NEWS DIGEST, MID-DAY
23 May 2018:07 Ramazan 1439: Vol:10, No:28
INDIA
Kumaraswamy takes oath as Karnataka CM, Deputy CM and Speaker posts go to Congress
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kumaraswamy-swearing-in-live-updates-karnataka-govt-jds-congress-opposition-5187560/
JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy was sworn in as the Karnataka CM in the presence of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi today. Hammering out a final deal on the 34-member Cabinet, JD(S) and the Congress decided it will comprise 12 JD(S) ministers and 22 from the Congress. The post-poll partners also agreed to Dalit leader and state Congress president G Parameshwara as Deputy CM and Congress leader KR Ramesh as Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly. “The newly formed JD(S)-Congress coalition will take office today and names of the ministers in the Cabinet will be announced a day after the new govt clears a trust vote on May 24, Kumaraswamy said Tuesday.BSP supremo Mayawati is next Opposition leader to join Akhilesh Yadav on stage. They were then joined by former JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav. Arvind Kejriwal, AP CM Chandrababu Naidu and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury attend a breakaway meeting, ahead of HD Kumaraswamy's swearing-in as Chief Minister of Karnataka.Congress' G. Parameshwara was sworn in as the Deputy CM.indian express
After Karnataka, BJP lost majority in Lok Sabha following Yeddyurappa, Sreeramulu resignation from its membership
https://thewire.in/politics/karnataka-bjp-lok-sabha-majority-yeddyurappa-sreeramulu
New Delhi:The fall of 2-day BS Yeddyurappa govt in Karnataka may not be the only embarrassment that BJP has had to face in the last few days. With 2 of its Lok Sabha MPs – Yeddyurappa himself and B. Sreeramulu – resigning to take oath as MLAs on May 19, saffron party’s tally in Lok Sabha may now be down to 271, from 282 seats it won in 2014 general polls. With its number one short of the halfway mark in 543-elected member Lok Sabha, BJP may no longer enjoy a majority on its own.On May 19, hours before the floor test was to happen, both Yeddyurappa and Sreeramulu resigned from their respective positions as MPs and took oath as newly-elected MLAs. Yeddyurappa, who was earlier MP from Shivamogga, took oath as MLA from the Sikharipura assembly seat, while Sreeramulu, formerly MP from Ballari, joined the Karnataka Vidhan Soudha as an MLA from Molakalmuru.Since BJP already had only 273 members in the Lok Sabha – it lost 6 seats in by-elections and 3 seats fell vacant after MPs died mid-term – the loss of 2 seats pushes the party under the magic figure.However, there is a twist.Lok Sabha website until May 21 showed that there were 7 vacant seats, which included Shivamogga and Ballari. But on Tuesday, it displayed that only 5 seats were vacant. Yeddyurappa and Sreeramulu were back on the list of serving MPs.According to the constitutional provisions, no person shall be a member both of parliament and a state assembly at the same time. The person concerned gets 14 days to resign from one of these posts. With the resignation of Yeddyurappa and Sreeramulu on May 19, it was understood that their Lok Sabha seats fell vacant.Experts say that the two can hold on to their MP positions despite giving their resignations only on one condition. “The person will cease to be an MP only when the speaker of Lok Sabha formally accepts their letters of resignations,” Subhash C. Kashyap, an expert in constitutional law and Indian parliamentary system, told The Wire. A senior journalist and expert on constitutional issues who did not want to be named confirmed this. He said once the resignation is accepted formally, the person ceases to hold that post.Meanwhile, Lok Sabha bulletin confirmed that the speaker has accepted resignations of both Yeddyurappa and Sreeramulu. Which means that they will no longer be MPs and lays rest to the confusion that prevailed over the last few days over their official statuses.thewire
NCERT Books now in Urdu; Yogi govt approves plan to include English, Hindi languages in Madrassa
http://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ncert-books-now-in-urdu-yogi-adityanath-approves-plan-to-include-books-in-madrassa-curriculum/230876
NCERT books are all set to get another upgrade. As per the latest changes introduced, the NCERT books would now be published in English, Hindi as well as Urdu. UP Govt led by CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday approved NCERT textbooks to be introduced in Urdu, Hindi and English language in Madrassa. Madrassa board can now introduce the curriculum in the 3 languages. According to News18.com, Madrassa syllabus would also have subjects like Science, Social Sciences, Hindi, English and Mathematics for the students. The cabinet meeting that was held on Tuesday decided on the new norms for the Madrassa board. The Madrassa Board, which teaches in Arbi-Farsi Urdu, held a meeting on May 15. In the meeting, they discussed that the Madrassas should teach in English and Hindi medium too, as per News18.com. The Govt spokesperson said that the cabinet has approved the suggestion of the Board. The board teaches in Urdu as of now. Spokesperson also said that Madrassas are requested to teach NCERT syllabus in the schools. timesnownews
UP madrassas to teach English, Hindi languages
https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/up-madrassas-to-teach-english-hindi-languages-1239246-2018-05-22
Calcutta HC Stays Union Govt's Decision To De-Recognize Equivalence of Degrees Awarded By Madrassas
http://www.livelaw.in/calcutta-hc-stays-union-of-india-decision-to-de-recognize-equivalence-of-degrees-awarded-by-madrassas/
Calcutta High Court has stayed the decision of the Union Govt. not to accord equivalence to the degrees/diplomas/equivalence which are issued by Madrassas of any character which are operated under the West Bengal Board of Madrasahs Act. Justice Protik Prakash Banerjee issued this interim order while considering the writ petition filed by the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education. The court said till the disposal of the writ petition and subject to its result, it should be deemed that certificate issued by the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education in respect of any of the degrees which have been held to be equivalent by the Govt of West Bengal to be equivalent to Secondary, Higher Secondary, Baccalaureate or by virtue of the circulars lastly issued in 2008, 2009 and 2010 shall be held to be equivalent for all purposes, including that of recruitment to the post of Gramin Dak Sevaks. The bench said, "While retaining this character as an essential ingredient of the basic features of our Constitution of India it does not, prima facie, appear to be open to the Department of Posts of the Union of India to suddenly de-recognize the equivalence of such degrees as are awarded by such institutions, when compared to the degrees awarded by other institutions which do not even have that constitutional guarantee."livelaw
A Madrassa Where 'Allah-Hu-Akbar' and 'Jai Hanuman' Resonate Together: News18
https://www.news18.com/news/india/a-madrassa-where-allah-hu-akbar-and-jai-hanuman-resonate-together-1757501.html
Lucknow: Overcoming the harsh summer sun, Reena Verma and her students arrive at a madrassa in UP ’s Barabanki district. Despite the heat, the gleaming faces sit in a tin-roof room memorising today’s Sanskrit lessons.Al-Husain Public School is certainly a breakaway for those who often see madrassas as “outdated” and a “centre for radicalization”. Situated in Belwa hamlet of Kothi area the district, Al-Husain madrassa has become an example to peaceful co-existence for the locals despite recent communal flare-ups in the state.As you enter the madrassa, you can hear to the chants of 'Allah-Hu-Akbar' and 'Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar'. Students of Al-Husain school are encouraged to learn both Arabic and Sanskrit at the same time. A place which is usually seen as centre Islamic religious studies has students and teachers from both Hindu and Muslim communities.The aim behind this initiative was to make children learn about their own faith as well as each-others’ beliefs in order to develop a sense of brotherhood respect for each other, says the school’s founder.32 year old Qazi Furqan Akhtar, who is a graduate in journalism studies from Jamia Millia Islamia, left his job to establish the madrassa in his hometown in 2015.Reena Verma, who teaches to the students at this madrassa, says that there is absolute no difference here because of religion.
Law Commission likely to submit uniform Civil Code draft by Aug
https://www.siasat.com/news/law-commission-likely-submit-common-civil-code-draft-august-1358632/
New Delhi: After triple talaq, halala and polygamy, now the jinn of the Common Civil Code is likely to come out of the bottle. Law Commission will submit the draft of uniform Civil Code before the Govt by Aug. Commission Chairman Justice BS Chauhan met the delegation of All India Muslim Personal Law Board. While similar meetings were earlier held with ex-law minister advocate Salman Khurshid, ex-Law Minister Advocate Ashwini Kumar and ex-union minister Arif Mohammed Khan.A delegation led by Vice President AIMPLB and President Jamat-e-Islami Hind Maulana Jalaluddin Umri met Commission Chairman. The meeting continued for one and a half hour in which various aspects were discussed at length. According to reliable sources, Modi Govt has asked the Commission to submit the draft soon, so that further action could be taken. According to Inquilab, answers to the shariah laws related to 3 issues like adoption, distribution of inheritance and right on children in case of divorce, have been sought.siasat
Prof Tahir Mahmood refuses to speak to Law Commission on Muslim Law
https://www.siasat.com/news/prof-tahir-mahmood-refuses-speak-law-commission-muslim-law-1358979/
New Delhi: Law Commission of India is holding discussions with Muslim organisations and selected intellectuals on shariah laws, which seems to be part of Govt project on Common Civil Code. Last week it was reported that Prof Tahir Mahmood was also invited.It was confirmed by Mahmood that Chairman Law Commission Justice BS Chauhan had called him on May 17 and orally requested but Professor insisted on written request. Later on May 19,he received a letter which said the Commission wants to consult him on Muslim law on issues like distribution of inheritance, adoption and age for Nikah etc.But on May 21 Prof Tahir Mahmood replied to the Commission that Commission’s invitation was unacceptable to him.Prof Tahir Mahmood said in the current situation of the country he doesn’t find it appropriate to talk to any govt or semi-govt agency.siasat
Anti-Sterlite protests LIVE: One more killed in fresh police firing in Tuticorin, toll rises to 12
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/tuticorin-anti-sterlite-protests-live-updates-thoothukudi-5186473/
At least 12 people have lost their lives and nine others were critically injured in police firing which took place as protests against Sterlite’s industrial plant intensified in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin). Residents have been demanding the closure of the plant, citing that the pollution it generates is causing serious health issues. Agitation against Sterlite Copper, which represents the copper unit of Vedanta Limited, recently escalated after the company announced the expansion of its unit in the city. Sterlite Copper, which currently operates a 400,000-tonne per annum unit in city, maintains it has received necessary permits and has not violated any norms.The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, in an interim order, stayed the expansion of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper’s industrial unit on Tuesday. The bench insisted that the company seeks public consultation before expanding its plant.indianexpress
Sterlite Protest: Speculation Rife That Police Firing Was Pre-Planned
https://thewire.in/environment/anti-sterlite-protest
Thoothukudi: In an unprecedented turn of events, at least 11 protesters were killed in Thoothukudi after police opened fire at the protest rally demanding the closure of the Sterlite unit in the town.The protest by the people of Thoothukudi against Sterlite, which they have claimed is polluting the town and resulted in a higher incidence of cancer, had reached its 100th day on May 22. Activists allege that 3 rounds of firing at different places by the police were only an attempt to “dilute the protests”. “There was an even bigger protest on March 24 in Tuticorin against Sterlite. But it was peaceful,” says Henry Tiphagne, the executive director of People’s Watch; he was present on the spot.The police fired teargas at the protestors when they defied the ban, resulting in a clash between police and protestors. When the rally reached the Collector’s office, the police opened fire twice, killing several protestors. Sources say the police opened fire again at Threspuram, a fisher village, whose residents were spearheading protests in the evening. “It is pre-planned, cold blooded murder,” says T. Velmurugan, leader of Thamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi, a local political party. “The police obviously want to quell the protests. We have reasons to believe that they have been bought over by Sterlite.”thewire
Sterlite violence: Video shows policemen taking aim and shooting at protesters
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/sterlite-violence-video-shows-policemen-taking-aim-and-shooting-protesters-81744
W.Bengal: Students Islamic Organisation calls for probe into ‘mysterious deaths’ of 2 students in East Midnapore
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/east-midnapore-sio-calls-for-probe-into-mysterious-deaths-of-two-students-5187380/
Kolkata:The state unit of Students Islamic Organisation of India on Tuesday demanded a probe into the “mysterious” deaths of 2 students at a residential school in East Midnapore.“Deaths of Shariful Gazi and Sourav Guri of Class IX in Sreerampur Agriculture High School in East Midnapore within 30 days is alarming. We demand a full-fledged probe into it,” said SIO spokesperson Sujauddin Ahmed at a news conference in Kolkata.SIO said Gazi’s body was found at the school last month. School authorities had said it was a case of suicide. Gazi’s family had then lodged a complaint. “Before he allegedly committed suicide, he had talked with me. Why did he do it if he had to commit suicide? I want a CBI probe into the death,” said Tuhina Bibi, Shariful’s mother.“What was more surprising is the discovery of the body of Sourav Guri on May 18… We feel that something is strange about the death of these two students and only a proper investigation will unearth the truth,” said Osman Gani, state SIO president.A senior police officer said an FIR has been lodged and a probe is on.indianexpress
Jamiat threatens legal action against proposed Islamic terrorism course in JNU
https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/jamiat-ulama-i-hind-threatens-legal-action-against-proposed-islamic-terrorism-course-in-jnu-1239184-2018-05-22
New Delhi:A proposal by JNU to introduce a course on "Islamic terrorism" has not gone down well with Islamic outfit Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind which has threatened a legal action and CPI(M) condemned it saying it is an attempt to communalise the varsitys syllabus.JNUSU has also condemned the recent move of JNU, while ABVP called it a proud moment for the varsity. Delhi Minorities Commission has sought an explanation over it from the JNU."I urge you to reconsider the decision specifically linking Islam with terrorism and suspend this move for the wider interest or we will be compelled to take legal recourse," Jamiat General Secretary Maulana Mahmood Madani said in a letter to JNU V-C. CPI (M) politburo said, "This BJP Govt continues to attack institutions of higher education and research in the country with its ideological project of replacing the study of Indian history with Hindu mythology. Efforts are on now to communalise the syllabus in the central university". PTI
JNU professors say no plans to introduce course on Islamist terror, call media reports 'fake news'
https://www.firstpost.com/india/jnu-professors-say-no-plans-to-introduce-course-on-islamist-terror-call-media-reports-fake-news-4478251.html
JNU professors have rubbished reports of the institute planning to introduce a course on ‘Islamist terrorism’ in its proposed Centre for National Security Studies (CNSS) and called it fake news. Following the university’s 145th academic council (AC) meeting on 18 May, in which the proposal to set up the CNSS was put forth, JNUSU along with a few teachers voiced concerns, calling the proposed course structure at the Centre an attempt at spreading “Islamophobic propaganda”. Questioning media reports, professor Ajay Dubey, who chairs the committee in charge of setting up CNSS said, “There is no plan to introduce a course on Islamist terrorism under the CNSS. I don’t know why PTI published this news; I have always denied the news; it’s completely fake”.Sudhir K Sudhar, a member of the JNU Teachers’ Association, who attended the 18 May meeting, pointed out that the proposal was not to have any separate course titled ‘Islamist terrorism’, but to add the concept in its CNSS. “There was no proposal on a ‘Islamist terrorism’ course during the meeting; there was just a discussion about having the concept of ‘Islamist terrorism’ in CNSS; and there is a big difference between a course and a concept. The idea was also opposed by some members and has been put on hold”, he said.firstpost.com
J&K HC seeks response from Centre, RBI for feasibility of Islamic banking in the State
http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/hc-seeks-response-islamic-banking/
Srinagar:J&K High Court today sought response from the authorities to PIL seeking feasibility of introducing Islamic banking in the State.Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Aloke Aradhe and Justice MK Hanjura today granted 4 weeks time to Union Ministry of Finance, RBI, Chief Secretary of State, Principal Secretary Finance and J&K Bank for filing their response to the PIL.Union Ministry and RBI was represented by their counsel Tashir Shamsi and J&K Bank was represented by their counsel Senior Advocate ZA Shah. However none appeared on behalf of State.DB granted time to respondents after union counsel submitted that reply in opposition to PIL is under process as such some time may be granted for submitting the same. Counsel representing J&K Bank has also sought time from the court, which the court on request by the counsels granted.PIL has been filed by an NGO (People’s Forum) through its advocate Altaf Haqani pleading that Union Ministry of Finance be directed to file response and issue necessary notification for introduction of Sharia Complaint windows as recommended by Deepak Mohanty Committee and Report of Inter-Departmental Group of RBI & its Feasibility of Introducing Islamic Banking in India. daily excelsior
Not allowed to wear headscarf in college, Muslim girl knocks Bombay HC’s door
https://www.newsx.com/regional/not-allowed-to-wear-headscarf-in-college-muslim-girl-knocks-bombay-high-courts-door
In yet another incident, a Muslim girl has moved the Bombay High Court against her college, accusing it of not allowing to wear a headscarf and barring her from writing exams on the ground of having low attendance. According to a report, the petitioner, a resident of Mumbai’s Bandra has filed a petition in court seeking permission to sit for the first-year-exam of BHMS course at Sai Homeopathic Medical College (SHMC) in Bhiwandi beginning June 1.In her petition, girl identified as Fakeha Badami stated that she had cleared her Common Entrance Test and secured admission in the institution on Dec.14, 2016. While the session started on Dec.27, 2016, she started attending college from the next day. She further added, “To her utter shock and dismay, the college started forcing all Muslim girls to remove their headscarf in order to attend classes.” The petitioner also claimed that a couple of girls have left the college because of such mindless action was taken by the institution.According to a report,student before approaching the HC had requested the college authorities to allow her to wear the headscarf as it is a part of their religious practice and hence cannot be denied on the basis of Constitutional rights. On Jan.11,2017, girl’s father also wrote a letter to Union Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. On receiving the complaint, the ministry pulled up the college authorities and stated that no institution can compel the Muslims to remove headscarf as it against social justice.In her petition, the girl also mentioned that her father also approached the State Medical Education and Drugs Dept.regarding the issue following which the department directed the college to meet the petitioner and resolve the issue, but no measures were taken by the authorities. The father again informed the department, following which, college authorities were asked to appear before Maharashtra University of Health Sciences(MUHS) officials for a hearing on May 15, 2017. Student’s family even approached the SHRC, but the issue remains unsolved.newsx
Aurangabad:All party Muslim MLAs protest against CM
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/all-party-muslim-mlas-protest-against-cm-devendra-fadnavis-1238755-2018-05-22
All party Muslim MLAs on Tuesday protested at the main gate of Mantralay building against Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. All these MLAs had come with an video evidence of Aurangabad riots.These MLAs claimed that this video evidence shows the involvement of Shiv Sena leaders in the riots.MLAs had made an appointment to meet the CM today but due to official work, CM had to cancel the meeting.Agitated Muslim MLAs of all party then sat on protest at the main gate of Mantralay building. It was a silent protest by this group of MLAs from AMIM, SP, Congress.indiatoday
Gujarat:Tension in Tapi village over marriage of Hindu girl to Muslim youth
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/tension-in-tapi-village-after-muslim-youth-elopes-with-hindu-girl-police-look-for-couple-5187531/
Surat:Tension gripped Valod taluka of Tapi district on Tuesday over the marriage of a Hindu girl to a Muslim youth. VHP and Bajrang Dal activists staged a dharna outside the police station in Valod, demanding that the girl be brought back to her home.20-year-old girl, who is an arts graduate and a resident of Buhari village, had eloped with her 26-year-old Muslim lover on May 6 from her uncle’s home in Palsana taluka of Surat district. The 2 then got married in Malegaon in Maharashtra, where the girl allegedly converted to Islam.After she went missing, her father filed a missing person’s report with the Valod police. According to the police, the girl’s parents had learnt about her affair with a Muslim youth, who had also gone missing from his house.A few days later, her parents received documents in Marathi and a letter from their daughter through post. In the letter, the girl said that she had an affair with the Muslim youth and after changing her religion, got married as per Islamic rituals. The envelope also contained notorised documents of her change of religion and marriage, which was registered on May 9.On Tuesday, several volunteers of VHP and Bajrang Dal along with the girl’s family took out a rally at Buhari village and reached Valod police station where they staged a dharna. indianexpress
Dr Kafeel offers to treat Nipah victims, Kerala CM welcomes move
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/nipah-virus-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-welcomes-doctor-accused-in-gorakhpur-tragedy-to-work-in-kerala-5187107/
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan today said state Govt was happy to welcome dedicated doctors who volunteer to serve in Kozhikode district affected by outbreak of Nipah virus that has claimed ten lives. Responding to a request of Dr Kafeel Khan, an accused in the BRD medical college infant tragedy case in UP, in this regard, Vijayan said Govt was happy to welcome doctors like Khan to work in the state.Vijayan in a Facebook post said “There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them,” Vijayan said. Vijayan asked him and other health workers who want to work in Kerala to get in touch with the Kozhikode Medical College Superintendent. Khan has said he was being wrongly framed by the administration in the case involving death of 63 children last August due to disruption of oxygen supply. Khan in a Facebook post requested Kerala CM to allow him “to save innocent lives.” He also praised the services of Lini, the nurse who succumbed yesterday to the virus.“After sehri n fajr namaz was trying to sleep but couldn’t. Disturbed with increase no of mortality due to Nipah Virus (NiV )infection n rumors spreading on social media platforms,” he said.“I request Kerala CM to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives.PTI
Dr Kafeel packs his bags for Kerala to treat Nipah virus victims
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/2/13893/Dr-Kafeel-Khan-Packs-His-Bags-For-Kerala-to-Treat-Nipah-Virus-Victims
Ramzan ceasefire successful so far, law and order better, says J&K DGP: Indian express
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/ramzan-ceasefire-successful-so-far-law-and-order-better-says-jk-dgp-5187481/
Srinagar :As the ceasefire announced on the eve of Ramzan completed a week in J&K , the J&K Director General of Police said that non-initiation of combat operations has “helped” improve the law and order situation in the Valley. J&K police chief also said the ceasefire has been successful so far and termed it a confidence building measure for the families “who want their boys to return”.“Ramzan ceasefire has been successful thus far. The initiative of Hon’ble PM has helped in general improvement in law & order. The situation especially in south Kashmir has eased & is serving as confidence building measure for families who want their boys to return back home,” J&K DGP SP Vaid tweeted.Citing an assessment by security agencies, an official from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs also said that only 5 incidents of stone-pelting were reported in the state in the first 5 days of suspension of anti-militancy operations during May 17-21. This was registered against the 92 incidents of stone-pelting as seen in the first 5 days of April when anti-militancy operations were in full swing, official said.
J&K:40000 border residents migrate amid warlike situation
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/40000-border-residents-in-jammu-and-kashmir-migrate-amid-warlike-situation/articleshow/64283201.cms
Over 40,000 border villagers were forced to migrate from their homes as the Pakistan Rangers continued targeting civilian and defence facilities in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts on Wednesday, police said. While some of the migrants have taken shelter in makeshift camps set up by the administration, most others preferred to shift to the houses of relatives and friends. Each household has left behind a male member to fend for the cattle and guard their homes from burglars. IANS
No agreement with Pakistan on resolving Indus Waters dispute: World Bank
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-agreement-with-pakistan-on-resolving-indus-waters-dispute-world-bank/articleshow/64283068.cms
World Bank has said it failed to arrive at an agreement with a visiting Pakistani delegation on a way forward to address Islamabad's concerns regarding the Indus Waters Treaty with India.A high-powered Pakistani delegation led by Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali met with World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva and other senior officials on Monday and Tuesday. During the meetings, held at Pakistan's request to discuss issues regarding the Indus Waters Treaty and opportunities within the treaty to seek an amicable resolution, "several procedural options" for resolving the disagreement over the interpretation of the treaty's provisions were discussed, the bank said."While an agreement on the way forward was not reached at the conclusion of the meetings, World Bank will continue to work with both countries to resolve the issues in an amicable manner and in line with the treaty provisions," Bank said at the end of the talks.PTI
India to attend SCO meet on counter-terror in Pak
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-to-attend-sco-meet-on-counter-terror-in-pakistan/article23961211.ece
India is likely to send senior representatives to discuss legal modalities of counter-terrorism for a meeting that Pakistan will host along with the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO),sources have said.The confirmation came hours after Pakistan in a formal statement confirmed India’s participation.“The consultations in Islamabad is part of our commitment to fight international terrorism along with the members of SCO and therefore, we are likely to send senior officials for the event in Pakistan,” said a Govt source, indicating that India will make a powerful case on fighting terrorism in the world. The confirmation came after Pakistan welcomed legal experts from India, China and other member countries who will participate in SCO-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) that will be meeting in Islamabad from May 23 to 25.thehindu
No turbulent political atmosphere: Minorities panel chief
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-turbulent-political-atmosphere-in-country-minorities-panel-chief/articleshow/64286480.cms
New Delhi:National Commission for Minorities (NCM) chairperson Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi dismissed Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto's remark about a 'turbulent political atmosphere' in the country and said he should refrain from statements that can 'vitiate' the atmosphere.Rizvi also said that the central Govt "was working for everyone" and did not indulge in discrimination based on religion."There is no turbulent political atmosphere prevailing.There is no atmosphere of fear prevailing in the country. But the letter he (the archbishop) has written certainly will lead to an atmosphere of fear," Rizvi told PTI. PTI
Shed your ‘prejudiced’ mindset against Modi govt, Naqvi tells Delhi archbishop
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/govt-committed-to-development-without-discrimination-shed-your-prejudices-naqvi-to-delhi-archbishop-5186703/
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi appealed to the Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto, who had called for a prayer campaign ahead of the 2019 General Elections, to shed his “prejudiced” mindset against Modi Govt. Asserting that minorities have made ‘fast-paced’ progress in the last 4 years of BJP-led NDA, which has worked for “development without discrimination”,he asked the Archbishop to look at Govt’s work with a progressive mindset.indianexpress
Church trying to start civil war in country:union minister
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/church-trying-to-start-civil-war-in-country-says-union-minister-giriraj-singh-1238779-2018-05-22
Union Minister Giriraj Singh has lashed out at the Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto for his letter to all the churches in Delhi calling for prayers ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Giriraj Singh said such a letter from the Archbishop was aimed at triggering a civil war in the country."The church is trying to create a situation of civil war in the country. I will not take any step that disturbs the communal and social harmony prevailing in the country but if churches will make such an appeal to ensure that PM Narendra Modi Govt does not return to power in 2019, people from the other (Hindu) community will also start doing kirtans and puja to support him,"said Giriraj Singh.indiatoday
Dutch PM urged to take up Hindu extremism in talks with PM Modi
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/dutch-pm-mark-rutte-urged-to-take-up-hindu-extremism-in-talks-with-pm-modi
Dutch PM Mark Rutte has been asked to take up with PM Narendra Modi increasing attacks on minorities and Dalits by Hindu extremist groups during the Netherlands’ leader two-day visit to India beginning Thursday.“I sincerely hope that the trade delegation of the Netherlands will address the human rights situation in India especially the vulnerable situation of the Dalits, religious minorities and the child labour as well as the international funding to NGOs,” a Govt MP, Joël Voordewind, said.Rutte is expected to meet PM Modi on Thursday, following which the 2 leaders will deliver a joint statement. With four cabinet ministers, 15 CEOs and 220 delegates, Rutte will be accompanied by the largest ever trade delegation to accompany a visiting Dutch PM to India.nationalheraldindia
10 crore farmers to culminate on Aug.9 asking BJP to “Quit India”
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/2/13883/Who-Has-Skimmed-the-Cream-Farmers-to-Ask-BJP-to--Quit-India--on-August-9
New Delhi: A campaign for the signature of 10 crore farmers across India will culminate on August 9 with a “Quit India” call to BJP.Large rallies will be held across India’s district HQ with the farmers handing over the signatures to the respective District Collectors with a demand that BJP Quit India on the anniversary of Gandhi’s movement.All India Kisan Sabha leader Ashok Dhawale said that just as Gandhi had asked the British to Quit India in 1942, marking the start of the movement, the farmers will ask RSS and BJP to do the same. Signatures will endorse 6 demands of loan waivers remunerative prices Forest Rights Act implementation,anti- land acquistion, pension for low and middle farmers and a comprehensive insurance scheme.He said that a study by AIKS confirmed that of the premium due, the farmers had been paid only 3% last year with 97% being pocketed by the insurance companies. The Citizen
Villages to boycott Maha LS bypoll to protest water woes
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/12-villages-to-boycott-maharashtra-ls-bypoll-to-protest-water-woes
Residents of nearly 12 villages in the district have decided to boycott the upcoming Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha bypoll, after failing to get a response on their demand for proper irrigation facilities.The villagers, under the aegis of 'Bawanthadi Prakalp Sangharsh Samiti', a local organisation, earlier passed a resolution at a gram sabha meeting to boycott every election in their area, including the Bhandara-Gondia bypoll scheduled on May 28, if their demands were not met.nationalheraldindia
Dalits, upper caste groups clash in Gujarat’s Dholka over use of last name
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dalits-upper-caste-groups-clash-in-gujarat-s-dholka-over-use-of-last-name/story-N1JNb6GiWKHl0An4vYb3QK.html
Ahmedabad:Members of Dalit and upper caste communities attacked each other in Dholka town of Ahmedabad district on Tuesday night over the use of the suffix ‘sinh’ traditionally added by Kshatriyas to their names in the state, police said on Wednesday.Dholka Police have registered three cases, including two for atrocity and one for damaging property and attack.“Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code which prevents the gathering of more than four persons have been imposed and the situation is under control,” Ahmedabad superintendent of police (rural) Rajendra Asari said.“No one has been severely injured as well. Both the groups have registered counter complaints,” he added.Police said the conflict involved 22-year-old Maulik Jadav, a Dalit, and some members of upper caste Darbar community. Jadav added ‘Sinh’ to his first name on his Facebook profile earlier this month, which started a virtual war between the communities as members of both the groups abused each other on social media.HT
PM Modi degree row: Activists say challenge is in defence of RTI Act
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/modi-ba-degree-rti-activists-say-non-disclosure-will-affect-efficacy-of-act
3 RTI activists—Anjali Bhardwaj, Nikhil Dey and Amrita Johri—on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that they want to prevent a wrong interpretation of RTI Act, while opposing Delhi University's rejection of an RTI peal seeking inspection of records of students who had passed the BA degree exam in 1978, the year when PM Narendra Modi is said to have cleared the exam.The court was hearing a Delhi University plea filed last year seeking setting aside a CIC order, saying the "impugned order, which is per se contrary to the Act, has far-reaching adverse consequences for DU and all universities in the country who hold degrees of crores of students in a fiduciary capacity".3 activists, who are connected with the National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI), told the court that through their intervention application, they wanted to prevent erroneous interpretation of RTI Act.IANS
Hospital forcing us to pay, says wife of man allegedly assaulted for cow slaughter in MP's Satna
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hospital-forcing-us-to-pay-says-wife-of-man-allegedly-assaulted-for-cow-slaughter-in-mp/story-dLkHtf2IvktSIPCJhxaVLI.html
Bhopal: Wife of a Muslim man who was injured and his neighbour killed in an alleged assault on suspicion of cow slaughter in MP has accused a private hospital of trying to force her husband out because they are unable to afford the treatment. Sanno’s husband Shakeel, 38, a resident of Maihar town in Madhya Pradesh, was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Metro Hospital in Jabalpur on Friday after he was brought in a critical condition from Satna district hospital. Sanno said hospital authorities asked her on Monday to fill the discharge form as she was not able to pay for the treatment. She said the hospital authorities told her they had to pay Rs 25,000 for Shakeel’s treatment to continue.Satna SP Rajesh Hingankar said on Tuesday he had learnt that the hospital bill would be paid from the CM ’s discretionary fund. Meanwhile, Sanno insisted her husband was innocent and had gone to Katni and other places to collect money people owed him. “He is being framed,” she said.HT
Most Indians are non-veg, Southern and Northeastern states top the list: Report
https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/most-indians-nonvegetarian-southern-northeastern-states-top-list-report/story/277456.html
Northern states make up for most of the vegetarians in the country, while the Southern and Northeastern states are predominantly non-veg, with people consuming different types of meat, fish, and eggs.An analysis of the national health data by IndiaSpend and FactChecker revealed that 80% of Indian men and 70% of Indian women have non-veg food. However, these figures do not imply that they have non-vegetarian every day. The daily diet still consists of vegetables, milk, and pulses or beans.The report states that overall 48.9% men and 42.8% women consume non-veg items weekly. IndiaSpend- report also highlights that the highest amount of non-veg among women in terms of weekly consumption are in Kerala (92.8%), Goa (85.7%) and Assam (80.4%), while among men it is in Tripura (94.8%), Kerala (90.1%) and Goa (88%).Lowest figures in men who are non-veg were registered in Punjab (10%), Rajasthan (10.2%) and Haryana (13%), while it is Punjab (4%), Rajasthan (6%) and Haryana (7.8%) yet again for women. It is evident from the numbers that meat consumption in South and Northeast India is highest in the country, while it is lowest in North India.Individuals who have had upto 5 years of education eat more eggs 54.2% for men and 48.2% for women.When it comes to religion,Christians consume eggs and meat the most,with men accounting for 71.5% and 75.6% respectively and women accounting for 59.7% and 67.3% respectively. They are followed by Muslim men with 66.5% and 73.1% and women with 59.7% and 67.3%respectively. BusinessToday
WORLD
US envoy slammed for posing with doctored image removing al-Aqsa Mosque
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/envoy-slammed-posing-doctored-image-removing-al-aqsa-180523072043060.html
US ambassador to Israel David Friedman has faced criticism for posing next to a doctored aerial image of Jerusalem showing Third Jewish Temple replacing al-Aqsa mosque. The photo was taken on Tuesday during a visit by Friedman to the Israeli city of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv organised by Achiya, an NGO that aids students with learning disabilities.Achiya apologised for the poster, calling it a "cheap political act" by a staff member.US embassy in Israel, which moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem last week, also said Friedman was not aware of the poster when he was photographed."US policy is absolutely clear: we support the status quo on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount,"embassy said."Ambassador Friedman was not aware of the image thrust in front of him when the photo was taken.He was deeply disappointed that anyone would take advantage of his visit to Bnei Brak to create controversy. People took to social media to criticise the doctored image, saying it was an illicit endorsment by the US for ongoing calls by Israeli far-right groups to destroy al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock to make space for the Third Jewish Temple. Friedman, a former lawyer for the Trump Organisation, supports the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. He has repeatedly made statements in favour of Israel.aljazeera
US Ambassador to Israel Receives Picture of Jerusalem With Third Temple Replacing Muslim Mosques
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/u-s-envoy-to-israel-receives-picture-of-third-temple-without-mosques-1.6112357?utm_source=Push_Notification&utm_medium=web_push&utm_campaign=General
Preliminary probe on Israel continues: International court responds to Palestine plea
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/preliminary-investigation-on-israel-continues-icc/1154065
The Hague:International Criminal Court (ICC) has responded to a request by the Palestinian foreign minister asking them to investigate Israeli settlement building and alleged war crimes. “Since 16 Jan.2015, the situation in Palestine has been subject to a preliminary examination in order to ascertain whether the criteria for opening an investigation are met,” Fatou Bensuda, the Netherlands-based ICC’s chief prosecutor, said.“This preliminary examination has seen important progress and will continue to follow its normal course,” she said. Bensuda said that her office evaluates and analyzes all information received independently regardless of who it was referred by.“A referral or an article 12(3) declaration does not automatically lead to the opening of an investigation.“There should be no doubt that in this and any other situation before my Office, I will always take the decision warranted by my mandate under the Rome Statute.”Anadolu Agency
Bulgaria will not recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180523-official-bulgaria-will-not-recognise-jerusalem-as-israels-capital/
Bulgarian Foreign Minister’s Special Advisor for the Middle East, Ambassador Rumen Petrov, said the Bulgarian position is firm and clear and will not recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel or any change in legal status of the Holy City without an agreement between Palestinians and Israelis.“The visits of Western officials to the occupied territories, especially East Jerusalem, does not mean recognising any change in the legal status of the city of Jerusalem or recognising the settlements there,” Petrov said during a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador to Bulgaria, Ahmad Al-Mathbour.MEMO
‘Beginning of the end of Abbas’ rule’ say Israeli officials
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180523-beginning-of-the-end-of-abbas-rule-say-israeli-security-officials/
With the ill health of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas continuing to be a source of speculation, a report in Haaretz claims that Israeli security officials already see recent events “as the beginning of the end of Abbas’ rule, although it is not clear how long the whole process will take”.Abbas, 82, was hospitalised once again this week, and there are suggestions that the true seriousness of his condition is being kept under wraps by Palestinian Authority (PA) officials. According to the Haaretz report, written by its military correspondent Amos Harel, “in the frenzied atmosphere that has taken hold on the Israeli right…there will probably be calls to take advantage of the situation and make unilateral changes to the relationship with PA in the West Bank.”middleeastmonitor
Hamas calls for a new national council under Egyptian auspices
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180523-hamas-calls-for-a-new-national-council-under-egyptian-auspices/
Hamas has stressed its adherence to national reconciliation as a strategic solution for the Palestinian people, under Egyptian auspices.An official source in Hamas, who asked to not to be named, told Quds Press, “the process of reconciliation requires first the cancellation of the National Council which was held in Ramallah and moving towards a new national council under the auspices of an Arab state. Egypt has been suggested in this regard.”He added: “It is required to form a national council on the basis of democracy and in accordance with the outputs of Beirut meetings and Cairo agreement in 2011.” MEMO
Syria:Largest Palestinian refugee camp ‘lies today inruins’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180523-syrias-largest-palestinian-refugee-camp-lies-today-in-ruins/
largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria has been destroyed and fled by its inhabitants due to fighting that has persisted more than a month, UN Secretary-General’s Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said.“Yarmouk camp in Damascus lies today in ruins, with hardly a single building that has not been destroyed or damaged. Fighting has been particularly intense in the last month or more. Almost all the Palestine refugees who were there have now fled,”Dujarric said, renewing his appeal for funding to support UNRWA’s humanitarian efforts for Palestinian refugees in Syria.MEMO
IS attack in Syria desert kills 26 pro-regime forces
http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2018/may/22/is-attack-in-syria-desert-kills-26-pro-regime-forces-1818121.html
Beirut:More than 2 dozen pro-Govt forces based in Syria's desert died in a surprise Islamic State group attack Tuesday, a day after the jihadists' ouster from the outskirts of Damascus, a monitor said. "At least 26 regime soldiers and allied forces were killed in an IS attack at dawn today, against one of their posts in the Syrian Badiya," said Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.Among them were Iranian militiamen, said the Britain-based monitor.Badiya is a vast desert region stretching from central Syria to the eastern border with Iraq, where IS still holds small pockets.AFP
Muslim charity runs this novel campaign in London to raise funds for Syria war victims
http://ummid.com/news/2018/May/21.05.2018/subhan-allah-posters-on-british-buses.html
London: Hundreds of British buses will carry adverts praising Allah as part of a campaign launched by the country’s most prominent Muslim charity to help victims of Syria’s civil war. Islamic Relief hopes the posters, which bear the words “Subhan Allah,” meaning “Glory be to God” in Arabic, will portray Islam and international aid in a positive light.Buses will carry the advertisements in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, and Bradford. The bus campaign will launch on 23 May in 5 cities across UK. These cities have large Muslim populations, and the charity hopes it will encourage people to donate generously ahead of the start of Ramadan. ummid.com
Hezbollah withdraws from south Syria
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180523-hezbollah-withdraws-from-south-syria/
Hezbollah forces withdrew from areas in the province of Daraa, south of Syria, heading to the regime controlled area north of the province and towards the capital, Damascus.Sources confirmed to Anadolu that members of Lebanese Hezbollah militia withdrew from the city of Dara’a ‘ and the towns of Etman and Khirbet Ghazala near the international highway between the Syrian capital Damascus and Jordan.As many as three military convoys belonging to Iran-backed militias left the area over the past three days.middleeastmonitor
US hits Iran IRGC with sanctions over support of Houthis
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/hits-iran-irgc-sanctions-support-yemen-houthis-180523053245629.html
US has imposed new sanctions against officials of Iran's Revolutionary Guard for allegedly providing ballistic missile-related expertise to armed Houthi rebels in Yemen.The actions of five Iranians have enabled the Houthis to launch missiles at cities and oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the US Department of Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday."US will not tolerate Iranian support for Houthi rebels who are attacking our close partner, Saudi Arabia," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.US said units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) supported efforts "to improve the Houthis' ballistic missile capabilities". Among those being targeted by the sanctions are 2 individuals the US identified as senior officials of IRGC, a branch of Iran's armed forces that report directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.aljazeera
2 lakh Rohingya refugees at risk from flooding, landslides:UN
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/2-lakh-rohingya-refugees-at-risk-from-flooding-landslides-un/article23965852.ece?homepage=true
UN:About 150,000-200,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar are at risk from flooding and landslides during the monsoon season, UN has said.UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that over 7,000 Rohingya refugees were affected by storms or landslides earlier this month, at the start of the monsoon season.The monsoons typically deposit 2.5 meters of rain on Cox’s Bazar, resulting in significant flooding. As a result, 150,000-200,000 refugees and 883 community facilities are at risk from flooding and landslides during the monsoon season, including 25,000 refugees at critical risk, he said.PTI
Tariq Ramadan loses appeal for release ahead of rape trial
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/320229-tariq-ramadan-loses-appeal-for-release-ahead-of-rape-trial
Paris: Scholar Tariq Ramadan, detained in France over rape allegations by 4 women, has lost an appeal for early release ahead of his trial, the Paris appeals court said Tuesday.Judges had earlier this month refused bail for Ramadan, who is being treated behind bars for multiple sclerosis, as well as a request for release on health grounds.Swiss citizen was not in court to hear Tuesday´s ruling as his defence argued that testimony from his accusers contained "contradictions". AFP
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Islam is fastest growing religion so does Halal Food Market: Economists
http://www.ummid.com/news/2018/May/22.05.2018/halal-food-market.html
Ganna Over Jinnah: Opposition Supports RLD Muslim Candidate for Jat-Muslim Unity In Kairana By Polls:Amaresh Misra
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/newsdetail/index/2/13875/ganna-over-jinnah-opposition-supports-rld-muslim-candidate-for-jat-muslim-unity-in-kairana-by-polls
On This Day In History: May 22, 1987 –Hashimpura massacre took place
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/on-this-day-in-history-may-22-1987-the-hashimpura-massacre-took-place-killing-innocent-muslims/1281172
Huge Humanitarian Crisis Looms Over Assam: Sign CJP’s Petition Now:Sabrangindia
https://sabrangindia.in/article/huge-humanitarian-crisis-looms-over-assam-sign-cjps-petition-now
Dissent in the Supreme Court has done well to shine the light on a relatively opaque institution:Seema Chishti
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/supreme-court-crisis-dipak-misra-indian-judiciary-collegium-system-5187280/
SC must now address itself to protecting the institution from political machinations:Kapil Sibal
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/karnataka-assembly-elections-governor-vajubhai-vala-5185855/
“Status Quo in J&K Gets Pak Interested Again”: RAW’s Dulat & ISI's Durrani Pen Spy Chronicles: gowhar geelani
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/3/13891/Status-Quo-in-Kashmir-Gets-Pakistan-Interested-Again-RAWs-Dulat--ISIs-Durrani-Pen-The-Spy-Chronicles-
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 5:05 PM)
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