NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
22 July 2019: 18 Dhul Qadah 1440:Vol: 11, No:251
INDIA
Malegaon blasts case: Bombay HC asks NIA about trial completion time
https://scroll.in/latest/931407/2008-malegaon-blasts-case-bombay-high-court-asks-nia-about-trial-completion-time
Bombay High Court today asked NIA about the estimated time by which trial in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blasts case would be completed.A division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Bharati Dangre asked NIA advocate Sandesh Patil to give a schedule of the trial and state within 2 weeks by when it will be completed. Patil informed the bench that trial court has so far examined 124 witnesses out of 475 prosecution witnesses. The bench was hearing a petition filed by one of the accused, Sameer Kulkarni. He sought a direction to the lower court to complete the trial within six months and that trial proceedings be video recorded. Meanwhile, NIA in another matter related to the case, sought further time to submit a list of names of prosecution witnesses whom they propose to examine out of those whose statements have been truncated.A division bench of Justices IA Mahanty and AM Badar were hearing a petition filed by an another accused, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, challenging the order of the special NIA court that had rejected his application seeking access to “untruncated” copies of the witnesses’ statements that are part of the chargesheet.The bench posted the petition for next hearing on Aug.2.scroll.in/PTI
J&K Governor regrets remark asking gunmen to target corrupt politicians
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/jammu-and-kashmir-governor-regrets-remark-asking-gunmen-to-target-the-corrupt/article28638743.ece?homepage=true
Srinagar:J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik today regretted his remark where he asked gunmen to go after corrupt politicians and bureaucrats.“As Governor, I should have not made such a comment, but my personal feeling is the same as I said. Many political leaders and big bureaucrats are steeped in corruption here,” Malik saidI. He said the statement was made “in a fit of anger and frustration due to rampant corruption in J&K.”He had said: “These boys who have picked up guns are killing their own people;they are killing PSOs [Personal Security Officers] and SPOs [Special Police Officers]. Why are you killing them? Kill those who have looted the wealth of Kashmir. Have you killed any of them?” Meanwhile, NC vice-president Omar Abdullah today said “if any mainstream politician or bureaucrat is killed that would be on the express orders of the Governor.”“Save this tweet – after today any mainstream politician or serving/retired bureaucrat killed in J&K has been murdered on the express orders of Governor of J&K Satyapal Malik.(sic),”tweeted Abdullah.“This man, ostensibly a responsible man occupying a constitutional position, tells militants to kill politicians perceived to be corrupt. Perhaps the man should find out about his own reputation in Delhi these days before sanctioning unlawful killings & kangaroo courts(sic),”Omar added. Reacting to NC leader’s tweet, Malik said: “He [Abdullah] is a political juvenile tweeting on everything, see the reaction to his tweets and you will find out.” thehindu
Kill corrupt, why target PSOs, SPOs: J&K Governor
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kill-the-corrupt-why-target-psos-spos-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-5840927/
JK Governor should find about his own reputation before sanctioning 'unlawful killings': Omar
http://www.uniindia.com/news/north/jk-governor-should-find-about-his-own-reputation-before-sanctioning-unlawful-killings--omar/1673427.html
India rejects Pakistan’s references to Kashmir at NAM Ministerial Meeting
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-strongly-rejects-pakistans-references-to-kashmir-at-nam-ministerial/article28634568.ece
UN: India has strongly rejected Pakistan’s references to Kashmir during Non Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting in Venezuela, saying global forum can never be a platform for a “self-serving narrative” that aims to undermine the territorial integrity of one nation by another state.NAM needs to be in the vanguard of those addressing the primary issues of our times that cry for global cooperation, rather than become a platform for venting bilateral grievances between members, India’s Permanent Representative to UN envoy Syed Akbaruddin said in his address to NAM Ministerial Meeting in Venezuela.Akbaruddin did not name Pakistan but his comments were aimed at Islamabad raising the issue of Kashmir at multi-lateral forum.Pakistan’s Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Andleeb Abbas, in her statement at ministerial meeting, raked up the issue of Kashmir and made references to the recent UN Human Rights report on the situation in J&K .PTI
Ayodhya land dispute panel meets Muslim law board general secretary
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-land-dispute-panel-1571935-2019-07-21
Lucknow:The mediation panel set up to resolve the politically sensitive Babri Masjid land dispute met the general secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board here."The mediation panel met me yesterday night at VVIP Guest House, Lucknow," said AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Wali Rehmani Sunday. Former Supreme Court judge FMI Kallifulla, who heads the panel, met Rehmani along with the committee's another member, senior advocate Sriram Panchu. Another member of the panel Sri Sri Ravishankar was not present in the meeting.Rehmani said, "As far as mediation is concerned, the AIMPLB is ready to help the panel. We do not have any other option. The board will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court."PTI
Rajya Sabha numbers not on its side, govt cautious on pushing triple talaq Bill
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajya-sabha-numbers-not-on-its-side-govt-cautious-on-pushing-triple-talaq-bill-5840939/
With ally JD(U) having made its opposition clear and many friendly parties still sitting on the fence,NDA Govt appears to have removed Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2019, known as triple talaq Bill, from its priority list.On Friday, when Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi announced the List of Business on its agenda for the coming days, the Bill was among the 17 Bills that are set to be introduced, debated and passed in 5 working days that are left in this session. Though there was indication that there could be an extension of the session, which is scheduled to end on July 26, there is no official information yet.According to top sources in the Govt, the Bill is not on its “top priority list” now as the Govt wants to ensure required support for the passage of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha.Sources in the ruling party said it is unlikely that the Bill will get cleared in the ongoing session. indianexpress
Chaos In Karnataka Assembly As Speaker Refuses More Time For Trust Vote
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/karnataka-speaker-kr-ramesh-kumar-summons-rebel-lawmakers-at-11-am-tomorrow-after-request-by-ruling-2073164
Karnataka assembly was thrown into chaos as the Speaker turned down CM HD Kumaraswamy's request for more time before trust vote and asked MLS to cut down on their time for speech. The house was adjourned as MLAs from both sides raised slogans - ruling coalition for more time and BJP for resignation of CM. Both the CM and Congress's Siddaramaiah left the assembly. The coalition has been asked to prove majority after its 16 MLAs resigned and 2 independents withdrew support. BJP has accused CM of delaying the trust vote in hopes of reprieve from the Supreme Court."I have received WhatsApp messages from the leader of the opposition that I should finish the trust vote today. I want to stick to my word. Let's wrap up the speeches soon," said Speaker Ramesh Kumar, who had earlier nudged the govt to hold the test of strength today. There are reports that the Speaker has asked rebel MLAs of Congress-JDS alliance to be present in the assembly by 6 pm. MLAs, who have stationed themselves at a Mumbai hotel, say they will not attend the assembly under any circumstances. Siddaramaiah said Speaker will take a call on confidence motion. "We have already told that we will prove the confidence. Case is pending in the SC. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow the SC will hear our plea," he said.NDTV
Scouts get a cautious welcome in UP madrasas;
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/scouts-get-a-cautious-welcome-in-uttar-pradesh-madrasas/article28621540.ece?fbclid=IwAR2m4HhrGiNA3ZTphgBcJdo9mm0_dw0a7vXk4U8UsDLlN5mJlHc8gBxLpOw
UP Govt’s announcement on introducing NCC and Scout training in madrasas has evoked mixed response from religious leaders and other stakeholders.Earlier this week, Minister of Minority Welfare Baldev Singh Aulakh announced that Govt is working towards making “smart madrasas” where “NCERT books will be introduced along with Scout and NCC training.”“This is a welcome step. We have already been imparting Scout training through Jamiat Youth Club,” said Jamiat Ulama General Secretary Mehmood Madani.However, he added that there was no point in underlining that such activities will help inculcate patriotism among Muslims. “Right now, Muslims are feeling alienated and threatened.They are seeking security and justice from Govt. BJP Govt should first ensure that,” Madani said.The managements of some of these schools described the announcement by Aulakh as a tool to make schools dance to the agenda of BJP Govt. “It is an attempt to distract the public from real issues. Such announcements are being made because the Govt is failing in maintaining law and order,” said a principal on condition of anonymity.thehindu
UP: Cleric takes U-turn on camp for Muslims, SCs, STs to help them procure firearms
https://in.news.yahoo.com/cleric-takes-u-turn-camp-muslims-scs-sts-172011426.html
Lucknow: Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad has said that he has asked lawyer Mahmood Pracha to postpone programme under which Muslims, SCs and STs were to be helped in applying for firearms."Pracha had announced to start an initiative to ensure that arms are given to Dalits, Muslims,and people of oppressed sections of the society. People did not know about filling up of the forms to procure weapon licenses," Jawad told ANI."Media quoted us wrongly. It was said that arms training will be given in the camp. It is totally wrong. So, now we have asked Pracha to postpone the programme to see whether Govt acts against mob lynching incidents or not. We will meet leaders to demand a law against lynching," he said.Pracha had announced that a camp would be set in the state capital on July 26 to help Muslims and SC and ST people to apply for the firearm licenses in the light of recent mob lynching incidents and Sonbhadra firing incident."The camp was about to tell the people how to fill up forms which are needed to apply for licensed weapons. No one will be given weapon training,"Jawad said at a conference here.Jawad further said that Govt should come up with a law on mob lynching. "If Govt takes any strict action against mob lynching, then there cannot be anything better than this. Te Govt should be given a chance to act against the mob lynching," he said.ANI
Death toll from India, Nepal, Bangladesh floods jumps to over 300:
https://www.news18.com/news/world/death-toll-from-india-nepal-bangladesh-floods-jumps-to-over-300-2241007.html
The death toll from severe flooding in parts of India, Nepal and Bangladesh rose to more than 300 on Monday, even as heavy rains are starting to ebb and water levels started to recede in some of the worst-affected areas. Heavy rains and overflowing rivers swamped vast swathes of eastern India more than week ago, and officials on Monday said so far 102 people have died in Bihar,35 more than what the state Govt had estimated on Thursday.Torrential rains in Bangladesh killed more than 47 people in the last two weeks and at least 120 are missing and feared dead following severe floods and landslides in mostly mountainous Nepal, authorities from the two countries said.In Bangladesh, at least 700,000 people have been displaced. Deaths due to flooding in the region more than doubled in the last five days.At least five districts in central Bangladesh are at the risk of being flooded, as water levels of 2 rivers are still rising, a Bangladesh official said. Authorities are struggling to deliver relief supplies to marooned people. "We have enough relief materials but the main problem is to reach out to the people,"official of Bangladesh's Bogra district, said. "We don't have adequate transport facilities to move to the areas that are deep underwater." In India's tea-growing state of Assam, close to the border of Bangladesh, severe flooding has displaced millions of people and killed more than 60, officials have said. Separately, at least 32 people were killed on Sunday in lightning strikes in UP. India's weather office on Monday forecast "extremely heavy" rain in 4 of 14 districts of the southern state of Kerala. Reuters
166 dead in Assam,Bihar floods, 1.11cr affected
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/166-dead-in-assam-floods-bihar-floods-around-1-11-crore-affected-2073057
Man booked for hatching fake exodus plot in Meerut
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/man-booked-for-hatching-communal-fake-exodus-plot-to-buy-house-at-cheaper-price/articleshow/70321253.cms
Meerut:Days after a fake ‘exodus’ was reported from Prahlad Nagar, posters with ‘house on sale’ that appeared outside over 10 houses in ShashtriNagar have now been exposed as part of another similar campaign. The stunt was revealed once local administration sent a team, comprising the circle officer, additional city magistrate and local police, to probe into the matter. It appears the campaign was mounted to put pressure on a local house owner, who was planning to sell his property to a prospective buyer from a different community, not to go ahead with his plan. According to police,posters were put up at the behest of one Rakesh Goyal, who wanted to put pressure on the house owner so that he sells the house at a price lower than what his prospective customer from a different community had agreed upon. The complainant, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, wanted to sell one of 2 houses he owns in the area to fund his daughter’s wedding, and had accepted an offer for Rs 23 lakh. Gupta alleged that Goyal was trying to buy the house for Rs 18 lakh, which he had refused after a buyer from a different community had quoted Rs 23 lakh.This did not go down well with Goyal,so he allegedly tried to provoke a communal scare with the fake exodus campaign, hoping this would put social pressure on Gupta to sell the house to him. “There are already 15-20 Muslim families in the locality. Rakesh Goyal incited several Hindu families in the locality to put up posters of sale outside their houses, in a bid to stoke communal scare,” Gupta said in his complaint. “Goyal and other residents had come over to my place on July 19 and threatened me of dire consequences if I sold my property to anyone else,” he said. Based on Gupta’s complaint, an FIR has been lodged against 2 accused named by Gupta— Goyal and Purnendu Sharma and several others who remain unidentified. Meerut SP said, “Goyal and others had argued with complainant over sale of property on July 19, following which, identical posters of ‘house on sale’ were put up outside several houses in the locality,”adding, “After investigation, strict and appropriate action will be taken against those who are trying to disturb social harmony.” TOI
Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to moon, lifts off from Sriharikota
https://scroll.in/latest/931388/chandrayaan-2-indias-second-mission-to-moon-lifts-off-from-sriharikota
India launched Chandrayaan-2, its second mission to the moon, into space at 2.43 pm today. An earlier attempt, made on July 15, had to be called off by the Indian Space Research Organisation due to a technical problem.Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III-M1 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. It injected the 3,850-kg Chandrayaan-2 into Earth’s orbit about 16 minutes later. The space body had started a 20-hour countdown at 6.43 pm on Sunday.If the mission is successful, India will become the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon after the US, Russia and China. A successful landing would make Chandrayaan-2 the first lunar probe on the south polar region of the moon.The agency is aiming to put the lander, called Vikram, and the rover, named Pragyan, on the lunar surface by Sept.7, just a day behind the earlier schedule.scroll.in
Indigenous cows face depletion, says plea in SC
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-cows-face-depletion-says-plea-in-sc/article28645360.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:The Supreme Court today asked the Union govt to respond to a petition to restrict the import of exotic bulls to prevent cross-breeding, which has led to the depletion of indigenous cows, and immediate shutdown of unauthorised slaughter houses.A Bench of Justices Arun Mishra and MR Shah issued notice to the Govt on the appeal filed by Mathala Chandrapati Rao, a petitioner-in-person, who sought urgent directions from the court for “protection of cow progeny in the country”. The Bench issued notice to over 90 respondents, including Union, States, pollution control boards and biodiversity boards across the country.Rao said his appeal follows the ‘failure’ of NGT to pass any directions despite the “shocking state of affairs” in which “Indian cows, which are there for the past 35,000 years, are vanishing day by day due to cross breeding and indiscriminate slaughter”. Rao said the Govt had not taken any steps to prevent the “depletion of indigenous cows” despite its legal liabilities to protect biodiversity and environment under the Bio Diversity Act and the Environment Protection Act.thehindu
Rescued from smugglers, over 150 cows die at Tripura gaushala in two months
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/tripura-over-150-cows-die-due-to-poor-infrastructure-govt-points-to-malnutrition-5841984/
Agartala :At least 159 rescued cows have died in a shelter maintained by a Delhi-based NGO in Tripura since May this year owing to lack of proper infrastructure and shortage of fodder. The animals were rescued by the Border Security Force while being smuggled across the international border to Bangladesh.India shares a 4,096.7 km border with Bangladesh, out of which Tripura shares 856 Km border with the neighbouring country. Patches of the border are still unfenced to the day.One year ago, around 850 cows were rescued by BSF from being smuggled. These rescued cows later ended up stranded in areas of Srinagar, Kamthana, Kulubari, Fatikcherra, Harihardola, Kaiadhepa and few other Border Out Posts (BOP). However, due to lack of proper infrastructure to house the animals, BSF approached state police but they also failed to do so due to lack of scope. It was at this juncture that Dhyan Foundation stepped in and built a cow shelter (gaushala) at Devipur village in Sipahijala district, 22 Km from Agartala. These rescued cows were supposed to be taken over by the state Govt according to a previous Supreme Court order, where the apex court ordered state govts to take ‘necessary action’ to stop cattle smuggling and take care of the livestock.indianexpress
Donations to gaushalas, barring candidates who don’t rear cows: MP House ideas on cow protection
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/donations-to-gaushalas-barring-candidates-who-dont-rear-cows-mp-house-ideas-on-cow-protection-5841195/
Bhopal :During a discussion in MP Assembly, legislators cutting across party lines wore their love for the gau mata on their sleeves even as they blamed each other’s party for the plight of the cow.* Election nomination forms should be rejected if prospective candidate does not rear cows.* Every member of legislative assembly should compulsorily donate Rs 5,000 to gaushalas.* Every farmer who owns five bigha or more land should rear at least one cow or else sale of land, registration or transferring it in someone’s name should not be allowed.* Salaried employees who earn Rs 25,000 or more should be asked to compulsorily donate Rs 500 to a gaushala.These were among the suggestions given on the floor of MP Assembly during a discussion on budgetary allocation for animal husbandry department as legislators cutting across party lines wore their love for the gau mata on their sleeves even as they blamed each other’s party for the plight of the cow.indianexpress
Why UP Govt Not Willing to Challenge Muzaffarnagar Riots Acquittals in Higher Court, Asks Jamaat
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/why-up-govt-not-willing-to-challenge-muzaffarnagar-riots-acquittals-in-higher-court-asks-jamaat
New Delhi:Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has expressed concern over the acquittals in 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots cases and questioned why the prosecution didn’t cross-examine the police when witnesses were turning hostile and why the current state Govt is not willing to challenge the acquittals in the higher courts.“During the Muzaffarnagar riots in Aug-Sept 2013, over 60 people were killed and over 50,000 displaced. Killings, gang-rapes, rioting and arson took place against Muslims during the riots. 40 cases went to trial related to these incidents. An investigation by the media reveals that between Jan. 2017 and Feb.2019, all accused (168 people) in the 40 cases have been acquitted by the local court,” said JIH President Syed Sadatullah Husaini in a press statement. indiatomorrow
Ex-CIC urges MPs to reject RTI amendment; terms it death blow to law
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ex-cic-urges-mps-to-reject-rti-amendment-terms-it-death-blow-to-law/articleshow/70329431.cms
New Delhi: Terming a proposed amendment in RTI Act a "stab in the back" of CIC and a "deathblow" to the law, ex-central information commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu has urged members of Parliament to reject the changes. The former information commissioner, who is known for his pro-transparency orders in several high-profile cases, said the proposed changes "seriously undermine" the autonomy of information commissions. Acharyulu, a noted law professor, said this "wrongful measure" will make the commissioners spineless and powerless to issue any disclosure order and they will fail to implement objectives of RTI. "If MPs approve this bill,ICs will become annexure or appendages of senior babus in state and central Govts. I appeal to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs to oppose it and see that it is rejected," he said in a letter to MPs. PTI
Former bureaucrats condemn alleged intimidation of human rights activists and dissidents
https://scroll.in/latest/931355/former-bureaucrats-condemn-alleged-intimidation-of-human-rights-activists-and-dissidents
A group of former bureaucrats on Sunday expressed concern over the alleged use of state institutions to punish and intimidate human rights activists and dissenters. Citing 3 recent cases, the former civil service officers condemned what they said “appears an attempt to govern by fear and intimidation”.One of the cases the former bureaucrats commented on in their open letter was CBI’s action against advocates Indira Jaising and Anand Grover. The searches at their homes and offices on July 11 were vindictive and the Govt had launched the “fresh attack” on the couple to silence them instead of following legal process, the signatories added.The group denounced “the abuse of authority in harassing human rights defenders”. scroll.in
Writers, Academics and Activists Condemn FIRs Against and Online Harassment of Miyah Poets
https://thewire.in/rights/writers-academics-and-activists-condemn-firs-against-and-online-harassment-of-miyah-poets
New Delhi: Over 200 academics, activists, journalists and civil society members have joined together in their opposition to the recent FIRs filed against ten writers and poets who identify themselves as ‘Miyah poets’.In a written statement issued on Sunday, the signatories noted that “In the absence of other avenues” poetry often becomes “the sole medium of speaking truth to power,” and everyone should have the right to do so “without the fear of perverse consequences, including punitive action.”Signatories note that they view Miyah poetry as a “legitimate form of literary protest against the victimisation of Bengal-origin Muslims of Assam”.Assam Police registered cases against 10 for a poem titled Write it Down,I am a Miyah, accusing them of depicting the Assamese people as “xenophobic in the eyes of the whole world” and posing a “serious threat to the Assamese people as well as towards the national security and harmonious social atmosphere.” Most of the accused are Muslim poets and rights activists who trace their origins to Bengal.thewire
Justice Kureshi's elevation under 'consideration': Centre to SC
https://thewire.in/law/justice-kureshis-elevation-under-consideration-centre-to-sc
New Delhi:Centre today told the Supreme Court that the issue of appointment of Bombay high court Justice Akil A. Kureshi as the chief justice of the MP high court was “under consideration” and sought 2 weeks time to file a response.The SC was hearing the plea of the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association (GHCAA) seeking a direction to appoint Justice Kureshi as the chief justice of MP HC as recommended by the apex court’s collegium. A bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi was told by solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, that “the matter was under consideration” and sought two weeks time to file the response to the plea. PTI
Protests by MLAs and MLCs in Bihar Assembly Over Mob Lynchings
https://www.newsclick.in/protests-MLAs-MLCs-bihar-assembly-mob-lynchings
Patna: Bihar Assembly witnessed protests today over mob lynching incidents in the state, as the opposition MLAs and MLCs disrupted the proceedings, demanding an explanation from the Govt and strict action against the perpetrators. Opposition members staged protests inside as well as outside the state Assembly with placards in their hands. They also shouted slogans. Soon after the Assembly sat for the day, opposition members demanded an adjournment motion to discuss mob lynching and demanded tough action against the accused. But the State Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary disallowed adjournment motion saying opposition should raise this issue of mob lynching at the right time. CPI (Marxist-Leninist) MLAs Mahbub Alam and Sudama Prasad raised the issue of mob lynching incidents last week in the ongoing Monsoon session of Bihar Assembly and asked the Govt for a reply. RJD MLA Bhai Virendar and Congress MLC Premchand Mishra also raised the issue in the House. “Mob lynching incidents are increasing and Govt has failed to keep a check on it,” Mishra said. Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi said that the rule of law has failed in the state. “Where is sushashan or good governance? The poor people, minority and Dalits, are being targeted and lynched. Mob lynching incidents in the last few days have created an atmosphere of fear.” newsclick.in
Plea in Delhi HC for equal status to 'Vande Mataram' as that of national anthem
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/plea-in-hc-for-equal-status-to-vande-mataram-as-that-of-national-anthem/articleshow/70326389.cms
A plea was Monday filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions to the Centre to frame a policy to equally propagate the national anthem and the national song -- 'Vande Mataram'. The plea, filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, has sought that 'Vande Mataram', written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, be given the same respect as the national anthem -- 'Jana Gana Mana', penned by Rabindranath Tagore. In his plea, which is likely to be heard on Tuesday, Upadhyay has said that the national song played a vital role in the Independence movement and was first sung in a political context by Rabindranath Tagore at 1896 session of Indian National Congress. "Both the 'Jana Gana Mana' and 'Vande Mataram' have to be equally respected. The sentiments expressed in 'Jana Gana Mana' have been expressed keeping State in view."However, the sentiments expressed in 'Vande Mataram' denote the nation's character and style and deserves similar respect," the petition contends.PTI
Red-faced over ‘not elected to clean toilets’ remark, BJP pulls up Pragya Thakur
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pragya-thakur-toilet-comment-j-p-nadda-5841834/
New Delhi:BJP working president J P Nadda pulled up Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur for criticising the Modi Govt’s flagship Swachh Bharat campaign.Thakur was summoned to BJP HQRS where Nadda conveyed the party leadership’s displeasure with her toilet remarks made while addressing a gathering at Sehore in MP on Sunday. She was also asked to refrain from making statements that go against the party’s campaigns and ideologies. Thakur is an accused in the Malegaon blast case and is currently out on bail.indianexpress/PTI
Hindu Mahasabha offers to bear expenses of sending Azam Khan to Pakistan
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindu-mahasabha-offers-to-bear-expenses-of-sending-azam-khan-to-pakistan/articleshow/70319380.cms
Agra: Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha has announced that it will bear all the travel expenses of Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan and his associates if they wish to go and settle in Pakistan. Reacting to Azam Khan’s statement that Muslims in India are being punished for their decision to not to migrate to Pakistan after the partition in 1947, Hindu Mahasabha spokesperson, Ashok Pandey, said that there is no difference between the MP and ISI terrorists.TOI
After Lok Sabha poll win, fissures emerge in Himachal’s BJP unit
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-lok-sabha-poll-win-fissures-emerge-in-himachal-s-bjp-unit/story-pNuR9FPlv6wxGLSwwcrDbM.html
Shimla:2 months after BJP’s spectacular victory in the Lok Sabha elections wherein the party secured all 4 seats in Himachal Pradesh with huge margins, internal fissures among party leaders have come to the fore. Dissidence in the party surfaced on Friday when a section of BJP leaders, who owe allegiance to party’s organising secretary Pawan Rana, opened front against planning commission chairman and 4-time Jawalamukhi legislator Ramesh Dhawala. Group met CM Jai Ram Thakur at his residence to complain against Dhawala, describing his functioning as “arbitrary”.CM met Dhawala in a bid to find a way forward to defuse intra-party squabbling. During this close-door meeting, Dhawala apprised Jai Ram of Pawan Rana’s interference in the functioning on his home turf.Upset over Rana’s repeated attempts to undermine him, Dhawala reportedly even offered to quit the assembly.HT
AP's 400-year-old mosque demolition: Muslims to approach Spandana
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2019/jul/22/400-year-old-mosque-demolition-muslims-to-approach-spandana-2007567.html
Vijayawada: The long-standing issue between people of Islamic faith in Ibrahimpatnam mandal and the management of Dr Narla TataraoThermal Power Station, popularly known as ‘VTPS’, over the alleged demolition of 400-year-old Khaja Masjid in Kondapalli village by the latter is all set to reach ‘Spandana’ this today. Vexed after futility of meetings with political leaders and Govt officials for justice, representatives of AP Muslim Personal Law Board have finally decided to lodge a complaint with Collector Md Imtiaz at his camp office on Monday as a last resort.Lambasting the VTPS officials for their ‘unilateral’ decision of demolishing the famous Khaja Masjid for construction works, the board’s general secretary, Khaleel Ahmad Razvi, said: “Around one year ago, VTPS officials razed the 400-year-old masjid without our consent. The structure was historically significant and its demolition hurt the sentiments of Muslims. In the name of development and construction of quarters for their employees, VTPS officials have been trespassing into lands that belongs to Muslims for the past 3 decades.5 religious structures in Kondapalli and 2 in Ibrahimpatnam were razed by VTPS and no Govt official responded to our prayers.”newindianexpress
Monuments Under ASI Not Safe, Only 2 Encroachments Removed, Reveals Jamaat RTI
https://caravandaily.com/monuments-under-asi-not-safe-only-2-encroachments-removed-reveals-jamaat-rti/
New Delhi:It has been brought to notice that historical monuments and buildings are no longer safe and only two illegal occupations have been removed under the supervision of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). This upsetting information has been uncovered by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) through an RTI.JIH has been exerting continuous pressure on the circle officers of the ASI for many years to protect mosques and monuments and remove illegal structures erected on its land or the area having legal protection.JIH Assistant Secretary, Intizar Naeem, who recently met Deputy Director of the Delhi Circle of ASI, pointed out the miserable condition of the mosques and monuments under the supervision of ASI. He said that ASI admitted to the Jamaat of their own accord that in Haus Khas Complex, one of the most important areas of New Delhi being under their supervision, has around 27 illegal structures constructed on its premises.However, according to Naeem,ASI has been unable to undertake any action and remains a mute spectator to these illegal encroachments.“The situation in all 116 mosques, temples and monuments across the country under ASI supervision is very dire, with the exception of a single circle having the Taj Mahal. It falls under the Protected and Regulated Area, and has 178 illegal structures,” he explained.caravandaily
39 Muslims crack up judicial service exam
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/39-muslims-crack-up-judicial-service-exam-19-are-women
UP Public Service Commission (UPPSC) on Saturday declared the final results of Provincial Civil Service- Judiciary also called PCS-J exam 2018. Akanksha Tiwari is the topper. There are 39 Muslims among 610 successful candidates – 19 among Muslim candidates are women. The recruitment drive was conducted for filling a total of 610 vacancies.In top 10, there are 5 women candidates.Among top 100, there are 7 Muslims – 4 of them are women.India Tomorrow
Mumbai MTNL Building Fire: All 84 people rescued
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mumbai-bandra-mtnl-building-fire-live-updates-5842080/
All 84 people stranded on the terrace of MTNL building in Bandra West have been rescued by the firefighters, a Fire Officer said. A major fire had broken out inside the MTNL building in Mumbai’s Bandra West.The fire is confined to the 3rd and 4th floor of the nine-storey building, situated at SV Road in suburban Bandra. No casualties have been reported so far.indianexpress
WORLD
Israel demolishes Palestinian homes near separation wall
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/07/israeli-forces-prepare-demolish-100-palestinian-homes-190722032443910.html
Hundreds of Israeli troops, accompanied by bulldozers, have begun demolishing homes in the Palestinian village of Sur Baher despite Palestinian protests and international criticism.Residents of the village's Wadi al-Hummus neighbourhood told local media today that 16 residential buildings, which hold around 100 apartments, were being targeted. "Preparations started past midnight as hundreds of armed Israeli occupying soldiers/ bulldozers stormed the town.Families threatened with demolitions were woken up/ moved out of their homes," read a tweet by Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).Israeli military considers the homes, which are close to an Israeli separation wall that crisscrosses the occupied West Bank, a security risk. Israeli Supreme Court ruled in favour of the military last month, ending a 7-year legal battle, and set Monday as the deadline to knock down the homes. Palestinians say the act will set a precedent for other towns along the route of the barrier, which runs for hundreds of kms around and through the occupied West Bank. The sprawling village of Sur Baher straddles the line between occupied East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. It was captured and occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. Al-Jazeera’s reporter said Israeli forces have levelled a building in the West Bank side and destroyed 50 %of a home belonging to a Palestinian family of 10 the East Jerusalem side. Israeli Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said the residents "are making their own law" by constructing these buildings.But Palestinians accused Israel of using security as a pretext to force them out of the area as part of long-term efforts to expand settlements.All settlements on occupied Palestinian lands are illegal under international law.Dalia Qumsieh, a lawyer from the Palestinian rights group Al Haq said that since the beginning of the Israeli occupation, the state has "always maintained these policies of destruction of Palestinian property and homes throughout the occupied Palestinian territories and on both sides of Green Line".Al Jazeera
Palestine FM: Israel’s demolition of 100 homes in Jerusalem a ‘war crime’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190722-palestine-fm-israels-demolition-of-100-homes-in-jerusalem-a-war-crime/
Israel court rules settlers can occupy Palestinians’ Hebron homes
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190722-israel-court-rules-settlers-can-occupy-palestinians-hebron-homes/
Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that illegal settlers can continue to occupy 3 Palestinian homes in West Bank city of Hebron until legal disputes have been resolved. The court ruled that the settlers – who are occupying 2 Palestinian homes on Hebron’s Al-Shuhadah Street, in the occupied West Bank – can remain in properties until legal disputes are settled.MEMO
White House’s Kushner to finalise Palestinian economic plan on Middle East tour
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190722-white-houses-kushner-to-finalise-palestinian-economic-plan-on-middle-east-tour/
White House senior adviser Jared Kushner will lead a US delegation on a tour of Middle East to finalise details of his proposed $50 billion economic development plan for Palestinians, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, an administration official said.Kushner, Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt, State Dept official Brian Hook and Kushner aide Avi Berkowitz are expected to make stops in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE, official said.They leave late this month and return to Washington in early August.The official said the purpose of the trip is to “continue on the momentum that was created at the workshop in Bahrain and finalise the economic portion of the plan.”middleeastmonitor
17 CIA spies held, sentenced some to death: Iran
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/07/iran-arrested-17-cia-spies-sentenced-death-190722082615926.html
Iran has captured 17 spies working for US intelligence agency, CIA, and some have been sentenced to death, an official said.Security agencies "successfully dismantled a [CIA] spy network,"head of counterintelligence at Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, whose identity was not revealed, said."Those who deliberately betrayed the country were handed to the judiciary," he said. "Some were sentenced to death and some to long-term imprisonment."The intelligence official claimed that none of 17,who allegedly had "sophisticated training",had succeeded in their sabotage missions. Their missions included collecting information at the facilities they worked at, carrying out technical and intelligence activities and transferring and installing monitoring devices,he said.Some of them had reportedly been recruited by falling into a "visa trap" set by CIA for Iranians seeking to travel to US."Some were approached when they were applying for a visa, while others had visas from before and were pressured by CIA in order to renew them," he said. Al Jazeera's reporter, said Iranian authorities also released a documentary which they said "shows to which extent these people went to try and exchange information with their CIA operatives outside the country"."The authorities said that this has been the largest uncovering of a network of spies inside the country for many years," she added.The documentary, aired on state TV today, purported to show a CIA officer recruiting an Iranian man in UAE."Because there are so many intelligence officers in Dubai. It is very dangerous... Iranian intelligence," a woman was shown telling an Iranian in the documentary.aljazeera
Air raid on busy market in Syria kills several
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2019/07/air-raid-busy-market-northwest-syria-kills-190722090158010.html
An air raid has hit a busy market in a rebel-held town in Idlib province, northwest Syria, killing at least 16 people, according to opposition activists and a war monitoring group.The raid, believed to have been carried out by Syrian or Russian jets, targeted on Monday the town of Maaret al-Numan, in southern Idlib province controlled by the opposition, and also wounded over 30 people, according to reports from the region.Activists said black smoke billowed over the city centre and citizens were on the street crying for help.The region has witnessed intensive air raids and bombardment on a daily basis as Syrian troops, backed by Russian air cover, try to push their way into the enclave near the Turkish border.Idlib province is the last major rebel stronghold in the country outside control of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.On Sunday, Govt bombing in Idlib killed at least 18 people, including a young citizen journalist, according to rescue workers and a war monitor.Govt air raids killed 17 other civilians including 7 children in other parts of the region on Sunday, according to SOHR.aljazeera
Syria: Russian airstrike on Idlib market kills 25
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/syria-russian-airstrike-on-idlib-market-kills-25/1538155
Imarn Khan to meet Trump with Afghan peace on agenda
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/07/pakistan-khan-meet-trump-afghan-peace-agenda-190721053859295.html
Pakistan's PM Imran Khan is due to hold key talks with US President Donald Trump in US capital with the Afghan peace process expected to figure highly on the agenda.Khan will meet Trump in Washington, DC today, both Govts confirmed, in a rare thaw in what has been a tense relationship since the latter took office."President Trump and PM Khan will discuss a range of issues, including counterterrorism, defense, energy, and trade, with the goal of creating the conditions for a peaceful South Asia and an enduring partnership between our 2 countries," said a White House statement on the visit. Pakistan says Khan will focus on outlining his vision for a "New Pakistan", campaign slogan he was elected on last year, promising an anti-corruption drive, Govt austerity and better governance.Khan met senior officials of the World Bank and IMF on Sunday to discuss the country's spluttering economy. "The issue of greatest convergence is the one that will likely figure most prominently in the Trump-Khan talks: […] peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan,"said a US-based think-tank.aljazeera
Bangladesh PM Disapproves Immediate Sedition Case Against Hindu Woman
https://caravandaily.com/bangladesh-pm-disapproves-immediate-sedition-case-against-hindu-woman/?fbclid=IwAR37aTWyTlV4H2F9XSYzpTkrBxrfFymQ40X3BTfIuR83UcCzxgEsMtQPtT4
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has disapproved a planned Govt move to file sedition charges against a Hindu woman who told US President Donald Trump in Washington that the minority communities in her country were being persecuted, a senior minister said. Priya Saha, organising secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (HBCUC), attended a meeting at the White House on July 19 and a video of the meeting with Trump subsequently went viral on social media, sparking a controversy back home.In the video, she was seen identifying herself as a Bangladeshi national and telling US President that 37 million people of the minority groups disappeared from Bangladesh. Reacting to Ms. Saha’s statement, Minister and ruling Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader said that she has made a “false, purposeful and treasonous remarks” and a sedition case will be filed against her. However later ,Quader said Hasina has disapproved the move to file sedition charges against her without obtaining her explanation on her comments.PTI
Iraq gov't 'failures' could lead to more Basra water crises: HRW
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/07/iraq-gov-failures-lead-basra-water-crises-hrw-190721143118685.html
One year on from Basra's health crisis, which saw 118,000 people hospitalised due to stomach pains and skin rashes blamed on poor water quality, Iraqi Govt has done little to ensure safe drinking water for southern region of four million people, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). HRW outlined the multiple, complex factors that led to last summer's crisis in a new report, titled Basra is Thirsty: Iraq's Failure to Manage the Water Crisis. The primary water source for Basra is Shatt al-Arab river and its freshwater canals, though for decades water infrastructure has been neglected and laws against dumping waste into the river have not been enforced, HRW said.aljazeera
Islam forced on Uighurs, claims China
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/islam-forced-on-uighurs-claims-china20190721233511/
Beijing: In a white paper, China on Sunday defended its policies and claimed that Islam was forced upon Uighurs -- the ethnic community native to Xinjiang."Uighur people adopted Islam, not of their own volition ... but had it forced upon them by religious wars and the ruling class," South China Morning Post quoted a document released by State Council Information Office as saying.The report also claimed that Islam is not the only faith practised by the ethnic community. UN estimates that at least 1 million Uighurs and other Muslims are currently being held at internment camps in Xinjiang.Experts have slammed China's claims that facilities are training and re-education centres which aim at imparting vocational skills to the people and eradicating religious extremism in the region. No official figure regarding the number of people at these facilities has been released.ANI
French TV Crew Arrested in Australia for Filming Protest Against Adani Coal Mine
https://thewire.in/world/adani-coal-mine-carmichael
Melbourne: A French TV crew filming a protest against a newly-approved controversy-hit coal mine owned by Indian energy giant Adani in Australia was arrested on Monday on charges of trespassing.Carmichael coal mine north Queensland, which was approved in June, has been courting controversy due to its location near Great Barrier Reef, which has the world’s largest coral reef. Environmentalists warn that coal mining in the area will have drastic impact on global climate and will threaten local vulnerable species. Reporter Hugo Clement, who works for France2, and 3 of his crew were arrested outside Abbot Point coal terminal in Bowen in north Queensland while they were filming protest.PTI
After WhatsApp, Israeli firm’s spyware can now harvest data from Google, Apple,Microsoft cloud
https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/pegasus-spyware-tool-can-now-harvest-data-from-google-apple-and-microsoft-cloud-accounts-whatsapp-5841861/
Pegasus, spyware tool used by Israeli firm NSO Group, has gotten an upgrade which lets it access cloud account information from services like Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Amazon in addition to the information stored on the Android or iOS device.In May this year, the NSO Group was reported to be behind the WhatsApp attack, where the Pegasus spyware could be installed on a smartphone by a simple WhatsApp call. NSO had denied direct involvement in the WhatsApp attack. The user did not even have to pick up or reject call for the attack to be successful. WhatsApp later issued a security fix for the update and it was believed the spyware was used to target those working for human rights groups.In the latest report published by the Financial Times, after the upgrade Pegasus can access and harvest data from servers of Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft, and access the cloud information. Many users rely on cloud storage to save photos, messages, along with other encrypted filed, and according to this report, all of that information could be compromised thanks to Pegasus’ new features,if their account were under attack. indianexpress
Flash: NEWS, views, Articles
Modi’s ex Chief Economic Adviser is not backing down: India needs to overhaul GDP calculation
https://scroll.in/article/931214/modis-former-chief-economic-adviser-is-not-backing-down-india-needs-to-overhaul-gdp-calculation?fbclid=IwAR3EJtkucV7-Zjo2tE7oIgb3ibFgjFeF_Sht84oBLtx-xLJxpnrxaG5cCb8
'Feel Like Committing Suicide': JNU Prof Alleges Harassment Due to Muslim Identity:Akhil Kumar
https://thewire.in/communalism/jnu-muslim-professor-harassment-vc
Being a Muslim was never fun in India. State agencies misused to target community:Fatima Khan
https://theprint.in/opinion/being-a-muslim-was-never-fun-in-india-state-agencies-have-been-misused-to-target-community/265690/
A Manipur Muslim family struggles to understand why lynch mob thought their MBA-son was a thief:Harsh Mander
https://scroll.in/article/928470/a-manipur-muslim-family-struggles-to-understand-why-a-lynch-mob-thought-their-mba-son-was-a-thief
NIA Amendment Raises Concerns Of Misuse Of Anti-Terror Laws BY: Divyank Yadav
https://www.livelaw.in/columns/niaamendment-anti-terror-laws-146552
Indians in UK Feel Increasingly Disturbed by Rising Hindutva Fascism in India:M Ghazali Khan
https://caravandaily.com/indians-in-uk-feel-increasingly-disturbed-by-rising-hindutva-fascism-in-india/
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind expresses concern over Muzaffarnagar acquittals: theindianawaaz
https://theindianawaaz.com/jamaat-expresses-concern-over-muzaffarnagar-acquittals/
Jamaat demands UP Govt to challenge Muzaffarnagar acquittals in courts: caravandaily
https://caravandaily.com/jamaat-demands-up-govt-to-challenge-muzaffarnagar-acquittals-in-higher-courts/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq
(Released at: 8:15 PM)
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