Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST
06 April 2017: 08 Rajab 1438: Vol: 8, No:159
INDIA
SC terms ‘evasion of justice’ for 25 yr delay in hearing of Babri demolition case against Advani, top BJP leaders; may order joint trial of all accused to conclude in 2 yrs
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/babri-masjid-case-advani-joshi-to-face-trial-for-conspiracy-says-sc/article17841106.ece
The Supreme Court on Thursday indicated that it will use its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to transfer the Babri Masjid demolition related trial in Rae Bareilly against top BJP leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi to Lucknow, where a CBI court is hearing conspiracy and other serious criminal charges against "lakhs of unknown kar sevaks" for actual act of razing down the 15th century mosque. A Bench of Justices PC Ghose and Rohinton Nariman, while reserving the judgment on the CBI's appeal for revival of the conspiracy charges against the BJP leaders, indicated during the morning hearing that it plans to order for a joint trial in Lucknow. Terming the 25-year pendency in Babri demolition trials an "evasion of justice," Justice Ghose said the Supreme Court plans to order the joint trial to be completed in 2 years. "Kindly notice that this is a matter of 1992. 25 years have passed. Our answer is have it on a day-to-day basis and finish it off in the next two years," he observed.Justice Nariman at one point remarked how "many of the accused are dead and some will die now." As far as Rae Bareilly case is concerned, the court has examined 57 witnesses and have to examine another 105. In Lucknow, in the case against kar sevaks, 195 witnesses had testified before the trial court and it has to examine a whopping 800 more. The court said the pendency of the trial itself for so long was by itself an "evasion of justice". Arguing for Advani, senior advocate KK Venugopal countered that the Allahabad High Court had set aside the transfer of the Rae Bareilly case to Lucknow in Feb.2001. The Supreme Court had accepted the UP govt 's discretion to continue the trial separately in Rae Bareilly and not club it with the Lucknow one.A transfer of the Rae Bareilly trial to Lucknow will negate all the past orders.Additional Solicitor General and CBI counsel Neeraj Kishan Kaul said the Feb.2001 order of the High Court did not negate the joint charge sheet filed against Advani, Dr. Joshi and some known leaders of BJP and Hindutva groups. CBI said the HC order of 2001 had said that a prima facie case of conspiracy has been made out against the leaders and it still stood against them."HC had never said that charge of criminal conspiracy introduced in Lucknow FIR cannot be applied to the accused [Advani, Joshi, etc] in the Rae Bareilly FIR. CBI has found an overarching conspiracy. Conspiracy as a charge still remains against them," Kaul argued.When asked by the Bench about the practical difficulties of a joint trial in Lucknow, Kaul said witnesses have to recalled and trial may have to start "de novo [afresh]".But senior advocate Kapil Sibal, arguing for petitioner Haji Mehboob, said the trial need not start anew. A joint trial would require only the granting of right to an accused to recall and cross-examine witnesses. It does not require fresh charge sheet and framing of charges all over again.The sudden development came on an appeal filed by the CBI in 2011, during UPA era, in the SC against the dropping of conspiracy charge against Advani and leaders such as Uma Bharti, Dr. Joshi, Vinay Katiyar, Sadhvi Ritambara, Giriraj Kishore and Vishnu Hari Dalmia. thehindu
SC reserves order on plea against BJP leaders in Ayodhya case:PTI
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-reserves-order-on-plea-against-bjp-leaders-in-ayodhya-case-4602208/
Babri demolition: CBI tells SC Advani, 12 others part of larger conspiracy
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/babri-masjid-demolition-cbi-tells-supreme-court-lk-advani-12-others-part-of-larger-conspiracy/story-mAWKrjfewUSgkO730wG0OL.html
Babri demolition case: SC frowns on 25 yr delay in hearing
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/babri-masjid-demolition-case-supreme-court-frowns-on-25-year-delay-in-hearing/articleshow/58047682.cms
Babri Masjid demolition case: SC expresses displeasure, may order joint trial of all accused
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/babri-masjid-demolition-case-sc-expresses-displeasure-may-order-joint-trial-of-all-accused-4601881/
MEAT,COW VIGILANT & POLITICS
Rajasthan imposes 10% ‘cow protection surcharge’ on stamp duty on non-judicial instruments
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rajasthan-imposes-10-cow-protection-surcharge-on-stamp-duty/article17845557.ece?homepage=true
Jaipur : Those making rent agreements, mortgage papers and lease agreements in Rajasthan will now have to pay a surcharge of 10% on stamp duty for cow protection.The finance department has imposed the surcharge on all such non-judicial instruments, order for which was released on March 31 last.“In exercise of the powers conferred of the Rajasthan Stamp Act, 1998 and in supersession of this department’s notification, state govt hereby orders surcharge at the rate of 10 % on stamp duty payable on all instruments for the purposes of conservation and propagation of cow and its progeny,” states the order.In her budget speech, CM Vasundhara Raje had proposed the surcharge for development of basic infrastructure facilities and protection and propagation of cows.However, judicial stamps, revenue ticket and insurance ticket have been excluded from the order.PTI
After UP, now raids to be conducted in Bengaluru to shut down illegal meat shops: financialexpress
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/yogi-adityanaths-up-wave-reaches-karnataka-shores-raids-to-be-conducted-in-bengaluru-to-shut-down-illegal-meat-shops/617694/
New Delhi: After crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in UP, other states have also taken steps in the same direction. In the latest developments, Yogi wave has reached Souther parts of the country as well with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city corporation of Bengaluru announcing to form squads that will conduct raids to shut down illegal meat shops in Bengaluru. BBMP has made a list of about 250 illegal meat shops in city which houses about 3,600 meat shops in total. “We will soon form 2 squads to conduct surprise inspections and shut illegal meat shops,” said Dr Sriram, in-charge and deputy director, animal husbandry, BBMP, the report added. Bengaluru has some strict guidelines for setting up meat shops in the city. The license is provided for two different categories: one, for shops that sell fresh cut meat and second, for shops that have cold storage facilities. Also, near the Outer Ring Road, shops are only allowed if the road width is over 40 feet while for other places, the road width has to be at least 60 feet. The owners also have to get the willingness of the neighbours.
Naqvi’s response on Alwar incident: “No such incident has happened”
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/naqvis-response-on-alwar-incident-no-such-incident-has-happened/article17845920.ece
New Delhi: Members in the Rajya Sabha today expressed grave concern over the killing of a man in Alwar district of Rajasthan by a mob of cow vigilantes, with Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien asking the govt to probe it and inform the House about the facts.Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Congress member Madhusudan Mistry said there was a “complete breakdown of law and order” in Rajasthan as “a gang of gau-rakshaks” stopped a truck carrying cattle and mercilessly thrashed four of its occupants after letting off the “Hindu” truck driver. One of them succumbed to injuries later. But Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi squarely rejected the allegations and said it was a very sensitive issue, but “no such incident has happened, the way the matter is being presented here.”“A message should not be sent out that the House supports cow slaughter,” he said, and added that “state govt has refuted (the allegations). We do not justify hooliganism.”Members of other opposition parties joined the issue with Mistry claiming similar incidents were taking place in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat as also UP, all ruled by BJP. thehindu
Rajasthan lynching case echoes in parliament; Rajnath Singh promises justice
http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/rajasthan-lynching-case-echoes-in-parliament-rajnath-singh-promises-justice/articleshow/58051468.cms
Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured Lok Sabha members that the Centre will ensure justice in the case while Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told the Rajya Sabha that a "message should not go out that the house is supporting cow slaughter".IANS
Alwar Lynching: Man killed by Gau Rakshaks was dairy farmer, not cattle smuggler
http://www.tehelka.com/2017/04/man-killed-by-gau-rakshaks-in-alwar-was-a-dairy-farmer-not-a-cattle-smuggler/?google_editors_picks=true
Pehlu Khan, who was murdered by cow vigilantes in Alwar on April 1 while he was transporting cows to Mewat, was a dairy farmer and not a cattle smuggler.Khan and other four men were attacked by a group of gau rakshaks who suspected them of transporting the cows for slaughter.he succumbed to his injuries on April 3.According to reports, Khan had a dairy farm in Jaisinghpur in Nuh tehsil of Mewat in Haryana. He had gone to Jaipur with the intention of buying milch buffaloes but instead, he ended up buying cows as he was offered a good deal. “That was the worst decision ever. It took my father’s life,” said his son Irshad.He and his brother Aarif were with their father on the day of the incident. “My father was in a pickup truck with a Rajasthan number plate, along with Azmat, who is also from our village. There were two cows and two calves in the truck. Irshad, I and another villager were in the other pickup truck which had three cows and 3 calves,” said Aarif. Tehelka
Hour before Alwar attack, gau rakshaks targeted 11 others
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/hour-before-alwar-attack-gau-rakshaks-targeted-11-others-4601206/?google_editors_picks=true
Alwar: There are several juice shops, a few salons, some tyre and automobile repair shops, and a food stall at the Jagwas crossing in Behror area of Alwar, on National Highway 8. But on Saturday evening, as a few dozen gau rakshaks halted traffic and checked vehicles, nobody saw anything. Not even a homeguard who was posted at the spot. “I get only Rs 325 per day. I didn’t see anything,” said the homeguard, Anil Kumar.A kilometre ahead, near the Shaheed Ram Kumar crossing, three big stones mark the spot where the gau rakshaks on motorcycles reportedly chased two pickup trucks which were carrying cows, blocked their way, and dragged the occupants out. After asking their names, they allowed the driver, Arjun, to leave. The remaining five — Pehlu Khan, Azmat, Irshad, Aarif and Rafiq — were beaten up even as they tried to reason that they had purchased the cattle at a fair in Jaipur. The stones were used to vandalise their vehicles. Pehlu Khan, a resident of Haryana, succumbed to his injuries on Monday.
Cattle protection campaign a milch cow for Hindu nationalists
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cattle-protection-campaign-a-milch-cow-for-hindu-nationalists/story-42DBbTbm1LznfOy3OapoZN.html
Jaipur: Killing of a Haryana Muslim dairy farmer who was attacked along with four others in Alwar on April 1 by an alleged right-wing Hindu group while transporting cattle purchased in Jaipur has put the spotlight on gau rakshaks (cow protection vigilantes).In Rajasthan, they operate under different names – Gau Raksha Dal, which claims to be a national body with presence in 22 states; the Rashtriya Mahila Gau Raksha Dal that operates in Haryana and UP as well and the Bajrang Dal, the extremist youth wing of the VHP.Gau Raksha Dal vice president Babulal Jangid says the body has the biggest network of “cow protectors”, and claims the Dal has 15,000 workers but they are not an organised group. “There’s no registration, no record on papers, we know each other and operate through contacts,” says the 43-year-old.Rashtriya Mahila Gau Raksha Dal, a body of 2,200 women vigilante, is headed by Sadhvi Kamal, called Didi by her supporters. The saffron-robed 39-year-old was thrust into spotlight recently after she forced the Jaipur administration to seal a hotel for allegedly serving beef. The hotel is owned by a Muslim businessman.“It’s a business,” says Noor Mohammad, a social activist who works with Meo-Muslims in Rajasthan’s Mewat region. “Gau rakshaks want money. If you pay them, they let you go. Otherwise they snatch it from you and lodge police complaint against you for cow smuggling,” he says.The Alwar Police registered a case of illegal transport of bovine against the 5 men assaulted on April 1. “For export of bovine from Rajasthan for agricultural or dairy farming purposes or for participation in a cattle fair, a special permit needs to be issued by the district collector or an officer authorised by him for the purpose. These men from Haryana didn’t have the permit,” superintendent of police Rahul Prakash says.Kavita Srivastava of PUCL counters SP. “They were illiterate dairy farmers. They didn’t know the legalese. Police have no moral authority to book them for smuggling when they had transport permits from a municipal body,” she says. HT, too, wrote on April 6 that the men had permits from civic bodies to transport the animals. HT
3 arrested in Alwar lynching case, search on for 6 more
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/three-arrested-in-alwar-lynching-case-search-on-for-six-more-4601935/
Jaipur: 3 persons were arrested in connection with the death of a Muslim man who was brutally beaten up by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, police said on Thursday.“We have arrested three persons in connection with the case under Section 302 (dealing with murder) of the Indian Penal Code while search for six others named in the FIR is going on,” a police official told IANS.“We have identified the three on the basis of a video footage”, he added.IANS
'He said he was Hindu, they let him go': How one man escaped an attack by cow vigilantes in Alwar
https://scroll.in/article/833800/he-said-he-was-hindu-they-let-him-go-how-one-man-escaped-an-attack-by-cow-vigilantes-in-alwar
We don't hit even animals the way they beat up my father: Alwar victim's son
http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/we-don-t-hit-even-animals-the-way-they-beat-up-my-father-alwar-victim-s-son-56864.html
3 arrested for 'openly' carrying beef In Assam, hurting religious sentiments
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/3-arrested-for-openly-carrying-beef-in-assam-hurting-religious-sentiments-1677987
Guwahati: 3 persons including a minor returning home with half-a-kg of beef have been arrested in the outskirts of Jorhat town of Assam, 300 km from the state capital, Guwahati. The police said the 2 men were arrested on Tuesday for hurting religious sentiments since they were "openly carrying" the beef. Police said the 2 men, construction workers, and the minor had gone to a grocery shop with a bag in hand. The shopkeeper asked them what was in bag. Beef, they responded, and showed him. It is not clear what the shopkeeper objected to, but soon people gathered; the altercation grew louder." Locals lodged an FIR accusing them of trying to provoke them on religious lines. On interrogation, they admitted to public display of beef and an altercation with locals," the Jorhat police chief Prashant Kumar Bhuyan said. 2 men were remanded in judicial custody by a local court while the minor has been sent to a juvenile home.The men told the police they bought the meat from a slaughterhouse. The police said they were ascertaining if the slaughterhouse had the requisite permits.NDTV
Minor among 3 Muslims arrested in Assam for displaying beef in market
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/minor-among-3-muslims-arrested-in-bjp-ruled-assam-for-displaying-beef-in-market/story-eaZGkpMpyXO72nDJ37uihL.html
Rattled by crackdown against slaughterhouses, meat exporters eye Malaysia relief: financialexpress
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/rattled-by-crackdown-against-illegal-slaughterhouses-meat-exporters-eye-malaysia-relief/616927/
New Delhi: Meat exporters, rattled by UP govt ’s clampdown on illegal abattoirs, have a reason to be relieved. A delegation from Malaysia, a major buyer of meat from India, is slated to visit buffalo-meat export processing units in the state later this month in a bid to ramp up purchases.Official sources told FE that a team comprising veterinarians from Malaysia will be visiting 23 processing meat processing units in UP , besides inspecting 12 units in Maharashtra, Punjab and AP.The delegation would be assessing how safety and quality standards are implemented at the meat processing units.
‘Transporters Scared Of Riding Out With Buffaloes, Hindu Farmers Afraid Of Selling, Traders Shut Shop
http://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/transporters-scared-of-riding-out-with-buffaloes-hindu-farmers-afraid-of-selling/298452
OTHERS
Rajya Sabha passes all 4 GST bills to pave way for rollout
http://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/rajya-sabha-gst-bill-passed-arun-jaitley-parliament-4602454/
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha passed four supplementary legislations on Thursday to finally pave way for the roll out of the much-awaited GST for July 1. The four supplementary bills are the Central GST Bill, 2017, the Integrated GST Bill, 2017, GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017 and the Union Territory GST Bill, 2017. Only last month on March 29, the Lok Sabha had passed these bills. Lok Sabha had approved these bills on March 29. What remains now is that all states will have to pass the States GST Bill after which the new indirect tax regime can be rolled out. Arun Jaitley, replying to about an 8-hour-long debate, said the GST will not lead to inflation as suspected by some sections, adding that this reform will usher in a uniform indirect tax regime in the country. indianexpress
Rajya Sabha passes all 4 GST bills without amendments
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rajya-sabha-passes-gst-bills/articleshow/58050146.cms
Israel eases visa policy for Indian businessmen
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/israel-eases-visa-policy-for-indian-businessmen-4602465/
Jerusalem:Israel will offer 5-year multiple entry visa for Indian businessmen to increase the bilateral trade ahead of PM Modi’s planned visit to the Jewish state later this year. Visa issuance to Indians wishing to come to Israel has been an issue of discussion between the two sides for many years. Several Indian businessmen who have visited Israel in the past as part of business delegations have raised concerns regarding Israel’s visa policy and Indian officials have pursued the same with relevant Israeli ministries. Official sources said the decision comes amid “growing partnership between the two countries” as they celebrate “25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.”DG of Israel’s Tourism Ministry recently said the country was looking to ease visa norms for Indians planning to come to Israel and would be even open to issuing paper visas to those who have concerns regarding future travel to the Arab world. “The visa process is now better and hopefully would be even easier. A tourist from India looking to get visa stamped on paper can get it that way and there will really be no problem with that,” Amir Halevi, Director General of Tourism ministry, told PTI.PTI
Israel Aerospace Industries signs near $2 billion missile deal with India
http://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2017/apr/06/israel-aerospace-industries-signs-near-2-billion-missile-deal-with-india-1590681.html
Chinese official media warns India over interference in K-issue
http://www.tehelka.com/2017/04/chinese-official-media-warns-india-over-interference-in-k-issue/?google_editors_picks=true
Beijing may interfere in the Kashmir issue, if India chooses to play dirty with China by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, as per the Chinese official media.Taking exception to MoS Home Kiren Rijiju’s remarks that Arunachal Pradesh was “an inseparable part of India”, the China Daily and Global Times editorials stated using Dalai Lama as a tool against China for its veto against India in theNSG and UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar was wrong.“With a GDP several times higher than that of India and military power that can reach up to the Indian Ocean, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?” said the Global Times.Tehelka
Dalai Lama’s Arunachal Visit: Answer ‘blows with blows’ if India plays dirty, says Chinese media
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/answer-blows-with-blows-if-india-plays-dirty-chinese-media-4601710/
Indo-Pak issues should be resolved through dialogue: UN
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indo-pak-issues-should-be-resolved-through-dialogue-un/story-SwFNgJWxkqxE0VPsJzbdTI.html
India and Pakistan should find a peaceful solution to their issues through engagement and dialogue, the UN has said, as it noted that its observer group is investigating alleged ceasefire violations in the PoK.“UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) is investigating alleged ceasefire violations on the Pakistan-administered side of the Line of Control. And as we’ve said before, we continue to underline the need for the parties to find a peaceful solution through engagement and dialogue,” associate spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Eri Kaneko said on Wednesday. Kaneko was responding to a question by PTI at the daily press briefing about Pakistani troops violating the ceasefire by shelling mortar bombs on forward posts along the LoC in Poonch district of J&K yesterday.PTI
J-K: Youths held for playing Pak anthem in Ganderbal
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/j-k-youths-held-for-playing-pak-anthem-in-ganderbal-4601368/
Srinagar; Police detained some youths for allegedly playing the Pakistani national anthem at the start of a local cricket match in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Police said officials are probing the reported match in which players also wore uniform matching with that of the Pakistani cricket team.
Rohingya muslims being trained as terrorists: BJD MP
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingya-muslims-being-trained-as-terrorists-in-india-bjd-mp/
New Delhi: 40,000 Rohingya muslims have illegally entered India from Myanmar and they are being trained as terrorists, a member said in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and urged govt to take action against them.Raising issue, BJD MP B Mahtab said the situation is alarming. There are dark clouds of terrorism in J&K and a new terror group is emerging, he said. indianexpress
Ground Report: Rohingyas face expulsion again, this time in Jammu
https://www.thequint.com/india/2017/04/06/ground-report-rohingya-muslims-refugees-face-deportation-again-in-jammu
Regarded by UNHCR as “one of the most persecuted, excluded and vulnerable communities” in the world, Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar living in Jammu are worried about an unusual situation that is threatening to rob them of their livelihood and their settlements, once again.Advocate Hunar Gupta – a member of the BJP’s legal cell and standing council of the central govt – filed a PIL before the Division Bench of the High Court seeking identification and deportation of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis from Jammu. thequint
'It is like feeding us to the sharks': India's plan to deport 40,000 Rohingya refugees draws flak
https://scroll.in/article/833824/it-is-like-feeding-us-to-the-sharks-indias-plan-to-deport-40000-rohingya-refugees-draws-flak
Kerala launches free legal aid in triple talaq cases
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-launches-free-legal-aid-in-triple-talaq-cases-4602020/
Muslim women in Kerala divorced under triple talaq practice would now get free legal aid under an initiative launched by the state minorities commission amid a debate over the issue across the country.The initiative was formally launched on Wednesday and 21 complaints were received from women who were divorced and left to fend for themselves, commission sources said. The commission, headed by retired judge PK Haneefa, has formed panels comprising four women advocates each in all 14 districts of the state to give the women appropriate advice and legal assistance.The divorced women can approach the members of the panel in their respective districts for legal advice and assistance free of cost to fight their cases, Haneefa said. The commission, constituted for the comprehensive educational advancement, welfare, protection and empowerment of minorities in the state, has published phone numbers (0471-2315122, 2318122) for women to approach the panelists.PTI
Talaq through post card, SMS valid:Khalid Saifullah
https://telanganatoday.news/talaq-through-post-card-sms-valid
Hyderabad: Talaq will take place even if it is given by way of post card, SMS or WhatsApp message. These are primarily means of communication and if the talaq is conveyed by any of these methods to the person concerned, it will take effect, said Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, secretary, AIMPLB.“It is not necessary that talaq should be pronounced face to face only”, said the globally-known scholar. Participating in a seminar on ‘Muslim Personal Law and Current Issues’ here on Thursday, Rahmani expressed surprise at the objections being raised for talaq through internet. When the courts were hearing cases online and import/export business was taking place online, what was wrong if someone pronounced talaq through internet, he said. telanganatoday
Judiciary silently implementing Uniform Civil Code: Sebastian Paul
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/judiciary-silently-implementing-uniform-civil-code-sebastian-paul/articleshow/58034355.cms
Thiruvananthapuram: Ex- MP Sebastian Paul said that judiciary, through its several creative interventions, is silently implementing Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country. He was speaking on the topic 'Do we need Uniform Civil Code' at Samvada, The ESSENSE-TOI debate Series 2017 held here on Wednesday."On the question whether we need UCC, answer is yes. Article 44 of the directive principles of the Constitution states that the state shall endeavour to secure for citizens a uniform civil code. Our stand on UCC must not depend on who rules the Centre," Paul said.BJP leader advocate Anjana Suresh asked why Muslim community stands against reforms when Hindu, Christian and Parsi communities accepted changes over the years. She also stated that political parties are taking stand against UCC for minority appeasement. Anjana pointed out how the then Rajiv Gandhi govt enacted Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, to set aside the Shah Bano case.Writer J Reghu said that attempts to implement UCC by RSS and BJP are made to trap not only the Muslim community but also secular political parties. He also refuted claims of Anjana Suresh that Hindu community welcomed changes in personal law. He said that even Swami Vivekananda has opposed Age of consent bill 1891, which aimed at raising marriageable age limit of girls from 10 to 12. telanganatoday
Sessions' court to hear Najeeb's missing case on May 3
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/sessions-court-to-hear-najeeb-ahmad-s-missing-case-on-may-3-117040601136_1.html
New Delhi: A sessions' court today stayed the March 30 order of the CMM Court, which asked all the 9 JNU students to appear before it and record their consent refusal to undergo the lie detector test in the case related to missing student Najeeb Ahmad. Senior Council Siddharth Luthra appeared in the session court on behalf of the nine JNU students.During the last hearing, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass asked the nine students to appear before the Court "without fail".The court also turned down the submissions of nine students stating there is no law that allows a magistrate court to either direct or to record consent or refusal for conducting a lie-detector test.The matter will be next heard on May 3.ANI
Najeeb case: 9 JNU students to appear before court today
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/najeeb-ahmed-missing-case-nine-jnu-students-to-appear-before-delhi-court-4601466/
Maha seeks ban on Sanatan Sanstha, sends proposal to Centre
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-seeks-ban-on-sanatan-sanstha-sends-proposal-to-centre/articleshow/58050587.cms
Maharashtra govt has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking a ban on right wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha, Legislative Council was informed on Thursday.The Goa-headquartered outfit has been linked to two high profile murder cases and also terror activities in the coastal state and Maharashtra.The govt has sought a ban on the Sanstha under the UAPA, Minister of State for Home (Rural) Deepak Kesarkar said.PTI
MP:Sheopur tense after RSS shakha row, 10 Muslims held
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sheopur-tense-after-rss-shakha-row-10-muslims-held-4601359/?google_editors_picks=true
Sheopur town of MP is simmering since Sunday evening when a group of Muslims objected to a new RSS shakha in Gandhinagar locality and allegedly beat up more than 10 activists of the outfit. Police have so far arrested 10 Muslims in connection with the incident. 1 minor accused has been released on bail. In all, 76 Muslims, 60 of them unidentified, have been booked in 4 FIRs lodged in connection with the incident. RSS activists alleged that the Muslims did not want shakha near a mosque. The next day, members of Muslim community submitted a memorandum to authorities, alleging that community was being targeted and accused of offences it did not commit. They alleged that a group of right-wing Hindu activists had hurled stones at the mosque before they gathered for the shakha. They also said that they lodged 2 FIRs about separate attacks on Muslims, but the police have not acted on them. Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat claimed that the shakha was never held on the ground before last few days. He said the RSS activists Sunday gathered at a ground near the mosque and started raising slogans. When Muslims objected that the raising of slogans was disrupting their prayers,a scuffle broke out, Rawat said. indianexpress
Over 150 rallies on Ram Navami: Swords, saffron flags, chants of Jai Shri Ram in Bengal
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-150-rallies-on-ram-navami-swords-saffron-flags-chants-of-jai-shri-ram-in-bengal-4601213/
Kolkata: Youths in saffron clothing, wielding swords and chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’, whizzed through the streets on their bikes on Wednesday as members of various outfits backed by the VHP, RSS and BJP took out over 150 rallies to celebrate Ram Navami. While BJP said the processions were aimed at “strengthening and spreading their ideological foundations for Hindutva”, TMC said the saffron party is attempting “to divide people on communal lines”.Many of the rallies were organised in districts that have a history of communal tension. The metropolis itself saw 22 such processions. While the police continue to remain on tenterhooks, no incidents of violence were reported. Youths were seen carrying swords, knives and other weapons. Slogans like ‘Jai Bajrangbali’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ rent air. Posters pledging construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya were also spotted. In Chakraberia, situated in CM Mamata Banerjee’s Bhowanipore constituency, youths arrived as early as 9am, carrying weapons.“Ram is always with his weapons. How can there be Ram Navami without us bearing weapons?” said Aveek Chakraborty, a BJP supporter. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh too had said on Tuesday, “Lord Rama carried a bow and arrow. So how can his puja be done with empty hands? When Muharram is observed there is no talk of polarisation. When Eid or Christmas is celebrated, there is no talk of polarisation. But, when Ram Navami is celebrated, they say it will lead to polarisation. If Ram Navami does lead to polarisation, let it be. We will do it.” indianexpress
After armed rallies on Ram Navami, Imam of Tipu Mosque asks Mamata to 'ban RSS' in Bengal
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-after-armed-rallies-on-ram-navami-imam-of-tipu-mosque-asks-mamata-to-ban-rss-in-bengal-2382834
Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha approves bill legalising bullock cart races
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-assembly-bullock-cart-racing-legal-4602245/
Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha passed an amendment Bill legalising bullock cart races in the state. indianexpress
Ban on cash dealings exceeding 2 lakh not applicable for bank, PO withdrawals: IT
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/ban-on-cash-dealings-exceeding-2-lakh-not-applicable-for-bank-po-withdrawals-it-4601777/
New Delhi: Ban on cash transaction in excess of Rs 2 lakh will not be applicable to withdrawals from banks and post office savings accounts, income tax department said today.PTI
RBI keeps policy rate unchanged
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/rbi-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged/article17843963.ece?homepage=true
RBI kept the key policy rate or the repo rate unchanged at 6.25% in the first bimonthly policy review of 2017-18. thehindu
Amid row, Ajmer deewan declares his son successor
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ajmer/amid-row-ajmer-dargah-deewan-declares-his-son-successor/articleshow/58041586.cms
Ajmer: Dargah deewan of Ajmer Syed Zainual Abedin Ali Khan has declared his son Syed Nasiruddin his rightful successor, thus putting an end to the controversy which broke out over his suspension from the post by his younger brother Syed Allaudin Alimi.It may be mentioned that Alimi had declared Khan a 'murtad' following latter's statement on triple talaq issued on the eve of closing ceremony of 805th annual Urs.TOI
Dargah Ajmer to challenge Ajmer blast verdict
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/dargah-ajmer-to-challenge-ajmer-blast-verdict/articleshow/58036749.cms
Jaipur: The Ajmer Dargah has decided to challenge the lower court's verdict in the bomb blast case. Anjuman Syed Zadgan (a parent body of Khadims) would approach Rajasthan High Court to appeal against the acquittals. A complainant, Syed Sarwar Chishty, who is also a khadim at Dargah Ajmer said, "Honorable court itself had questioned the clean chit given by the investigation agencies for Pragya. The court had also expressed displeasure over the agencies failing to arrest accused who are declared absconders—Sandeep Danga, Suresh Nair, Ramchandra Kalsangra. timesofindia "
Saifullah does not belong to IS: Rajnath
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/saifullah-does-not-belong-to-is-rajnath/article17836246.ece
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that he never said that Saifullah, a Kanpur resident who was killed in an encounter with the police in Lucknow last month, was associated with the Islamic State (IS).Singh said NIA was still investigating the Ujjain-Bhopal train blast case but based on the material recovered from Saifullah’s hideout some people had concluded that the accused belonged to the IS. thehindu
Now, Dalit thrashed for riding mare in another Haryana village by upper-caste men
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/now-dalit-thrashed-for-riding-mare-in-another-haryana-village-4601523/
Almost a month after a Karnal village witnessed tension after upper-caste men barred a Dalit groom from carrying out the marriage ritual of ghurchari, a Dalit groom was thrashed in a village of Charkhi Dadri for riding a mare to reach the bride’s place as part of the ritual.Latest incident occurred in Sanjarwas village on Tuesday night where a group of upper-caste youth thrashed the Dalit.SHO of Baund Police station, Vikram Singh, said they had registered an FIR against 15-16 youths of Rajput community for attacking the Dalits. “We are conducting raids to the nab the accused,” said the SHO. Indian express
Mandatory Vande Mataram in civic bodies angers Muslim corporators across UP
http://twocircles.net/2017apr05/407345.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Varanasi: The growing debate of nationalism and patriotism is seeing a number of steps being taken by district administrative personnel and authorities intended to boost the ‘patriotic feeling’ in civic bodies employees, and this is not going down well with the Muslims of the state.TCN
Bihar:‘Muslim hub’, village wants to be renamed after Yogi
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-bihar-s-muslim-hub-a-village-wants-to-be-renamed-after-yogi/story-bPzvfdHEXRxXwGvLODKTnJ.html
Hindutva is way of life; nothing wrong with India becoming 'Hindu Rashtra': Adityanath
http://zeenews.india.com/uttar-pradesh/hindutva-is-a-way-of-life-nothing-wrong-with-india-becoming-hindu-rashtra-yogi-adityanath-1993564.html
CBSE biology students asked which is better, burial or cremation? HT
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/which-is-better-burial-or-cremation-biology-students-asked-in-cbse-paper/story-Bx63U0mD1l3TTicjEFYVYM.html
The teachers and students described Class 12 CBSE Biology paper as tricky and moderately difficult. However one question about cremation practices in the paper led to people questioning the HRD minister.The question under Section D was based on air pollution and asked students to justify with arguments whether one should “bury” or “burn” to control air pollution.“How is this question relevant to Biology? Does the CBSE wants to promote burial and not burning? They even asked impressionable minds to give reasons in support,” said Alok Bhatt who tagged the question paper to HRD minister Prakash Javadekar on Twitter.HT
AMU campus violence: FIR against pro VC, 16 others
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/fir-against-amu-pro-vc-16-others-in-death-of-youths/articleshow/58033553.cms
Agra: Following the orders of the CJM, Aligarh, police have registered criminal cases of murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy against 17 people including the pro V-C, proctor and deputy proctor of AMU, in connection with the death of 2 students in violence on campus in April last year. Mohammad Zoraiz, who had been booked in 6 of the 11 cases registered in connection with the violence and murders of the two youths in April last year, had filed an application under section 156 (3) which was accepted by the CGM court and they ordered police to register a case on the basis of facts mentioned by the petitioner and investigate the case.TOI
Students protest outside HRD Ministry seeking rollback of UGC notification
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/students-protest-outside-hrd-ministry-seeking-rollback-of-ugc-notification?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: Students of JNU and some other universities on Wednesday demonstrated outside the HRD Ministry, which looks after education affairs in the country, and demanded withdrawal of UGC notification 2016 that has effected massive cut in seats at MPhil and PhD programs at central universities including JNU.Led by JNU Students Union leaders including President Mohit Panday and Secretary Satarupa Chakraborty, the students were protesting against the drastic cut in seats of research programs at JNU and other universities.IndiaTomorrow
MP govt to start ‘Purohitgiri’ diploma course for priesthood, caste no bar
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-govt-to-start-diploma-course-for-priesthood-caste-no-bar/story-2bC98SIaTigyhEaBARp7OP.html
Bhopal: MP govt will start a one-year diploma course on ‘Purohitgiri’ (Hindu priesthood). There will, however, be no specifications on caste as both Scheduled Caste and Brahmins can apply for the course. Brahmins across MP had held protests in May last year against the state govt ’s proposal to train people from scheduled caste community as priests. HT
India ranks 9th among 41 countries in corruption in businesses: Survey
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-ranks-9th-among-41-countries-in-corruption-in-businesses-survey/articleshow/58046734.cms
WORLD
UN asks for 72-hour cease-fire in Syria to deliver aid
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/un-asks-for-72-hour-cease-fire-in-syria-to-deliver-aid/790633
Geneva: UN on Thursday urged the US, Russia, Turkey and Iran to help establish a 72-hour cease-fire in Syria in order to deliver humanitarian aid."We asked Russia, Turkey, Iran and US that we need green lights for the full April and May UN plan which is to reach more than one million people in the hardest-to-reach and besieged civilians of Syria," UN humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland said after a meeting of International Syria Support Group's Humanitarian Access Task Force. Anadolu
Autopsy 'shows chemical weapons used in Syria attack'
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/autopsy-shows-chemical-weapons-syria-attack-170406073556666.html
Autopsy results have revealed that chemical weapons were used in an attack which killed more than 80 people in Syria's Idlib province, according to Turkey's justice minister.Thirty-two victims of Tuesday's attack were brought to Turkey where three subsequently died."Autopsies were carried out on three of the bodies after they were brought from Idlib. The results of the autopsy confirms that chemical weapons were used," Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said."This scientific investigation also confirms that Assad used chemical weapons," Bozdag added, without giving further details. aljazeera
Autopsies reveal chemical weapons used by Assad’s regime in Syria:Turkey
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/autopsies-reveal-chemical-weapons-used-by-assad-s-regime-in-syria-says-turkey/story-uIoEs5SHWlMA69UUKulkVP.html
‘Say goodbye, baby’: A father bids farewell to twin toddlers after Syria gas attack
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/say-goodbye-baby-a-father-bids-farewell-to-twin-toddlers-after-syria-attack/story-38aNRQC3co3hxHAxi8sbRK.html?google_editors_picks=true
US warns of unilateral Syria moves if UN fails to act
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/warns-unilateral-syria-moves-fails-act-170405200400669.html
US has warned it could take unilateral action if the UN fails to respond to a suspected chemical attack on a rebel-held town in Syria that killed more than 80 people, including many children. "When UN consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley said. The warning came during an emergency meeting of UNSC called by France and Britain after attack in Idlib province. Britain, France and US presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack, which they blamed on the Syrian govt. But talks ended without a vote after Russia, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said text was "categorically unacceptable". Haley lashed out at Moscow for failing to rein in Damascus, standing in the council chamber to hold up photographs of victims - one showing a young child lying lifeless, a mask covering his face.In a press conference at the White House later in the day, US President Donald Trump said the chemical attack had crossed "many, many lines" and had abruptly changed his thinking about Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. aljazeera
Israeli army 'among world's child rights violators'
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/03/israeli-army-world-child-rights-violators-170328061054614.html
Occupied East Jerusalem - Flanked by his mother and aunt, Ahmed Mahmoud strolled up the narrow street that leads to the main road in Issawiya in occupied East Jerusalem. It was mid-afternoon in early Dec 2016, and the 15-year-old had recently earned good grades at school. As a reward, the trio were on an outing to buy him a new pair of shoes, when they encountered a group of teenagers running towards them.Ahmed realised that clashes were taking place in the area between young men from the neighbourhood and Israeli border guards. "I wanted to return home but then the bullet hit me," he said. "I fell to the ground. My aunt started screaming. She was screaming at my cousin, who lived nearby, for help." aljazeera
King Abdullah praises Trump's Israel-Palestine efforts
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/jordan-praises-trump-israel-palestine-peace-efforts-170405172807713.html
King Abdullah II of Jordan has expressed his trust in Donald Trump's vision of tackling challenges in the Middle East, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Speaking in front of the White House together with Trump, the Arab monarch said on Wednesday that the US leader's "early engagement is beginning to bring Palestinians and Israelis together"."I am very delighted for your vision and holistic approach to all the challenges in the region," he told Trump. aljazeera
Knesset approves accelerate demolition of Arab homes
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170406-israeli-knesset-approves-accelerating-demolition-of-arab-homes/
Israeli Knesset approved on Wednesday a new bill that facilitates measures leading to the demolition and removal of Arab homes in Israel, Palestinian website Arab48.com reported. The new law targets Arab homes which were built without licenses. It will speed up the judicial and administrative measures that are normally taken prior to the demolition of these unlicensed homes.Deputy Attorney General Erez Kamitz said that Israeli planning officials claim there are 50,000 buildings built without permits in Arab communities.middleeastmonitor
Israel appoints its first woman Muslim diplomat
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israel-appoints-its-first-woman-muslim-diplomat/story-ilG8RcYZrgs9dStDvJoUeN.html
Israel has appointed its first female Muslim diplomat, who will soon represent Tel Aviv in Turkey. Rasha Atamny, 31, a Palestinian Arab born in Baqa al-Gharbiya town in central Israel, will serve as the embassy’s first secretary in Ankara, the Times of Israel reported. hindustantimes
Babies born to Muslims will outnumber Christian births by 2035: Pew Research
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/babies-born-to-muslims-will-outnumber-christian-births-by-2035-pew-research-center/articleshow/58041342.cms
New Delhi: More babies are born to Christian mothers than to anyone else currently, but in 20 years, the number of infants born to Muslim mothers will be higher, by a modest amount, according to new estimates released by the Pew Research Center, a US research body."Less than 20 years from now, the number of babies born to Muslims is expected to modestly exceed births to Christians", new Pew Research Center demographic estimates show.That's because in recent years, as well as looking ahead, Christians have had and will have a disproportionately large share of the world's deaths because of their populations' relatively advanced age. By contrast, the relatively young population of Muslims has meant higher fertility rates as a whole across Muslim populations.
Hindus will see decline in births between 2055-2060, Islam to become world's largest religion by 2075: Pew
http://www.newsnation.in/india-news/hindus-will-see-decline-in-births-between-2055-and-2060-islam-to-become-worlds-largest-religion-by-2075-pew-article-167344.html
Muslim babies set to outnumber Christian births, Islam to become world's largest religion by 2075
'http://www.ibtimes.co.in/muslim-babies-set-outnumber-christian-births-islam-become-worlds-largest-religion-by-2075-722154
Bin Habtour resigns as head of ‘national salvation’ govt in Yemen
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170406-bin-habtour-resigns-as-head-of-national-salvation-govt -in-yemen/
The head of the “national salvation” govt in Yemen, Abdul Aziz bin Habtour, has resigned his post, in protest against Houthi interference in his work.Sources close to Habtour confirmed that he submitted his resignation to the President of the Supreme Political Council, Saleh al-Samad, days after the Houthis forcefully took control of General Authority Insurance and Pensions building on Tuesday.One source said Habtour’s authority was undermined by President Saleh al-Samad who annulled several of Habtour’s decisions in the Ministries of Awqaf, Health and Higher Education.middleeastmonitor
Ahmedinejad wades into forthcoming Iranian election
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170406-ahmedinejad-waids-into-forthcoming-iranian-election/
Mahmoud Ahmedinejad declares his support for former Iranian Vice President and presidential candidate Hamid Baghaei in forthcoming presidential elections. middleeastmonitor
Kabul wants Russia to bring Taliban to talks
http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/kabul-wants-russia-to-bring-taliban-to-talks/790676
Afghan govt has said it will push regional neighbors as well as Russia to press the Taliban for peace as Moscow gets ready to host a conference on Afghanistan in mid-April. In an exclusive interview, Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai said he would go to Moscow with an open heart and mind.“We would also like to make sure that we explain to them that any kind of peace process has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned and, if any peace process is pushed without the Afghan leadership, it will fail,” he said.Zamir Kabulov, the Russian president’s special envoy for Afghanistan, said earlier this week the Taliban’s demand for foreign forces’ withdrawal was “legitimate”.Russia’s purported support for the Taliban is seen as a counter-weight to an emerging Daesh in Afghanistan, which Moscow believes could spill over into Central Asia and subsequently Russia itself.Anadolu Agency
Suu Kyi denies ethnic cleansing of Rohingya
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/aung-san-suu-kyi-denies-ethnic-cleansing-rohingya-170406081723698.html
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has denied security forces carried out ethnic cleansing of the country's Rohingya Muslims, despite the UN and human rights groups saying a crackdown by the army may amount to crimes against humanity.Tens of thousands of people have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state since military began a security operation last October in response to what it says was an attack by Rohingya armed men on border posts, in which nine police officers were killed.aljazeera
Turmoil in White House: Bannon latest victim of Trump's chaotic management style
http://www.firstpost.com/world/turmoil-in-white-house-steve-bannon-the-latest-victim-of-donald-trumps-chaotic-management-style-3370434.html
US President Donald Trump removed chief strategist Steve Bannon from the US National Security Council.Bannon, one of the president's closest aides, is a controversial figure: the former editor of the right-wing conspiracy theory website Breitbart News (which also acts as a platform for white nationalism), has described himself as a "Leninist" who wants to "destroy the administrative state."Bannon is the latest victim of the president's famed chaotic management style. Trump reportedly enjoys playing his advisers and confidants against one another and letting them fight it out for his time and his ear.Further complicating things is an open door policy at the White House which allows even low-level staffers such as former Apprentice winner Omarosa Manigault to gain access to him. Bannon's elevation to the National Security Council (NSC) in Jan, which came in conjunction with the demotion of the director of National intelligence and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was seen as a radical move, which drew criticism even from members of his own party.The New York Times reported that Bannon's departure from the NSC comes as a result of a power play by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka Trump, and at the insistence of National Security Adviser Lt Gen HR McMaster. firstpost
‘I wonder who they voted for’: Indians facing identity crisis in US under Trump
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/i-wonder-who-they-voted-for-indians-facing-identity-crisis-in-us-under-trump/story-YM3yGRow8pNazHwDLYyx6K.html?google_editors_picks=true
OPINION: Mosul on way to becoming second Aleppo
http://aa.com.tr/en/analysis-news/opinion-mosul-on-way-to-becoming-second-aleppo/790761
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:13 PM)
