NEWS DIGEST, Afternoon
28 Nov. 2018:19 Rabiul-I 1440: Vol: 11, No:66
INDIA
France, Germany can be good neighbours, why not India,Pak:Imran during ground breaking ceremony of Kartarpur corridor; Sidhu, Indian ministers present
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/imran-khan-lays-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor/article25613280.ece?homepage=true
Kartarpur:Pakistan PM Imran Khan today laid the foundation stone for a corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Kartarpur — the final resting place of Sikh faith’s founder Guru Nanak Dev— to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri were present at the event.Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu also attended the ceremony. Speaking at the event, Pakistan PM called for restarting trade links with India. "When France and Germany, which have fought many wars can live as good neighbours today, why not India and Pakistan," wondered Khan.Khan said he believes poverty in the sub-continent can be reduced if the neighbours restart trade ties. "I say again that if India moves one step forward, Pakistan will move two steps," he added.Dismissing reports of differences between Govt and the Army, Khan said, “When I went to India, I was told that army will not allow good relations with India, I want to say that all institutions are on the same page."Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across river Ravi.Kartarpur Corridor, which will facilitate visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, is expected to be completed within 6 months.The development comes ahead of Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary next year.PTI
Pakistan PM Imran Khan launches Kartarpur corridor; Sidhu, 2 Indian ministers present
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-launches-kartarpur-corridor-sidhu-2-indian-ministers-present/story-6RQSwUK9xNyt2z1nol3onJ.html
India will not participate in SAARC unless Pakistan ends terror:Sushma Swaraj
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-will-not-participate-in-saarc-unless-pakistan-ends-terror-says-sushma-swaraj/
New Delhi :Ahead of the stone laying ceremony of Kartarpur corridor by Pakistan PM Imran Khan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today threatened to pull out of the SAARC Summit, saying there would be no dialogue with Pakistan until it stops sponsoring terrorist activities.“Unless and until Pakistan stops terrorist activities in India there will be no dialogue and we will not participate in SAARC,”Swaraj said at a press conference in Hyderabad.On Tuesday, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that PM Narendra Modi will be invited to the summit.indianexpress
Ban on Hafiz Saeed outfits not lifted:Pak Minister
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ban-on-hafiz-saeeds-organisations-not-lifted-pakistan-information-minister-fawad-chaudhury/article25608349.ece?homepage=true
Lahore:Pakistan Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said the nation was “bound by United Nations' resolutions” and that the ban on Hafiz Saeed’s organisations, including LeT, JuD and Falah-I-Insaniyat Foundation, has not been lifted.“We are bound by the UN resolution [under UNSC1267]. So there is no question of lifting the ban,” Hussain told The Hindu in an interview. “There is just a misconception because of the lapse of the [anti-terror] ordinance.”Saeed's lawyers had made a submission in the Islamabad High Court that the ordinance had lapsed.While the Pakistan Govt did not deny or confirm the development then, both New Delhi and Washington reacted sharply to the news.thehindu
SHRC seeks report on infant hit by stray pellet in Shopian
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shrc-seeks-report-on-20-month-old-girl-hit-by-stray-pellet-in-shopian-5468120/
Srinagar : State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has sought a report from J-K police and the administration, asking them to file a detailed report on the pellet injury to a 20 month-old-baby girl in South Kashmir on Sunday. victim Hiba Nisar, suffered a pellet injury on her right eye at their native village in Kapren-Batgund area in Shopian district, post-encounter on Sunday. Her mother Marsala Jan had said that while clashes were going on in the area, the security forces fired pellets. She said she was trying to move out of the house as intense tear gas shelling had caused breathing problems. She was holding Hiba in her arms when the pellets were fired. On Tuesday, SHRC chief Justice (Rtd) Bilal Nazki issued notice to SSP Shopian and DC Shopian on the petition filed by chairman International Forum for Justice and Human Rights Muhammad Ahsan Untoo.Nazki confirmed that a report has been sought from the authorities. “We have sought a report from both police and district administration and asked them to give their version of the events,” he said.indianexpress
Naveed Jatt, suspect in Shujaat Bukhari killing, another militant shot dead in Budgam encounter
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/let-commander-naveed-jatt-among-2-killed-in-budgam-kashmir/article25612298.ece?homepage=true
Srinagar: Naveed Jatt, a suspect in the killing of editor of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari on June 14 outside his office, is among two militants killed in an operation by security forces in central Kashmir's Budgam district, the police said today. Among the 2 militants killed [in the encounter], one is identified as Naveed Jatt alias Hanzallah affiliated with LeT,"said police.The operation at Chattergam has been called off after “both the hiding militants were killed”.It was launched by the Army, police and CRPF in the early hours of the day. 3 people were injured as protesters clashed with security forces in the area. One injured was shifted to a Srinagar hospital. Hailing from Pakistan, Jatt escaped from Srinagar’s hospital on Feb.6 this year when he was being shifted from Central Jail in Srinagar for a treatment.thehindu
Delhi HC upholds conviction of 88 people in 1984 anti-Sikh riots
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-hc-upholds-conviction-of-88-people-in-1984-anti-sikh-riots/story-i9ylKT9VJfSTP48wT80EgO.html
New Delhi:Delhi High Court on Wednesday upheld the conviction of 88 convicts in 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, ANI reported. 88 convicts had been arrested in East Delhi’s Trilokpuri area and had been sentenced to 5-year jail terms each by a trial court in 1996. The 88 convicts had been held guilty of rioting, burning houses and curfew violations by the trial court. Justice RK Gauba, who was hearing the case, has directed all the 88 convicts to surrender within four weeks.The convicts had challenged August 27, 1996 judgement of a Sessions Court which had convicted 88 out of 107 people arrested on Nov. 2, 1984 for rioting, burning houses and curfew violation in Trilokpuri area of East Delhi, PTI reported. Dismissing their petition, the Delhi High Court said that all those convicted must serve the 5-year jail term.HT
CBI vs CBI: Delhi HC allows Verma to inspect case file relating to Asthana
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cbi-high-court-alok-verma-a-k-sharma-inspect-case-file-rakesh-asthana-cvc-corruption-probe-5469120/
New Delhi :CBI Director Alok Verma and Joint Director A K Sharma were today allowed by the Delhi High Court to inspect in the CVC’s office the case file relating to FIR against the agency’s Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Verma was asked by Justice Najmi Waziri to go to Central Vigilance Commission’s office on Thursday after his counsel said there are allegations of mala fide against him in Asthana’s petition. He also allowed Sharma to go to CVC’s office on Friday for inspecting files. Regarding proceedings against Asthana, who has sought quashing of an FIR against him in a bribery case, the court extended till December 7 its order directing CBI to maintain status quo.The court was hearing separate pleas of Asthana, Kumar and middleman Manoj Prasad seeking quashing of FIR against them.In the previous hearing, counsel for Sharma said he had incriminating evidence against Asthana and would place it before the court in a sealed cover, to which the court had asked him to file it before CBI. The probe agency will then place the documents before it. indianexpress
RBI's Cash Reserves Meant For Periods of Stress, Not Govt’s Normal Needs: Urjit Patel
https://www.news18.com/news/business/rbis-cash-reserves-meant-for-periods-of-stress-not-govts-normal-needs-urjit-patel-1953083.html
New Delhi:RBI Governor Urjit Patel told a parliamentary committee that the current level of currency reserves in central bank is necessary keeping in mind international volatility and to maintain high creditworthiness. Sources quoted Patel telling the committee that these reserves are meant "for periods of stress and not for meeting normal needs," TOI reported. Governor had appeared in front of a panel to brief the demonetisation and NPA situation. 3 were many reports that said Patel steered clear of controversial issues like Section 7 of RBI Act, NPAs and the autonomy of the central bank.Patel's comments on the surplus reserves are significant as it was one of the main issues of contention between the central bank and the Govt during the unprecedented rift. Govt had reportedly asked for Rs 3.6 lakh of RBI’s cash reserves, but the charge was denied by finance ministry, with Arun Jaitley saying Govt does not need the money for the next 6 months.News18
Citizenship Bill: Consensus eludes JPC meeting
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/citizenship-bill-consensus-eludes-jpc-meeting-5468037/
New Delhi :Maintaining that India is a secular country, several members of a parliamentary committee from the Opposition suggested that nationality not be accorded on the basis of religion. The members expressed their views as Joint Parliamentary Committee on Citizenship (Amendment)Bill, 2016, took up a clause-by-clause consideration of the legislation. 30-member committee, headed by Rajendra Agrawal of BJP,includes Bhartruhari Mahtab of BJD, Saugata Roy and Derek O’Brien of TMC, Satish Mishra of BSP, Mohammad Salim of CPI(M) and Sushmita Dev of the Congress.Bill seeks to confer citizenship on people belonging to minority communities–Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians–from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after 6 years of residence in India even if they do not possess any requisite document.The meeting was inconclusive. People belonging to TMC and Left parties claimed that BJP had been made to hold itself back considering that it had planned to conclude the deliberations on Tuesday. However, the committee will now decide at its next meeting which amendments will be taken up for consideration.The amendments have to be adopted through a consensus or through voting. BJP and its allies outnumber the opposition members. Sources disclosed that an opposition member at the meeting on Tuesday moved an amendment seeking to exclude immigrants from Bangladesh from the purview of Bill. indianexpress
Ayodhya: After PM’s ‘Congress Scared Judges’ Remark, Now Indresh of RSS Slams CJI Bench
http://caravandaily.com/portal/ayodhya-after-pms-congress-scared-judges-remark-now-indresh-of-rss-slams-cji-bench/
New Delhi:Apparently emboldened by Ayodhya remarks of PM Narendra Modi, senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar has directly slammed the Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice for delaying the hearing in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title suit. He even suggested that the judges should resign “if they are not ready to deliver justice early”. 3-judge bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi last month deferred the hearing in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title suit till Jan.2019. Saffron groups including RSS and BJP have since gone in offensive drive over the issue.“I haven’t taken names because 125 crore Indians know their names… 3-judge bench… they delayed, they denied, they disrespected,” Indresh was quoted as saying by Indian Express. He then went on to say “will the country be so handicapped” that it lets “2-3” judges “throttle its beliefs, democracy, Constitution and fundamental rights”.RSS leader was speaking a seminar titled ‘Janmabhoomi mein anyay kyun’, organised by the Joshi Foundation on the campus of Panjab University on Tuesday.In a remark that could be seen as a threat to judges, he also claimed there was growing anguish against “2-3” judges. “All are looking forward to justice. They still have belief… but the judiciary, judges and justice have been disrespected because of two-three judges… It should be heard early. What is the problem? Otherwise, a question arises: if they are not ready to deliver justice, they should think if they want to remain judges or resign,”said he.caravandaily
Ayodhya: Indresh of RSS slams CJI-bench, claims govt is ready with a law
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-rss-supreme-court-indresh-vhp-5468030/
At ‘Dharma Sansad’ in Varanasi, sants condemn govt’s Ram statue proposal
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-dharma-sansad-in-varanasi-sants-condemn-govts-ram-statue-proposal-5468038/
Lucknow :A resolution condemning the state Govt ’s proposal to build a 211m Ram statue in Ayodhya — calling it “disrespectful to god, who is to be prayed to and not showcased” — was introduced at an ongoing ‘Dharma Sansad’, a gathering of over 1,000 sants in Varanasi, Monday. Meanwhile, Govt is contemplating opting for crowd-funding for the project, as was done for the ‘Statue of unity’ in Gujarat. 3-day ‘Dharma Sansad’, organised by Dwarka Peeth’s Shankracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati, is happening right after VHP organised a ‘Dharma Sabha’ in Ayodhya to renew their demand for a Ram temple.The ‘Dharm Sansad’ continued till late Tuesday evening, and a ‘dharmadesh’ (verdict) is likely to be announced today.indianexpress
Muslim families begin their journey back to Ayodhya post VHP event
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/muslim-families-begin-their-journey-back-to-ayodhya-post-vhp-event/articleshow/66820912.cms
Several Muslim families who had left the temple town ahead of the VHP organised ‘Dharma Sabha’ started returning on Monday, a day after the event demanding construction of the Ram Temple ended peacefully.“I am relieved a lot after reaching here this morning. Everything is in order. The crowd has now returned to their places,” said Shabir Ali,a 75-year-old, who returned to his Gadiwan Tola residence in Ayodhya after spending two nights at a relative’s place in the nearby Faizabad city. “My family members will come here by the evening,” he told ET.Ali said he shifted the family of 6, including his ailing wife, out of the town as the communal violence following the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition was still fresh in his mind. This time, however, there were no reports of trouble in Ayodhya, where on Sunday Hindu saints and leaders urged Govt to commence construction of the temple at the earliest.On Monday morning, ET found a few houses still locked in localities such as Saiyyadwada, Beghumpura, Gadiwan Tola and Kotia, as the occupants had shifted temporarily to places like Faizabad, Akbarpur and Gorakhpur. While staying in Faizabad, Ali said he kept a close watch on every development in Ayodhya. “We have good friends among the Hindus. I was in touch with them to collect every update. Besides, I was also watching TV,” he said. Ali said his father had served as the manager of a local temple for several years. “So, I still enjoy good relationship with local sadhus,”he added. economictimes
Ayodhya: SDPI threatens to bring 25 lakh people, demands reconstruction of Babri Masjid
https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/ayodhya-issue-sdpi-threatens-to-bring-25-lakh-people-demands-reconstruction-of-babri-masjid/1394935/
A day after VHP organised ‘Dharam Sabha’ in Ayodhya to galvanise support in favour of Ram Mandir, SDPI threatened it can bring 25 lakh people in this temple town of UP. Addressing the media on Monday, SDPI’s national general secretary Tasleem Ahmad Rehmani even demanded from the Govt to abide by its promise of reconstructing the now-razed Babri Masjid at the same place in Ayodhya.“If they can gather 5 lakh people, we can gather 25 lakh,” Rehmani said. It also announced that it will hold a big rally in Delhi on December 6, the day the Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992, to agitate for demand to rebuild a mosque. Attacking RSS,VHP, Bajrang Ral and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray for the recent Ayodhya visit, SDPI said that attempts are being made to terrorise people to press for the construction of Ram Mandir by hook or crook bypassing the judicial proceedings. It said that the recent mobilisation in Ayodhya involves several hundred crores of rupees with tremendous inconvenience to people in east UP, adding that thousands of frightened residents had to move away from their homes fearing violence from provocative sloganeering mobs roaming in Ayodhya and Faizabad streets. Responding to Rehmani, Ram Vilas Vedanti, president of Ram Janambhoomi Nyas, said if they had called people to gather in Ayodhya, 25 crore would have arrived here to participate in Dharam Sabha.financialexpress
Analysing complaint seeking Rafale probe: French prosecutor
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/analysing-complaint-seeking-rafale-probe-french-prosecutor-5468017/
New Delhi :French anti-corruption NGO Sherpa’s complaint to the French National Public Prosecutor seeking an investigation in the Rs 59,000-crore Rafale deal is “part of all items being analysed” by prosecutor’s office.Céline Clement Petreman, spokesperson for the National Public Prosecutor’s office, has said: “Sherpa sent a letter to National Public Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) conveying information from the Indian press by drawing the attention of the PNF to this case.” Documents sent by Sherpa are “part of all items being analysed” in the Rafale deal, Petreman said.The complaint against the French Govt and Dassault Aviation was filed late last month by Sherpa with PNF. It asked for “opening an early investigation into the seriousness of the facts and the presumptions of the commission of the offenses reported: potential acts of corruption, granting undue advantages, trading in influence, complicity in these offenses, receiving corruption and laundering”.indianexpress
Coal scam: Supreme Court asks SIT to file fresh status report on inquiry against former CBI chief
https://scroll.in/latest/903705/coal-scam-supreme-court-asks-sit-to-file-fresh-status-report-on-inquiry-against-former-cbi-chief
Supreme Court has asked the SIT of the CBI to file a fresh status report on the inquiry into of “abuse of official position” by former agency chief Ranjit Sinha in the coal scam cases.A special bench of Justices MB Lokur, Justices Kurian Joseph and AK Sikri was hearing the matter. The bench asked CBI’s SIT to file status report by Jan.15, 2019.The last status report covered the inquiry conducted until Jan.15 this year. The bench is monitoring the probe by CBI and the ED into the coal scam cases.The bench reiterated its earlier order that officers investigating and supervising these cases should not be transferred or removed without permission of the SC.The court also asked the Enforcement Directorate and CBI to file updated status reports on all pending coal scam cases.scroll.in
SC directs CBI to probe Bihar shelter home abuse cases
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-orders-cbi-investigation-into-bihar-shelter-home-cases-5468689/
New Delhi :The Supreme Court Wednesday directed CBI to investigate the alleged abuse of inmates at 16 shelter homes in the state. The central investigation agency is already probing the Muzaffarpur shelter home case. Dismissing the state Govt ’s appeal against a CBI probe, the court also said that the officers probing the case shall not be changed. CBI informed the court that it will file a chargesheet by Dec. 7.An audit report by the TISS in April this year, which was handed to the Bihar Govt , had revealed alleged abuse of inmates, many of whom were minors, at 14 shelter homes across the state. The report, which found that abuse is “prevalent in almost all institutions”, cited sexual exploitation, physical abuse and inmates being “always locked up”, among other allegations.indianexpress
Assembly Elections Live: 71% polling in Mizoram, 65.5% in MP
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/madhya-pradesh-mizoram-elections-live-updates/liveblog/66837016.cms
Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram voted today in Assembly elections. About 71% votes cast in Mizoram, state Chief Electoral Officer Ashish Kundra says.Polling ends in MP, poll officials say 65.5% voter turnout. TOI
MP, Mizoram Assembly Election LIVE : 50% voter turnout in MP, 54 % in Mizoram till 3 pm
https://indianexpress.com/elections/madhya-pradesh-mizoram-assembly-elections-2018-live-updates-bjp-congress-mnf-5468115/
MP election: Faulty EVMs, VVPAT machines cause glitches
https://www.hindustantimes.com/madhya-pradesh-elections/madhya-pradesh-election-2018-faulty-evms-vvpat-machines-cause-glitches/story-LOBDDmagNpYgiirxII1O6M.html
Polling is underway for 230-member MP Assembly today.Several faulty EVMs and VVPAT machines have been replaced within the first hour, officials said. In Ujjain, two faulty EVMs and 11 VVPAT machines were replaced by the Election Commission officials.In Bhuranpur constituency, five VVPATs and two faulty EVMs were replaced by 9 am.Click here for Live updates on Madhya Pradesh assembly election 2018.CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan voted with his family in Jait village under Bhudni constituency. He is contesting against Congress’ Arun Yadav.State Congress chief Kamal Nath also casted his vote, after a temple visit along with his family, at a polling booth in Chhindwara.Polling began at 7 a.m. for three Maoist-affected constituencies in Balaghat district, while votes were cast in the remaining 227 assembly seats starting 8 am.HT
Mumbai: Rahiwasi Mahasangh protests against proposed mosque in Sanpada, blocks highway
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mumbai-residents-protest-against-proposed-mosque-in-sanpada-block-sion-panvel-highway-5467985/
Mumbai :A group of residents have protested against a proposed mosque in Sanpada on the Sion-Panvel highway. The protesters also shaved their heads off on the highway.Akhil Sanpada Rahiwasi Mahasangh took out a protest march on Tuesday against the proposed mosque in Sanpada. According to Ghanshyam Pate of Mahasangh, the protest was regarding a proposed mosque in Sector 8 of Sanpada. He said: “Sanpada is a Hindu majority area with only 51 Muslim families. Bringing a mosque here is akin to creating a religious clash.”Protest started at around 8 am after rituals at the Ganesh temple. “We have been protesting against the mosque since 2001. In 2002, the then senior inspector had sent a favourable report for the mosque, despite our protests. We have spoken to the municipal authorities to find a different place with sizable Muslim population for the mosque, but now they seem to be adamant to make it in Sanpada,” Pate said.The protesters blocked the Sion-Panvel highway for an hour before the police managed to take control of the situation and detained some protesters. “…The mosque will disturb the peace of the area in a Hindu majority population and we will not let it come up in Sanpada,” said Anjali Mate, a protester. Another resident Suyash Kale said: “There is enough space in other places. This is a trick to create communal rivalry in quiet Sanpada. Why can’t they build mosque somewhere else?”indianexpress
Angry Over 'Unfulfilled' Govt Promises, Una Dalit Victims Seek Mercy Killing
https://thewire.in/caste/angry-over-unfulfilled-Govt -promises-una-dalit-victims-seek-mercy-killing
New Delhi: The Dalits who were publicly flogged in Una, Gujarat in 2016 have written to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking permission for mercy killing. According to the Indian Express, the victims have said that the state Govt has did not fulfil any of the promises that were made in the aftermath of the incident.Vashram Sarvaiya has written on behalf of his family that then CM Anandiben Patel had made several promises after the July 11, 2016 attack, but the victims were still waiting for the Govt to deliver.“She had assured us that the state Govt will allot five acres land to each of victims, that the victims will be given Govt jobs as per their qualification, and Mota Samadhiyala will be transformed into a developed village. Two years and four months have passed since the incident and the Govt has fulfilled none of its promises nor has it made any attempt to fulfil them,” Indian Express has quoted the letter as saying.“We have quit the occupation of selling animal hides and therefore are left with no other means of livelihood. It is possible we would die of hunger in future. We have represented our case repeatedly in writing and orally, but the Gujarat Govt has not paid any attention to any of our problems.”thewire
Una’s Dalit victims seek mercy killing, write to Prez
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-dalit-victims-seek-mercy-killing-write-to-president-ram-nath-kovind-5468046/
#ImplantFiles: In US, ortho major forced to admit it was corrupting doctors and hospitals in India
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/implantfiles-in-us-ortho-major-forced-to-admit-it-was-corrupting-doctors-and-hospitals-in-india-5468011/
Inducements TO doctors, dubious deals with hospitals. If these are the hallmarks of the big unregulated medical bazaar in India, a rare case involving a global major has put a figure to it.In a filing two months ago, the top financial regulator in USA, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ordered the world’s leading manufacturer of orthopaedic implant devices, Stryker, to pay $7.8 million (over Rs 55 crore) in settlement for violating its corruption norms in India, China and Kuwait, documents accessed by Indian Express reveal.The settlement, recorded by the SEC on September 28, came after the Commission’s “accounting and audit enforcement” proceedings noted a number of “violations” by the company’s Indian subsidiary and its dealers. These “violations” include questionable payments to doctors for “consulting fees, travel, and other benefits” and “inflated invoices” issued to “mostly large, corporate hospitals”. And that’s not all. In 2012, anti-monopoly regulator, Competition Commission of India (CCI), fined an authorised distributor of Stryker India and two other firms Rs 3 crore for allegedly rigging bids, manipulating tenders and forming a cartel to sell equipment to the AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital, two of the largest Govt hospitals.In its scrutiny of Stryker’s India operations, including the findings of internal audits between 2010 and 2015, US SEC concluded: “Payments intended to benefit HCPs (Health Care Providers) also lacked sufficient documentation, such as consulting fees paid to doctors without adequate explanation of the doctors’ consulting services or hours billed, and payments for HCP travel with documentation that appeared falsified…“Additionally, the forensic review found missing or inaccurate documentation for numerous other transactions flagged as high-risk, including expenses related to consulting fees, travel, and other benefits to health-care professionals in India.”US regulator’s severe indictment of Stryker’s India operations is one of the most startling findings to emerge from the Implant Files investigation by theIndian Express and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) on the medical bazaar, where pharma majors hardsell their products without any regulation via a dubious nexus with hospitals and doctors.indianexpress
Rehana Fathima suspended by BSNL after arrest
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rehana-fathima-suspended-by-bsnl-after-arrest/story-U60THaux62FitEFPC8wsGO.html
BSNL has suspended woman activist Rehana Fathima from the post of telecom technician after she was arrested by the Pathanamthitta Police for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of people.On September 30, Fathima had posted a picture on Facebook, dressing up like an Ayyappa devotee with caption ‘Thathvamasi’.
Jet Airways brings back white knight Capt Hameed Ali to lead talks with Etihad
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/jet-airways-brings-back-white-knight-capt-hameed-ali-to-lead-talks-with-etihad-3228341.html
Even has he explores multiple avenues in his quest for funds for the troubled Jet Airways, Naresh Goyal has roped in industry veteran Capt Hameed Ali to lead talks with shareholder Etihad Airways.Capt Ali was instrumental in Jet Airways' deal with Etihad in 2013, when the Abu Dhabi-based airline bought a 24 % stake in its Indian peer."Capt Ali is a known face in the industry, especially in Middle-East where he has close ties," said an executive from the industry.Capt Ali's rapport with Etihad's senior management will be crucial for Goyal, who needs an urgent infusion of liquidity to keep his airline flying. Jet Airways has now reported losses for three consecutive quarters.moneycontrol
Delhi: Health Minister Satyendar Jain, 4 AAP volunteers acquitted in 2013 rioting case
https://scroll.in/latest/903688/delhi-health-minister-satyendar-jain-four-aap-volunteers-acquitted-in-2013-rioting-case
Patiala House Court in Delhi acquitted Health Minister Satyendar Jain and 4 AAP volunteers in a case of rioting in Paschim Vihar before 2013 Assembly polls. Additional CMM Samar Vishal acquitted the 5 people noting that witnesses in the case had failed to identify them.Delhi Police had arrested Jain in 2013 for allegedly rioting and obstructing public officials from discharging their duties during a protest.The court, however, said that no public official appeared before it to prove that Jain had obstructed them from doing their duty.
Will file PIL against polygamy, Halala: Women group
https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-will-file-pil-against-polygamy-nikah-halala-muslim-women-s-rights-group-2689941
Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA)said that it will be filing a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on polygamy and nikah halala. The group announced their decision in a public hearing conducted jointly with the Maharashtra State Women's Commission at the St Pius College, Goregaon.The group had sought a ban on the two practices with instant triple talaq in their earlier PIL but they were not taken up by the SC. "We will be filing the petition in a month's time. All laws are codified and it is time Muslim laws are codified too. Our next fight will be on inheritance and other things. Four marriages were allowed as per the conditions that time. Today those conditions do not prevail and hence polygamy should not be allowed," said Zakia Soman, convenor of BMMA.dnaindia
SIT to probe graft charges against UP waqf boards
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sit-to-probe-graft-charges-against-up-waqf-boards/articleshow/66836455.cms
Lucknow: A special investigation team will investigate all corruption charges levelled against waqf (endowment) properties managed by the Sunni Central Waqf Board and Shia Central Waqf Board in Uttar Pradesh. All orders passed by 2 waqf boards,including appointments, will be reviewed by the state Govt . The boards will also have to undergo a special audit of funds allocation, collection and expenditure by the state Govt. The decisions were made during a review meeting of the minority affairs department, chaired by cabinet minister Laxmi Narayan Chawdhary, on Tuesday. State minority welfare minister Baldev Singh Aulakh and Haj and waqf minister Mohsin Raza were also at the meeting. Sunni waqf board has 1.23 lakh registered properties, while the Shia board has 6,186 registered properties and is updating its list. TOI
Another ‘encounter’ in UP, police say victim an alleged cattle smuggler Irshaad
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/another-encounter-in-up-police-say-victim-a-cattle-smuggler-5468054/
Meerut :A 21-year-old man was killed in police firing in Meerut on Tuesday. Police claimed the victim and 4 others were smuggling cattle, and they opened fire when their vehicle was stopped for checking.Police said a sub-inspector was shot in his arm in the firing.While the victim has been identified as Irshaad, a resident of Muzaffarnagar, the four others reportedly escaped.An FIR has been registered under IPC Sections including 307 (attempt to murder) and UP Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, at Sardhana police station against the four unidentified men on the basis of a complaint filed by the injured sub-inspector, Om Prakash Arya.Police claimed to have recovered four bulls, 2 country-made weapons and six live cartridges from their vehicle. Irshaad’s father Dilshaad (44), said he did not know why his son was in Sardhana. “I had dinner with Irshaad and other members of my family at around 9 pm and then went to sleep.Early Tuesday, village pradhan, Yunus, told me that my son had met with an accident in Sardhana. An hour later, he told me Irshaad had died. I don’t know how and why Irshaad reached Sardhana.” Maganveer Singh Gill, in-charge of Muzaffarnagar’s Ratanpuri police station, said, “There was no case registered against Irshaad here…Irshaad used to rent out his Bolero pick-up and would himself drive the vehicle sometimes…His father has not filed any complaint with us in this connection so far.”indianexpress
Man pulled out of police van, beaten to death in UP’s Shamli
https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nov27-man-pulled-out-of-police-van-beaten-to-death-in-ups-shamli/story-tH6T1avondwXPszJHoy1YJ_amp.html?fbclid=IwAR2j8V_pp6ZdY3jbIVKbM7Xok8zjl8uKw5uPykhmCAZ-zzhEExbAhDjWes8
A man was dragged out of a police vehicle and beaten to death in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli on Monday. In a video that has gone viral, the police can be seen just standing and not making any attempt to save the man.One person has been arrested and police are on the lookout for five others who attacked the victim identified as Rajendra.Shamli SP Ajay Kumar said that a police team had gone to village Hathchoya on Monday evening after receiving a complaint that Rajendra, apparently drunk, was creating nuisance in the area. He was taken into custody.The video shows a group of villagers thrashing Rajendra inside the patrol car in the presence of cops and then dragging him out of the car. He is seen lying unconscious by the side of the road and was later declared dead. Admitting negligence on part of the cops on duty in patrol van, SP ordered their suspension and has initiated a departmental enquiry. hindustantimes
TN:Muslim bodies provide releif to Cyclone victims
http://twocircles.net/2018nov27/427364.html
Gaja cyclone that hit coastal and delta districts in Tamil Nadu created a heavy loss uprooting thousands of acres of coconut grooves, several electric poles and blew away roof tops of many a house.Coastal district of Tamilnadu like Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram,Thiruvarur, Puducherry were severely affected by Gaja cyclone. And some of the non-coastal districts like Tanjore,Trichy, Pudukkottai, Dindigul were also affected.While Govt of Tamil Nadu received 13 crore rupees from donors and has demanded Rs.15 thousand crores from centre towards relief fund.While the Govt is awaiting the relief fund, Islamic social organisations and political parties such as India Thowheed jamath, SDPI, TMMK, MMK cadres began relief work by distributing relief materials to the survivors of Gaja cyclone.TCN
Minority welfare: Rs 1,800 crore ‘unspent’, Centre waits for details from states
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/minority-welfare-rs-1800-crore-unspent-centre-waits-for-details-from-states/articleshow/66801811.cms
New Delhi: Even as the Centre revamped the multi-sectoral development programme (MsDP) earlier this year to enhance outreach to minority communities, it turns out that the ministry of minority affairs is still awaiting utilisation certificates from states for almost Rs 1,800 crore that currently reflect as “unspent funds” for 12th plan period that ended in March 2017. While the Govt has been calling for proposals from states under the revamped MsDP, now called Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), the ministry has been also writing to states to submit the utilisation status of funds for the 12th plan period. Assam tops the list in the unspent funds category as it has not yet submitted utilisation details for Rs 479 crore approximately, followed by Rs 404 crore by Bihar and Rs 346 crore by West Bengal. Two other states that figure in the unspent funds category of over Rs 100 crore include Arunachal Pradesh with around Rs 116 crore and UP which has to provide utilisation status for Rs 101 crore. In the case of many other states, the data for unspent money status available ranges between Rs 1-10crore, sources said. As per sources, the states are mandated to convey to Govt on utilisation of funds for schemes and till they don’t come forward to submit the utlisation certificate details, the amount will reflect as “unspent” in the ministry’s records. Across states, MoMA has so far approved proposals worth Rs 304 crore approximately under PMJVK out of the annual sanction of Rs 1,320 crore and proposals are also under process. The southern states have been more forthcoming. TOI
WORLD
Egypt, Saudi say Qatar blockade will continue
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/egypt-saudi-arabia-qatar-blockade-continue-181127144441295.html
Egypt and Saudi Arabia have jointly announced that their ongoing blockade of Qatar would remain in effect until further notice, according to the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya channel. The two countries on Tuesday reiterated their ongoing refusal to "make any concessions" towards Doha, which has been facing sanctions from four Arab states for more than a year. The announcement was made following a meeting in Cairo between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the latter of whom visited Egypt's capital on Tuesday as part of a regional tour.Later on Tuesday, Prince Mohammed is expected to arrive in Tunisia where protesters have taken to the streets to oppose to his visit and demand justice for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi last month in the kingdom's consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul.aljazeera
Egypt admits ‘heavy losses’ resulting from Qatar blockade
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20181127-egypt-admits-heavy-losses-resulting-from-qatar-blockade/
The chairman of EgyptAir, Ahmed Adel, announced on Monday “heavy losses” following the country’s participation in the Gulf blockade, which has been imposed on Qatar for the second year in a row.“The cessation of our [EgyptAir] flights to the Qatari capital of Doha has incurred heavy losses on the company,” Adel said in a meeting with the Egyptian parliament’s tourism and civil aviation committee.He added that the recent events in Syria and Libya have “negatively” affected the national carrier’s annual sales.Adel did not provide details on the value of the losses. “More than 50 per cent of the tickets’ fares are being obtained by the state’s tax authority,”national airline’s head pointed out.MEMO
Saudi Crown Prince arrives in Argentina in the face of G20: Will he be a pariah?
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/mbs-arrives-argentina-g20-pariah-181128111746208.html
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has arrived in Buenos Aires in the run-up to the G20 summit, a visit fraught with controversy over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.Human Rights Watch asked Argentina on Monday to use the war crimes clause in its constitution to investigate any involvement by the crown prince in possible crimes against humanity in Yemen and Khashoggi's murder.The killing of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a critic of the crown prince, at Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul six weeks ago, has strained Saudi's ties with the West and battered Prince Mohammed's image abroad. Saudi has said the prince, the kingdom's de facto ruler, had no prior knowledge of the murder. MBS arrived in Buenos Aires from Tunisia, where he was met by protesters who denounced him as a murderer for the killing of Khashoggi. Western nations are also calling for an end to the Saudi-led military campaign in neighbouring Yemen, which was launched by Prince Mohammed, as a humanitarian crisis there worsens.aljazeera
Egypt Blacklists 161 Brotherhood men as Terrorist
https://m.aawsat.com/english/home/article/1480081/egypt-blacklists-161-brotherhood-members-terrorist
An Egyptian court upheld on Monday a sentence to blacklist as terrorist 161 members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood.The suspects include 20 women, four of whom are related to prominent businessman Hassan Malek.The sentence was originally issued in 2014 and an appeal against it has since been filed.The appeals court rejected the filing on Monday and upheld the blacklisting of these individuals.The accused will now have their assets frozen and they will be barred from traveling.Separately, the court upheld a verdict on the sentencing of 77 suspects for their involvement in the storming of the Zagazig University.They were originally sentenced to 10 years in jail for inciting violence during 2013 Rabaa sit-in that was held in support of former President Morsi, of the Muslim Brotherhood.aawsat
White House blocks CIA chief from Senate briefing on Saudi: Report
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/white-house-blocks-cia-chief-senate-briefing-saudi-arabia-report-1199644048
White House has prohibited CIA Director Gina Haspel from appearing before the US Senate to brief the lawmakers on journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, The Guardian reported on Tuesday.The newspaper, citing unidentified officials, said a classified US Senate briefing on Wednesday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis on US relations with Saudi Arabia would not include Haspel.The exclusion of Haspel is uncommon and signals an ongoing rift between US President Donald Trump and his country's intelligence officials over the Khashoggi murder.CIA concluded earlier this month that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – the country’s de-facto ruler – ordered the Saudi journalist's killing, but Trump has repeatedly cast doubts over that assessment.middleeasteye
Afghan president announces team to hold peace talks with Taliban
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/afghan-president-announces-team-hold-peace-talks-taliban-181128100114901.html
Afghan Govt has formed a 12-member team to hold peace talks with Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani announced in Swiss city of Geneva."I'm pleased to announce today that after several months of intensive consultation with our citizens across the country, we have formulated a roadmap for peace negotiations," he said at the two-day UN conference on Wednesday."The constitutional rights and obligations, of all citizens, especially women, should be ensured."Afghan leader also announced that the negotiating team will be led by presidential chief of staff Salam Rahimi."The team includes women and men who have the necessary credentials to deal with the key challenges of peace negotiations".Ghani said the Govt sought a peace agreement in which the Taliban would be included in a democratic and inclusive society but added that no organisation that has ties with "terrorist networks" will be allowed to join the political process.The summit is billed as a platform for the Afghan Govt to renew its commitment to reform and discuss aid contributions in its bid to achieve stability and security.The conference comes at a time when the US administration is holding direct talks with Taliban, Afghanistan's largest armed group which was toppled following a US-led invasion in 2001.Taliban wants pullout of international forces as a pre-condition for talks.Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the war that has dragged on for more than a decade and cost billions of dollars.Earlier this month, Taliban officials held three days of talks with US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar, aimed at renewing the peace process.aljazeera
Israel expropriates almost 70 acres of Catholic Church property
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20181128-israel-expropriates-almost-70-acres-of-catholic-church-property/
Israel’s occupation authorities expropriated almost 70 acres of Palestinian land in the Jordan Valley and West Bank on Tuesday, Shehab news agency has reported. The land is owned by the Roman Catholic Church — the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem — in the villages of Bardala and Tayaseer near the West Bank city of Tubas and in Jordan Valley respectively.Palestinians residents living on the property fear that this expropriation is the forerunner to their expulsion for “security reasons”, a euphemism used by Israel to ethnically cleanse the land prior to the expansion of illegal settlements.The expansion of Israeli settlements always starts with such measures. It is one way that Israel uses to empty the land of the indigenous Palestinian population.MEMO
Chad opposition leaders decry Prez Israel rapprochement
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/chad-opposition-leaders-decry-idriss-deby-israel-rapprochement-181127165312577.html
Opposition leaders and civil society groups in Chad denounced the central African country's President Idriss Deby's decision to visit Israel and his intention to establish diplomatic relations with it.Political and civic leaders said Chad should not restore diplomatic ties with Israel as long as it continues to occupy Palestinian territories, and in absence of a collective decision by African states to establish relations.Deby became first leader of the majority Muslim nation to visit Jerusalem in decades which, according to analysts, came as a crowning achievement of intelligence and military ties between Deby's Govt and Israel. aljazeera
People jailed for over 2 yrs can't contest polls: Bangladesh court
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/people-jailed-for-over-2-years-cant-contest-polls-bangladesh-court?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29
Dhaka:A Bangladesh court on Tuesday ruled that people who have been jailed for more than two years with their appeals pending, cannot contest the December 30 general elections. The order was passed in response to an appeal seeking a stay order on the imprisonment of 5 opposition BNP leaders:Amanullah Aman, AZM Zahid Hossain, Wadud Bhuiyan, Md Moshiur Rahman and Md Abdul Wahab. As per the Constitution, if a person is sentenced to more than two years in prison, he or she will not be able to participate in elections until an Appellate Division rejects or suspends the verdict, according to the court observation. Tuesday's ruling will prevent BNP Chairperson and ex PM Khaleda Zia from contesting the upcoming election as she was awarded a 17-year jail term in two graft cases.IANS
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
Ram Temple Mobilisation: How to Defeat Divisive Forces:Abhay Kumar
http://caravandaily.com/portal/ram-temple-mobilization-how-to-defeat-divisive-forces/
Banning ‘gorakhdhandha’: Are Gorakhpanthis ignorant of their history? Mrinal Pande
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/bjp-banning-gorakhdhandha-are-gorakhpanthis-ignorant-of-their-history
When there is Ram in every particle, why should we go to Ayodhya, say youth:Aas Mohd Kaif
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/when-there-is-ram-in-every-particle-why-should-we-go-to-ayodhya-say-youth
Right-wing politics is playing havoc with people’s lives; it is time for introspection:Humra Quraishi
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/right-wing-politics-is-playing-havoc-with-peoples-lives-it-is-time-for-us-to-question
India's Electoral Laws are Ill-Equipped to Deal with Digital Propaganda:Divij Joshi
https://thewire.in/politics/indias-electoral-laws-are-ill-equipped-to-deal-with-digital-propaganda
Modi raj is the most anti-farmer regime in India’s history:Yogendra Yadav
https://theprint.in/opinion/why-narendra-modis-is-the-most-anti-farmer-Govt -in-india-since-independence/155887/
Demonetisation: New currency notes issued in 2016 have become ‘unusable’ in 2 years
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/demonetisation-new-currency-notes-issued-in-2016-have-become-unusable-in-2-years
Institutions speak not for the rule of law, but for those who rule: Kapil Sibal
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/narendra-modi-attack-on-institutions-bjp-congress-rbi-supreme-court-5467876/
Why the US battle in Afghanistan refuses to end: New York Times
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/why-the-us-battle-in-afghanistan-refuses-to-end-5468796/
Noor Mohammad, Economics Writer, Passes Away
https://thewire.in/media/noor-mohammad-economics-writer-at-the-wire-passes-away
Born in Turkey: Syrian children face uncertain future in new homeland
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-s-syrian-children-455001572
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 5:44 PM)
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