NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
19 AUG. 2019: 17 ZilHajj 1440:Vol: 11, No:269
INDIA
Ex-RBI Governor Raghuram terms economic slowdown very worrisome
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/raghuram-rajan-says-economic-slowdown-very-worrisome-new-set-of-reforms-needed/story-zrYKwOhlWDrb0QIB3OqeZL.html
Ex-RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has called slowdown in the economy “very worrisome” and said the Govt needs to fix the immediate problems in power and non-bank financial sectors and come out with a new set of reforms to energise private sector to invest.Rajan also called for a fresh look at the way GDP in India is calculated as he referred to research by Modi Govt’s ex chief economist Arvind Subramanian about overestimation of growth rate.“There are a variety of growth projections from the private sector analysts, many of which are perhaps significantly below Govt projections and I think certainly the slowdown in the economy is something that is very worrisome,” Rajan told CNBC TV18.India’s economic growth has slowed to 6.8% in 2018-19 - slowest pace since 2014-15, and various projections by private experts and the central bank estimate that the GDP growth in the current year will be less than Govt estimate of 7 %.In ominous signs that the slowdown may be deep, the auto sector is facing its worst crisis in two decades with reports suggesting thousands of job losses in the automobile and ancillary industry, real estate sector has huge unsold inventory, while fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies have reported a decline in volume growth.“You can hear businesses all around worrying and complaining out loud that they need some kind of stimulus,” he said.Rajan advocated for a new set of reforms to get the private sector to invest.Rajan also drew attention to Subramanian’s research that GDP growth was overestimated by 2.5% during 2011-12 and 2016-17.PTI
Make in India failed to create enough jobs:L&T head
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/business/make-in-india-has-failed-to-create-enough-jobs-says-landt-chairman
Modi Govt’s much-publicised ‘Make in India’ programme has failed to create enough jobs in the absence for any incentive or ready capital available to local companies for manufacturing goods in country, Larsen and Toubro Ltd chairman A.M. Naik said.“We have to find answers as to why most Indian companies are keen to import rather than manufacture here…We allow imports because it often comes with credit facility. Other reason for high imports is because Indian companies do not have enough financing options available,” Naik said. Over 10 million youth enter the job market in India but latest figures show that the country is not creating enough jobs for them and the disparity is particularly wide in manufacturing sector vis-a-vis the supply of skilled labour.Naik said that for creating enough jobs, India’s economy has to grow “at least 12-13%”per year. However, country’s economic growth slumped to 5.8% in last quarter ended March 31.nationalheraldindia
Congress Terms Slowdown a ‘Financial Emergency’, Says ‘Inefficient’ Govt Hiding Behind Non-issues
https://caravandaily.com/congress-terms-slowdown-a-financial-emergency-says-inefficient-Govt-hiding-behind-non-issues/
New Delhi:Latching onto the steady decline in economy, the Congress has made a blistering attack on the BJP led Govt at Centre. The party said the country was facing “financial emergency”.Listing ten major failures of the economy, the main Opposition party said PM Narendra Modi “is indeed taking India towards a “reverse evolution and reverse” growth era. The party accused him of playing “politics of deception” and diverting the people’s attention from its “failures”. Congress MP and spokesperson Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, “It is a matter of grave concern that the economy is moving towards a deadly slowdown but the govt is not even willing to acknowledge it.”Calling Modi Govt “inefficient”, he said such govts use non-issues to hide real issues.“An inefficient Govt always replaces the real issues with the virtual ones and to divert the attention from its failures, BJP has created a barrage of virtual issues for public sphere debates,” he said.Caravan Daily
Forest Rights Act: UN experts call for ban on forced evictions, raise concerns over enactment of law
https://scroll.in/latest/934362/forest-rights-act-un-experts-call-for-ban-on-forced-evictions-raise-concerns-over-enactment-of-law
UN experts have expressed their concern over the impending evictions of thousands of allegedly illegal forest dwellers following a Feb.2019 Supreme Court order.Leilani Farha, special rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context, called for a “national moratorium” on forced evictions, a letter sent by UN experts to the Centre, said.The letter was released on Sunday.Farha also raised concerns about the alleged forced evictions and housing discrimination. The communication was signed by Farha, special rapporteur on rights of indigenous peoples Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, and special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Cecilia Jimenez-Damary.The letter observed that UN experts have raised similar concerns in both 2017 and 2013 but received no replies. The experts also sought a response on the initial steps that Centre has taken to ensure that rights of Adivasis are protected, but there has been no response from the Centre so far, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office said. scroll
RSS chief Bhagwat says dialogue on reservation needs harmonious atmosphere, Opposition calls it BJP’s agenda to snatch the rights of poor
https://www.newsx.com/national/rss-quota-mohan-bhagwat-reservation-bjp-congress.html
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for a dialogue between those favouring reservation and those opposing it in an atmosphere of harmony, reports said on Monday. Speaking at the concluding session of Gyanotsav, an event on competitive exams organised by RSS-affiliated Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, RSS chief said that a solution on the issue of reservation is possible only if those in support of reservation would hear and consider the ideas of those against it and vice versa. He added this was the only way to find a solution that too without any law or rules.Bhagwat further asserted that it was not possible to solve the issue until there’s harmony in all of society. In past too, Bhagwat had tried to address the issue and asked for a review of the reservation policy, however, his attempt sparked massive controversy and invited flak from the Opposition.Bhagwat further clarified that RSS never influenced BJP’s agenda. He said that RSS, BJP and the party-led NDA Govt were three different entities, adding one could not be held responsible for the actions of others.NewsX
Dalit leaders slam Bhagwat’s call for harmonious debate on reservation; NCP MP finds no fault in it
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/dalit-leaders-slam-bhagwats-call-for-harmonious-debate-on-reservation-ncp-mp-finds-no-fault-in-suggestion-2275999.html
Lucknow:A day after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for a harmonious debate on the country’s reservation system, BSP president Mayawati said it was uncalled for and urged the saffron outfit head to shun his anti-quota ideology.Hitting out at Bhagwat, she wrote on Twitter, “The statement from RSS about SC/ST/OBC reservation that there should be a debate over it raises serious suspicion over the issue as it was uncalled for. The reservation system is based on humanitarian and constitutional values and any kind of deviation from it would be an injustice. It would be good it RSS could drop its anti-reservation mind-set.”Bhim Army president Chandrashekhar Azad said the differences between the lives of upper castes and backwards were visible to everyone except RSS chief. Further, he said if RSS was in favour of SC/ST reservation, why were there still voices opposing the same. “There is a conspiracy to shift the stake of backwards in the private sector so that there could be no compulsion of reservation. I demand reservation in private sector as well. Only then justice would be done to SC/ST and OBCs. Also, if there is no discrimination in private sector, then why no television reporter, editor of any newspaper hails from SC/ST communities? If reservation has been given properly, then why there is no representation of SC/ST people in the judiciary or there is no vice chancellors and governors? If Bhagwat is in favour of reservation system, then why there are voices against the reservation system? Even a blind person can see the prevalent discrimination in society.Why can’t he see it?” NCP MP Majeed Memon said, “I don’t find a fault in this suggestion. When he says there needs to be a harmonious debate on reservation, it is a complex issue. India being vast every state has autonomy. News18
Ayodhya title dispute: No hearing in SC as Constitution bench judge unavailable
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ayodhya-title-dispute-no-hearing-in-sc-as-constitution-bench-judge-unavailable/article29135692.ece
New Delhi:The hearing in the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case could not take place in the Supreme Court on Monday due to unavailability of one of the 5 judges of the Constitution bench. Constitution bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi was scheduled to hear arguments of senior lawyer C.S. Vaidyanathan, representing deity ‘Ram Lalla Virajman’, for the eighth day. Minutes before the commencement of the hearing, lawyers on both sides were told by the court staff that Justice S.A. Bobde was unavailable today. PTI
Zakir Naik takes 4 Malaysian ministers to court over defamation
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/zakir-naik-takes-4-malaysian-ministers-to-court-over-defamation-1582350-2019-08-19
New Delhi: Zakir Naik, who was granted permanent residency in Malaysia after he fled India on being charged with giving inflammatory speeches, has been barred from holding religious talks in several Malaysian states.Naik, who has been living in Malaysia for the last 3 years, is in the limelight for his remarks against non-Muslim minorities, especially Chinese and Hindus in Malaysia.7 states - Melaka, Johor, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Sarawak - have decided to bar the controversial preacher from speaking in public.Incensed over criticism of his speeches, Naik has now sent notices to the Penang Deputy CM P Ramasamy, Klang MP Charles Santiago and two others for defaming him with their comments.Naik has alleged that they have made defamatory remarks against him which have portrayed him as misusing Islam for selfish purposes. He has claimed that the accusations are baseless. Malaysia's former police chief Rahim Noor has urged the Govt to rescind his Permanent Resident (PR) status and return him to India."PM Mahathir Mohamad had commented that the Govt will consider rescinding his PR status if it is proven that he has committed criminal offences," Noor was quoted as saying.In his racial comments, Naik had said that Hindus in Malaysia get "100 times more rights" than the Muslim minority gets in India, and yet they support the "PM of India and not the PM of Malaysia".PM Mahathir has said that Naik should stay away from making political speeches in Malaysia. The Malaysian PM said the preacher has gone too far with his recent racial comments.indiatoday
Head of Indian govt’s minorities body says Naik’s fears of unfair trial well grounded
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/08/19/head-of-indian-govts-minorities-body-says-naiks-fears-of-unfair-trial-well-grounded/
Petaling Jaya: The head of an Indian Govt agency tasked with protecting religious minorities agrees that Dr Zakir Naik’s speeches could be offensive to Hindus and questions his methods, but adds that the preacher has reasonable grounds to fear persecution and unfair trial under the Modi Govt. Zafarul-Islam Khan, a prominent activist who chairs the federal-backed Delhi Minorities Commission – an agency which safeguards the rights of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis – also believes the recent money laundering charges are part of a larger campaign by extremist Hindu forces to silence Naik.“Hindutva forces have had unbridled power since Modi came to power in May 2014. They are misusing it against their opponents, real or imaginary,” Khan, who is the son of one of contemporary India’s most illustrious Muslim voices, told FMT.Despite his reservations about Naik’s approach to propagating Islam, Khan believes that Naik will not get justice under the “circumstances of witch-hunting and official vilification”.“This is true. Indian judiciary has been quite compromised under the current Govt which believes in bulldozing its decisions,” he said, adding that PM Mahathir Mohamad has a point in his criticism of Indian judiciary in Naik’s context.freemalaysiatoday
J&K ISSUE
Forces deploy 1 million to guard every inch of Kashmir valley
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/180819/forces-deploy-1-million-to-guard-every-inch-of-kashmir-valley.html?fbclid=IwAR086W9_g9VZbjxl9IGM1MLGXOSpx3baQTVJcUOR9_zbh0jJk1prmYEoSBo
Close to 9.5 lakh personnel from the Army, paramilitary and special forces besides Indian Air Force are guarding every inch of Kashmir Valley amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan post scrapping of Article 370 for J&K.While majority of forces were stationed in the Valley, Centre, over the last month has deployed over 1.75 lakh additional personnel — which is unprecedented in history of J&K. Besides a massive troop build-up, all forces put together have flown in at least 100 doctors to cater to medical emergencies among soldiers and have stocked up on medicines and rations to last them for 3 to 4 months.Deccan Chronicle
Pellet victims allege unprovoked attack by securitymen in Kashmir Valley
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/aug/19/pellet-victims-allege-unprovoked-attack-by-securitymen-in-kashmir-valley-2020913.html
Srinagar: Asrar Ahmed, 16, has been in ICU at SKIMS since Aug.6 after security personnel fired several rounds of pellets, injuring him on the head, shoulders and face. “He just went to pick up a ball outside the gate when security men standing across the road first fired tear gas and then shot him on the head and eyes,” alleged Firdousa Mehraj, Asrar’s aunt. If relatives and family members of other pellet victims are to be believed, most of them fell victim due to “unprovoked” action by security personnel. In ward 1A is Burhan Nazir, a Class X student from downtown’s SafaKadal area. He has already gone through two surgeries.“My uncle gave me `20 to buy some snacks when suddenly the army rushed in. While my friends ran, somebody kept a gun on my shoulder and hit me. I fell,” Nazir said. Shakeela, his mother, said every day CRPF and other paramilitary personnel patrol their area. She said the children had gone out for a stroll when the incident took place. “I was coming out of a masjid when someone shouted that my son was lying dead on the street,” said Nazir Ahmed, Burhan’s father.In one of the beds of the SMHS, another Govt hospital in downtown lies 5-year-old Munifa Nazir with a bandaged right eye. She was hit by a marble ball, allegedly fired by “personnel of BSF” by a slingshot at SafaKadal.In the same ward is Suhail Ahmed from Rainawari.“We were coming out after praying at a masjid on Friday. Things were calm when suddenly, armed forces started shooting pellet guns. 6 children were injured. My right eye is blurry since then,” he added.
Demanding release of Kashmiri leaders, DMK to protest at Jantar Mantar, invites other parties
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dmk-mk-stalin-opposition-protest-jantar-mantar-release-of-detained-jk-leaders-article-370-5917832/
New Delhi :DMK chief MK Stalin said party MPs would hold a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday, demanding the release of political leaders detained since Aug.5 in J&K and urged the parliamentarians of like-minded parties to join them. Condemning the scrapping of J&K special status, Stalin said in a statement that the detention of family members of political leaders in J&K was “unacceptable”.The remark comes on the backdrop of ltija Mufti, the daughter of former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, writing a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah on Independence Day seeking clarity on her detention at her Srinagar residence.“Central Govt has isolated Kashmir from India by imposing a curfew, using repressive forces and implementing prohibitory orders. By cutting channels of communication, Govt has unnecessarily created a hostile environment,” DMK statement read.indianexpress
After 11-day Kashmir visit, NSA Doval briefs Amit Shah on ground situation
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nsa-ajit-doval-amit-shah-on-situation-in-kashmir-5917255/
New Delhi :After spending 11 days in Kashmir to ensure smooth implementation of plans following the withdrawal of special status to J&K, NSA Ajit Doval met Home Minister Amit Shah today and briefed him about the situation on the ground. Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Intelligence Bureau chief were also present at the meeting.The meeting comes on a day several Govt-run schools in J&K reopened after restrictions were eased in parts of the state. indianexpress
Schools reopen in JK, record low student turnout
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/schools-reopen-in-jammu-kashmir-record-low-student-turnout-5916738/
New Delhi:Several govt-run schools in Jammu-Kashmir reopened Monday after restrictions were eased in parts of the state. Officials told PTI that arrangements were made for the opening of 190 primary schools in Srinagar. However, according to PTI, not many students were seen inside classrooms despite teachers reporting to work. Private schools across the capital city remained shut for 15th consecutive day as parents were apprehensive about the prevailing security situation in the Valley.Only Police Public School at Bemina and a few Kendriya Vidyalayas saw a handful of students turning up, PTI reported. indian express
Shah Faesal moves Habeas Corpus writ against detention, Delhi HC seeks Centre’s response
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shah-faesal-habeas-corpus-petition-court-detention-at-delhi-airport-kashmir-article-370-5917968/
New Delhi:Former IAS officer-turned-politician Shah Faesal on Monday moved a Habeas Corpus writ in Delhi High Court challenging his recent detention at Delhi airport. Fixing August 23 as the next date of hearing, the court has sought a response from the Centre and the J&K Govt on the petition.Faesal was prevented from boarding a flight from Delhi to Istanbul last week. He was later taken to Srinagar, held under PSA and placed under house arrest.While seeking directions to the authorities to “immediately set him at liberty”, Faesal claimed before a bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal that his life was at “risk” and his “illegal detention amounts to abduction”.Sources said he was detained on the basis of a “perception of threat to public order due to his activities”. The move was based on a report from the J&K administration, they said. “There is a likelihood that political leaders will go abroad and try to foment trouble in the Valley from there,” an official said at that time.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, opposed Faesal’s contention and said a detailed response would be filedIn his petition, Faesal said he was illegally picked up from New Delhi airport when he was on his way to complete his fellowship commitments at Harvard University on the intervening night of August 14-15. After that, he was illegally whisked away to Kashmir against his wishes, the petition said.“No transit remand was sought in Delhi before illegally taking the petitioner (Faesal) to Srinagar. The petitioner has not been made aware of the charges against him at any point of time, including at the time of his illegal detention. No arrest memos or seizure memos or any other documents were provided to him describing the charges or grounds of his arrest at the time of his illegal custody thereafter,” Faesal’s counsel argued before the court.The counsel, while referring to the petition, said from the “sequence of events leading up to his illegal detention, it is clear that the petitioner has been specifically targeted and unlawfully detained because of his political, constitutional and democratic stand on the abrogation and not because of his illegal conduct or wrongdoing on his part”. indianexpress
Army, S. Rashid lock horns over 'torture' charge
https://thewire.in/security/shehla-rashids-allegations-on-kashmir-baseless-indian-army
New Delhi:Terming them ‘baseless,’ Indian Army rejected 2 specific claims made by activist and J&K People’s Movement leader Shehla Rashid on the ground situation in Kashmir, ANI reported.These were among 10 allegations levelled by Rashid in a series of tweets – based on “things that people coming from Kashmir say about the situation.Rashid, meanwhile, said that she has had “detailed conversations with people about the situation there” and is willing to share “details” about the incidents she has mentioned with the Army if it were to “conduct an impartial investigation.”The activist tweeted on Sunday that the armed forces were “entering houses at night, picking up boys,ransacking houses, deliberately spilling rations on the floor, mixing oil with rice..”Further, she wrote that in Shopian, 4 men were “called into the Army camp and “interrogated” (tortured).”thewire
OTHERS
Tamil Nadu seer’s ‘communal’ remark upsets Towheed, earns him police summon
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-seer-s-communal-remark-upsets-towheed-earns-him-police-summon/story-L936hC27XRuUun82nglq4J.html
Chennai:A well known Vaishnavite Mutt head in the pilgrim centre, Srivilliputhur, in Tamil Nadu has been summoned by Virudhunagar district police on a complaint by a Towheed Jamaat functionary charging him with attempting to create enmity between religious communities.The religious leader, Satakopa Ramanuja Jeer of the Manavala Mamunigal Mutt has been told to appear before the Virudhunagar police for inquiry on August 22. Police is acting on a complaint by one Syed Ali, Kancheepuram District Secretary of Indian Towheed Jamaat who accused the seer of promoting enmity between Hindus and Muslims with his remark about the deity Athi Varadhar--12-ft statue of Vishnu carved out of fig wood, in Kancheepuram.The deity, retrieved from the temple tank of Sri Varadaraja Perumal shrine, was kept for public worship for 48 days from July 1 onwards. On Aug.17, the deity was interned back in the underground cellar at the tank named Anadasaras. It is said to be a once in 40-years spectacle. This year, more than one crore devotees came to worship it including President Ramnath Kovind, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, matinee icon Rajinikath, CM Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy CM, O Panneerselvam. Towheed functionary, offended by the reference to ‘Muslim invaders,’ had lodged the complaint with CM’s special cell.“Jeer’s irresponsible remarks have caused great distress among the Muslims as it has the potential to incite communal violence,” Syed Ali said seeking appropriate action in his complaint.HT
Hyderabad: Social media fuels fear about NRC
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/180819/hyderabad-registrars-notice-triggers-panic.html
Hyderabad: There are apprehensions in a section of the society that the Centre may extend National Register of Citizens of India(NRC) across the country, forcing them to collect documents to prove that they are indeed Indians.Adding to the anxiety is a notification issued by the Registrar General, Citizen Registration, regarding the preparation and updating of the Population Register which entails house to house enumeration throughout the country.This exercise will start from April 1 next year. To counter any fear-mongering, a few people are posting messages condemning the alerts. One such message says,“An audio purporting to be from some organisations is circulated on NRC. The statement made in this audio in regard to NRC is not completely correct and it is creating fear among Muslim based on incorrect information.” A detailed message of Shaik Mohammed Asif Ali, who has authored an e-book, ‘NRC, If not Indian, Who Am I’ is also in circulation. Ali clarifies the apprehensions about NRC and that no Bill has been passed yet. However Shah has in several speeches stated his intention of doing so.Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) TS general secretary Zubair Ahmed Qasmi said the people were confused by the messages being spread on social media. Deccan Chronicle
UP ATS set to open history sheets of terror suspects
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/up-ats-set-to-open-history-sheets-of-30-terror-suspects-5915654/
UP ATS has decided to open history sheets of 30 alleged terror operatives in order to ensure they remain under police surveillance.This comes two years after ATS opened the history sheets of 5 terror suspects, accused of carrying out bomb blasts in various parts of the country, in Azamgarh in 2017, but after that agency did not make any move.Now, ATS has again prepared a list of 30 after going through their records and studying the cases of people booked on terror charges in the state.The list includes names of suspects who are lodged in jail on terror charges as well as those who are absconding.There are a few who have been convicted. An ATS officer said the history sheets would be opened at the concerned police stations, under which the terror suspects’ native places fall. The history sheet will have the records of cases lodged against them.“We have identified as many as 30 terror suspects whose history sheets will be opened soon,” said IG, ATS, Asim Kumar Arun.30 alleged terror operatives are from different parts of the state, including Lucknow, Azamgarh, Sambhal, Kanpur and Ambedkar Nagar.e ATS officer added they wanted to open the history sheets of terror suspects to ensure that local police keep their track and update the agency on their activities on a regular basis.indianexpress
K'taka gang suspected of terror link turns out to be conmen posing as public servants
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ktaka-gang-suspected-terror-link-turns-out-be-conmen-posing-public-servants-107408
Ruling out the suspected ‘terror angle’ against the eight individuals detained earlier on Friday evening, the Mangaluru City police said the suspects were allegedly conmen who posed as investigators from the central Govt and were planning to dupe people on the pretext of carrying out an investigation.On August 16, the local police, who were on high-alert as part of the Independence Day celebrations, noticed that five individuals, sitting in a car at Pumpwell in Mangaluru city, were acting suspiciously. “Acting on a tip-off, a police inspector approached the black car, which had heavily tinted glass and had labels such as 'Director, NCIB and 'Govt of India' on it. When we tried to ask some questions, suspects tried to get away with the car but were waylaid,” Mangaluru City Police Commissioner PS Harsha said. On being further questioned, suspects, who were dressed in safari suits, told the officials that they were waiting for instructions from their bosses at a lodge in Kankanady. The accused later admitted that they were planning to trap a local businessman (unidentified) for financial extortion, in the garb of their 'fake' Govt credentials, police said. Subsequently, a police team was sent to Sai Arya Lodge at Kankanady in the city and three more members of the gang were arrested.While 53-year-old Sam Peter, a resident of Kerala, is suspected to be the ring leader, he was aided by Madan (41), Chinnappa (38), Sunil Raju (35), Kodandarama (39), who hailed from Bengaluru; Abdul Lateef (59) and G Mohiudeen (70), residents of Mangaluru; and TK Bopanna (33) from Kodagu.
Malnutrition bigger threat than Maoists violence, says Chhattisgarh CM Baghel
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/politics/malnutrition-bigger-threat-than-maoists-violence-says-chhattisgarh-cm-bhupesh-baghel?fbclid=IwAR3kV7J38GgQUK_52ih5gMphPTIKE2Arw249nv_AVmUre4H-0eGKdSU6r94
Speaking at a programme in Delhi, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said that malnutrition is a much bigger threat than Maoist violence in the state and that his Govt is committed to build a new Chhattisgarh.“Over 37 % of the state’s children are malnourished. It is a bigger threat than Maoism in the state,” said Baghel. Highlighting the measures taken by his Govt to improve children’s health, Baghel said, “To provide good nutrition to the children we have started Suposhan scheme in over 109 panchayats of the state,”.“Suposhit scheme will be launched on October 2,” he added.nationalheraldindia
Muslims in flood ravaged Maharashtra village clean temples
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/aug/19/muslims-in-flood-ravaged-maharashtra-village-clean-temples-2020941.html
Mumbai: While presenting an excellent example of social harmony, groups of young Muslim men in textile town of Ichalkaranji near Sangli have cleaned temples in the village that were marooned in floods.“Around 900 Muslim volunteers gathered at Jama Masjid in the city on Friday morning and participated in the cleanliness drive in different teams. One of the teams that was assigned Nadi Ves area of city cleaned even the Margubai Temple in the area,” Husen Kalawant, one of the volunteers who participated in the initiative taken by the community. “Volunteers were from all cross-sections of the society and they had with them 10 tracter-trollies, 2 earthmovers and other cleaning materials like brooms, shovels etc so that the silt accumulated in various areas of the city could be cleaned. Then we also cleaned Baudha Vihar, Makhtum Darga, Mahadeo Mandir and Sikandar Dargah,”Husen added.newindianexpress
BJP leader arrested for ‘raping minor over 4 yrs’
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bjp-leader-arrested-for-raping-minor-over-4-years-in-mumbai-5915516/?fbclid=IwAR1WSExbnt9Be4aPJeiTxErbE27p6BfvrL5br1C7zVZ8BIWGAl8AXyYMPFY
Mumbai :A local BJP office-bearer was arrested on Saturday for allegedly raping a minor girl repeatedly at gunpoint over the past 4 years.According to the police, 41-year-old accused had been pursuing the girl, who is now 17 years old, for the past 4 years. However, she had rejected his advances and told him to stay away from her, said police. A police officer said the rejection enraged the accused, who raped the girl at gunpoint in 2015. He allegedly continued to sexually assault the girl ever since, said police.The police said the accused, who is married and has children, was produced in court on Sunday and remanded to police custody till August 21.
Abolition of Triple Talaq will ensure dignity, equality to crores of Muslim women: Amit Shah
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/abolition-of-triple-talaq-will-ensure-dignity-equality-to-crores-of-muslim-women-amit-shah20190818215455/
New Delhi: Abolition of Triple Talaq will ensure dignity and equality to crores of Muslim women, said Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah here on Sunday. Speaking on "Abolition of Triple Talaq - Correction of a historic wrong" at the Constitution Club of India here, Shah traced the journey of the Act, saying that he had spoken on the issue of Triple Talaq when it was in the ordinance format and when it was a bill.He said that it was a proud moment for him to speak of the issue of Triple Talaq when it had finally been enacted by the Parliament. Giving the examples of nations that had abolished Triple Talaq, Shah said that several Islamic nations had already taken the step decades ago, and this proves that such a barbaric practice is not part of Islamic culture.Shah said that the society must progress with time, otherwise, it becomes stale. He also said that the abolition of Triple Talaq would ensure dignity and equality for crores of Muslim women.ANI
Triple Talaq cases rise in UP after law
https://www.btvi.in/national/triple-talaq-cases-rise-in-up-after-law-comes-into-force/140545
Lucknow: Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 which criminalises triple talaq has, so far, failed to act as a deterrent to the cases of triple talaq in UP.In recent weeks, there has been a spurt in such cases in the state.A woman from the Shamli district has alleged that her husband gave her triple talaq over phone earlier this month. "My husband gave me triple talaq over the phone. I have his call recording to prove this. I want justice. If justice is not given to me then I will immolate myself," victim said.In another incident, a woman has claimed that her husband gave her triple talaq inside the premises of CJM court in Etah earlier this month. The couple had come to the court regarding a case.Similarly, in Hapur, a woman has alleged that her husband gave her triple talaq after she was not able to fulfill his dowry demands.A senior police official who spoke on condition of anonymity, has said, "There has, undoubtedly, been a spurt in cases of triple talaq which is baffling because the law on this issue is already in place. We see no reason for this except a kind of retaliation from the men in the community." btvi
UP: Woman burnt alive allegedly by husband, in-laws for triple talaq complaint, claims family
https://scroll.in/latest/934400/up-woman-burnt-alive-allegedly-by-husband-in-laws-for-triple-talaq-complaint-claims-family
A 22-year-old woman was burnt to death allegedly by her husband and in-laws in Shravasti district of UP. The incident took place on Friday evening after Sayeeda tried to file a police complaint against her husband for giving her divorce by uttering talaq thrice.The woman’s father Ramzan Ali Khan claimed that his son-in-law Nafees, who works in Mumbai, gave his daughter talaq over the phone on August 6. Sayeeda went to the police station on the same day.scroll.in/NDTV
In Gujarat, minorities have higher sex ratios
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/in-gujarat-minorities-have-higher-sex-ratios/articleshow/70729817.cms
Ahmedabad: Sex ratios in religious minorities in Gujarat are higher than that of Hindus. In Gujarat, the number of women per 1,000 men is 979 among Christians, 966 in Jains and 944 in Muslims. This figure for Hindus is 916 women per 1,000 men. Among religious minorities in Gujarat, the sex ratio is the lowest among Sikhs (816). These figures were revealed by “Women and Men in India 2018”, a report released by Union Govt. According to the report, the sex ratios of Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists (879) is lower than the state average of 919. Jains in Gujarat have the second highest sex ratio as a group in the country after Kerala as a whole. The southern state has 1,018 women per 1,000 men. The report also states that the sex ratio in Gujarat is much below the national average of 943. Only Jains in Gujarat have a higher sex ratio than the national average. The Jains’ national sex ratio is 954.Earlier, Census 2011 data had revealed that the child sex ratio (between 0 and 6 years) in Gujarat is 890 girls per 1,000 boys. On this count, Muslims in the state have the highest child sex ratio of 934 as compared to Hindus (898), Christians (927), Sikhs (861), Buddhists (922), and Jains (881). However, the report says that the child sex ratio is declining in the state. timesofindia
Manmohan elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/manmohan-singh-elected-unopposed-to-rajya-sabha-5917372/?fbclid=IwAR1gNz7m8fsQLTd5wOhLdTQyTopMf4hCVzji9iXQM5j-JEd9JWha1BeKqeM
Former PM Manmohan Singh Monday was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. He was declared elected unopposed as the deadline for the withdrawal of nominations for the bypoll ended.Singh was nominated by the Congress while BJP did not field any candidate for bypoll.indianexpress
Delhi HC seeks Centre’s response on PIL seeking common minimum age of marriage
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-high-court-marriage-age-for-women-centre-response-5917714/
New Delhi :Presently, men in India are permitted to get married at the age of 21 while the legal age for women is 18. Delhi High Court on Monday sought response from the Ministry of Women and Child Development and Law Commission of India on a PIL seeking a common legal age of marriage for men and women.Presently, men in India are permitted to get married at the age of 21 while the legal age for women is 18. indianexpress
Ex-Bihar CM Jagannath Mishra passes away at 81
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jagannath-mishra-passes-away-at-81-5916535/
Former Bihar CM Jagannath Mishra passed away in New Delhi after prolonged illness, ANI reported on Monday. He was 81. Condoling his demise, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar declared a 3-day mourning in the state. Mishra will be cremated with state honours. indianexpress
Ashok Gehlot: ADG-led cell to monitor mob lynching cases in Rajasthan
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ashok-gehlot-rajasthan-pehlu-khan-mob-lynching-cell-sit-5915220/
New Delhi :Days after all the accused in the Pehlu Khan lynching case were acquitted by a court due to “lack of evidence”, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Sunday said a cell led by ADG (Crime) would be constituted for monitoring heinous crimes, such as lynchings in the state. The cell would also include an IGP-rank officer, a DIG and 2 SPs besides 2 legal officers, Gehlot told reporters here.“The cell will monitor the case even when it is in court. Investigation of heinous crimes like the lynching of Pehlu Khan will now be done at the state-level as well as the range-level. A law officer will monitor the case after the challan is presented in the court,” PTI quoted Gehlot as saying.indian express
15 killed, 35 injured after a bus collides with a truck in Dhule, Maharashtra
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/news/15-killed-35-injured-after-a-bus-collides-with-a-truck-in-dhule-maharashtra
15 people were killed and 35 injured in a head-on collision between a container truck and a state transport bus, police said in Dhule on Monday.The crash took place late on Sunday near Neemgul village, according to Dhule Control Room official AL Patil.nationalheraldindia
WORLD
Military convoy targeted in northern Syria:Turkey
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/syria-alleges-turkish-convoy-entered-idlib-armed-rebels-190819095722932.html
Air raids have targeted a Turkish military convoy heading to one of Ankara's observation posts in northwest Syria, the Turkish defence ministry has said, adding that at least three civilians were killed and 12 wounded.The ministry did not provide other details but "strongly condemned" Monday's air raids, saying they were contrary to "existing agreements as well as our cooperation and dialogue with Russia."It also called for "urgent measures" to prevent a repeat of the incident. Turkey backs some of the rebels in northwest Syria and has deployed forces into the Idlib region - the rebels' last stronghold - under deals with Russia, the most powerful ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.Earlier on Monday, a war monitor and witnesses said Russian fighter jets had targeted positions near the convoy which had crossed into Syria's Idlib province.UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a fighter belonging to a Turkey-backed faction accompanying the convoy was killed in Monday's air raids, while others were injured.Syrian state media, SANA, quoted a source in Syria's foreign ministry as saying Turkish convoy loaded with munitions crossed the border and was heading to Khan Sheikhoun to help "terrorist" groups.aljazeera
Turkey removes pro-Kurdish mayors, holds over 400
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/turkey-removes-pro-kurdish-mayors-arrests-400-190819090927327.html
Turkish Govt has removed three mayors from office over alleged links to a Kurdish armed group as Govt arrests more than 400 people amid a deepening crackdown on the opposition.The mayors of Diyarbakir, Mardin and Van provinces in eastern Turkey - all members of HDP elected in March - were suspended on Monday.Ministry of the Interior said it had active cases against them for "spreading propaganda" or being members of a "terrorist" organisation.Al Jazeera's reporter, said mayors have also been accused of diverting money and resources from their municipalities to support the outlawed Kurdistan PKK agenda.aljazeera
Trump: US peace plan likely to be released after Israel election
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/trump-peace-plan-released-israel-election-190819072448578.html
US President Donald Trump has said he would likely wait until after Israel's Sept.17 elections before releasing the long-awaited peace plan for the region that was designed by White House senior adviser Jared Kushner. Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, is said to be the main architect of a proposed $50bn economic plan for Palestine, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon.The upcoming Israeli election is the second one of its kind scheduled to take place this year.Palestinian leaders said the gathering avoided a political settlement based on a two-state solution, describing it as an attempt by the US administration and some of its allies in the region to "liquidate" the Palestinian cause.aljazeera
Netanyahu: Israel election won’t stop Gaza war
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190819-netanyahu-israel-election-wont-stop-gaza-war/
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to strike the already-besieged Gaza Strip regardless of the country’s upcoming general election.Speaking as he embarked on a 2-day visit to Ukraine, Netanyahu said:“I heard comments that I am refraining from a large campaign [in Gaza] because of the elections. This is not correct. Everyone who knows me knows that my considerations are matter-of fact and real, that I act [in] full cooperation with the security forces, with assertiveness and responsibility.” “If it is required, we will embark on a large campaign […] with elections or without elections,” Netanyahu stressed. middleeastmonitor
PA warns of Israel’s plan for spatial division of Aqsa
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190819-pa-warns-of-israels-plan-for-spatial-division-of-al-aqsa-mosque/
Palestinian Authority (PA) warned of Israel attempts to impose spatial divisions at Al-Aqsa Mosque as part of the electoral campaigns of right-wing parties led by current PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Assabeel paper reported.PA’s Foreign Ministry said that the ruling Israeli right-wing, headed by Netanyahu, “has been carrying out hundreds of judaisation projects” aiming to “change the status quo in Jerusalem, its holy sites and surrounding neighbourhoods.”“This judaisation campaign has been escalating in the light of the unprecedented and unlimited American support.”“Israel believes it is almost completing its mission regarding the future of Jerusalem, so that it is taking punitive measures and putting pressure on Jerusalemites in order to push them out of the city,” the statement continued. middleeastmonitor
Bedouin in Marsa Matrouh protest Egypt confiscation of their land
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190819-bedouin-in-marsa-matrouh-protest-egypt-confiscation-of-their-land/
Bedouin in the city of Negila west of Marsa Matrouh are staging a sit-in to protest the confiscation of their land they say is being sold on to UAE.Marsa Matrouh is a coastal town 250 kilometres west of Alexandria and is known for its white sand and clear water. In 2010 it was sold as a new “hotspot” by the British travel companies Thomson and First Choice, which introduced direct flights to encourage holiday makers.It is not just the British who understand money can be made from tourism here – the Egyptian army has discovered that projects on the north coast are very profitable. Property on the beach is regularly demolished on the grounds that it had been built on state owned land, compounding fear that the land is being sold to foreign investors at the expense of locals.This is taking place across the country. At the beginning of August President Abel Fattah Al-Sisi announced that 47 state-owned islands in the Red Sea, used mainly for the purposes of tourism, were of strategic military importance and were being allocated to the army.middleeastmonitor
Pak Army Chief Bajwa gets 3-year extension, Imran Khan cites regional security situation
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pak-army-chief-qamar-javed-bajwa-gets-3-year-extension-imran-khan-cites-regional-security-situation/story-BSKvq8mqwZeVKM6kDwrQZJ.html
Amid tensions with India after New Delhi abruptly ended J&K’s special status, Pakistan PM Imran Khan retained Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in the top military post in light of what Khan’s order referred to as “regional security situation”. General Bajwa’s 3-year-long tenure was to expire in Nov. “General Bajwa is appointed Chief of Army Staff for another term of 3 years from the date of completion of current tenure. The decision has been taken in view of regional security environment,” order issued by Imran Khan said.HT
General accused of war crimes named Sri Lanka army chief
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/general-accused-of-war-crimes-appointed-sri-lanka-army-chief/story-FGVqdPj50PNQ13VFtNFyeO.html
Colombo:A general accused of war crimes was Monday appointed Sri Lanka army chief, as US warned his selection undermined efforts to ensure accountability after a long-running conflict with Tamil separatists.Major General Shavendra Silva, 55, was elevated to the army’s second-highest position of chief of staff in January before his latest promotion by President Maithripala Sirisena to commander of the Sri Lankan army.“The president... has appointed Major General Shavendra Silva as the 23rd commander of the army ...after promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General,” the army said in a statement.55-year-old, who commanded an army division in the civil war, has been accused by UN of war crimes during the final stages of the separatist conflict.The American embassy in Colombo said it was “deeply concerned” by the appointment, which was confirmed by the president’s office, adding that the allegations of “gross human rights violations against him... are serious and credible”.AFP
Al-Bashir arrives in court to face fraud charges
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/sudan-ruler-al-bashir-arrives-court-face-graft-charges-190819082851872.html
Sudan's former President Omar al-Bashir, who ruled the country for 30 years, has appeared in a Khartoum court for the start of his trial on corruption charges.The deposed leader faces charges related to "possessing foreign currency, corruption and receiving gifts illegally".An investigator told the court al-Bashir has admitted to receiving $90m in cash from Saudi royals.Police Brigadier Ahmed Ali said at the opening of the trial that the former president told him that the latest payment was "delivered by some of Mohammed bin Salman's envoys".The police investigator told the court that nearly 7 million euros ($7.8m) were found at al-Bashir's residence, as well as smaller amounts in US dollars and Sudanese pounds. aljazeera
Bomb attacks target Afghanistan's Jalalabad on independence day
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/bomb-attacks-target-afghanistan-jalalabad-independence-day-190819090128442.html
A series of explosions in restaurants and public squares in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad have wounded more than 30 people, local officials said.Monday's attacks took place as Afghanistan marked the 100th anniversary of its independence from British rule.At least 6 explosions took place in different parts of the city, Nangarhar Provincial Governor Shah Mahmood Miakhel said, according to local media Tolo news.Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded after blasts targeted Independence Day events. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks.The attacks follow a weekend bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul, in which 63 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded.President Ashraf Ghani, in an independence day address in Kabul, called on the international community to stand with Afghanistan to eradicate the fighters' "nests".aljazeera
Flash: NEWS,views,Articles
'Most Productive' Parliament Session May Also Be the Most Dangerous:Harsh Mander
https://thewire.in/rights/modi-Govt-rss-hindutva-kashmir-uapa
Journalism counters manufactured ignorance:A.S. Panneerselvan
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/Readers-Editor/journalism-counters-manufactured-ignorance/article29127673.ece?homepage=true&fbclid=IwAR36rygI8JPlrMujqIt3-jEaAp2vLyBoFDdIkPUawWCyLjkHP2rSghjkIGc
View: Triple Talaq bill fails to address the crucial aspect of 'maintenance':Mohammad Sajjad
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/view-triple-talaq-bill-fails-to-address-the-crucial-aspect-of-maintenance/articleshow/70472447.cms?utm_source=facebook_wap&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialsharebuttons&from=mdr
The veil of spiritualism has made Hindus blind to what lies beyond it: Dhirendra K Jha
https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/dhirendra-k-jha-interview-ascetic-games?fbclid=IwAR0fXbGGB-LHmw8kv2mII7VYJX5GeWeLcUyv6dXFxxZWF8C3WkD5_KN6CEg
NRC- A Synonym for Deep Anxiety:ANGSHUMAN CHOUDHURY, ABHINAV P.BORBORA, SURAJ GOGOI
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/9/17427/National-Register-of-Citizens-NRC---A--Synonym-for-Deep-Anxiety?fbclid=IwAR3gC08_Y3jcAQ53gMQWjDEX8p66Osf_WGBnKF3Vix0flrnn6jIQnbvsNq0
People’s consent is missing in how J&K has been taken over by the ‘rest of India’:Rajmohan Gandhi
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jammu-and-kashmir-special-status-article-370-peoples-consent-missing-5915553/
Secret life of Article 370: Nehru's use of ruthless force to integrate Kashmir behind veil of 'special status' offers lessons for today:Praveen Swami
https://www.firstpost.com/india/secret-life-of-article-370-nehrus-use-of-ruthless-force-to-integrate-kashmir-behind-veil-of-special-status-offers-lessons-for-today-7187891.html
'woke' media outfit that's actually a UK counterterror programme:Revealed
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/revealed-woke-media-outfit-thats-actually-uk-counterterror-programme?fbclid=IwAR3ICpymU0KSNBpiHWJcDagitVepqs-fxc5hMNtCwJelvuxxMwM7WqMFXqk
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq,(Released at: 7:28 PM)
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