Evening NEWS DIGEST
07 Feb.2018:20 Jamadiul-1 1439:Vol:9, No:115
INDIA
Saudi allows Air India flights to Israel over its airspace: Haaretz
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-first-saudi-arabia-allows-flights-to-israel-over-its-airspace-1.5803140
Saudi Arabia has granted Air India approval to operate direct flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv, sources in Israeli flight industry told Haaretz. This is the first time the Saudis are allowing flights to Israel to use their airspace.The approval means that the duration of flights from India to Israel will be shortened by 2-and-a-half hours, compared to the route currently in use. The new route will allow the airline to reduce fuel costs and sell cheaper tickers to passengers.Right now the only carrier that flies directly to India is El Al, which flies an 8-hour route from Ben-Gurion International Airport to Mumbai. The route crosses the Red Sea south of Yemen, then turns east to India. Since New Delhi is a new destination from which there are no flights to Israel, the aviation company will be getting a 750,000 euro grant from the Tourism Ministry for operating the new line, according to a calculation of 250,000 euros per weekly flight. This grant is, among other things, the impetus for Air India to launch the line.This is not the first time Air India has asked for such approval. Last year, the airline sought the Israel Airports Authority's approval for flights to and from Israel. It was not implemented, however, due to its insistence to operate the shorter route. Discussions on the matter evolved following PM Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India last month, where intensive talks were held between the two countries in order to approve the flight route over Saudi.Air India's New Delhi-Tel Aviv route is the first concrete and public piece of evidence to the warming of ties between Israel and the Saudi leadership.
Saudi grants airspace approval for flights to Israel
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/saudi-grants-airspace-approval-flights-israel-180207115134490.html
Palestine leader Mahmoud Abbas asks Modi to mediate ahead of PM's middle east tour
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/palestine-asks-modi-to-mediate/article22671104.ece
New Delhi:PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Palestine this week is “historic” and will be important in the West Asian peace process, says a key diplomatic official in Ramallah, indicating a greater role for India in the political process with the decline of the U.S. role in mediation. “Modi is visiting us at an important juncture when Palestine needs India to interact much more with the region,” Majdi El-Khaldi, the diplomatic adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, in an interview over telephone from the seat of Palestinian authority.“US can no longer be the only mediator,” he said, referring to the US’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “We are asking the EU and EU countries to mediate, and we are inviting India, which will be a strong leader in a multipolar world, to assist the process.” El-Khaldi’s words are significant as they come during a period of intensive engagement between New Delhi and West Asia. After Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to India last month, the Govt is pivoting its interests to Israel’s rivals: with the PM travelling to Jordan, Palestine, Oman and UAE this week, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visiting Saudi Arabia.New Delhi is also preparing for three high-level visits, from the region’s most powerful leaders, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Jordanian King Abdullah II in Feb., and Saudi King Salman later this year. Calling the renewed engagement in West Asia as “smart diplomacy” by India,El-Khaldi said that India was one of the “few countries in the world” that had no problems with most of the countries in the region. Asked about Netanyahu’s statement during his visit to Delhi that one should “ally with the strong”, not the weak, El-Khaldi said that while Palestine was the “weaker side” as it was “under occupation”, and India had many technological requirements from Israel, it was wrong to believe that India would “choose Israel over Palestine.” “When it comes to specific disputes, Palestinians are mindful of their position, and we don’t interfere in domestic issues. When our Ambassador [to Pakistan] didn’t follow this policy, even if it was inadvertent, we said it was a mistake and withdrew him immediately,” El-Khaldi said.thehindu
PM to lay foundation stone of temple in UAE
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/pm-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-temple-in-uae/article22663442.ece
New Delhi:PM Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a temple in Abu Dhabi during his visit to UAE, External Affairs Ministry said. The event will be part of a three-nation tour from Feb. 9 to 12, starting in Palestine, where Modi will be the first Indian PM to visit and pay tributes at the memorial of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.“As part of a community engagement programme, he will be meeting top professionals and, in that, there will be a special event, which will be the laying of the foundation stone of a Hindu temple,” said Mridul Kumar, Joint Secretary in charge of Gulf region. UAE granted temple project after India conveyed the demand of its nationals for a place of worship during Modi’s 2015 visit.thehindu
Modi to continue his temple run during his west Asia tour
https://in.news.yahoo.com/pm-narendra-modi-lay-foundation-073158786.html
India-UAE to sign 12 pacts during Modi’s upcoming visit
https://www.connectedtoindia.com/india-uae-to-sign-12-agreements-during-modis-upcoming-visit-3590.html
‘Today is my favourite day’: Modi
http://gulfnews.com/xpress/news/today-is-my-favourite-day-narendra-modi-1.2169873
UAE may share position of IS during Modi's visit: Ex envoy
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uae-may-share-position-of-islamic-state-during-modis-visit-ex-envoy/articleshow/62820907.cms
Hyderabad: UAE may share with India its understanding about the "present position" of Islamic State (IS) during PM Narendra Modi's visit to the Gulf country this weekend, ex- diplomat has said.Talmiz Ahmad, ex-Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE, said New Delhi was also expected to express its concerns relating to Pakistan during the visit.He expressed the hope there would be discussions on ways to promote dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran, whose deteriorating relationship was a matter of concern for both India and the UAE.Ahmad noted that India and UAE had signed a comprehensive strategic partnership, a key aspect of which was counter-terrorism. Present situation related to extremism and jihad was likely to be reviewed during Modi's visit.Ahmad said India was likely to convey to UAE side its concerns relating to Pakistan.PTI
Pak rakes up Kashmir dispute in UN, accuses security council of 'selective implementation' of resolutions
http://www.firstpost.com/world/pakistan-rakes-up-kashmir-dispute-in-un-accuses-security-council-of-selective-implementation-of-resolutions-4339617.html
UN: Pakistan has brought up the Kashmir issue in the Security Council, accusing it of "selective implementation" of its resolutions."Nothing undermines the credibility of Council more than selective implementation of its resolutions," Pakistan's Permanent Representative Maleeha Lodhi said during a session on its working methods."Council should therefore periodically review implementation of its resolutions, especially on longstanding issues like J&K dispute," she added. "Failure to enforce its own resolutions undercuts not just the Council's standing in the world, but the UN as well."Her reference was to a 1948 Council resolution that called for a plebiscite to determine the future of Kashmir, while also demanding withdrawal of Pakistani "tribesmen" who entered the state.IANS
Malegaon blast: ATS not to challenge discharge of 3 accused
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/2008-malegaon-blast-ats-not-to-challenge-discharge-of-3-accused/articleshow/62811997.cms
Mumbai: Maharashtra ATS, which initially probed the 2008 Malegaon blast case, allegedly involving Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and others, will not challenge a special NIA court's order discharging three accused, its chief told TOI. In 2006 Malegaon blasts case, ATS had challenged the discharge of eight arrested Muslim youths.Both cases were initially probed by the ATS, before they were taken over by NIA. NIA court had on Dec. 27, 2017, framed charges against seven accused and discharged three—Shamlal Sahu (51), Shivnarayan Kalsangra (45) and Pravin Takalki alias Mutalik (34). Sahu and Kalsangra were the first to be arrested in 2008 by ATS. Kalsangra's brother, Ramchandra, is on NIA's wanted accused list. Ramchandra had allegedly parked an RDX bomb-fitted bike in Malegaon on Sept.29, 2008 that exploded, killing six and injuring over a hundred.ATS chief Autlchandra Kulkarni said: "No notice from court to ATS. Besides, we have no locus standi as NIA is the investigating agency". Kulkarni said that in the 2006 serial blasts case, the ATS was made a party, but "in the 2008 case nobody has made us party".Pointing to the ATS's move in the 2006 blasts case, a senior advocate said, " ATS challenged the discharge of the accused before the high court. This was also done despite NIA handling the case then." The advocate said the ATS did not even take a stand in 2016 when NIA, while filing its chargesheet in the 2008 case, alleged that ATS had fabricated evidence against some accused. " ATS should have come forward then." Timesofindia
UP: 42-yr-old Rabiya brutality killed for resisting rape bid
https://www.siasat.com/news/scene-immense-brutality-42-year-old-rabiya-killed-resisting-rape-attempt-1313538/
Allahabad: Another case of attempt to rape has come to fore wherein a Muslim teacher was the latest victim.The incident took place in Yogi Adityanath’s UP district of Pratapgarh. According to media reports, 42-year-old victim identified as Rabiya is a resident of Kotwali area of Pratapgarh district. She was employed as a teacher in nearby English Medium School. It is being told that the female teacher was divorced and used to stay alone in a rented house while her family lived in Delhi.On late Saturday night, half a dozen people barged into her house and wanted to gang rape her. When she resists and did not allow the accused to succeed in their attempt, they mutilated her legs and hands with iron rods and repeatedly stabbed her causing massive internal injuries.When the neighbours heard the screaming, they ran towards Rabiya’s house. Seeing the neighbors approaching, the accused fled the spot.As the neighbors arrived in the house they were stunned by the scene of immense brutality. The extent of the injuries suffered by Rabiya is horrific.Rabiya’s body was soaked in blood with broken hands and legs swinging. The injuries on her body was so deep that flesh is visible.The villagers immediately informed to the police. After receiving the information, the police rushed the spot and took her to the district hospital. The doctors, after looking at her critical condition referred her to Allahabad. While undergoing treatment at Allahabad’s SRN Hospital, Rabiya succumbed to her injuries.According to SP Pratapgarh investigating the matter, two accused identified as Dabang Guddu Pasi and Madan Pasi have been arrested and assured the rest four accused will soon be in the custody. Locals told that Guddu and Madan were habitual offenders and used to molest every young girl or older women in the village and threatened to kill them if they protest.The villagers also accused the police and claim that they raised the issue and complained many times but their complaints were ignored by them. If only the police acted on time, the teacher would be alive today.Can’t believe the media silence on this story. Only Hindi media has reported it. siasat
42-yr-old teacher stabbed to death for resisting rape in UP
http://ummid.com/news/2018/Feb./07.02.2018/42-year-old-teacher-killed-while-resisting-rape.html
Triple talaq victim inducted into UP minority welfare panel
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/triple-talaq-victim-inducted-into-uttar-pradesh-minority-welfare-panel-5054010/
New Delhi:Sofia Ahmed (24), a commerce graduate and a victim of instant triple talaq, was in Lucknow on Tuesday afternoon when she received calls from mediapersons who congratulated her for being inducted into UP minority commission. Sofia, who joined BJP in Dec. 2016, said calls left her surprised.The mediapersons then forwarded her Govt order issued on Tuesday by the Minority Welfare dept on constitution of the commission and her induction as a member. But the order was in Hindi, which Sofia cannot read. She then spoke to BJP leaders in Lucknow and Kanpur, who confirmed that she had been appointed. According to BJP sources, Sofia was inducted into the commission because she is a victim of triple talaq and the party wants to show its commitment to help victims of the practice.indianexpress
Yogi forms minorities commission, names BJP veteran as chief
https://www.siasat.com/news/yogi-forms-minorities-commission-names-bjp-veteran-chief-1313840/
Lucknow: UP Govt constituted the state minorities commission and named senior BJP leader Tanveer Ahmad Usmani as its chairman, an official said.Governor Ram Naik approved the name of Usmani for heading UP State Minorities Commission after it was recommended by CM Yogi Adityanath. 62-year-old Usmani has been thrice the national president of the minority wing of the BJP and thrice member of its national executive. He comes from Kanpur and at present is a member of the executive council of the AMU.IANS
PM Modi's Wife Jashodaben Has Narrow Escape As Her Car Hits Truck In Rajasthan,driver dies
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modis-wife-injured-in-accident-in-rajasthan-1-reportedly-dead-1809624
Rajasthan: PM Narendra Modi's wife Jashodaben had a narrow escape when an Innova car she was travelling in, rammed a truck near Chittor, Rajasthan. Of the 7 occupants of the vehicle, one died and three others were injured. The vehicle was completely smashed."Jashodaben is okay. She's (in) comfort. She is getting primary health check-up done," said Suresh Khatik, the sub divisional magistrate of Chittorgarh. Senior police officers and administration officials rushed to Chittorgarh hospital.The accident took place around 55 km from Chittorgarh on Kota-Chittor highway. There were 7 people in the car -- most of them were believed to be her relatives. One of them, Basant Bhai, died on the spot. A woman relative, Vimla Modi, a gunman travelling with Jashodaben, and a five-year-old child were also injured.PM Modi's wife Jashodaben was travelling in a car which rammed a trucked near Chittor, Rajasthan.The gunman, 45-year-old Yatendra, and Vimla Modi were referred to a hospital Udaipur, reported IANS.The family was travelling from Atru in Baran to a place called Unjha in Gujarat. Jashodaben, a retired schoolteacher, had gone to attend a function in Kota.NDTV
Modi's wife suffers minor injuries in Rajasthan road accident, driver dies
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/narendra-modis-wife-injured-in-road-accident-in-rajasthan/article22675666.ece?homepage=true
If Hindu marries twice, you are happy sending him to jail but worry about Muslim going to jail for triple talaq: PM
http://www.news18.com/news/politics/if-a-hindu-marries-twice-you-are-happy-sending-him-to-jail-but-worry-about-a-muslim-going-to-jail-for-triple-talaq-pm-modi-1653871.html
New Delhi: In his second Parliamentary speech of the day, PM Narendra Modi castigated Congress for obstructing BJP's policies. Abolishing triple talaaq was one such remarkable issue, Modi said, in which Congress could but did not act owing to its vote bank politics."Several members of opposition raised their voice that if a boy of another community is jailed for giving triple talaaq to his wife, what will his old parents do, how will they survive. But they never raise voice when a Hindu boy in similar circumstances is sent to jail for marrying two women," Modi said in his Rajya Sabha speech.Modi said that Congress did not have the moral courage to introduce triple talaaq bill. "The kind of law you wanted on triple talaq...even you could have done it. Your minister had raised voice against triple talaq 30 years ago but when he saw the political pressure was building up from all sides, he was asked to leave.'news18
What stopped Congress from bringing Triple Talaq Bill in past 60 years, asks PM Modi in Rajya Sabha
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/narendra-modi-rajya-sabha-speech-motion-of-thanks-triple-talaq-bill-5055073/
Opposition attacks Govt on Rafale deal in Rajya Sabha
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/feb/07/opposition-attacks-modi-Govt -on-rafale-deal-other-issues-in-rajya-sabha-1769870.html
New Delhi: Opposition in the Rajya Sabha today mounted a scathing attack on the Modi Govt charging it with undermining democracy and painting a "rosy" picture when ground reality was totally different, with Congress alleging a big scam in the Rafale aircraft deal.Speakers from these parties also charged Govt with being "intolerant" and"full of arrogance". Participating in the debate on motion of thanks for the president's address, Congress leader Anand Sharma alleged there was a big scam in the Rafale deal as the price at which the planes were negotiated were 4 times higher and benefitted private firms.PTI
Opposition to take Judge Loya case to President Kovind
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/opposition-to-take-judge-loya-issue-to-president-5054087/
New Delhi:Even as the Supreme Court is hearing petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of CBI special judge BH Loya, the Opposition on Tuesday decided to approach President Ram Nath Kovind seeking his intervention for ensuring a fair investigation into his death. Loya died on Dec. 1, 2014, while hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.The move comes days after the Congress raised fresh allegations regarding the judge’s death, demanded a probe by non-NIA, non-CBI officers and attempted to link two more deaths to the case.A 3-page letter addressed to the President has been prepared and several opposition leaders and MPs have already signed it, sources said.indianexpress
No record on legal action to be taken against those forcing to say Bharat mata ki jai: Law ministry
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/no-record-on-legal-action-to-be-taken-against-those-forcing-to-say-bharat-mata-ki-jai-law-ministry-5054586/
New Delhi;Law Ministry has said it has no record spelling out the legal action which can be taken against those forcing a citizen to chant “Bharat mata ki jai”. The case pertains to one RTI applicant Mohammed Irfan Quadri who had sought to know from the ministry whether there is any legal obligation of a citizen to chant “Bharat mata ki jai” and whether a citizen can take legal action against those forcing him to chant this slogan among others.PTI
1 case of mob lynching of minorities in Rajasthan in 3 years: Union Minister tells Rajya Sabha
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/one-case-of-mob-lynching-of-minorities-in-rajasthan-in-3-years/articleshow/62820949.cms
New Delhi: Only one case of mob lynching of minorities was reported in Rajasthan in last 3 years, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir was replying to a question on whether it was a fact that there had been a series of mob lynching of minorities in Rajasthan from May 2015 to Jan.2018."As per the data furnished by the Rajasthan Police to the ncrb, only one case was registered in Rajasthan till July 15, 2017. In this case one person was killed and 8 persons were arrested. No case was registered during 2015 and 2016," he said.PTI
Muslim man ‘slapped 25 times’, forced to say ‘Jai Shri Ram’; Video Goes Viral
http://www.news18.com/news/india/muslim-man-slapped-25-times-forced-to-say-jai-shri-ram-video-goes-viral-1652883.html
Jaipur: A video purportedly showing a teenager slapping a 45-year-old Muslim man and forcing him to say "Jai Shri Ram" in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district went viral, prompting a protest from the community.The incident sent police into a tizzy.A video of the act, recorded and circulated by the accused, Vinay Meena (18), is doing the rounds on the internet. In the 3-minute clip, Meena is seen slapping Mohammad Salim 25 times and forcing him to say "Jai Shri Ram", to which the victim responded:"Parvardigaar sabse bada hai (God is almighty)." Members of the Muslim community protested the incident and filed a complaint at the Abu Road City police station against Meena."An FIR was registered yesterday based on a complaint we received from members of the Muslim community," SP Sirohi Om Prakash said.Meena is in custody for "voluntarily causing hurt, promoting enmity, hurting religious sentiments, breaking peace", he said.PTI
Kasganj violence: AMU group meets IG, claims two accused were in Aligarh on Republic Day
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kasganj-uttar-pradesh-up-riots-amu-delegation-gives-ig-cctv-footage-claims-2-accused-were-in-aligarh-that-day-5053980/
Lucknow:A delegation of AMU students has come out in support of 2 accused in the murder case of Abhishek alias Chandan Gupta, who was shot dead when violence erupted over a ‘Tiranga rally’ in Kasganj on Republic Day. Led by the AMU Student Union’s honorary secretary Mohammad Fahad, the delegation met IG, Aligarh Range, Sanjeev Gupta, last Thursday. Handing over CCTV footage, they claimed that the two accused were in Aligarh on the day of the incident.Police recently obtained a court nod for attachment of property belonging to both accused — Saqib Azeez of Naderigate locality and Aseem Qureshi of Nawab locality, Kasganj. Both of them are absconding. SIT that is probing cases related to the violence as well as the murder charges has been asked to verify the footage.Student union secretary Fahad, who belongs to Kasganj, said Saqib had been undergoing coaching at an institute in Aligarh for a certificate course in financial accounting since Oct.last year,and stayed in a rented accommodation in Amir Nisha locality. “After he (Saqib) informed that he was not present in Kasganj that day, I collected CCTV footage from some houses in Amir Nisha locality showing his presence in the locality the day the violence had taken place. I also obtained CCTV footage of the AMU Student Union hall, which showed that Saqib had visited the place the same day,” said Fahad.Aseem Qureshi’s brother Qayub told this newspaper that on Jan. 23, he and Aseem had rushed their father to Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College in Aligarh after the latter had complained of severe chest pain. “I returned after two days while Aseem stayed with our father. Doctors conducted an angiography on Jan. 27 and referred him to New Delhi the same day for further treatment. Aseem is in Delhi with him,” he added.indianexpress
Kasganj violence: Shops owned by Muslims gutted, Hindu employees in dire straits
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/shops-owned-by-muslims-gutted-hindu-employees-in-dire-straits-5053992/
Lucknow: Veer Bahadur has made a number of desperate phone calls to his employer Sardar Ali Khan. 25-year-old is in dire need of money —- the shop at which he worked in Kasganj was set ablaze by a mob following the death of a youth last month. On Jan. 27, a mob set ablaze vehicles and shops belonging to the Muslim community at Ghantaghar Chowk in Kasganj following the death of Abhishek Gupta. Most of the shops that were gutted employed helpers from the Hindu community. Bahadur’s story resembles those of at least 20 workers belonging to Hindu community who were employed at 5 shops owned by Muslims, all gutted.Veer Bahadur said, “I worked at Baba Shoe Company for 7 years. I got Rs 180 per day, and lived hand to mouth. Now I don’t know what to do. I have to look for another job.”Sardar Ali Khan, the 50-year-old owner of Baba Shoe Company, has not gone to his shop since Jan. 26 evening. “Bahadur called me several times asking for money… I can give him Rs 500, but he has to look for other jobs. Goods worth Rs 8 lakh were destroyed. How will I rebuild the shop again?” he said. He added that he had employed six people, four of them Hindus. He recalled the tense situation after Gupta’s death. “A mob tried to set my shop on fire. I was pulled out and beaten… The authorities should have acted… It takes generations to build a business, everything looks bleak now,” he said. The Govt should provide interest-free loans to those affected, he added.indianexpress
Kasganj violence: Stop ‘tiranga yatras’ if they cause violence, says sister of murdered youth
https://scroll.in/latest/867820/kasganj-violence-stop-tiranga-yatras-if-they-cause-violence-says-sister-of-murdered-youth
The family of Chandan Gupta, the youth killed in the communal clashes in UP ’s Kasganj on Republic Day, said authorities must stop “tiranga yatras” from taking place, TOI reported on Wednesday.“There should be an end to ‘tiranga yatras’ if they lead to violence and people continue to die, like my brother,” Chandan’s sister Kirti said in Lucknow. Kirti and her aunt were in the UP Capital on Tuesday to meet CM Adityanath. They demanded that he be declared a martyr.scroll
Ram Gopal Yadav says Hindus killed Chandan Gupta
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/ram-gopal-yadav-says-hindus-killed-chandan-gupta/articleshow/62813976.cms
Kanpur: Top Samajwadi Party leaders blamed Hindu youths for outbreak of communal violence and killing of a youth in Kasganj. While senior SP leader and MP Ram Gopal Yadav claimed that victim Chandan Gupta had been killed by a Hindu, party's Muslim face Azam Khan said jobless Hindu youths were instigating violence. Yadav said, "Chandan was shot by Hindu youths, but Muslims are being accused of killing him. You all have seen video of violence that went viral recently...Musalmano ke do sthaan, kabristaan ya phir Pakistan. Now tell me, who is going to tolerate this," he said. "Mobs entered houses of Muslims and attacked the inmates soon after Chandan was killed by members of his own community. Arrests of Muslim youths are being made on false charges. Their property is being destroyed, set on fire," said Yadav. "I will not hide the truth just because it may hurt people of the other community. Whether it be a Hindu or a Muslim, I won't tolerate injustice with anyone," he said.timesofindia
‘Provide jobs to majority groups to stop riots’: Azam Khan’s formula for communal harmony
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/provide-jobs-to-majority-groups-to-stop-riots-sp-leader-azam-khans-formula-for-communal-harmony/1054543/
Possibility of Aadhaar misuse cannot be sufficient reason to strike down law, says Supreme Court
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/possibility-of-aadhaar-misuse-cannot-be-sufficient-reason-to-strike-down-law-says-supreme-court/story-TxLUdnAJ2hTszr1Sd4qCWM.html
New Delhi;The possibility of misuse of Aadhaar law cannot be a reason for striking it down, the Supreme Court observed on Tuesday while hearing petitions challenging various Govt notifications making the 12-digit unique identity number mandatory for various social schemes and services, including some provided by private firms.Justice DY Chandrachud, one of the five judges on the bench hearing the Aadhaar case said: “There are a number of judgments where the court has held that mere apprehension of misuse is not sufficient reason to strike down a law.”Justice Chandrachud was responding to a proposition by senior advocate and former Communication and Information Technology minister Kapil Sibal’s argument that Aadhaar has the potential of being misused by govts and private corporations.Sibal is appearing for one of the 30 petitioner who have challenged the Aadhaar law in the top court.The former minister in the UPA Govt which ushered in the Aadhaar scheme attacked the project, calling it a Right to Information Act for the govt.hindustantimes
Kapil Sibal makes strong case against Aadhaar card but Supreme Court remains unfazed; here’s what happened
https://www.newsx.com/national/congress-leader-kapil-sibal-makes-strong-case-against-aadhaar-card-but-supreme-court-remains-unfazed-heres-what-happened
Centre to link driving licence with Aadhaar: SC told
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/centre-to-link-driving-licence-with-aadhaar-sc-told
Centre is in the process of linking driving licences with Aadhaar number to weed out fake licences and a software for this covering all states on a real time basis is under preparation, the Supreme Court was told.A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta was informed about it by a court-appointed committee on road safety headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice KS Radhakrishnan.This assumes significance as a 5-judge Constitution bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra is currently hearing a clutch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme and enabling 2016 law.nationalheraldindia
Govt admits to cases of fraudulent withdrawal of money through Adhaar
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/Govt -admits-to-cases-of-fraudulent-withdrawal-of-money-through-adhaar?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
New Delhi: Govt has admitted that there had been incidents of money being fraudulently withdrawn from bank accounts using the customers' Aadhaar number. As per the information, at least 6 such cases had been reported by four Public Sector Banks so far involving fraud of around Rs 1.5 crore, Parliament was told. "As per data reported by Public Sector Banks (PSBs), there have been incidents of money being fraudulently withdrawn from bank accounts using the customers' Aadhaar number in a few banks," Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla told Rajya Sabha. He said steps had been taken to prevent such cases and action also initiated against those responsible for the reported cases. While two cases of fraudulent mapping of Aadhaar numbers were reported in Bank of India involving a sum of Rs 1.37 crore, another 2 cases surfaced in Syndicate Bank involving Rs 2.26 lakh.IANS
Why should I quit BJP, let the party throw me out: Yashwant Sinha
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-should-i-quit-bjp-let-the-party-throw-me-out-yashwant-sinha/story-9qHbUGvQ56RS2RP5HxFa8O.html
Kolkata:Dissenting BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said y he has no intention of quitting BJP, which can throw him out if it so wants.Sinha said he had been trying for an audience with PM Narendra Modi and had sent numerous letters to him, but failed to elicit a response, something that prompted him to float a political action group called ‘Rashtra Manch’.He said one of the tasks before the Manch was to ensure that NDA govt’s policies are aligned with the BJP’s election manifesto. “Why should I quit the BJP? I had toiled hard during 2004-14 when the UPA was in power.Let the party throw me out if it wants,”he said.PTI
RSS body to organise conclave of Muslim women in Ayodhya
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rss-body-to-organise-conclave-of-muslim-women-in-ayodhya-118020601828_1.html
New Delhi: RSS-affiliated Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) will organise a conclave of Muslim women on Feb. 21 in Ayodhya, where a resolution will be passed demanding the construction of a Ram Temple there, a senior functionary said today.The meet will also discuss issues such as triple talaq and education among Muslim women, MRM's women wing convener Reshma Hussai told PTI.She said that many Muslim women have no objection if the Ram Temple is constructed in Ayodhya. A special resolution will be passed at the conclave, demanding the construction of the temple at the disputed site.MRM was formed in 2002 at the initiative of the then RSS chief K S Sudarshan to reach out to Muslims.PTI
Muslims should not stay in India: BJP MP Vinay Katiyar
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/muslims-should-not-stay-in-india-bjp-mp-vinay-katiyar-5054498/
New Delhi:BJP MP Vinay Katiyar on Wednesday stirred another controversy after he said that Muslims should not stay in India as the ‘community divided the country on the basis of population’. Katiyar said, “Muslims should not stay in India. They divided the nation on the basis of population. So, what’s the need of them staying here (in India)? They have been given lands. (They) should go to Bangladesh or Pakistan.”The BJP MP also said that there should be a bill to punish those who do not respect Vande Matram. “There should be a bill that punishes those who do not respect Vande Matram, those who insult the national flag… those who hoist the Pakistani flag, they should be punished,” Katiyar said.Katiyar’s remarks came after AIMIM chief Asaddudin Owaisi demanded that there should be a law against those who call an Indian Muslim ‘a Pakistani’. indian express
Owaisi demands 3-Yr Jail term for anyone calling Indian Muslim ‘Pakistani’
http://caravandaily.com/portal/owaisi-wants-3-year-jail-term-for-anyone-calling-indian-muslim-pakistani/
New Delhi: MP Asaduddin Owaisi demanded that the Govt should bring a law to punish with 3-year jail term any person who calls an Indian Muslim “a Pakistani”.“Even after 70 years of Independence, I am called a Pakistani. Why? We rejected Jinnah’s invitation. Now I can’t even hoist the Tricolour at free will. Why can’t there be a law just like those that apply to SC/STs?, asked Owaisi. “Bring a law that if any Muslim is called Pakistani, the person will face 3 year jail term,” he said, but added that the BJP-led Govt will not bring such a bill.Owaisi said Muslims living in India had rejected Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s two-nation theory.caravandaily
Bhima Koregaon violence: Ekbote granted interim relief from arrest
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bhima-koregaon-violence-milind-ekbote-granted-interim-relief-from-arrest-5054941/
New Delhi:The Supreme Court granted interim relief to the prime accused in the Bhima Koregaon violence, Milind Ekbote. A bench headed by Justice Kurian Joseph granted Ekbote interim protection from arrest till Feb. 20 in the case. The SC also sought a response from the Maharashtra Govt on his plea for anticipatory bail.In the event of Ekbote’s arrest, he should be released on bail after furnishing a bond of Rs 1 lakh, the bench said.On Tuesday, a Pune court issued an arrest warrant against Ekbote for his role in allegedly inciting violence on Jan.1, on the day members of the Dalit community organised an event to commemorate bicentenary of Bhima Koregaon battle. A case was registered against Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, who head Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Shivraj Pratishthan respectively, for allegedly “inciting” violence that left a man dead near Bhima Koregaon on Jan. 1.indianexpress
Hyderabad:Construction of temple at the Waqf land of Golconda Eidgah attempted
https://www.siasat.com/news/construction-temple-waqf-land-golconda-eidgah-attempted-1314106/
Hyderabad: Tension prevailed at Golconda Eidgah near Qutub Shahi tombs on Tuesday when an illegal occupant tried to construct a temple on the Waqf land of old Masjid Qutub Shahi.Qutub Shahi masjid which has nearly 1.5-acre land attached to it is uninhabited. The court has issued stay order in connection with the land. The land has been occupied by anti-social elements for long. Recently they had stopped Waqf Board from doing an inspection of the land.To strengthen the illegal occupation, a small temple has been erected on the land. On receipt of information, locals gathered on the spot and expressed anger. Waqf Board chairman Mohammed Saleem informed respective deputy commissioner of police and sent a team of officers led by chief executive officer Mannan Farooqui to review the situation.Keeping in view people’s anger, police assured to take action against the perpetrators and said the temple would be removed.siasat
Declare cow as national animal to protect both humans and cows: Maulana Arshad Madni on cow vigilantism
https://www.newsx.com/national/declare-cow-as-national-animal-to-protect-both-humans-and-cows-jamiat-ulema-e-hinds-maulana-arshad-madni-on-cow-vigilantism
Taking cognizance of the sudden rise in the number of cases relating to cow vigilantism, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president has come up with a new suggestion that according to him would safeguard the cows as well as the human lives. Addressing the media from Saharanpur district in UP, Maulana Arshad Madni suggested that the Govt must declare the cow as the national animal to protect cows in the nation. Maulana said, “Do one thing, make a law to declare cow the national animal. This way both cows and human lives will be safe. This will be useful for the country”.The remark that stirred a controversy comes in after the Supreme Court had sought replies from the Govt s of UP, Rajasthan and Haryana after they failed to take stern measures against cow vigilantes.The ruling came in after a petition was filed by the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Tushar Gandhi, alleging that the three states failed to comply with the SC’s order of September 6, 2017, which had asked state Govt s to act to prevent violence in the name of cow protection.NewsX
Jharkhand Muslims who wish to protect cows are also victims of ‘Gau Rakshaks’:TCN
http://twocircles.net/2018feb06/420629.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29
Ranchi: Over the past decade or so, “protecting cows” has become a synonym for inflicting violence and spreading hate against Muslims and have been used to create a situation where Muslims are presented as a natural enemy of every cow in India.In such times, it is almost difficult to believe that there can be a Gau Rakshak Dals created and run by Muslims too. Yet,this is exactly the case in Jharkhand, which has a ‘Bharatiya Muslim Gau Rakshak Dal’.Yet, as fate would have it, even members of these Muslim Gau Rakshak Dal are now scared of the actions of the right-wing Hindu organisations like Bajrang Dal and have decided to take a backseat.Qamar Siddipuri, a member of the Bharatiya Muslim Gau Raksha Dal in Ranchi, says that he joined the organisation out of respect for his Hindu brethren. “When cows are considered so sacred by our Hindu brothers and sisters, it is only natural for us to strive to protect cows. Doing this is also an attempt to respect Ganga-Jamuni tradition of the nation along with fighting those who wish to destroy such a tradition. But now things have changed so drastically, nothing is in our hand. When the current Gau Rakshaks are out to kill Muslims, what can we do? Protect cows or ourselves?Secretary of Minority Social Welfare Front, Babar Khan, says it is high time that the terror spread in the name of cow protection is stopped. “When there is a legal ban on killing cows, why isn’t this the responsibility of the local administration and the police? Why should vigilantes be in charge?”he asks.Explaining the nature of the attacks, Khan says that even when someone buys a cow for the purpose of consuming/selling milk, they are attacked. “If you want an absolute ban on even sale/purchase of cattle, then ban the local markets. Neither will someone sell cattle nor will someone buy them. So-called Gau Rakshaks keep an eye only on certain people; they attack them when they see it fit,” he adds.
AAP Govt defends law criminalising consumption of beef
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/aap-Govt -defends-law-criminalising-consumption-beef/172000/
Delhi’s AAP Govt has defended a law criminalising possession and consumption of beef in the national capital, saying the state was obligated under the Constitution to protect cows and other milch and draught animals from slaughter, reported PTI. The Dept of Animal Husbandry of Delhi Govt made the submission on an affidavit filed before a bench of Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Gita Mittal, and Justice C Hari Shankar. The bench has now listed the matter for further hearing on 16 May.The dept has said that “Article 48 of the Constitution casts an obligation on the state to take steps to preserve, improve and prohibit slaughter of cows, calves and other milch animals and draught cattle.”It added, “Therefore, the provisions of Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act criminalising the possession and consumption of beef in the national capital be not declared as unconstitutional.”jantakareporter
Man carrying India's national flag with Islamic symbol held
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/man-carrying-india-s-national-flag-with-islamic-symbol-held-118020700111_1.html
Hyderabad : Hyderabad Police on Monday held a person for possessing India's national flag that was carrying a 'crescent moon' symbol at its centre in place of the Ashoka Chakra.The police informed that the 25-year-old man was a native of UP , and he was caught with the flag during a cordon and search operation in Bowenpally area."We have taken him into our custody, and we are going to hand him over to Counter Intelligence department for further investigation," the police said.The crescent moon is usually identified with Islam and found in the national flags of Islamic nations.ANI
Uttarakhand fake encounter: Delhi HC gives life term to 7 cops, frees 10
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttarakhand-fake-encounter-delhi-hc-gives-life-term-to-seven-cops-frees-10-5054015/
New Delhi: Stating that fake encounters have no place in the “legal system governed by the rule of law”, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday upheld life imprisionment awarded by a trial court to seven policemen of Uttarakhand for killing a 22-year-old MBA student in a fake encounter in 2009. The High Court, however, set aside the life term awarded to 10 other policemen in the case.Ranbir Singh, a resident of Ghaziabad, was gunned down on July 3, 2009, in Ladpur forest area in Dehradun. The court did not accept the police claim that they shot Singh as he was fleeing after assaulting a policeman on duty for the visit of President and snatching his service weapon. Court noted that public humiliation of the policeman by the deceased after an exchange of words, as stated by witnesses, triggered the shooting, which was later dubbed by police as an encounter.High Court upheld the life sentence awarded to Sub-Inspectors Santosh Kumar Jaiswal, Gopal Dutt Bhatt, Rajesh Bisht, Neeraj Kumar, Nitin Chauhan, Chander Mohan Singh Rawat and constable Ajit Singh. It, however, acquitted constables Satbir Singh, Sunil Saini, Chander Pal, Saurabh Nautiyal, Nagender Rathi, Vikas Chander Baluni, Sanjay Rawat and Manoj Kumar, and drivers Mohan Singh Rana and Inderbhan Singh, stating that circumstances do not prove their “culpability”.indianexpressThe victim’s father Ravinder Pal Singh moved the Supreme Court in 2009 after 7 of the accused were granted bail by Uttarakhand HC. indianexpress
NIA arrests one more hawala operator in connection with LeT activities probe
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nia-arrests-one-more-hawala-operator-in-connection-with-let-activities-probe/story-k5s32kAGvTkSAOWq06cfyL.html
New Delhi: NIA has arrested an alleged hawala operator from Uttarakhand in connection with its probe into the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba in India, an official spokesperson said. Abdul Samad, the fifth person arrested in the case, was picked up in Haridwar on Tuesday and brought to Delhi, the spokesperson said.Samad, a resident of Bukkanpur village in Haridwar district, was produced before a designated court yesterday and remanded to 6 days NIA custody, he said.PTI
Karnataka minister in Assembly: ‘May drop small cases if Hindu outfits approach’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/karnataka-minister-in-assembly-may-drop-small-cases-if-hindu-outfits-approach-5054160/
Bengaluru:While BJP MLAs on Tuesday accused the Congress Govt in Karnataka of appeasing minorities and not taking strict action against those involved in killing BJP, Sangh Parivar and Hindu activists, state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the Govt is willing to examine withdrawal of police cases with mild charges filed against members of Hindutva outfits if they approach Govt with requests.Reddy was replying specifically to accusations of “minority appeasement” made by BJP members in the course of a debate in the Assembly on law and order situation in the state.indianexpress
Rajasthan DGP Orders Personnel to Report Family Members Who Criticise Govt
https://thewire.in/221698/rajasthan-dgp-orders-personnel-report-family-members-criticise-govt/
Jaipur: In an order issued days after the BJP’s bypoll debacle, the Rajasthan DGP has issued an order restraining police personnel from sharing political messages on social media and criticising any existing or new policy of the Central or state govt.Reminiscent of the intra-family spies in George Orwell’s 1984, the order also instructs personnel to inform the Govt if any of their family members participate in or donate to any political activity against the Govt .It also says that the decision whether an entity, group or activity is political in nature, will rest with the Govt and will be final. “It has come to the police headquarter’s attention that some police employees have been sharing political messages on social media viz Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp. Such an act is a violation of the Rajasthan Civil Service (conduct) Rules, 1971, and Rajasthan Police Rules, 1982, which qualifies as misconduct,” the order, dated Feb. 5, reads.“While Govt officials retain the right to have a private opinion on public matters, they are not free to criticise an approved policy of the Govt ,” it says.thewire
Christian University on Lines of AMU, BHU? National Commission For Minorities Chief Not Convinced
http://www.news18.com/news/india/christian-university-on-the-lines-of-amu-jamia-minorities-panel-chief-not-convinced-1653161.html
New Delhi: The recent proposal by the National Commission for Minorities to set up a ‘Christian University’ on the lines of AMU and BHU has irked the new NCM chief who feels that educational institutions should not be “divided” on religious lines.Minorities Commission chief Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi was quick to clarify that the report sent reflects the work proposed under ex-head Naseem Ahmad. “A community is demanding it and it should be looked into. But I am not convinced with this idea,” Rizvi said, adding that emphasis should be on strengthening the overall educational system of the country. Earlier in Jan., the Commission had submitted the Annual Report 2016-17 to Govt mentioning that “Christians should also be given universities for their communities, fully funded by Govt of India like AMU and Jamia Millia University”.News18
Kerala HC refuses to order stay on Kamala Surayya biopic
https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2018/feb/7/10907/kerala-high-court-refuses-to-order-a-stay-on-kamala-das-biopic-aami
Kerala high court has declined to order a stay on Kamala Das’s Malayalam biopic, titled Aami. A petition was filed against the film by lawyer KP Ramachandran.However, the high court bench admitted the petition and asked the CBFC and the Information and Broadcasting ministry to file counter affidavits in two weeks. Ramachandran had alleged that a part of the biography where Das loses faith in her new religion after learning that the man who got her converted to Islam received a huge sum for it is omitted from the film, which, according to him is done to justify 'love jihad'.Das was a well-known Malayalam author and poetess. She had converted to Islam and changed her name to Kamala Surayya. Celebrated Malayalam actress Manju Warrier will be seen playing Das in Aami. cinestaan
WORLD
Maldives president back in control as court reverses ruling
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/36711/
Maldives President Abdulla Yameen appeared today to have gained the upper hand in a bitter power struggle after a diminished Supreme Court reinstated the convictions of high-profile political dissidents including the exiled leader of the opposition.The tiny island nation, whose palm-fringed sandy beaches are a major tourist draw, was plunged into crisis last week when the top court ordered the release of nine political prisoners, saying their convictions were flawed.The ruling appeared to pave the way for the return of Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president and now leader of the opposition, two years after he left his homeland following a controversial terrorism conviction.But Yameen refused to comply with the ruling and instead declared a 15-day state of emergency, curtailing the powers of the judiciary and the legislature, before ordering the arrest of the chief justice and another top judge. Yesterday the three remaining Supreme Court judges reversed last week's ruling, reinstating the convictions against Nasheed and eight others.That means the leader of the opposition risks re-arrest if he returns as promised to run against Yameen in presidential elections due later this year in the honeymoon islands.A statement on Yameen’s website today said his administration welcomed the court's U-turn, which the judges had said was made "in light of the concerns raised by the president". AFP
Maldives top court reverses dissidents' release
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/maldives-top-court-reverses-dissidents-release-180206163653175.html
‘Disturbed’ by Maldives crisis, India weighs options as ex prez Nasheed seeks help
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/disturbed-by-maldives-crisis-india-weighs-options-as-ex-prez-nasheed-seeks-help/story-tkjeSOdCVo2EyxYOSnE1hJ.html
New Delhi:India said on Tuesday said it is “disturbed” by the declaration of emergency in Maldives amid the face-off between the Govt and the Supreme Court even as it looks at contingency measures with a range of options to deal with the evolving situation in the island nation.President Abdulla Yameen‘s regime has also suspended the constitutional rights of people .“We are disturbed by the declaration of a State of Emergency in the Maldives following the refusal of the Govt to abide by the unanimous ruling of the full bench of the Supreme Court on 1 Feb., and also by the suspension of Constitutional rights of the people of Maldives,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.The statement said “the arrest of the Supreme Court Chief Justice and political figures are also reasons for concern.”“Govt continues to carefully monitor the situation”, the statement said.With the Indian Ocean archipelago got further mired in the political crisis, ex President Mohammed Nasheed now in exile in Sri Lanka, sought military intervention from India to release the judges and political detainees. He also sounded the United States for imposing financial sanctions on the leaders of the ruling dispensation.“We would like the Indian Govt to send an envoy, backed by its military, to free the judges and the political detainees, including ex-president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, from their detention and to bring them to their homes. We are asking for a physical presence,” Nasheed tweeted.When asked about whether India is considering Nasheed’s request, an official said, “All I can say is that the Govt continues to monitor the situation.”Officials said the Govt is in discussion with other countries who are ‘concerned about the situation’ and the interest of its citizens living in the island nation is at the top of New Delhi’s mind.“We have been keeping an eye on the developments in Maldives and we are looking at the contingency measures to deal with the situation as we have a sizeable number of our citizens living in that country,” said an official. hindustantimes
China opposes Indian military intervention in Maldives
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/china-opposes-indian-military-intervention-in-maldives/articleshow/62819799.cms
Beijing: China has opposed any military intervention in the Maldives, saying such a move would further complicate the situation. On Tuesday, former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed had sought India's help to resolve the political crisis in the island nation.When asked to comment on Nasheed's call to India, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "The international community should play a constructive role on the basis of respecting the Maldives sovereignty instead of taking measures that could complicate the current situation."Asked how the situation could resolved internally when Yameen has arrested the Supreme Court judges as well as former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Geng said China's stand is that relevant parties should find a solution internally."I made myself clear. We hope relevant parties in the Maldives can properly resolve the issue through consultation and restore national stability and social order as soon as possible.We believe they (have) wisdom and capability to address the situation independently,"he said without mentioning India.Geng skirted a question whether China is also asking Yameen to hold talks with political parties to resolve the crisis.He also sought to refute allegations by the Maldives opposition parties that China is backing Yameen because he has approved several Chinese projects and signed the controversial FTA with China during his visit to Beijing in December."China maintains friendly cooperation with the Maldives including the FTA which serves the common interests of the two countries. The facts have proven that after signing of the FTA cooperation has benefited the two peoples," Geng said."The current situation in Maldives is its internal affairs. China follows the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of others," he said.China views the Maldives as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean as it has already acquired Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.PTI
India must stop intervening in Male, Maldives under huge pressure from New Delhi: Chinese state media
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/india-must-stop-intervening-in-male-maldives-under-huge-pressure-from-new-delhi-chinese-state-media-5054412/
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UN warns Gaza has just 10 days of emergency fuel left
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/warns-gaza-10-days-emergency-fuel-left-180207082830036.html
UN has warned that Gaza's emergency fuel supplies will run dry in 10 days unless it receives immediate donor support.In a statement published on Wednesday, officials said $6.5m was needed to buy generator fuel and stave off the collapse of "critical services".At least 7.7 million litres of fuel is needed to continue to operate hospital equipment, such as MRIs, CT Scanners, and x-ray machines. Fuel is also required to make sure operating theatres, schools and desalination plants continue to operate properly."Immediate donor support is urgent to ensure that vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza can access life-saving health, water and sanitation services," said UN official Roberto Valent, who heads the body's Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People."Hospitals have already begun to close," he added. aljazeera
EU urges Israel to rebuild demolished Palestinian classrooms
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180207-eu-urges-israel-to-rebuild-demolished-palestinian-classrooms/
European Union officials have urged Israeli authorities to rebuild recently demolished classrooms that served Palestinian children living in Abu Nuwar community in the central West Bank.On Sunday, Israeli occupation forces destroyed two, donor-funded classrooms, which provided an education for over 2 dozen Palestinian children. The classrooms were funded by the EU and its member states.In a statement issued yesterday, the European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed “strong concern” over the demolition.“Every child has the right to access to education and States have an obligation to protect, respect and fulfil this right, by ensuring that schools are inviolable safe spaces for children,” it continued.middleeastmonitor
Fatah official: US helping Israel take control of Jerusalem
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180207-fatah-official-us-helping-israel-take-control-of-jerusalem/
US plans for a “New Jerusalem” are a form of “aggression”, member of Fatah Revolutionary Council Hatem Abdel-Qader said yesterday.Quds Press reported the official saying that the “aggression” is helped by some Arab countries, along with the “procrastination” of Palestinian leadership, which gives Israel time to “demarcate a new de facto policy on the ground”.The Fatah official, who was previously the Palestinian Authority minister of Jerusalem, stressed that the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem“has been expanding its sovereignty”, noting this is the reason why it is building barriers which separate the Arab neighbourhoods from the centre of the city.MEMO
Palestinian killed after stabbing attack in Hebron
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/palestinian-killed-stabbing-attack-hebron-180207071129093.html
A Palestinian man was shot and killed after a stabbing attack on an Israeli guard outside an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.According to the Israeli army, Hamza Zaamara drove up on Wednesday to the entrance of the Karmei Tzur settlement, built on Palestinian lands belonging to the towns of Halhul and Beit Ummar, and stabbed a guard.Zaamara, 19, was shot by another security guard and killed, the army said.aljazeera
More than 136 people killed in Syria's Eastern Ghouta
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/110-people-killed-syria-eastern-ghouta-180207080342112.html
Russian and Syrian Govt forces have killed at least 136 civilians over the past 48 hours in Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of the capital Damascus, according to residents and monitoring groups.On Monday, 30 civilians were killed in air raids; on the following day, 80 more were killed, and on Wednesday, another 26 were killed.At least 22 children and 21 women were among the dead. "Scenes of entire buildings, housing whole families crashing down with the residents - women, children and men- still inside have become a frequent image," Abu Salem al-Shami, a resident and activist, said from Eastern Ghouta, an area that has been under opposition control since 2013.Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, UK-based monitoring group, says Tuesday marked the "largest massacre in Syria" since April's chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province when over 80 people were killed. aljazeera
Egypt curbs opponents of presidential election
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/egypt-curbs-opponents-presidential-election-180207095350993.html
Egypt's prosecutor-general has ordered an official investigation into a number of opposition politicians who are boycotting next month's presidential election, as President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi looks set to extend his term.Nabil Sadeq, Egypt's prosecutor general, said in a statement on Monday that 13 individuals may be summoned to the Giza office for "incitement against the state" and attempting to "overthrow the regime". This comes as opposition parties called for a boycott of the March vote last month. Among those to be investigated is Hamdeen Sabahi, Sisi's only rival in the 2014 presidential elections. aljazeera
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Who Killed Ankit Saxena — a new pattern of Hindutva terror? Amaresh Misra, Milli Gazette
http://www.milligazette.com/news/16114-who-killed-ankit-saxena-a-new-pattern-of-hindutva-terror
‘Our -year-Old Daughter Should Know What it Means to be Hindu, Right From her Childhood’:Sukanya Shantha
https://thewire.in/221767/three-year-old-daughter-know-means-hindu-right-childhood/
What the Centre’s New Health Insurance Scheme Means for States That Have Their Own: Jisha Jayashree
https://thewire.in/221836/health-insurance-scheme-kerala-niti-aayog/
Senior policemen must be held responsible for fake encounters and custodial deaths:M.P. Nathanael
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/grim-encounter-tales-nhrc-uttar-pradesh-police-fake-encounter-5053984/
Kasganj: Anatomy of a Communal Riot:Ajoy Ashirwad
https://thewire.in/221733/kasganj-communal-riot-hindutva-bjp/
Kasganj: Not a ‘Clash’ But a Politically Motivated Communal Attack on Minorities:All India People’s Forum
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/2/12951/Kasganj-Not-a-Clash-But-a-Politically-Motivated-Communal-Attack-on-Minorities
Hindu-Muslim Panchayats In West UP: A Glimpse of Changing Socio-Political Scenario of Region: News18
http://www.news18.com/news/india/hindu-muslim-panchayats-in-west-up-a-glimpse-of-changing-socio-political-scenario-in-region-1652223.html
Hindu Takfirism: Right-wing elements trying to certify ‘true’ Hindus must be shown door: Rudroneel Ghosh, TOI
https://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/talkingturkey/hindu-takfirism-right-wing-elements-trying-to-certify-true-hindus-must-be-shown-the-door/
Aadhaar must not be made mandatory for any purpose:Nitin Pai
https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/aadhaar-must-not-be-made-mandatory-for-any-purpose/story-2sDmTvpDCk2jXTPWj5LGKJ.html
Why I think Modi wave is officially over;Ashok Upadhyay
https://www.dailyo.in/voices/modi-mania-media-budget-rajasthan-by-polls-barc-india-aaj-tak-india-today-tv/story/1/22223.html
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:15 PM)
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