear-dalits-still-at-receiving-end-of-caste-atrocities-in-uttar-pradesh/story-f8M4EkiPEGeVy6kwadODSP.html
Lucknow: For the Dalit Katheria family of the nondescript Daulatpur village in Mainpuri district of western Uttar Pradesh, the New Year turned out to be traumatic.Hari Om Katheria, 35, his wife Meera and brother Shyam Sunder were thrashed by Chhotey Lal, an upper caste Thakur, for not greeting him with a ‘Ram Ram’.On Jan.15, Hari Om was working in his field when Chhotey Lal passed by. Chhotey Lal was infuriated as Hari Om did not wish him ‘Ram Ram’ and thrashed the Dalit farmer with his slippers.When Hari Om’s wife Meera and brother Shyam Sunder intervened, Chhotey Lal thrashed and abused them too.Later that night, Chhotey Lal and his henchmen went to Hari Om’s house and after thrashing the family again, set the poor farmer’s house on fire.The incident was reported by some sections of the media but was largely washed away amid the high-profile family feud in the Samajwadi Party.Atrocities against Dalits have continued despite Constitutional safeguards that came into force 68 years ago.HT
RSS breathes easier in Tamil Nadu under new CM
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rss-breathes-easier-in-tamil-nadu-under-new-cm-panneerselvam/story-1VTufKoUst0YD9RlnqfOVN.html
RSS, which found itself stifled under the previous regime of late Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa, is breathing easier in state today.RSS media coordinator for the state N Sadagoppan said organisation found it easier to conduct marches and demonstrations since O Panneerselvam took over as CM.“During Jayalalithaa’s rule, even if the courts gave permission to RSS to hold a march, the government would go and get a stay on it. But today, things are a bit different,” he said, adding, “We are happy with the OPS govt.” RSS functionary’s admission came a day after about 1,000 swayamsevaks marched from Egmore to Chintadripet to commemorate the birth anniversaries of Saint Ramanuja, Guru Gobind Singh, BR Ambedkar and Subhas Chandra Bose.HT
SC refuses to stay new TN law that allows Jallikattu
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-new-tamil-nadu-law-that-allows-jallikattu/story-3OPqFcMjWuv09FngaZPC5I.html
New Delhi:Supreme Court refused to stay a new legislation passed recently by Tamil Nadu assembly allowing bull-taming sport Jallikattu in the state.A bench of justice Dipak Misra and justice RF Nariman also permitted the Centre to withdraw a Jan.7, notification allowing Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.SC permitted animal rights bodies and other individuals to amend their pending petitions to challenge the new legislation.PTI
Jallikattu, like Shah Bano: Article written by Prashant Bhushan , Advocate Siddhartha K. Garg
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jallikattu-protest-animal-cruelty-act-shah-bano-judgement-supreme-court-4499642/
Gujarat HC Grants Custody Of 23-Yr-Old Muslim Girl To Her Hindu Girlfriend
http://www.livelaw.in/gujarat-hc-grants-custody-23-yr-old-muslim-girl-hindu-girlfriend-read-order/
A Hindu girl has legally obtained the custody of her Muslim friend and the duo has resolved to stay together. The two had earlier approached the Gujarat High Court expressing their desire. The 23-year-old Muslim girl had earlier indicated her desire to live with the petitioner and was accordingly allowed by the court to go with her friend. The girl had, however, voluntarily stated that she would return a month later and submit before the court her status and her wellbeing. Accordingly, on Monday, she presented herself before the court and affirmed her willingness to stay with the petitioner and stated that she was ‘happy at the place where she is residing and had not changed her mind about it’.A division bench of Justice Akil Kureshi and Justice Biren Vaishnav, considering her statement, observed that, ‘In that view of the matter, ordinarily, no further discussion would be needed in the habeas corpus petition.’The court, however, refused to tender to the plea led by the girl for returning her belongings and documents from the shelter home she was previously residing in. Court stated: “It is not part of this habeas corpus petition. We have no basis to accept her version that all the mentioned documents and belongings are in custody of the shelter home and at any rate we are not inclined to examine this issue in an unrelated petition.”Muslim girl from Ahmedabad had alleged that she was sexually harassed by her family and had even written to the Chief Justice earlier. She had sought the court’s intervention and wanted to be rescued from her family. She even sought help from a local NGO, but refused to leave her family when they arrived, allegedly under family pressure. However, a few months ago, she had moved to the NGO’s shelter home for good. Livelaw.com
Himachal: ISIS posters found near Solan army cantonment
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/himachal-pradesh-isis-posters-near-solan-army-cantonment-4500390/
Shimla: Posters of the Islamic State (IS) surfaced near an army cantonment in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district on Tuesday, a police official said. The posters and a flag saying “ISIS Coming Soon”, written in English, Hindi and Urdu, surfaced on the walls near Subathu cantonment, the official told IANS. Subathu is some 50 km from the state capital here One of the posters warned of triggering three bomb blasts from Subathu to Nepal. The police said investigations were on and also asked the locals not to feel threatened by the posters. Earlier, a temple in Solan was defaced with “ISIS coming soon” written over its walls in English and Arabic. The incident happened in January in Dharampur.IANS
False Terror Cases: Can Compensation Assuage a Victim’s Trauma? Alok Prasanna Kumar
https://www.thequint.com/opinion/2017/01/31/false-terror-cases-can-compensation-assuage-the-victims-trauma-delhi-police-special-cell
Indians angry at Trump’s ban on Muslim refugees should look at what Modi is doing: Darshana Mitra
https://thewire.in/104236/indians-angry-trumps-new-travel-ban-muslims-look-modi/
Think Trump's 'Muslim ban' is unacceptable? Here's how India deals with refugees:Ipsita Chakravarty
https://scroll.in/article/828093/think-trumps-immigration-ban-is-unacceptable-heres-how-india-deals-with-refugees
WORLD
Major European pension funds heavily invested in Israeli settlements
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170131-major-european-pension-funds-heavily-invested-in-israeli-settlements/
Europe’s 5 largest pension funds have €7.5 billion invested in companies with business activities in and around Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT), according to a new investigation by a Danish media and research centre.According to Danwatch, the 5 funds in question – the Government Pension Fund of Norway, Dutch government pension fund ABP, Dutch pension fund PFZW, Danish pension plan ATP, and Swedish pension fund Alecta – are invested in 36 Israeli and international publicly-traded companies, “most of which have long been under public scrutiny because of their activities in the [OPT].”As noted by Danwatch, “18 European countries warn their citizens and businesses in no uncertain terms against undertaking financial and economic activities that could support illegal Israeli settlements” in the OPT. middleeastmonitor
Trump, aides donated to illegal Israeli settlements
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170131-trump-and-aides-donated-to-illegal-israeli-settlements/
US President Donald Trump and a number of his aides had donated thousands of dollars to illegal Israeli settlements built on occupied Palestinian territories, The Washington Post revealed.American paper revealed that Trump and his senior aides have strong links with the Israeli Jewish settler community, including within the settlement of Beit El, which is located deep in the occupied West Bank near the city of Ramallah where the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority (PA) is located. Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Jewish settlers in Beit El, which was established in 1977, while Post indicated that Trump himself made a $10,000 donation in 2003.David Friedman, who was chosen by Trump to be the new US ambassador in Israel, is the president of the American Friends of Bet El Institutions, which raises about $2 million a year. According to Washington Post, the website of this organisation says it has helped bring about an influx in young couples and is working to create “facts on the ground” to prevent international attempts to uproot the community. Middleeastmonitor
Palestinians decry Israel's settlement bill
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/palestinians-decry-israel-settlement-bill-170130153602119.html
Palestinian politicians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have warned of dangerous consequences if Israel's parliament passes a bill to legalise land grabs in the West Bank. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hanin Zoabi, a Palestinian politician in Israel's Knesset, said the bill is "an act of annexation" and part of Israel's broader plans to "expand settlements and Judaize Jerusalem". Zoabi, a member of predominantly Arab Joint List electoral coalition, argued that Israel's hardline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "is no longer worried about international criticism" now that Donald Trump has become US president. aljazeera
Rights organisation seeks arrest of ex-Israeli general
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170131-rights-organisation-seeks-arrest-of-former-israeli-general/
A British human rights organisation has filed a legal application for the arrest of ex-Israeli general over alleged criminal behaviour and war crimes.Arab Organization for Human Rights in UK (AOHR UK) has requested that British Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) commence an investigation and seek to arrest Israeli Major-General Elazar Stern over his negligence in failing to either prevent or investigate allegations of criminal behaviour.AOHR said that “Major General Stern held a position of ‘Superior Responsibility’ in terms of the duty to prevent or punish and thus was obliged to either report instances of, or commission investigations into any instance of alleged criminal behaviour by troops under command of IDF”. middleeastmonitor
Washington becomes first state to sue Trump over ‘Muslim ban’: The Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/washington-donald-trump-muslim-ban-sue-first-state-lawsuit-middle-east-refugees-syrai-iran-iraq-a7554546.html?cmpid=facebook-post
Washington state's attorney general declared on Monday that he was suing President Donald Trump over his temporary ban on immigration from seven countries with majority-Muslim populations, making it the first state to announce a legal action against the Trump administration over one of its policies. Trump's executive order also suspended US' entire refugee program and set off nationwide protests over the weekend, including one that drew 3,000 people to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. "If successful it would have the effect of invalidating the president's unlawful action nationwide," Attorney General Bob Ferguson said at a news conference.
US attorney general Sally Yates fired in Muslim ban row
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/trump-ousts-attorney-general-defying-muslim-ban-170131031449765.html
US President Donald Trump has sacked the country's acting attorney general after she took the rare step of defying the White House by refusing to enforce his sweeping immigration ban.Sally Yates had early on Monday ordered Department of Justice lawyers to stop defending Trump's executive order, resulting in her dismissal just hours later."The acting attorney general, Sally Yates, has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States," the White House press secretary's office said in an unusually caustic statement. "Ms Yates is an Obama Administration appointee who is weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration." aljazeera
WATCH: How to identify ‘good’ Muslims? A new device that tests for radicalism
http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/donald-trump-muslim-ban-muslim-good-or-bad-breathe-easy-new-device-4500508/
New Delhi: Last year, the word Islamophobia repeatedly made an appearance in headlines the world over. Unfortunately, as we end the first month of 2017, it continues to be a sentiment that is dominating mind space and socio-cultural ethos. Now, after US President Donald Trump signed the executive order on immigration from seven Muslim-dominated countries, the issue has intensified. One of the outcomes of Trump’s orders and the existing racial and religious undercurrent in countries is the expression of rebellion by virtue through creative means. And of those, humour and sarcasm are what work best. One such example is a video created by a comedy group Fusion Comedy, called How to Vet Muslims. indianexpress
Turkey dismissed more than 90,000 public servants in post-coup purge , says minister: Reuters
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-turkey-dismissed-more-than-90000-public-servants-in-post-coup-purge-minister-2303012
Turkish authorities have dismissed more than 90,000 public servants for alleged connections to a coup attempt in July as part of a purge critics say has broadened to target any political opposition to President Tayyip Erdogan. Labour Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu said 125,485 people from the public service had been put through legal proceedings after the coup attempt, and that 94,867 of those had been dismissed so far. Turkey has been rooting out followers of the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom it accuses of having infiltrated state institutions and plotted to overthrow the government. Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, has denied the charge and condemned the coup.
366 breaches of Syria ceasefire in one month
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170131-366-breaches-of-syria-ceasefire-in-one-month/
Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) revealed it had documented 366 violations of ceasefire agreement in Syria, mostly by forces loyal to Bashar Al-Assad. Middleeastmonitor
World Sikh body Condemns Quebec Mosque Attack
https://www.sikh24.com/2017/01/31/world-sikh-organization-condemns-quebec-terror-attack-that-killed-six/#.WJBASvB97IU
Quebec City:In a press statement, World Sikh Organization of Canada condemned the terror attack on Sunday, Jan.29, in Quebec. During the attack last night, 2 gunmen entered the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy, Quebec City and killed 6 people. Terming the incident as horrific, World Sikh Organization said that the Sikh community stands in solidarity with Muslims.WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of last night’s horrific shooting. Today, Canadians stand together to condemn this act of terror and stand in solidarity with Muslim community.”Sikh24 Editors
With IS gone, East Mosul residents face uncertain future
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-with-islamic-state-gone-east-mosul-residents-face-uncertain-future-2302841
When Islamic State militants swept into Mosul in 2014, they wandered into Manaf Younes' billiards hall and declared it un-Islamic, taking away his billiard balls with a stern warning. A hall that was often packed with players until midnight was suddenly abandoned. Photographs of awards that made Younes proud gathered dust for two years and the billiard tables remained covered up.Iraqi government forces have now pushed the militants out of east Mosul and are poised to attack the west. While Younes is thrilled, like many other small businessmen in the city, his joy is tempered by uncertainty as he tries to revive his ex life."I am broke. I had to sell my two cars to survive. Now my landlord is demanding 2 years of back rent," said Younes, picking up a trophy that reminded him of the old days.US-led airstrikes have demolished scores of buildings and left huge craters that destroyed roads. Rooftops have collapsed into the bottom floors. Other buildings have gaping holes from rockets or machinegun fire.Mortar bombs still land in the city and gunfire is heard.Reuters
Nigeria: Former Muslim preacher with 130 wives dies at 93
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/nigeria-muslim-preacher-with-130-wives-dies-at-93-4500043/
Abuja: A former Muslim preacher, who rose to fame in Nigeria for marrying more than 100 women, has died at the age of 93, media reports said. Mohammed Bello Abubakar died from an unknown illness on Saturday in Bida of Niger State and large crowds turned out for his funeral on Sunday, Daily Mail reported. His personal assistant, Mutairu Salawudeen Bello, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) his employer had died at home “following a brief illness”. Abubakar became a controversial figure for his unusual interpretation of the Koran — that a man could take as many wives as he was able to comfortably accommodate. “Baba (Abubakar) told us that his time was up; he personally told me that he had completed his divine assignment and was ready to meet his creator.”In 2008 he faced criticism from other Muslim preachers who demanded that he must divorce 82 of his 86 wives within 48 hours. But Abubakar said that it was his ‘divine’ mission to keep marrying. Of the 130 wives he has wed, some are believed to be pregnant. He already has 203 children.IANS
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:29 PM)
