NEWS DIGEST, MID-DAY
23 July 2018:09 Ziqada 1439: Vol:10, No:72
INDIA
Prodded by SC, Modi govt sets up 4-member panel to suggest laws against lynching, mob violence
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-sets-up-four-member-panel-to-suggest-laws-against-lynching-mob-violence-5271940/
New Delhi:Expressing concerns over the growing number of mob violence incidents in the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday said the Govt has constituted a four-member committee, headed by Union Home Secretary, to suggest laws against lynching and mob violence.The committee, chaired by home secretary Rajiv Gauba, will submit its recommendations in four weeks.The latest move comes days after the Supreme Court asked Parliament to come up with a special law to deter such crimes, saying “the horrendous acts of mobocracy cannot be permitted to inundate the law of the land”. A group of minister headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has also been constituted to make recommendations for legislation on lynching. The group of ministers will submit their recommendations to PM Narendra Modi.“Govt is concerned at the incidents of violence by mobs in some parts of the country. Govt has already condemned such incidents and has made its stand clear in Parliament that it is committed to upholding the rule of law and adopting effective measures to curb such incidents,” MHA said in a press release.It stated that Govt respects the recent directions of SC on the issue of mob violence, and has issued an advisory to state Govt s urging them to take effective measures to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching and to take stringent action as per law. The state Govts have been advised to implement the directions issued in the matter by the SC on July 17, the MHA said.The high level committee chaired by the Union Home Secretary will have Secretary, Dept.of Justice, Secretary, Dept.of Legal Affairs, Secretary, Legislative Department and Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment as members. GoM headed by the Home Minister will have Sushma Swaraj, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Thawarchand Gehlot and will submit their recommendations to the PM .indianexpress
Rajnath Singh to Lead Panel of Ministers for Anti-Lynching Law, Report to PM Modi
https://www.news18.com/news/india/rajnath-singh-to-lead-panel-of-ministers-for-anti-lynching-law-report-to-pm-modi-1821135.html
Alwar lynching: SC to hear contempt plea against Rajasthan govt on August 28
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/alwar-lynching-supreme-court-to-hear-contempt-plea-against-rajasthan-govt-on-august-28-5271032/
New Delhi:The Supreme Court today agreed to hear a contempt plea against Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan Govt in connection with the mob lynching of an Alwar man recently.Petitioners Tehseen Poonawala and Tushar Gandhi alleged that lynching incidents were taking place in the country despite the SC’s rulings on cow vigilantism. The plea will be taken up on August 28.Akbar alias Rakbar was lynched on Friday night on suspicion of being a cow smuggler in Alwar. “While Aslam managed to escape, unknown locals beat him (Akbar) up with sticks which led to serious injuries on his arms, legs and all over his body. He then collapsed and we took him in our police jeep to Ramgarh CHC where doctors declared him dead,” FIR states.indianexpress
Alwar lynching: High-level enquiry on police allegedly delaying Akbar Khan's treatment
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/jul/23/alwar-lynching-high-level-enquiry-on-police-allegedly-delaying-akbar-khans-treatment-1847380.html
Rajasthan police today set up a high-level committee to probe the allegations of delay against the Alwar police in taking Akbar Khan to a hospital after he was allegedly lynched by a group of people on the suspicion of cow smuggling."Allegations of delay in taking Khan to the hospital and policemen crossing their limits have come to fore.A 4-member committee of senior police officials is in Alwar to enquire into the matter," state DGP OP Galhotra said.It will also be probed whether 28-year-old Akbar, became a victim of police beating on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.Appropriate action would be taken if any lapses were found in enquiry report, DGP said.PTI
Village mourns death of man killed in cow-related lynching
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/india-village-mourns-death-man-killed-cow-related-lynching-180722143018303.html
BJP MLA calls Alwar lynching victim cow trafficker, says lynching will stop after cow slaughtering ends
https://www.newsx.com/national/bjp-mla-raja-singh-calls-alwar-lynching-victim-a-cow-trafficker-says-lynching-will-stop-after-cow-slaughtering-ends
After striking a controversy by speaking in favour of cow vigilantes, Telangana BJP MLA Raja Singh has once again come out to back the act by cow vigilantes in Alwar. While standing in defence of Alwar lynching, MLA said that several sections of media reported that Rakbar Khan had a series of cow theft cases registered against him. He further defended his videos by claiming that he did say anything wrong. After calling Rakhbar as cow trafficker, MLA stated that these acts of lynching will not stop until the slaughter of cows is brought to an end.BJP MLA Singh said that the cattle slaughter should be banned across the world. He later urged Govt to bring in strict laws to check the lynching incidents in India.NewsX
Mentally ill Woman lynched in MP on suspicions of being a child-lifter
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/woman-lynched-in-madhya-pradesh-on-suspicions-of-being-a-child-lifter/article24495332.ece?homepage=true
Bhopal:An angry mob killed a mentally ill woman on suspicions of being a child-lifter in Badgad village, which falls under the Morwa Police Station, in Singrauli district.According to the police, the deceased, a 30-year-old woman was roaming in the village when some people spotted her. Suspecting her to be a child-lifter, the villagers asked several questions and when she was unable to answer them, the mob started assaulting her until she died.“Primary findings suggest, that locals killed her presuming her to be child-lifter. We have arrested few people and are questioning them,” Riyaz Ahmed, Sigrauli District Superintendent of Police said. It was rumours that led to the killing, said a senior police officer.The mob reportedly dumped the dead body near a forest nursery and disappeared, he added. The police recovered the dead body on Saturday and ordered an inquiry into the entire incident.In a similar incident in the district, a forest official was attacked by a mob on suspicion of being a child-lifter few days back.thehindu
In the name of protecting cow, India has become most unsafe for women: Uddhav Thackeray
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/jul/23/in-the-name-of-protecting-cow-india-has-become-most-unsafe-for-women-uddhav-thackeray-1847355.html
Mumbai: In the name of protecting the cow, India has now become the most unsafe country in the world for women and everyone should be ashamed of this, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray said."Yes, of course, we must protect our Cow Mother, but what about 'my mother'? This is no Hindutva," he said, in a marathon interview ahead of his 58th birthday on July 27, given to party mouthpieces 'Saamana' and 'Dopahar Ka Saamana', the first instalment of which was published on Monday.Thackeray said that for over 25 years, Shiv Sena and BJP were allies because of the shared ideology of Hindutva, status of Hindus, national interest and the country's security among others.IANS
Jayant Sinha legally assisted 'innocent' lynching convicts, but regrets garlanding them
https://thewire.in/rights/jayant-sinha-ramgarh-lynching-convicts
New Delhi: Union minister and BJP leader Jayant Sinha, who caused an uproar recently by felicitating 8 men who were convicted for lynching cattle trader Alimuddin Ansari when they were released on bail, has said in an interview to the HT that he regrets garlanding the men because it gave people a chance to say that he was condoning lynching.Sinha claimed that since they were released on bail by the high court, the men were “innocent”. “The people who came to my house had come after a year in jail. They had been released on a bail order by the high court. They had been released because there was no evidence against them. Ergo, they were innocent,” the Union minister said.According to Sinha, the men came to meet him privately he had “legally assisted them, and they were very relieved that they would get a fresh trial”. However, that matter became public and was represented as him condoning lynchings was incorrect, he continued. “To take what happened there and interpret it as me condoning vigilantism, which I have always rejected, is the work of this outrage factory where independent of facts, to serve ideological ends and vote-bank politics, you manufacture a narrative. That is toxic.”thewire
It’s a matter of justice, not lynching: Jayant Sinha
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/regret-garlanding-ramgarh-lynching-convicts-jayant-sinha/story-JYadtspAUurWZ8vRLaCcwI.html
Muslim leaders worried over growing hate crimes
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/muslim-leaders-worried-over-growing-hate-crimes/articleshow/65096008.cms
Jaipur: Muslim leaders have expressed concern over the growing hate crime cases against their community. The lynching of Rakhbar Khan allegedly for carrying cows for slaughter in Alwar has invited sharp reaction from the community’s social, religious and political leaders. Qari Moinuddin, head of Rajasthan Muslim Forum has held Raje Govt responsible for the hate crimes in the state. “Pehlu, Afrazul and Akbar were all killed in broad daylight in a democratic republic by mob. It is repeatedly happening due to no fear of rule of law,” said Moinuddin. Member of All India Muslim Personnel Law Board, Yasmeen Farooqui has asked PM Narendra Modi to show his kindness for the Muslim widows whose husbands were mercilessly killed by the Gau Rakshaks. “Modiji is only worried for those Muslim women who were victims of triple talaq but not interested to even mention those women whose life has been destroyed because of cow vigilantes, most of them are affiliated to BJP and its constituent wings,” said Farooqui. Naim Rabbani of Helping Hand Foundation shares that silence of state on such incidents has rendered a strong message to the community that the lynch mob enjoys support of the Govt. The silence of Muslim political leaders, except few across the parties is also angering the community. Leaders like cabinet minister Yunus Khan, ex cabinet minister AA Khan and other leaders’ silence on the issue has not gone down well with the community. Asrar Ahmed Khan, ex-Dargah Committee of Ajmer Chairman and Congress leader has asked the community members to use democratic means to stand against the spate in hate crimes against them.TOI
SC refers fresh plea against polygamy, halala to constitution bench
https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/sc-refers-fresh-plea-against-polygamy-nikah-halala-to-constitution-bench-1293756-2018-07-23
New Delhi:The Supreme Court today sought response from the Centre on a fresh plea challenging practices of polygamy and 'nikah halala' among Muslims, as it referred the matter to a constitution bench that has been already asked to hear a batch of similar petitions. A bench comprising CJI Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud considered the submissions of senior advocate Vikas Singh and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay that the petition be listed before a five-judge constitution bench for final adjudication.The SC issued notice to the Centre on the petition filed by one Farjana and tagged the matter along with a batch of petitions to be heard by the constitution bench."Petitioner is filing this petition under Article 32 of the Constitution seeking a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus to declare polygamy and nikah halala, practiced in Muslim community, illegal and unconstitutional for being violative of Articles 14, 15, 21 and 25 of the Constitution," the plea said.The petition further sought a declaration that extra-judicial talaq is a cruelty under Section 498A of the IPC, nikah halala is an offence under Section 375 of the IPC, and polygamy is an offence under Section 494 of the IPC, 1860. Some petitions have also challenged the practices of 'Nikah Mutah' and 'Nikah Misyar' -- 2 types of temporary marriages where duration of the relationship is specified and agreed upon in advance. PTI
SC refers fresh plea against polygamy to constitution bench
http://www.livelaw.in/sc-refers-fresh-plea-against-polygamy-to-constitution-bench-2/
Religious Leaders Join Hands Against Move to Legalize Homosexuality
https://caravandaily.com/portal/religious-leaders-join-heads-and-hands-to-fight-against-move-to-legalize-homosexuality/
New Delhi: Religious leaders of various faiths gathered at the call of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind here on Sunday and expressed their concerns on the issue of homosexuality and decided to petition against the abrogation of section 377 of IPC that criminalizes homosexuality. All the religious leaders condemned the silence and neutral stance of the Narendra Modi Govt over the petition against section 377 in the Supreme Court and said “this silence of the Govt is against religious traditions and ethics of the country.” “They also decided to issue a joint statement to the press on this issue. It was also decided to have a Joint press conference on the subject very soon,” said an official of the Jamaat. “Religious Leaders firmly believe in the fundamental rights of all citizens and freedom and minority rights. However they are concerned over the hurting of religious sentiments and opening the doors of sexual anarchy in the name of Fundamental Rights,” Jamaat said in a statement. President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maulana Syed JalaluddinUmari presided over the meeting. The other religious leaders who spoke on the occasion included Goswami SushilJi Maharaj, Head Priest Thakur Dwara Mandir , Giani Ranjit Singh Head Priest Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Dr. M.D Thomas Founder / Director Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies New Delhi, Father Felix Jones & Father Stanley, Catholic Priest, Dr. A.K. Merchant, representing the Bahai Faith, Bikshu Ashwaghosh, Representing Buddhism. From Jamaat’s side,its Vice President Nusrat Ali, Secretary General Dr. Mohammad Salim Engineer and National Secretaries Maulana Mohammad Rafiq Qasmi and Maulana Md.Iqbal Mulla were also present.caravandaily
Profiling person on the basis of religion is wrong:HC
https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/profiling-person-on-the-basis-of-religion-is-wrong-delhi-high-court-1292479-2018-07-22
New Delhi:Delhi High Court has warned officials of the immigration and police department from profiling individuals on the basis of religious practices. The court said such profiling was contrary to the constitutional creed of India. Observation came while hearing the case of a Muslim Canadian national of Indian origin who was immediately sent back to Canada upon his arrival at Hyderabad airport citing reason that he had visited mosques and attended religious gatherings during his last visit.The man, Mohammad Abdul Moyeed, had challenged the decision of blacklisting him in Delhi HC. The central Govt , in response, had told the court that they had acted on report of a police officer in Haryana. "He visited various important mosques in Indian cities for Tabligh activities to strengthen Islamic brotherhood. It was noticed that he believed in orthodox Islam with an intention to propagate that muslims should unite and should fight against western countries and USA. He may be involved in arranging funds for anti-national groups," the court was told.The court, however, rejected the contentions saying the authorities had no such material corroborating the allegations of the Centre and if he (Moyeed) had been involved in such activities, the Canadian authorities would have taken note of these aspects.Observing that Moyeed was wronged at the hands of the authority the court said, "Every violation of visa norm cannot possibly lead to banning a person from entering into the country unless there is material to show that the person concerned acted in a manner which was inimical to our national interest."indiatoday
Karnataka: Minority community members acquitted in terrorism cases to get subsidy loans
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/minority-community-members-acquitted-in-terrorism-cases-to-get-subsidy-loans/articleshow/65085620.cms
Mangaluru:Karnataka Minority Development Corporation will distribute Rs 5 lakh loan at 3% interest with 50% subsidy for minority community members who have been released from jails on good conduct, under ‘Mane Malige’ scheme. MLC Ivan D’Souza said the corporation has already received 850 applications in Dakshina Kannada district and the last date for applying is August 31. “Those beneficiaries may construct house or shops using the subsidy loan released to them. The scheme is aimed at providing rehabilitation to those minority community members who are released from jails on good conduct, innocents acquitted after prosecutors failed to establish terrorist activity charges, Goonda Act and other security acts, will be given loans to build their future. While Rs 5 lakh will be released as loan, they will be getting 50% subsidy on repayment. The scheme will also be made available for those who lost houses and shops in communal riots and natural calamities,” Ivan said. The corporation also has introduced a scheme for the welfare of minority community members, who return from Gulf countries without finding a job. They will be given a loan of Rs 10 lakh each at an interest rate of 5% under collateral security basis. They will have to repay such loans within seven years, he added. Talking about the coalition Govt, Ivan said CM HD Kumaraswamy has decided to continue the Anna Bhagya Scheme without any changes after the Congress put pressure on him. “Though Govt earlier had decided to reduce the quantity of rice being distributed to poor from 7kg per month to 5kg, the decision was reversed following the party’s request. Similarly, Govt also decided to continue the scheme of issuing bus passes to students,” he said.TOI
SC lifts ban on protests at Jantar Mantar, India Gate
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2018/jul/23/sc-lifts-ban-on-protests-at-jantar-mantar-india-gate-calls-for-striking-balance-between-right-to-p-1847322.html
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today said there cannot be a "complete ban" on holding protests and sit-ins at places like Jantar Mantar and Boat Club here and asked the Centre to frame guidelines for according sanctions to such events.A bench comprising justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said there was a need to strike a balance between conflicting rights such as the right to protest and the right of citizens to live peacefully."There cannot be a complete ban on holding protests at places like Jantar Mantar and Boat Club (near India Gate)," the bench said, while directing the Centre to frame guidelines on the matter.PTI
Awaiting LG's nod, reconstituted Waqf Board yet to see light of day
http://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/awaiting-lgs-nod-reconstituted-waqf-board-yet-to-see-light-of-day-310404
New Delhi: As reconstitution of the Delhi Waqf Board, which had been dissolved in 2016 over allegations of corruption, awaits approval from Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan alleged that Baijal is not willing to reconstitute the body. Imams of several mosques affiliated with the Board and thousands of Muslim widows reportedly have not got their salaries and widow pension, respectively, for last three months because the Board is completely defunct since former LG Najeeb Jung dissolved the Board and set up a CBI inquiry on October 7, 2016. Read This - House roof collapses in Delhi, 2 dead According to the Board sources, almost 350 mosques are registered with it and more than 300 imams and ,oazines get a monthly salary from the Board. "With the election of Himal Akhtar to the board from the Bar Council quota last month, the last hurdle in the reconstitution of the body was cleared. Now, the LG's approval and notification to the elected and nominated members is awaited. A file of members nominated by Delhi Govt on the board is lying pending with the LG," a Govt source said. Millenniumpost
Bihar Shia Waqf Board den of corruption:Kalbe Jawwad
https://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/sunday-pioneer/nation/bihar-shia-waqf-board-den-of-corruption-alleges-kalbe-jawwad.html
Calling Bihar Shia Waqf Board a “den of corruption”, Shia cleric Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawwad Naqvi on Saturday demanded judicial enquiry against “corrupt officials” of the Board for “selling” prime waqf properties in the State.Observing July 21 as ‘Black Day’ for last year's assault on Maulana Syed Mohammad Kazim 'Shabib' and other protesters in Muzaffarpur, he said, "People who assaulted whistleblower Maulana Kazim should be punished immediately." Also, he asked the local administration to withdraw “fabricated” criminal cases slapped on the Maulana.Sunday Pioneer
AMU can’t refuse admission to SC/ST students: National Commission for Scheduled Castes
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/aligarh-muslim-university-cant-refuse-admission-to-sc/st-students-says-ncsc-chief/articleshow/65094023.cms
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chairman Ram Shankar Katheria has said that AMU cannot refuse to admit students of reserved category as it does not have a minority status, which he claimed had been confirmed by UGC, HRD Ministry and National Minority Commission.Talking to TOI, Katheria said that he is waiting for the reply of AMU authorities and then will call a meeting and take a final decision in this regard. He said, all top central organisations have confirmed that AMU has not been granted a “minority” status. “In the last 10 years, the central Govt has funded Rs 7000 crore to AMU,” said Katheria, adding that the university’s excuse of denying admission to SC/ST candidates on grounds of the pending case in the apex court on the issue of its minority status is incorrect. "Nothing prevents them for reserving seats for SC/ST students, as there is no stay from the apex court on this issue,” said Katheria.However, president of AMU students union Mashkoor Ahmad Usmani said that Minority Commission needs to re-check its documents. He said, “Everyone should wait as the matter is pending before the SC”. The university clarified that AMU has never followed the policy of reserving seats for Muslims. “It rather reserves 50 percent seats for internal students regardless of their religion or caste. In the case of AMU, there is a stay order of the apex court on the 2005 decision of Allahabad high court and therefore till the Supreme Court finally determines its minority character, no change in its reservation policy is legally possible,” Prof Tabassum Shahab, Pro V-C, AMU, stated.TOI
Only 'extremists' from Muslim community against BJP: Subramanian Swamy
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/only-extremists-from-muslim-community-against-bjp-subramanian-swamy/articleshow/65093473.cms
Mumbai: BJP leader Subramanian Swamy claimed today that support for the ruling BJP among Muslims has increased after the Narendra Modi-led Govt decided to criminalise the practice of instant triple talaq among the minority community. He said only "extremists" from the community are against the BJP now. "Only extremist Muslims will not vote for the BJP but the rest will be with BJP. After we banned things like triple talaq, for which there is even division among Muslims, 50 per cent of the community today is voting for BJP," Swamy said, referring to the passage of a bill criminalising instant triple talaq in Lok Sabha last year. PTI
Muslim League to change flag due to 'Pak effect'
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/jul/23/indian-union-muslim-league-to-change-flag-due-to-pakistani-effect-1847147.html
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is set for a major overhaul, with a change of its flag also being a possibility. Muslim Youth League (MYL) leaders have come out with the suggestion that the party, which they believe is set to make a major foray into the north Indian states, must rework on the flag, especially the “Pakistani” effect on it. One other major reason for thinking of a change of flag is PIL filed in Supreme Court by UP Shia Central Wakf Board chairman Syed Waseem Rizvi. IUML state secretary Abdurahiman Randathani said: “Rizvi is a Shia cleric who has called to build Ram Temple after demolishing Babri Masjid. He has also asked to ban madrasas across the country stating they teach terrorism and communalism. His opinion must be rejected outright.”In the public programme held in Kannur to announce it, the green flag was seen missing while the dais was full of red colour. MYL state general secretary PK Firoz, however, denied the allegation and said the green colour was prominent.In a related incident, at national executive in Thiruvananthapuram, delegates were received with red garlands instead of green.At a recent meeting at the League House in Kozhikode, a firebrand leader of its student wing MSF told on the face of a senior leader that the party has to change the flag, in green colour with crescent and star, as it has a resemblance to that of Pakistan Muslim League.ET Mohammed Basheer MP, who is the IUML national organising secretary, denied any change of party flag.“These are mere rumours. Party has never thought of such a move and the League has been part of Union Govt for 10 years and had produced a CM in Kerala. We have been using this flag all these years, so what’s the need for a change now?” he asked.A senior MYL leader on condition of anonymity confirmed “Youth League is for a change of its flag which may be extended to the IUML also” while a senior MLA of the party said, “a MYL leader has given 3 different designs, but no decision has been taken yet”.newindianexpress
500 Syrian students to study in India under Govt ’s new plan
https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/500-syrian-students-to-study-in-india-under-Govt -s-new-plan/story-T002g64qdSSDl0IoOq9dXN.html
New Delhi:Nearly 500 students from war-torn Syria are getting admission in Govt and private institutes under the “Study in India” scheme of the Govt launched in April earlier this year, according to officials familiar with the development.The scheme is aimed at bringing students from countries in south Asia, southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa to top institutions in India, including the IITs, NITs, Delhi University (DU), JNU, among others.“This (the 2018-19 academic year) is the zero year, and even then, we have received a number of applications. Probably for the first time, so many students from Syria have applied. A few students from there have taken admission in the past but not in a systematic manner,” said a senior Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry official who asked not to be named.hindustantimes
Those who want Shariat ‘may go to Pakistan’, says BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/those-who-want-shariat-may-go-to-pakistan-says-bjp-mp-sakshi-maharaj/story-PCkGaqhK8K42gnjwjjVLbI.html
BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj, known for making controversial remarks, on Sunday said that those who wanted Shariat in the country “should go to Pakistan”.He was responding to a reporter’s query that some organisations were seeking ‘Shariat courts’ to resolve the personal disputes of Muslims.PTI
UP to present ‘vision document’ on Taj Mahal before SC on Thursday
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/up-to-present-vision-document-on-taj-mahal-before-sc-on-thursday
Uttar Pradesh Govt will be presenting a 'vision document' on the Taj Mahal in Agra before the Supreme Court on Thursday, an official said on Monday.This document, prepared by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, was put together after the apex court came down heavily on the Govt while hearing a petition filed by environmentalist MC Mehta.IANS
Congress to bring privilege motion against PM or Nirmala Sitharaman on Rafale deal details
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-to-bring-privilege-motion-against-nirmala-sitharaman-over-rafale-deal/article24494010.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI:Congress on Monday said they would bring a privilege motion against Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for allegedly misleading the Lok Sabha on details of the Rafale fighter jet deal.''“There is nothing in the defence agreement that doesn’t allow the Govt to reveal the price,” said former Defence Minister A.K. Antony. He asserted that he had revealed the value of many deals, including the one on the French-built Mirage aircraft.Rajya Sabha Congress member Anand Sharma said, “Since this happened in the Lok Sabha, appropriate action regarding privilege will be taken by members of the House.”Mr. Antony also stated that the Constitution said that the price would have to be revealed to the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) and the Public Accounts Committee. Congress leader and Lok Sabha member Mallikarjun Kharge said the party would bring a privilege motion, but it was yet to decide if it would be only against the Defence Minister or PM Narendra Modi. In his speech in the House during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the Govt , Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Modi and Ms. Sitharaman had lied to the country on the Rafale deal. thehindu
WORLD
UN's top court rules UAE blockade violated Qataris' rights
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/top-court-rules-uae-blockade-violated-qataris-rights-180723131444047.html
The United Nations' top court has issued a provisional ruling, saying that measures put in place by the United Arab Emirates as part of its boycott against Qatar amount to racial discrimination.UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, imposed a land, air and sea blockade against Qatar in June 2017, in one of the worst diplomatic crisis in the Gulf in decades.Qatar filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in June, accusing the UAE of violating international laws by expelling thousands of Qataris, many of whom have family or own property in the UAE, and closing UAE airspace and seaports to Qatar. It alleged the boycott violates the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) - including discrimination on the basis of nationality - a treaty signed by both the UAE and Qatar.On Monday, the Hague-based said that Qatari families affected by the UAE's measures must be reunited, imposing a measure before it hears in full the discrimination case.It also said that students should be given the opportunity to complete their studies in the UAE or to retain records of their studies to allow them to continue their education elsewhere.Finally, it said Qataris should be allowed access to judicial services in the UAE.Qatar's National Human Rights Committee estimated the blockade has affected about 13,000 people.The committee recorded 4,105 cases of human rights violations in the last year, including 646 family reunification violations.Informally known as the World Court, the ICJ is the UN' venue for resolving legal disputes between states.aljazeera
Qataris' human rights 'plausibly' infringed by UAE blockade: UN court rules
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/qataris-human-rights-plausibly-infringed-uae-blockade-un-court-rules-410001824
War of words between US, Iran: Pompeo calls Iran's religious leaders 'hypocritical holy men'
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/pompeo-calls-iran-religious-leaders-hypocritical-holy-men-180723054948250.html
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blasted Iran's religious leaders as "hypocritical holy men" whom he says are more interested in lining their pockets and spreading hardline views abroad than helping out their own cash-strapped citizens. Pompeo's speech on Sunday came as US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani traded angry threats amid rising tensions between the two countries. "Sometimes it seems the world has become desensitised to the regime's authoritarianism at home and its campaigns of violence abroad, but the proud Iranian people are not staying silent about their Govt 's many abuses," Pompeo told a crowd of Iranian Americans during a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California. "US under President Trump will not stay silent," he said in an address aimed at members of southern California's 250,000-strong Iranian-American community. Pompeo took particular aim at several of Iran's judicial, military and political leaders, accusing them of widespread corruption. "The level of corruption and wealth among Iranian leaders shows that Iran is run by something that resembles the mafia more than a Govt ," Pompeo said. The top US diplomat claimed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had an off-the-books hedge fund, Setad, worth $95bn, and that Iran's judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani was worth $300m after wiring public funds to his own accounts.Pompeo's speech came as the war of words between Rouhani and Trump intensified. Prior to Pompeo's speech on Sunday, Iranian President Hasan Rouhani warned Trump not to escalate tensions with Iran, saying a confrontation with Iran would be the "mother of all wars".aljazeera
Al-Shabab claims killing 27 soldiers in Somalia
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/al-shabab-claims-killing-27-soldiers-southern-somalia-180723055445204.html
Somalia's al-Shabab armed group claimed on Monday they have killed at least 27 soldiers in a suicide attack at a military base in the country's south.Abdiasis Abu Musab, the group's spokesman, said that the fighters stormed the base in Baar Sanguni village - about 50km from the port city of Kismayo - after the car bomb explosion."We killed 27 soldiers and took the base. Some soldiers fled into the jungles," he claimed. There was no immediate official comment from the Govt about the attack.But a Somali military officer, Majo Mohamud Aden, told Reuters from Kismayo that the military was sending reinforcements to the base following the reports of violence.aljazeera
Israeli army kills Palestinian teen in Bethlehem raid
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2018/07/israeli-army-kills-palestinian-teen-bethlehem-raid-180723054740022.html
Israeli soldiers have shot dead a Palestinian teenager and rounded up at least 11 others during an overnight raid in the occupied West Bank. Arkan Thaer Mizhar, 15, was shot in the chest in Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem, in the southern West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said on Monday.His funeral is due to take place later on Monday.A security source told WAFA news agency that Israeli forces stormed the camp and conducted house raids. Soldiers fired live ammunition as well as tear gas and stun grenades.aljazeera
Israeli PM to meet Russian FM for Syria talks
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-pm-to-meet-russian-fm-in-jlem-for-syria-talks/1211405
Jerusalem :Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov later Monday in Jerusalem to discuss the latest developments regarding Syria and Iran, according to Israeli daily Haaretz. Russian Military Chief-of-Staff Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov will also attend the discussion. Speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Monday’s meeting was being held at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin.The talks, Netanyahu said in a statement, would tackle “regional issues -- first and foremost, the situation in Syria”. Monday’s meeting will come one day after Israeli warplanes reportedly struck a military installation in Syria’s central-west Hama province. Israel frequently accuses Tehran of exploiting the ongoing conflict in Syria -- where Iran supports the ruling Assad regime -- to establish a permanent military presence near Israel’s borders. While Russia also supports the Syrian regime, it remains in close communication with Israeli military officials in order to avert potential clashes.Anadolu Agency
Sisi appoints sons in key roles to ‘protect his throne’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180723-sisi-appoints-sons-in-key-roles-to-protect-his-throne/
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has reportedly promoted his son Mahmoud from the rank of Major to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed him deputy head of the General Intelligence Directorate.This comes after Al-Sisi’s younger son, Hassan, a former engineer in an oil company, was appointed to the Department of Communications of the General Intelligence Directorate.An Israeli think tank linked to the decision-making circles in Tel Aviv reported on 13 January 2017 that Al-Sisi was working to tighten his grip on the Egyptian intelligence apparatus by appointing his relatives and supporters to senior positions.The Jerusalem Centre for Public Affairs (JCPA) pointed out that Al-Sisi appointed his eldest son Mahmoud as a senior official responsible for the “internal security” of the General Intelligence. Mahmoud is now considered the “powerful man” in the apparatus who participates in official meetings held by his father and his closest associates, who control the intelligence agency, after a “massive elimination” operation was carried out.MEMO
Yemen:Unidentified assailants kill well-known cleric
https://apnews.com/e70e324e2567420ba7d4dbeb01ed1a15Link
Sanaa:Yemeni officials say unidentified armed men have killed a Muslim preacher in the southern city of Aden, base of Yemen’s internationally recognized Govt backed by a Saudi-led coalition.They said on Sunday that the slain Mohammed Ragheb was known to be close to the Islah party, a local affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood group that is allied with Yemen’s self-exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media.Muslim clerics and preachers have often been targeted, mostly in Aden, prompting some imams to quit, abandon their mosques or flee the war-torn country.The coalition has been backing Hadi’s Govt in a 3-year war against Iran-aligned Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, aiming to restore him to power.AP
Yemen Waqf: Stop assassination of clerics
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180723-yemen-waqf-stop-assassination-of-clerics/
Yemeni Ministry of Endowments has called on the competent security authorities in the city of Aden to stand firmly against the assassination and acts of terrorism practiced against the city’s clerics, muslim scholars and imams.In a statement the ministry stressed on the need to expedite the prosecution of the perpetrators and bring them to justice.The ministry issued the statement a few hours after the assassination of Sheikh Mohammed Bazareih, the imam of Abdullah Azzam Mosque in the city of Maala in Aden, after evening prayers on Saturday. The identities of the gunmen remains unknown.middleeastmonitor
Muslim footballer Ozil’s resignation sparks Germany racism storm as Ankara cheers
https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/ozils-resignation-sparks-germany-racism-storm-as-ankara-cheers/article24496085.ece?homepage=true
Mesut Ozil's decision to quit playing for Germany unleashed a racism storm in Berlin on Monday, but earned the applause of Ankara with a Turkish minister hailing “a goal against the virus of fascism”.After months of silence over a controversial photograph with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May, which sparked questions about his loyalty to Germany, Ozil erupted on Sunday.The Arsenal midfielder posted a stinging 4-page statement taking aim at German Football Association (DFB) bosses, sponsors and the media.Ozil, a key member of the squad which won the 2014 World Cup, blamed the DFB management, in particular its president Reinhard Grindel, for failing to side with him against his critics.“In the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose,” Ozil wrote.29-year-old said he was true to both his Turkish and German origins and insisted he did not intend to make a political statement by appearing with Erdogan just before the World Cup finals.“I have two hearts, one German and one Turkish,” said Ozil, who was repeatedly singled out for criticism after Germany's woeful performance at the World Cup saw them crash out after the group stages.Ozil's explosive statement, in three separate postings on Twitter and Instagram, was hailed by Erdogan's Govt , which has championed a campaign against what Ankara sees as growing Islamophobia in Europe.“I congratulate Mesut Ozil who by leaving the national team has scored the most beautiful goal against the virus of fascism,” Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul wrote on Twitter.AFP
FLASH VIEWS & NEWS
Indifference to facts has become a cultural phenomenon. Media, politicians must take the blame:Abdul Khaliq
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/fake-news-oxford-dictionary-word-of-the-year-216-post-truth-5270328/
India doesn’t need a new law to curb lynchings, enforcing existing laws is enough, say legal experts
https://scroll.in/article/887295/india-doesnt-need-a-new-law-to-curb-lynchings-enforcing-existing-laws-is-enough-say-legal-experts
Modi govt buries its head in the sand over data on mob lynchings:Bhasha Singh
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/modi-govt-buries-its-head-in-the-sand-over-data-on-mob-lynchings
NRC and Citizenship Bill Have Fuelled Old, Divisive Anxieties in Assam:Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
https://thewire.in/politics/assam-nrc-citizenship-bill-bangladesh
Veteran General,ex AMU VC Writes to PM “In Anguish”
http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/2/14461/A-Veteran-General-And-Former-AMU-VC--Writes-to-the-PM-In-Anguish
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 1:20 PM)
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