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Evening NEWS DIGEST
19 April 2017: 21 Rajab 1438: Vol: 8, No:169
INDIA: BABRI MASJID CASE
Babri Masjid demolition case: Advani, Uma Bharti, Joshi to face criminal conspiracy charges
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/babri-demolition-case-advani-uma-bharti-mm-joshi-to-face-criminal-conspiracy-charges/
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that senior BJP leaders including LK Advani, Uma Bharti and MM Joshi will face criminal conspiracy charges in the Babri Masjid demolition case. The bench comprised Justices PC Ghose and RF Nariman. The apex court has directed the sessions judge in Lucknow to conduct the trial in the Babri demolition case on a daily basis, and that the judge will not be transferred. It also ruled out a fresh trial in the case. The Supreme Court has also ordered the CBI to ensure that witnesses are produced in court everyday so that there is no delay in the Babri demolition case trial. The trial will have to be completed in two years.However, the Supreme Court has clarified that Kalyan Singh, being Governor of Rajasthan, will not be tried due to constitutional immunity unless he ceases to be in that post. In effect, his trial will begin after his term as Governor ends. Singh was CM of UP when the demolition took place. Others who will face criminal conspiracy charges are Vinay Katiyar, Sadhvi Ritambara, Satish Pradhan, Champat Rai Bansal. The late Giriraj Kishore is also among the names in the original chargesheet.There were two sets of cases relating to the demolition of the disputed structure on Dec. 6, 1992. The first involved unnamed ‘karsevaks’ or volunteers, the trial of which is taking place in a Lucknow court, while the second set of cases relate to the VVIPs in a Rae Bareli court. With today’s SC order, both these cases are merged and will be heard in Lucknow.The order comes after the CBI had petitioned the SC saying 14 people, including BJP leaders, who had been acquitted of the charges under criminal conspiracy, should be tried in the Lucknow Court. On April 6, the last hearing, the Supreme Court had reserved its order for today.Reacting to the development, Congress spokesperson Salman Soz said Uma Bharti and Kalyan Singh should resign and uphold the sanctity of their posts.BJP, however, has said it will first study the court order and only then issue a statement. indianexpress
Babri Masjid demolition case: SC revives criminal conspiracy charges against BJP’s Advani, Joshi, others
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/babri-masjid-demolition-case-sc-revives-criminal-conspiracy-charges-against-bjp-s-advani-joshi-others/story-Ek2xfMA3oVjjZiOi6u0YAN.html
Babri case: SC restores criminal conspiracy charges against Advani, Joshi
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/babri-case-sc-restores-criminal-conspiracy-charges-against-advani-joshi-117041900287_1.html
Babri ruling a triumph over BJP's efforts to save its leaders: Congress
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/babri-ruling-a-triumph-over-bjp-efforts-to-save-its-leaders-says-congress/article18133308.ece?homepage=true
Political reactions have come pouring in after the Supreme Court revived the conspiracy charges against senior BJP leaders, including LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti, in the Babri Masjid demolition case.While Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said the continuation of Ms. Bharti in the Union Cabinet was untenable after the court ruling, the party’s MP Pramod Tiwari termed it a triumph over the BJP’s efforts to save its leaders. “I respect the SC. The BJP tried to save its leaders but failed,” he said. thehindu
Babri case order: Lalu sees conspiracy to dash Advani’s presidential prospect
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/babri-case-order-lalu-sees-conspiracy-to-dash-advani-s-presidential-prospect/story-I5vjG3dWNX68PTa8q6KPpN.html
Patna: Barely an hour after the Supreme Court revived the conspiracy charge in the Babri Masjid demolition case against BJP stalwarts like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalyan Singh, Uma Bharti and Vinay Katiyar, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, on Wednesday, came out with his own explanation of the turn of events.“This development smacks of a conspiracy scripted within the BJP”, Prasad alleged, pointing out that the prosecuting agency in the Babri case, CBI, was under the ‘control’ of the Prime Minister and implying this may have had something to do with the development of the day.“When the CBI says in the court that the conspiracy case against the Advani and other BJP leaders should be pursued, what else remains to be said?” he added, welcoming the apex court verdict. Prasad seemed to imply a deliberate effort to undermine the position of the veteran BJP leader.“There was a lot of talk in the market about Advani as a prospective candidate for the post of President of India, the election for which is scheduled to be held in July. Following the court verdict, Advani’s chances are gone in a single stroke”, he pointed out.Prasad said: “Anyone can read the turn of events, leading to this situation. But then, in the RSS and BJP, anything is possible. They don’t spare anyone. It was Advani who had helped Narendra Modi (remain Gujarat CM) in the wake of the 2002 Gujarat riots, but today he knows best what has happened,” Prasad told reporters at his residence. HT
Modi, RSS using Babri Masjid case to remove LK Advani from Presidential race: Lalu Yadav
http://www.ummid.com/news/2017/April/19.04.2017/lalu-yadav-on-babri-masjid-demolition-case.html
Lalu accuses PM of 'crafting' Advani trial
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lalu-accuses-pm-of-crafting-advani-trial/articleshow/58259986.cms
Babri masjid case: Advani’s career could be pulled down by the mosque that built it
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/advani-s-career-could-be-pulled-down-by-the-mosque-that-built-it/story-ClfieBFgQwSdOsly1qXMxN.html
Babri Masjid matter will go on, as it has till now: Jaitley
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/babri-masjid-matter-will-go-on-as-it-has-till-now-jaitley/article18138949.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi: If being charge sheeted was a rule for removal then there would be very few Congress CM s left, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said. He made this comment at press conference on Wednesday when asked about the charges against Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti in the Babri Masjid case being reinstated.“This [Babri masjid] matter is on since 1993, and it is not a new situation. This it will go on as it has till now,” Jaitley said. thehindu
Babri Masjid demolition case: After long pause, wheels of justice start moving again
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/babri-masjid-demolition-case-after-long-pause-wheels-of-justice-start-moving-again-lk-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-uma-bharti-ayodhya-ram-janmabhoomi-4619291/
Watch: The Day Atal Bihari Vajpayee Apologised For The Demolition Of The Babri Masjid
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/04/19/watch-the-day-atal-bihari-vajpayee-apologised-for-the-demolitio_a_22045592/
IUML welcomes Babri verdict, says Kalyan Singh, Uma Bharti must resign
http://zeenews.india.com/india/iuml-welcomes-babri-verdict-says-kalyan-singh-uma-bharti-must-resign-1997509.html?pfrom=article-more-from-zee
IUML on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court decision to revive conspiracy charges against senior BJP leaders L.K. Advani and others in the Babri Masjid demolition case, and demanded that Kalyan Singh and Uma Bharti should resign their posts and face trial.IANS
After SC’s order, will BJP sack Kalyan Singh to face trial, asks Owaisi
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/babri-masjid-case-after-supreme-courts-order-will-bjp-sack-kalyan-singh-asks-asaduddin-owaisi/634002/
New Delhi: Hitting hard at the BJP-led NDA Government AIMIM leader and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi said if the Centre is committed to justice, they should sack Kalyan Singh as Rajasthan Governor and ask him to face trial.In a series of tweets, he also said it was quite unfortunate that those responsible for the demolition of Babri Masjid are now running the country. He also asked whether Padma Vibhushan will also be taken back from LK Advani, against whom also the charges have been restored by the apex court today. financialexpress
Will not resign, conspiracy charges not proven: Uma
http://www.india.com/news/agencies/will-not-resign-conspiracy-charges-not-proven-uma-bharti-2-2045816/
New Delhi:BJP leader Uma Bharti on Wednesday said she would not resign as Union Minister and that the charges of conspiracy in the Babri Masjid demolition case have not yet been proven against her.IANS
Babri case: After SC order , PM Modi huddles with senior colleagues
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-babri-demolition-case-after-sc-order-restoring-criminal-charges-pm-modi-huddles-with-senior-colleagues-2408143
Everything was done in the open: Uma Bharti on Babri demolition
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/everything-was-done-in-the-open-uma-bharti-on-babri-demolition/394311.html
Babri Masjid demolition case: Jaitley rules out Uma Bharti resignation
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/babri-masjid-demolition-case-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-uma-bharti-arun-jaitley-kalyan-singh-4619670/
Kalyan Singh should resign, say Muslim petitioners
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/main-petitioners-of-babri-masjid-case-ready-for-out-of-court-settlement/1/932598.html
Babri Masjid demolition: No legal compulsion on Uma Bharti, Kalyan Singh to quit office
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/babri-masjid-demolition-uma-bharti-kalyan-singh-murli-manohar-joshi-advani/1/932665.html
Babri case: Muslims have faith in SC, says cleric
http://www.india.com/news/agencies/babri-case-muslims-have-faith-in-sc-says-cleric-2044621/
OTHERS
Dissolve Sunni, Shia waqf boards: Central Waqf Council
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/dissolve-sunni-shia-waqf-boards-says-central-waqf-council/story-6eh5Ec75LhC8OPvwos7TeN.html
Lucknow:In a move that could escalate the ongoing turf war between state Govt and Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards, the Central Waqf Council has asked UP to dissolve the two boards and appoint an inquiry commission to probe alleged irregularities of the present managements.In his two-page report sent to chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar, secretary of central waqf council BM Jamal said as the charges against the chairman and members were very serious, the UP Govt may appoint an administrator to take over these boards. “Under the Waqf Act 1995, the state Govt is empowered to supersede the boards by invoking its powers under section 99, appoint an administrator and order an inquiry under the commission of inquiry Act,” says the report. Minister of state for minorities, waqf and Haj, Mohsin Raza confirmed that the report had been received from the council. “Yes, we have got the report. It levels very serious charges against the management. We are looking into the matter and an appropriate decision would be taken very soon,” he told HT.The report states that the State Waqf Board was not providing any information to the Central Waqf Council despite repeated reminders and requests to do so. Consequently, after BJP Govt came to power in the state, Central Waqf Council member Syed Ejaz Abbas visited both Sunni and Shia Waqf Boards between March 21 to March 24 and later submitted a 36-page report.The report indicted the managements on several counts and said the boards misused their powers and failed to comply with the directions of the Central Waqf Council. One of the charges related to non-cooperation of these boards to implement the computerisation scheme for waqf boards. hindustantimes
Allahabad HC denies relief to Shia Waqf Board chairman
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/allahabad-hc-denies-relief-to-shia-waqf-board-chairman/story-C8eFOGRuHMn4G2R3tNjaLP.html
Allahabad HC dismisses UP Shia Waqf Board chairman petition on funds
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/allahabad-hc-dismisses-up-shia-waqf-board-chairman-petition-on-funds-4618496/
Triple talaq row: Law commission unlikely to submit report before SC verdict
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/triple-talaq-row-law-commission-unlikely-to-submit-report-before-supreme-court-verdict/1/932376.html
New Delhi: In the run up to the hearing at the Supreme Court on the issue of triple talaq, sources at the Law Commission confirmed that the Commission will not submit its report or recommendation till the Supreme Court delivers its final judgment on the constitutional validity of the practice under the Muslim Personal Law.Recently a delegation from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board also met the Law Commission Chairman Justice BS Chouhan to voice its concern on the issue.Earlier last year, the Law Commission had floated a questionnaire around the Uniform Civil Code seeking to reform the various practices under Hindu, Muslim and Christian Personal Law. indiatoday
Law panel examining Kerala HC verdict that repudiated practice of Triple Talaq
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/law-panel-examining-kerala-high-court-verdict-that-repudiates-practice-of-triple-talaq/articleshow/58249908.cms
New Delhi: India's law commission is examining a judgement delivered on the issue of triple talaq by Kerala High Court that explicitly called for legislative reform to mitigate sufferings of Muslim women. Delivered by a Muslim Judge, the judgement strongly repudiates the practise of triple talaq and underlines the need for law-makers to ensure Muslim women are treated justly. The judgement was recently forwarded by the Kerala HC to the law ministry and the law panel on the directions of Justice Mohammed Mushtaq. Law Commission of India, which is entrusted with the task of examining the implementation of uniform civil code, including the issue of triple talaq, is studying the judgement. "The judgement makes a strong case for justice to Muslim women and codification of law of divorce" a senior official of the Commission told ET on the condition of anonymity. He added that the Commission is likely to rely on the judgement of Justice Mushtaq while finalising its report on triple talaq. Currently, the Commission is awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court which is hearing multiple petitions challenging triple talaq in the summer break. economictimes
Centre opposes PIL seeking ban on convicted politicians from contesting polls
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-opposes-pil-seeking-ban-on-convicted-politicans-from-contesting-polls/
New Delhi: Centre has opposed in Supreme Court a demand to bar convicted politicians for life from contesting polls. Submitting its affidavit, the Govt said that there were already adequate provisions in the Representation of the People Act (RPA) to deal with disqualification of convicted persons and no further stipulation on this subject was called for.“The provisions (in RPA) involved are intra-vires and have been in the statute book for quite some time and continue to serve the purpose for which these are enacted i.e. curbing the entry of persons with criminal antecedents into political arena,” maintained the Govt in its affidavit before a bench led by Justice Ranjan Gogoi. It pointed out that a constitutional court could step in only when there was legislative vacuum in an area of public interest but since there were already subsisting legal provisions, the issue was “outside the scope of judicial review”. indianexpress
China reinforces claims to Arunachal within days of Dalai Lama’s visit
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-reinforces-claims-to-arunachal-within-days-of-dalai-lamas-visit/article18134677.ece?homepage=true
Beijing: The ministry also asserted that the Tibetan leader’s visit to the State “will escalate the dispute in border areas.” Within days of the Dalai Lama’s visit, China has reinforced its claims to Arunachal Pradesh by naming six places in the state in standardised Chinese characters, Tibetan and Roman alphabet letters.On April 14, China's Ministry of Civil Affairs announced on its website that State Council — China’s cabinet had issued the new regulations.The state-run Global Times reported that the name the six places in South Tibet — the name ascribed by Beijing to Arunachal Pradesh — are: Wo'gyainling, Mila Ri, Qoidêngarbo Ri, Mainquka, Bümo La and Namkapub Ri.“The standardisation came amid China's growing understanding and recognition of the geography in South Tibet. Naming the places is a step to reaffirm China's territorial sovereignty to South Tibet,” said Xiong Kunxin, a professor of ethnic studies at Beijing's Minzu University of China, as quoted by Global Times. thehindu
China renames 6 places in Arunachal on its official map after Dalai Lama’s visit
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/china-renames-6-places-in-arunachal-pradesh-on-its-official-map-retaliates-against-dalai-lama-visit/story-GopcxKWUJsOQ7Cys3nOcsK.html
In Dadri, a wedding without buffalo biryani — and a heartbroken bride
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-dadri-a-wedding-without-buffalo-biryani-and-a-heartbroken-bride-4618644/
Dadri: Nazar Mohammad, father of the bride, called up Farman Saifi, the father of the groom, on Monday night and requested him to downsize the baraat to a dozen people from the initial 200. A last-minute change to the menu — with buffalo biryani struck off and not enough chicken korma and roti to replace it — had forced Nazar to make the embarrassing request.After policemen allegedly told Nazar not to serve buffalo meat at his daughter Gulistan’s wedding, 50-year-old carpenter hurriedly arranged for chicken on Monday night. “It has been such an embarrassment. The wedding is ruined and we are very hassled,” Raees, Gulistan’s brother-in-law, said.Outside, Saifi, who had reached Dadri village by Tuesday noon, said with a slight grimace, “Now I’ll have to throw a walima (reception) for the guests I couldn’t bring with me from Meerut, where we live. That means cost will shoot up and we’ll only have half a day for preparations. We will serve only chicken there as well.” indianexpress
Odisha Governor SC Jamir Is RSS Candidate for Vice President: Top Pracharak
https://thewire.in/124984/odhisa-governor-s-c-jamir-rsss-candidate-vice-president/
New Delhi: RSS is backing S.C. Jamir, a senior Congressman from Nagaland and current Odisha governor, as its vice presidential nominee, a senior RSS pracharak in the Northeast, told The Wire.If Jamir is elected to the post, he will be the first vice president from the Northeast.RSS, has been working to spread the influence of the BJP in the region. “There is a list of candidates for the post of vice president [with the govt] but we are supporting the candidature of ex-Nagaland CM SC Jamir,” an RSS pracharak told The Wire from Shillong on April 17. I have had discussions with the central leadership of RSS on this issue and we have their support.”Though the BJP has not officially named its candidate for the post of vice president yet, Ram Madhav, party national secretary in charge of the Northeast, hinted at such a possibility in a tweet after a meeting with Jamir in Bhubaneswar on April 16.Vice President Hamid Ansari’s term will end in August. thewire
Swami has lost psychological balance: J&K Jama’at
http://kashmirreader.com/2017/04/19/subramaniam-swami-lost-psychological-balance-jamaat/
Srinagar: Jama’at-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday said that BJP MP Subramaniam Swami has “lost his psychological balance”.Jama’at was reacting against Swami’s statement in which he suggested to “depopulate Kashmiri people from the valley and keep them in the refugee camps in Tamil Nadu as a measure to stop the protests”.“Jama’at expresses its deep surprise on his (Swami’s) being in Indian parliament. He should have been in some psychological treatment centre. The politicians of his ilk are responsible for creating disorder and mischief on earth and also lack all realistic and righteous approach,” Jama’at said. kashmirreader
Two persons with terror links arrested in Punjab
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/two-persons-with-terror-links-arrested-in-punjab-117041801350_1.html
Chandigarh:Punjab Police on Tuesday announced that it has arrested two alleged terrorists belonging to a terror module set up by a Europe-based radical militant group to target leaders and members of socio-religious organisations in the state. Palwinder Singh and Sandeep Kumar were arrested by the Counter Intelligence Unit of Punjab Police from Batala town,a police spokesperson said."Investigations so far have revealed that the duo had been tasked with creating political instability by fanning communal passions in the state," he said.IANS
World’s most bizarre protest? Now, man in Modi mask whips TN farmers at Jantar Mantar
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/world-s-most-bizarre-protest-now-man-in-modi-mask-whips-tn-farmers-at-jantar-mantar/story-EQcILVRuvcEP64lRYSGE5H.html
For over a month now, Delhi has been witnessing a bizarre protest at Jantar Mantar. The protesters, who are farmers from Tamil Nadu, have used strategies never heard before — from wearing skulls, eating mice, conducting mock funerals to even stripping at Raisina Hill. Adding to their eyeball popping agitation this week, a man dressed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flogged the farmers with a whip.The farmers said the idea was to show Centre’s ‘insensitivity’ to their plights. “By ignoring us, it is like Modi is whipping us and trying to beat us out of Delhi… Sometimes I think if we get arrested it might be better. Jail would be better than this,” said P Ayyakkannu, the state president of the National South-Indian Rivers Linking Farmers’ Association. At the outset, 25 farmers had volunteered to participate in the flogging, but soon after it began 23 of them backed out. One protester even reportedly fainted because of the pain. Prakash, who carried out the flogging wore one of the popular Modi masks and was dressed in the PM’s trademark jacket and kurta.These farmers have been in Delhi for 37 days now and are in no mood to leave. Their protest is aimed at getting a relief package from the Centre and having their loans waved off as their crops were ruined in a severe drought and a subsequent cyclone. Their loans from cooperative banks have already been written off, under orders of the state Govt and the Madras High Court. They have also asked for revised drought packages, that would allow them to buy seeds for the next harvest cycle and also compensate their losses.HT
BSF jawan Tej Bahadur who complained about food dismissed from service
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bsf-jawan-tej-bahadur-dismissed-from-service-4619489/
Jammu: BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav, who had posted some video clips on social networking sites showing poor quality food being served to security forces personnel posted in frontier areas adjoining Pakistan, was on Wednesday dismissed from service by the Summary Security Force Court (SSFC) at Samba. A BSF spokesperson said he has been found guilty of committing an act prejudicial to good order and discipline of the force in which he made false allegations on social media regarding quality of food and did not adhere to formal grievance redressal mechanism of the force. indianexpress
Crisis on ground, Delhi needs to respond: PDP’s Tassaduq Mufti
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/crisis-on-ground-delhi-needs-to-respond-pdps-tassaduq-mufti-4618919/
New Delhi: Tassaduq Hussain Mufti, younger brother of J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti and PDP candidate for the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat where the bypoll has been rescheduled for May 25 in view of the Valley situation, has said there is a “concerted effort” at various levels to “destroy even the last shred of the party’s core political base in Kashmir and completely erode its credibility”.He said there is “complete disregard of PDP’s understanding of the current situation and necessary steps will need to be taken to assuage the hurt and anger among Kashmiri youth”. Speaking to Indian Express, Tassaduq said: “PDP will have to be firm to push forth its agreed agenda of alliance. There is only one party in this entire conflict that is not being listened to and that is the people. Systems have broken down and there is perhaps little regard for the credibility of our (J&K) Govt in Delhi. But I am sure that sooner or later, Delhi will have to respond to the crisis on the ground. This absence of political initiative and over-dependence on military methods isn’t taking us anywhere.” He said the Centre would need to do much more than maintain silence on crucial issues like forward movement on engagement and talks in Kashmir. indianexpress
Azam backs Akhilesh, Mayawati on forging of alliance to take on BJP
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/azam-backs-akhilesh-mayawati-on-forging-of-alliance-to-take-on-bjp/story-auLcppR4L6Lz2DHTMOL8wK.html
Days after former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav hinted on forging alliance with other parties to take on BJP, senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan too extended support to the idea. “Alliance with other parties is needed to save the rights of the minority community. I will support such alliance,” Azam told HT. “The party may have alliance with political parties led by Mamta ji (Banerjee), Mayawati and other leaders who are striving to secure the better future of the country,” he added. Criticising the recent crackdown on illegal slaughter houses in the state, Khan said, “Nai sarkar ke samne bahut bade bade kaam hain par uska dhyan bas logon ke gosht par hai (The new Govt has many big tasks on its hand but it is only concentrating on meat).”“Govt must take steps to stop slaughter both on streets and in slaughter houses,” he said, ostensibly referring to incident of killing of a man by cow vigilantes in Alwar. hindustantimes
CBSE likely to make Hindi mandatory till Class X across affiliated schools and KVs in India
http://www.india.com/education/cbse-likely-to-make-hindi-mandatory-till-class-x-across-affiliated-schools-and-kvs-in-india-2043535/
President Pranab Mukherjee has given his in-principal approval to the suggestion by CBSE regarding making Hindi compulsory till Class X. The suggestion, once confirmed by HRD Ministry, would mean that Hindi would become a compulsory subject across all CBSE affiliates schools in the country. Also, Hindi would be made compulsory across the Kendriya Vidhyalayas or the KVs across the country. The suggestion was made after recommendations from the committee of parliament on official languages. The suggestion is still pending the final nod from the HRD Ministry. It would be important to note that CBSE recently re-introduced mandatory Class X Board Examinations from the next academic year, which is 2018. Along with the introduction, the CBSE had also suggested a three language model to further promote national and regional languages. As per model suggested by CBSE, students had the option of selecting and studying English and any two Indian National Langauges. The students in turn had the option to choose from 22 designated Indian languages. While Hindi was an obvious choice schools in the north, regional languages were more apt for the southern states. This decision of making Hindi mandatory, however, would be implemented across the country.india.com
Hindi mandatory till Class 10: President agrees in principle
http://indianexpress.com/article/education/hindi-mandatory-till-class-x-president-agrees-in-principle-4618914/
those who sleep till late hours have problem with loudspeakers calling azaan or playing bhajans: Katiyar
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/singers-woes-a-problem-of-late-risers-says-vinay-katiyar/articleshow/58253307.cms
Kanpur: Under fire for his tweets about 'forced religiousness', singer Sonu Nigam received flak from an unexpected quarter when firebrand BJP MP Vinay Katiyar said only those who sleep till late hours have problem with loudspeakers calling azaan in mosques or playing bhajans in temples."Not only me, but everybody finds the sound of prayers, whether from a mosque, temple or gurdwara, soothing," said Katiyar, adding "I totally disagree with Sonu's views."Katiyar, however, said, there should be some regulations like reducing the volume, or the size of loudspeakers so that the sound could be limited to the premises of the mosque and temple. "But then again, even if it traverses far off, there's nothing wrong in it, because it helps people wake up early... The problem is only with those who are in habit of sleeping till late," said Katiyar, talking to reporters in the city. timesofindia
Rs 10 lakh to shave Sonu Nigam; Bengal “fatwa imam” says it’s not a fatwa
http://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/rs-10-lakh-to-shave-sonu-nigam-bengal-fatwa-imam-says-it-s-not-a-fatwa/story-4mGXNnt8P2bS99tAaZUttJ.html
A day after Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam twitted his displeasure about being woken up by the sound of azaan from a neighbouring mosque, a member of the West Bengal Minority United Council announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh to anybody who can shave his head and garland him with old torn shoes.“If anyone can shave his hair, put a garland of old torn shoes around his neck and tour him around the country, I shall personally reward that person with Rs 10 lakh,” said Syed Sha Atef Ali Al Quaderi, who is the vice president, West Bengal United Minority Council. hindustantimes
Sonu Nigam shaves off his head, insists that he’s not anti-Muslim
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sonu-nigam-shaves-off-his-head-insists-that-hes-not-anti-muslim/articleshow/58259331.cms
Azaan tweet row: Sonu Nigam keeps promise, shaves his head
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/58256788.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Muslims Brought in new concept to islamic jurisprudence, that of a state of peace that is now under threat'
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/NewsDetail/index/1/10466/Indian-Muslims-Brought-in-A-New-Concept-to-Islamic-Jurisprudence-That-of-A-State-of-Peace-That-is-Now-Under-Threat
New Delhi: Navaid Hamid, President of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, a conglomerate of 16 minority organisations, in an interview to The Citizen expressed deep concern about the current environment and the consequences of a politics that is vitiating the State of Peace. He is the 7th President of the 50 year old organisation. Navaid said “Might be a 100-200 people who dream about an Islamic state. It is not practical, and absurd in the Indian context. When the so called responsible people publicly argue for a Hindu rashtra they fail to understand that they are playing with fire. India needs to understand at this juncture of political churning, that the majority of Indian Muslims who have rejected the idea of Jinnah’s Pakistan and remained like a solid rock behind Gandhi, Nehru, Azad, Madani, did so as they shared the strong belief that India would be a nation for all. Please recall that for hundreds of years students of Islamic jurisprudence had only known two concepts of the state, the Islamic state and the anti-Islamic state. It was a gift by the Indian Muslim clergy to Islamic jurisprudence that they gave an idea of a third concept of a nation to the world and that was the State of Peace. This idea had charmed an overwhelming number of Indian Muslims who became part of the Independence struggle, and elected to stay and live in India as the State of Peace. They rejected Jinnah’s divisive agenda. We need to understand that this concept has given a moment of pride to the Muslims to work with full zeal and commitment to make India a strong nation, and contribute whatever they can for this. The proponents of a Hindu rashtra fail to understand that this is a divisive agenda, and actually represents what can be roughly described as Sangh mooted Jinnah politics of the 21st century.”thecitizen
FLASH: NEWS & VIEWS
Kashmir Valley may see Facebook and WhatsApp suspended as govt clamps down on rumour-mongering
http://www.firstpost.com/india/kashmir-valley-may-see-facebook-and-whatsapp-suspended-as-govt-clamps-down-on-rumour-mongering-3389836.html
The truth about Indian Muslims and divorce; Piyush Babele
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/triple-talaq-muslims-meher/story/1/16742.html
Truth behind Adityanath rooting for a ban on triple talaq: divide-and-rule logic guides BJP's tirade: Sharat Pradhan
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/triple-talaq-muslim-women-aimplb-yogi-bjp/story/1/16745.html
WORLD
'Why are we fighting each other? Ahmadinejad calls middle east countries including Iran to change their foreign policies, especially in Syria
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/iran-ahmadinejad-fighting-170418143535514.html
Mahamud Ahmadinejad, Iran's former president, has called regional powers in the Middle East to change their foreign policies, including in Syria, saying the conflict in the region was imposed "from outside". The ex-president made the comments to Al Jazeera on Tuesday, less than a week after surprising Iranians by registering as a candidate for next month's presidential election.Ahmadinejad had previously said he would not stand after being advised not to by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying he would instead support his former deputy, Hamid Baghaei, who also registered on April 12. " Supreme Leader gave me advice but he did not ask me not to run.It was just advice," Ahmadinejad said in his interview with Al Jazeera."I announced my nomination and support to my brother, Baghaei, because the situation on the international, regional as well as on internal levels has gone through many changes," he added."Everyone can play a role and I think it is possible to run the country better than it is now," Ahmadinejad said Iran's presidential election will take place on May 19.Ahmadinejad called for unity among regional rivals, even though Iran is pitted against countries such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia over its support for Bashar al-Assad and the war in Yemen."All countries should change their policies, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain, as well as Iran, Oman and Syria."We all have to do this by changing our current foreign policy. We have to sit with each other. Why are we fighting each other? What is the reason?" he said. Ahmadinejad called the Middle East's volatile situation a war imposed on the region's countries from external forces."It (war) has caused us a great loss and robbed us of our wealth. This is very bad. There should be a serious invitation for negotiations, peace and utmost understanding from the many participants among us." According to Middle East Monitor he said, “everyone, including Iran, must change their policies, especially in Syria”. “There should be a serious call for dialogue and peace based on the many common issues between us.”However, local sources expect the Guardian Council in Iran to refuse to accept the nominations of Ahmadinejad and his ex-Vice President Hamid Baghaei. According to Al-Hayat, they say that Ahmadinejad’s application to stand as a presidential candidate could be rejected simply because it runs contrary to the advice of Iran’s Supreme Leader, not to run in the race. Aljazeera/ middle east monitor
Ahmadinejad says ‘no reason’ to prevent him from running for president again
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170419-ahmadinejad-says-no-reason-to-prevent-him-from-running-for-president-again/
Rouhani May Withdraw from Presidential Race in Favor of Rafsanjani’s Brother
http://english.aawsat.com/adel-al-salmi/world-news/rouhani-may-withdraw-presidential-race-favor-rafsanjanis-brother
London- The current Iranian President’s camp is racing to put multiple scenarios ahead of the date of the announcement by the Guardian Council of the Constitution on Thursday.Brother of ex-Iranian President Mohammed Hashemi Rafsanjani said Monday that President Hassan Rouhani may drop out in his favor, denying any internal competition in the reformers and moderates’ coalition.For its part, Iran’s Election Commission announced on Monday that it approved the candidacy of Rafsanjani’s son Mohsen Hashemi and his daughter Fatima for the May 19 elections coinciding with the presidential elections. On the other hand, reactions to the candidacy of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the conservative camp continued yesterday. Aawsat
Syria: US-led air strike kills at least 30 civilians, yet again; no news on IS fighters
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/syria-us-led-air-strike-isis-islami-state-civilians-killed/1/932442.html
Air strikes, thought to be by planes from a US-led military coalition, killed at least 30 people in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zor on Monday, including women and children, residents and activists said.Coalition spokesman US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian confirmed that the US-led coalition had conducted strikes in the vicinity of the town of al-Bukamal, but said he could not "confirm the veracity of allegations of civilian casualties".An activist in touch with relatives in al-Bukamal said at least three homes had been flattened in the residential Hay al Masriya district of the town and at least 30 people, mostly women and children from six families, had been killed.Reuters
Dozens killed including 9 children, in separate air raids across Syria
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/dozens-killed-separate-air-raids-syria-170418165334240.html
UN warns trapped Mosul civilians could face worst catastrophe of Iraq conflict
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170419-un-warns-trapped-mosul-civilians-could-face-worst-catastrophe-of-iraq-conflict/
The battle to dislodge Daesh from the Old City of Mosul, where hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians are trapped, could turn into the worst humanitarian catastrophe in the war against the militants, UN warned .About 400,000 civilians, or a quarter of Mosul’s pre-war population, are trapped in Old City, according to UN estimates.As many as half a million people are estimated to remain overall in neighbourhoods still under Daesh control in western Mosul.UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, Lisa Grande, said:If there is a siege and hundreds of thousands of people don’t have water and don’t have food, they will be at enormous risk. We could be facing a humanitarian catastrophe, perhaps the worst in entire conflict."
Panama: Adverse Pak SC verdict can oust Sharif as PM
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/panama-papers-adverse-sc-verdict-can-oust-sharif-as-pakistan-pm/articleshow/58258185.cms
A looming Supreme Court decision that could disqualify PM Nawaz Sharif over corruption allegations had the country on edge Wednesday, as a drawn-out investigation related to the "Panama Papers" leaks neared a conclusion.Disqualifying Sharif would leave his party in power, but it would cause intense turmoil at a time when Pakistan is experiencing modest growth and improved security after years of violence, and the civilian Govt and powerful military have appeared to come to uneasy terms.Sharif has denied any wrongdoing, but the Supreme Court agreed to investigate his family's offshore wealth late last year after opposition leader Imran Khan threatened street protests.The Supreme Court could take a range a of steps. timesofindia
Afghan presidential aide threatens war after dismissal
http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/afghan-presidential-aide-threatens-war-after-dismissal/799817
Kabul: President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has sacked his top aide, who in turn warned the move may lead to another civil war in the country.Ghani fired Ahmad Zia Massoud, the brother of legendary slain military commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, late Monday.The president had made Massoud his top aide following the 2014 presidential elections, which were marred by irregularities and rigging claims. Anadolu agency
Child refugees forced to sell their bodies for $16
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170419-child-refugees-forced-to-sell-their-bodies-for-16/
A new report by Dr. Vasileia Digidiki and Professor Jacqeline Bhabha of Harvard University reveals that unaccompanied child refugees in Greece trying to reach northern Europe are being forced to sell their bodies to pay smugglers to help them with their journeys. middleeastmonitor
Israeli minister calls for execution of Palestinian prisoners
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170419-israeli-minister-calls-for-execution-of-palestinian-prisoners/
Israel’s minister of Yisrael Katz has called for the death penalty to be enforced on convicted Palestinian prisoners.
Muslim girl’s hijab ripped off, called “terrorist” in US
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/muslim-girls-hijab-ripped-off-called-terrorist-in-united-states/
Indonesian Muslim candidate wins Jakarta election - pollsters
http://in.reuters.com/article/indonesia-election-idINKBN17K2HW
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:17 PM)
