NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
22 AUG. 2019: 20 ZilHajj 1440:Vol: 11, No:272
INDIA
INX: Chidambaram to stay in CBI custody till Aug 26
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chidambaram-arrested-live-updates-cbi-ed-supreme-court-bail-inx-media-case-5925663/
A Delhi Special Court remanded former Union Minister P Chidambaram to CBI custody till Aug.26 in connection with its probe into charges of corruption in INX Media case. Chidambaram was arrested late Wednesday night for his alleged role in the case. Special judge said that Chidambaram will be allowed to meet his family everyday and shall also be medically examined from time to time.Earlier today, Chidambaram was produced before Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar where his advocates opposed CBI plea on the ground that all the other accused, including his son Karti, have already been granted bail in the case. Opposing the plea, Kapil Sibal argued the “custody of a person cannot be merely to carry out searches at accused premises,” adding that the grant of bail is a rule and the issue before the court is of “personal liberty”.indianexpress
Karti calls arrest of his a malicious act, says drama was created to divert attention from Article 370 issue
https://www.newsx.com/national/karti-chidambaram-vindictive-and-malicious-act-cbi-ed-divert-attention-from-article-370-p-chidambaram-inx-media-case.html
Pleading innocence of his father who was arrested by CBI, Karti Chidambaram today came out all guns blazing against the investigative agency, saying the entire drama was created to create a spectacle in media and to tarnish the image of Congress party including P Chidambaram. He said that the issue is completely a trumped-up case to which senior Chidambaram has no connection. Terming CBI as a pliant agency, he asserted that the arrest of his father in connection with INX Media case was a totally vindictive and malicious act, adding that there was absolutely no need of doing this. Junior Chidambaram maintained that the move was done only to settle brownie points, indirectly referring to BJP-led NDA Govt.Karti, who left for Delhi along with DMK MLAs, said that they will fight for the senior-most Congress leader politically and also in the court of law. He went on to say that arrest was done to divert the attention from the issue of Article 370 of the Constitution that Central Govt abrogated, ensuing strong protests by the Opposition and people of Kashmir. NewsX
Kamal Nath’s nephew Ratul Puri agrees to surrender in AgustaWestland chopper case
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kamal-nath-nephew-ratul-puri-agrees-to-surrender-in-agustawestland-chopper-case-5927118/
MP CM Kamal Nath’s nephew Ratul Puri today moved a Delhi court seeking to surrender in connection with the AgustaWestland chopper case. The businessman, who is already in ED custody in a separate case, filed the plea before Special Judge Arvind Kumar. The matter has been listed for hearing on Friday.Puri is accused of receiving kickbacks in the AgustaWestland chopper deal. On Wednesday, special judge Arvind Kumar dismissed Puri’s application for cancellation of non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him, saying there was no ground to grant relief. Puri had approached the court, saying there was no need for NBW as he was willing to cooperate in the probe.indianexpress
Calcutta HC stays arrest warrant against Shashi Tharoor for ‘Hindu-Pakistan’ remark
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shashi-tharoor-hindu-pakistan-remark-calcutta-high-court-stays-arrest-warrant-5926785/
Calcutta High Court today stayed the arrest warrant issued against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his “Hindu Pakistan” remark he had made last year.The High Court’s decision came more than a week after the Magistrate at Bankshall court issued a bailable arrest warrant against the MP after he or his advocate failed to appear before it. The court, however, asked Tharoor to appear before it on Sept. 24.“I had filed a petition against Tharoor in July last year against his Hindu Pakistan remark. His advocate had appeared before the court in August last year. Today either Tharoor or his advocate failed to appear before the court. As a result, the court has issued an arrest warrant against him,” advocate Sumeet Chowdhury had earlier said.indianexpress
ED to approach CBI to issue red corner notice against Zakir Naik
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/aug/21/ed-to-approach-cbi-to-issue-red-corner-notice-against-zakir-naik-2022292.html
New Delhi:Enforcement Directorate (ED) will approach CBI for requesting Interpol to issue a red corner notice, commonly known as RCN, against Zakir Naik, who is currently residing in Malaysia, sources said. In India, CBI is the nodal agency and one of the oldest members of Interpol which issues RCN. Once RCN is issued, a request is sent to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest the person pending his or her extradition.ED is also planning to approach a Mumbai court to issue a non-bailable arrest warrant against 54-year-old preacher.Once the Mumbai court issues a non-bailable warrant against Naik, ED will send a formal request to CBI to send a petition to the Interpol seeking a red corner notice to Malaysia, demanding that Naik must be extradited to India as per the extradition treaty between 2 nations. Naik has been in Malaysia for about 3 years after he was granted permanent residency in the country. Interpol has in the past rejected NIA request on the ground that no chargesheet was filed against Naik at the time of submission.newindianexpress
Govt using CBI, ED as ‘personal revenge-seeking departments’: Congress
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/congress-centre-randeep-surjewala-cbi-chidambaram-arrest-5926283/
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala today accused the Centre of using CBI and ED as “personal revenge-seeking departments”. He was commenting in reference to P Chidambaram’s arrest by CBI in connection with INX Media case.“India witnessed broad daylight murder of democracy as also rule of law in last two days. “False charges” being heaped up on senior political rivals to “silence” everyone in country,” Surjewala said.“Govt using CBI, ED as personal revenge-seeking departments for the party in power as also those ruling country,” Surjewala charged.indianexpress
IL&FS case: Raj Thackeray appears before ED at Mumbai office, prohibitory orders imposed in area
https://scroll.in/latest/934738/il-fs-case-raj-thackeray-to-appear-before-ed-at-mumbai-office-prohibitory-orders-imposed-in-area
Police on Thursday imposed prohibitory orders outside Mumbai office of the Enforcement Directorate where MNS chief Raj Thackeray arrived for questioning around 11 am, ANI reported. The investigating agency issued the summons as part of its investigation into alleged money laundering in the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services group.The prohibitory orders were issued under Section 144, which bars unlawful assembly of more than four people.scroll
Delhi Ravidas temple demolition: Bhim Army chief, 96 others arrested after Dalit protest turns violent
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2019/aug/21/ravidas-temple-demolition-bhim-army-chief-arrested-after-dalit-protest-turns-violent-2022346.html
New Delhi: A protest by Dalits against the demolition of a Ravidas temple in the Tughlakabad area turned violent on Wednesday night, leaving several people, including policemen, injured.A heavy police force was deployed in the area as tension prevailed after police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the protesters.Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was arrested amid the violence on charges of rioting and unlawful assembly and will be produced before a court on Thursday, a police official said. Dalit leader and around 96 others were detained on Wednesday night from Tughlaqabad area after Dalits' protest."FIR has been registered on charges of rioting, unlawful assembly, voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty among others. Chandrashekhar has been arrested. 96 other protesters are also in police custody. Probe is on," official said."At around 7.30 pm, the mob that gathered at Ravi Das Marg turned unruly and became violent despite persuasion and appeal by police to maintain peace and started pelting stones and attacking policemen," DCP Chinmoy Biswal said.The protest attended by a large number of people from different states caused massive traffic jams in several areas of the city. According to the police, violent protesters damaged a few vehicles and two motorcycles were set ablaze. Ravidas temple was demolished by DDA earlier this month on the orders of the Supreme Court.Earlier in the day, thousands of Dalits, who trooped into Delhi from various parts of the country in buses and trains, marched from Ambedkar Bhawan in Jhandewalan to Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi, protesting against the demolition of the temple in the Tughlakabad forest area.PTI
‘Demolish Sabarimala, Tirupati temples too’:At Ravidas mandir protest, Dalits bristle at double standards
https://www.news18.com/news/india/raze-sabarimala-and-tirupati-temples-too-at-ravidas-mandir-protest-dalits-bristle-at-double-standards-2279641.html
Delhi Assembly resolves to build Ravidas temple at site where it was razed
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-resolves-to-build-ravidas-temple-at-site-where-it-was-razed/story-zng7qiiPTwMyv6RRNZBX9J.html
A day after Dalits took to the streets in Delhi to protest the demolition of a Ravidas temple, the Delhi legislative assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution to construct a temple at the same site after the Centre allots the land. On first day of its monsoon session on Thursday, Delhi Assembly adopted a resolution that said the Centre had mishandled issue, ANI reported. “This House resolves that the Central Govt has badly mishandled the issue by not supporting their cause in the court of law which finally led to its unjustified and unfortunate demolition.” “This House also resolves that Govt of NCT of Delhi should construct a magnificent Ravidas Mandir at the same site after Centre allots the land,” it added.HT
BSP distances itself from Dalit protest over Ravidas
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bsp-mayawati-distances-itself-from-dalit-protest-over-ravidas-temple-5927727/
BSP today distanced itself from the violent Dalit protest in New Delhi’s Tughlakabad area over the demolition of a Ravidas temple, stressing that all its struggles are carried out well within the ambit of the law. BSP head Mayawati said, “incidents of vandalism that have taken place in Delhi, especially in Tughlakabad, are unfair and BSP has nothing to do with it. BSP always respects the Constitution and the law. The struggles of the party are carried out well within the ambit of the law.”PTI
Telangana: Dalit sarpanch, husband assaulted at temple
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/telangana-dalit-sarpanch-husband-assaulted-at-temple-5925363/
Hyderabad:A Dalit sarpanch and her husband were assaulted, allegedly by a group of upper caste villagers, when they tried to break coconuts at a temple during a festival.The incident occurred in Tukkuguda village of Ranga Reddy district in Telangana on Aug. 18, but came to light on Wednesday after the couple lodged a police complaint and eight people were booked under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.2 of those booked were arrested and sent to judicial custody, said police.Katthula Pavitra was elected sarpanch in the panchayat elections in Jan. As per tradition in Tukkuguda, sarpanch makes the first offering of fruits and coconuts to the deity during Bonalu, celebrated across Telangana.indianexpress
J&K ISSUE
Expect India to adopt just policy towards people of Kashmir: Iran Leader
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayatollah-seyed-ali-khamenei-says-he-expect-india-to-adopt-just-policy-towards-people-of-jammu-and-k-2088559
Supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has expressed concern over the situation of Muslims in Kashmir, 2 weeks after the centre ended the special status to J&K.Khamenei said Iran expects the Indian Govt to "adopt a just policy towards the people of Kashmir.""We're concerned about Muslims' situation in Kashmir. We have good relations with India, but we expect the Indian Govt to adopt a just policy towards the noble people of Kashmir and prevent the oppression & bullying of Muslims in this region," he tweeted. Khamenei also blamed UK for the current situation in Kashmir."Current situation in Kashmir and the disputes between India and Pakistan regarding it are a result of the vicious British Govt's measures while leaving the Indian subcontinent. British intentionally left this wound in that region in order to sustain conflicts in Kashmir,"he tweeted. Iran leader's comments come a day after Pakistan said it will approach the International Court of Justice over India's Kashmir move. ndtv
US diplomat Smith calls for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan over Article 370 abrogation
https://www.newsx.com/national/kashmir-issue-us-diplomat-adam-smith-calls-for-direct-dialogue-between-india-and-pakistan-over-article-370-abrogation.html
Senior American diplomat Adam Smith said US supported bilateral talks between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. Referring to Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s assurance that he will prevent militant groups, Smith said he was hoping that Islamabad maintained its resolve to curb cross-border terrorism. US diplomat maintained that his country continues to encourage sustained, verifiable and irreversible measures against terrorism including conviction of people associated to terrorist groups.Pakistan national daily Dawn reported that Smith dialed Indian ambassador to the US and told him that the US was keeping an eye on the situation in J&K since the revocation of state’s special status. Several other US lawmakers have urged India to ease restrictions in J&K and restore normalcy. Newsx
Kashmir situation 'a lot to do with religion', will do my best to mediate:Trump
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-says-he-will-do-his-best-to-mediate-kashmir-situation/article29186695.ece
'Mr PM, do we have a Hindu & Muslim problem in India?' Owaisi asks Modi after Trump's comments
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-mr-pm-do-we-have-a-hindu-muslim-problem-asks-owaisi-after-trump-s-comments-2783686
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has asked PM Narendra Modi why his Govt was silent on US President Donald Trump's remarks that Muslims and Hindus "don't get along so great."Offering to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, Trump said, "A lot has to do with religion. You have the Hindus, and you have the Muslims. This has been going on for decades." This came after he held telephonic conversations with PM Narendra Modi and Pakistani PM Imran Khan.The Hyderabad MP questioned the Govt's silence on Trump's remarks and asked if by not clarifying, "are we accepting we have a problem with both communities?"dnaindia
Pakistan says consultations are on to take Kashmir matter to UN Human Rights Council
https://scroll.in/latest/934730/pakistan-says-consultations-are-on-to-take-kashmir-matter-to-un-human-rights-council
Pakistan has said it planned to raise the Kashmir matter at UN Human Rights Council, PTI reported. The statement came a day after Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said his Govt would take the dispute with India to the International Court of Justice.The remarks came in response to India’s decision earlier this month to revoke the special status of J&K under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Pakistan has fought three wars with India for Kashmir since Independence.Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that consultations were going on for various options. Briefing a Senate committee, he said the options included using the forum of UNHRC and the foreign ministers’ meeting of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.scroll
‘There is no point talking to India,’ Imran Khan tells NYT; says he’s worried situation may escalate
https://scroll.in/latest/934760/there-is-no-point-talking-to-india-imran-khan-tells-nyt-says-hes-worried-situation-may-escalate
Pakistan PM Imran Khan has told New York Times in an interview that he would no longer attempt to deliberate with the Indian Govt on the J&K dispute, and raised concerns about an imminent military escalation between the two nuclear powers. He cautioned “anything can happen” as the two nations continue to spar over the revocation of J&K’s special status. “And then you are looking at 2 nuclear-armed countries eyeball to eyeball...,”Khan said. “My worry is that this can escalate and for two nuclear-armed countries, it should be alarming for the world what we are facing now.” On Sunday, the Pakistan PM had expressed concerns about the safety of nuclear weapons “in the control of the fascist, racist, Hindu supremacist Modi Govt”.Khan said he had eliminated any scope for dialogue with India as his previous attempts had been ignored. He claimed there was “no point in talking to them [India]” as he believed that New Delhi viewed all his overtures for peace as attempts at appeasement. “There is nothing more that we can do,” Khan added.scroll
Kashmir families demand answers for 'unaccounted for' deaths:AFP
https://news.yahoo.com/kashmir-families-demand-answers-unaccounted-deaths-071208840.html?soc_src=community&soc_trk=tw
Rafiq Shagu's wife died shortly after Friday prayers in India's Muslim-majority Kashmir when tear gas smashed through a window in their home and filled the room.Now, with Indian authorities denying their troops have caused any civilian deaths while enforcing a lockdown of more than 2 weeks in Himalayan region, he is facing what may be a futile quest to hold those responsible to account. "They(police) are not ready to take responsibility for the death. We want answers but I don't know where to seek justice," Shagu said.In an interview with AFP, Shagu recalled the horrific events of Aug 9 afternoon when he said his wife, Fehmeeda, was teaching her 2 children at their home in Srinagar.Shagu said there had been small clashes between govt forces and protesters nearby, then police started firing tear gas and pepper shells into residential houses.The clashes occurred 4 days after PM Narendra Modi's govt stripped Kashmir of its autonomy, with tens of thousands of extra troops deployed there ahead of the announcement to stop residents from protesting."We couldn't see each other in the room as the smoke was so dense. There were 3 huge thuds when the canisters burst," Shagu said."We somehow removed the children from the room and as she tried to run out amid the chaos, she fell. By the time we moved her out of the room she was unconscious and frothing. The medical report seen by AFP said she "had inhaled toxic gas from a tear gas shell" and that a possible cause of death was a "toxic lung injury". Authorities say there is no credible proof that anyone has died in Kashmir as a result of the lockdown, and only that 8 people have been injured.But multiple hospital sources told AFP at least 100 people had been hurt, some of them by firearm injuries. Others were treated at home, fearing that they may be arrested if they visit hospitals, people who had been hit by pellets told AFP. AFP
Kashmir is shutting itself down with a ‘people’s curfew’ so Modi govt can’t say all’s well: the print
https://theprint.in/india/kashmir-is-shutting-itself-down-with-a-peoples-curfew-so-modi-govt-cant-say-alls-well/280124/?fbclid=IwAR1CDmzS5FLWhwWeCr0XiLE8OfBVkvxpYsm1Hz5shafeQ_wkIvbVfIOFv9M
Srinagar: A ‘people’s curfew’ seems to be taking shape in Kashmir as Modi Govt eases restrictions imposed after the abrogation of Article 370, with shopkeepers keeping their shops shut, students staying away from schools, public transport staying off the roads and petrol pumps opening only for half the day.Shutdowns have been a regular part of life in Kashmir since the heyday of the militancy in 1980s-90s, with separatists frequently ordering shutdowns to protest against alleged state or Army excesses. However, one currently sweeping through the Valley appears to be a civilian initiative, gaining steam via word of mouth amid restricted communication services.While state Govt has refuted the possibility of a public-powered shutdown, local residents said that they were mounting a boycott to invalidate Govt’s bid to project “normalcy” in the Valley.
Shehla Rashid reasserts claims on J&K situation; says will give proof
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shehla-rashid-reasserts-claims-on-jk-situation-says-will-give-proof/articleshow/70788188.cms
New Delhi: Political activist Shehla Rashid today said she stands by her comments about alleged human rights violations in J&K and will give proof if the Indian Army initiates an inquiry into her claims. On August 18, Shehla Rashid had claimed that Army was indiscriminately picking up men, raiding houses and torturing people in J&K. Asked about evidence for her controversial claims, which drew sharp reactions from the Indian Army, Shehla Rashid said, "I will give the evidence when the Indian Army constitutes an inquiry. I have given you my statement. Has the Army initiated any inquiry?" "All I have said is based on authentic conversations with people who have come from Kashmir and have absolutely no reason to lie. I have given a lot of statements not just one. People are running out of LPG cylinders, cooking gas in Kashmir," she said. She said if the Army initiates an inquiry, she will depose before them and "will give them the particulars of the incidents... where they have happened". "Let them initiate an inquiry and if what I am saying is found to be true, then the Indian Army should given an assurance that the guilty will be punished," she said. PTI
Something grave happening in J&K and govt is trying to hide it: Ghulam Nabi Azad
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/something-grave-happening-in-jk-that-the-Govt-is-trying-to-hide-ghulam-nabi-azad/article29220551.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi: 9 Opposition parties today participated in a protest organised by DMK, demanding the immediate release of political leaders detained in Kashmir. “We must recognise that this is no democracy. If we fail to understand this, then we are living in a fool’s paradise,” former CM and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said. Law to nullify Article 370 was brought in through the back door. “There is something grave happening in the State, which this Govt is trying to hide.Media is not allowed to telecast the truth,” he said. Invoking former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Azad said that had Vajpayee been in the PM’s chair, such a thing would not have happened. Speaking earlier, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury too invoked Vajpayee.Calling the change in the status of J&K a direct assault on all pillars of the Constitution, he said that Govt had forgotten the slogan given by Vajpayee, Kashmiriyat, Jamuriyat aur Insaniyat. Congress, TMC, CPI(M), CPI, SP, RJD, National Conference and the MDMK, participated in the protest.thehindu
India opts out of agreement to share hydrological data with Pakistan during flood season: Report
https://scroll.in/latest/934775/india-opts-out-of-agreement-to-share-hydrological-data-with-pakistan-during-flood-season-report
India has decided not to renew an agreement it signed with Pakistan in 1989 to share hydrological data during flood season, TOI reported.New Delhi said it would provide information only on “extraordinary discharges and flood flows”.The deal was renewed every year with modifications whenever required. It was started based on India’s goodwill gesture.“This agreement was not renewed in the current year by us,”PK Saxena, Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters,said. He said decision would not affect the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty between 2 countries. “India as a responsible nation is committed to provision of IWT,” he added.scroll.in
'Not fair', India not fighting terror in Afghan: Trump
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/us/not-fair-india-not-fighting-terror-in-afghanistan-trump20190822135955/
US President Donald Trump has said it is "nor fair" that India, which is geographically "much closer" to Afghanistan than the US, is not fighting terrorist groups in the war-ravaged nation."Look, India is right there. They are not fighting it. We are fighting it. Pakistan is right next door. They are fighting it very little. Very, very little. It's not fair. US is 7,000 miles away," he said in reply to questions by reporters on the lawns of White House. Trump, who has been repeatedly talking about mediation in the Kashmir problem, also said that countries including India, Iran and Russia would have to fight against the terrorists in Afghanistan at some point of time."At a certain point Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey they are going to have to fight their battles too. I did it in record time but at a certain point all of these other countries where ISIS is around they have been decimated, by the way, badly decimated," said Trump. This comes days after around 80 people lost their lives in a suicide attack launched by ISIS in Kabul."All of these countries are going to have to fight them because do we want to stay there for another 19 years? I don't think so. So, at a certain point, other countries and that includes Russia and it includes Iran and Turkey and Iraq and Afghanistan and Pakistan and India," he added. US is leading the Afghan peace process with the Taliban.On Tuesday, he indicated that US forces will not completely withdraw from Afghanistan.ANI
Trump mocks PM Modi over Afghanistan library
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-46746043/donald-trump-mocks-india-pm-narendra-modi-over-afghanistan-library
PM Modi uses Pakistan airspace to travel to France
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-narendra-modi-uses-pakistan-airspace-to-travel-to-france/articleshow/70788219.cms
New Delhi: For the first time after Feb's Balakot airstrike, PM Narendra Modi on Thursday used the Pakistan airspace to travel to France for a bilateral meet.. During first stop in his three-nation visit, PM Modi is slated to hold a bilateral with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday evening. On August 23, he will leave for a bilateral meet to UAE on the second leg of his visit. He will hold a bilateral meeting with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. After this, on Aug. 24, Modi will visit Bahrain. ANI
OTHERS
Economy in crisis: India’s growth may slow down further to 5.7% in Q1, says report
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/indias-growth-may-slow-down-further-to-57-in-q1-says-report
India's economic growth is likely to slow down further to 5.7 % in April-June quarter of this year due to low consumption, weak investments and an under-performing service sector,said a Nomura report. The economy, however, is expected to see some recovery in July-Sept quarter, the report added.It attributed the slowdown to the ongoing crisis in shadow banks, which were funding the consumption drive before liquidity crisis hit them hard last September, as well as weakening global growth and the resultant demand slump."Indian economy is likely to slow down further to 5.7 % in April-June from a 5-year low of 5.8% in Jan-March," Nomura analysts Sonal Varma and Aurodeep Nandi said in their client note. "High-frequency indicators continue to show familiar pain points -- a deep contraction in consumption, weak investment, a slowing external sector and an under-performing services sector," they said.IANS
Corporate investments fell 60% in demonetisation year to lowest in this decade: The Hindu report
https://scroll.in/latest/934740/corporate-investments-fell-60-in-demonetisation-year-to-lowest-in-this-decade-the-hindu
A report submitted last year by a panel set up to propose new direct tax laws found that investments disclosed by companies declined nearly 60% in the year of demonetisation, an article in The Hindu today said. As a percentage of the country’s GDP, corporate investments were merely 2.7% in 2016-’17, as compared to 7.5% in the preceding year.Govt had formed a 6-member panel headed by former Central Board of Direct Taxes member Arbind Modi in Nov.2017 to redraft the Income Tax Act. Modi submitted a report to the Ministry of Finance on Sept.28, 2018, despite a memo issued by the ministry that the report should not be submitted until the draft law had the agreement of at least a majority of the members of the panel. Modi was to retire on Sept.30, 2018.Another officer, Akhilesh Ranjan, was appointed the head of the panel in Nov.2018, while other officers remained unchanged. He submitted his report to the ministry on Monday.Neither report has been made public yet, but Business Standard had accessed the first one last month, and reported on the contents of the second one on Wednesday. Modi’s report had four volumes and a draft legislation for direct taxes. In a chapter on reform proposals for corporate taxes, a table showed that aggregate investments disclosed by companies for the fiscal year 2016-’17 were Rs 4.25 lakh crore, down from Rs 10.34 lakh crore disclosed in the previous year, said the article in The Hindu.The lowest amount of investments declared by companies before that in the current decade was Rs 9.25 lakh crore in 2011-’12.
Rs crashes to over 8month low of 71.81 against USD
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/economy/rupee-crashes-to-over-8-month-low-of-7181-against-usd
Indian rupee today plunged to an over eight-month low of 71.81, dropping 26 paise against US dollar as tumbling equities and incessant foreign fund outflows weighed on sentiment.PTI
Ordnance factory workers strike: Isn’t vikas of defence workers part of Sabka Saath slogan,asks RSS-linked outfit
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ordnance-factory-workers-strike-isnt-vikas-of-defence-workers-part-of-sabka-saath-slogan-asks-rss-linked-outfit-5925191/
Pune :Against the backdrop of the ongoing nationwide strike of ordnance factory workers, Mukesh Singh, general secretary of Bhartiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh (BPMS) —arm of RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh — questioned PM Narendra Modi whether “vikas” of civilian defence workers were not part of his ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ slogan. Over 80,000 workers from across 41 ordnance factories in India went on a month-long strike from Tuesday against the proposed “corporatisation” of the Kolkata-headquartered Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the umbrella body for these factories.The Ministry of Defence is currently considering a proposal to convert OFB, a subordinate office of the ministry, into one or more than one Govt-owned corporate entities registered under the Companies Act, 2013.Along with BPMS, two other all-India labour federations which have joined the strike are the All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF) affiliated to CPM’s CITU and the Indian National Defence Workers’ Federation (INDWF) of the Congress’s INTUC.Singh said, “On this proposal of corporatisation, we want to ask PM Narendra Modi that when he gives the country a slogan of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, doesn’t he mean the ‘Vikas’ of over 80,000 defence civilian workers? Doesn’t he want ‘saath’ of these workers anymore?”indianexpress
RSS opposes national anthem, tricolour, alleges Rajasthan minister Dhariwal
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rss-opposes-national-anthem-tricolour-alleges-rajasthan-minister-dhariwal-2783787
Rajasthan Home Minister Shanti Dhariwal has alleged that RSS has always been a strong opponent of both the national flag and national anthem.Speaking at an event here, minister alleged that RSS had insulted the tricolour. "When Mahatma Gandhi asked people across the country to celebrate independence day on Jan.26, 1930 and unfurl the tricolour, RSS unfurled saffron flag instead," Dhariwal said. Dhariwal also alleged that RSS advocated for the national song Vande Matram as it believed that the national anthem did not instil a feeling of patriotism."RSS has been saying since 1925 that the national anthem Jana Gana Mana doesn't instil a feeling of patriotism like the national song does. They have been against the national anthem and used to say openly that the national flag should only sport the saffron colour," he said. dnaindia
'Protests to delay NRC a ploy to legitimize Hindu infiltrators'
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/protests-to-delay-nrc-a-ploy-to-legitimize-hindu-infiltrators/articleshow/70767289.cms
Guwahati:As Hindutva outfits step up their protests against publication of NRC in its present form, All Assam Students' Union (Aasu) and All Assam Minorities Students' Union (Aamsu) - stakeholders in the Supreme Court case on NRC update - said the clamour is a result of the "frustrated" design to legitimize illegal Hindu migrants from Bangladesh."If they (protesters) had something to say about NRC, they could have approached the Supreme Court. Only making public demands that NRC publication be deferred appears to be driven by quarters with vested interests and meant to derail entire process,"Aasu general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi said. On similar lines, Aamsu adviser Azizur Rahman said, "Demands of complete reverification of NRC days and postponement of the final NRC release are politically motivated." "Political motivation" driving these protests, they said, was an attempt to grant citizenship to illegal Hindu migrants. The proposed amendment to Citizenship Act, Centre's pet project, would grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who entered India before 2014. The bill did not make it past the Rajya Sabha and lapsed in June. "After the Govt failed to pass the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the frustration right before the publication of the final NRC shows. All attempts to include the names of illegal Hindu migrants in the register have been futile, which is why such opposition at the last minute," Rahman said. The Centre and the Assam Govt have been seeking reverification of NRC data, which the Supreme Court has turned down twice. A parallel movement seeking more time for NRC publication to make it error-free was led by RSS affiliates. While the Govt has practically washed its hands of any responsibility, Gogoi held the Govt accountable for any error in the final NRC. TOI
NSUI blackens bust of Savarkar installed in DU, ABVP calls it ‘heinous act’
https://indianexpress.com/article/education/nsui-blacken-bust-of-savarkar-installed-in-du-abvp-calls-it-heinous-act-5927406/
New Delhi:2 days after RSS backed student wing ABVP installed a bust of V D Savarkar in Delhi University’s North Campus, Congress-affiliated NSUI today said it has blackened the bust while garlanding those of Bhagat Singh and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose installed alongside it. ABVP termed the action as a “heinous act”.NSUI and Left-backed AISA had criticised ABVP’s installation of Savarkar’s bust outside the Arts Faculty on Tuesday. In a press statement, NSUI said that a “mercy petition seeker” like Savarkar cannot be kept on the same pedestal as that of “great freedom fighters” like Bose and Singh.The statement lists the apologies Savarkar has sought from the British Govt in the pre-independence India and called him a British loyalist.“Apart from being a mercy seeker, V D Savarkar was implicated in the murder conspiracy of The Father of the Nation, Shri Mahatma Gandhi. Savarkar opposed the quit India movement and hence was always working for his British masters,” the statement read.indianexpress
Police detain Hyderabad University students for screening Ram Ke Naam
https://caravandaily.com/police-detain-hyderabad-university-students-for-screening-award-winning-documentary-ram-ke-naam/
Hyderabad:Telangana Police has stopped the students of University of Hyderabad (UH) from screening national award-winning documentary Ram Ke Naam and detained 6 students from the campus.Later, all the 6 students, who are associated with AISA, were released after two professors of the university intervened.“We were screening Anand Patwardhan’s movie Ram Ke Naam with prior permission from the sociology dept. However, the department withdrew the permission right before the screening of the movie saying they don’t allow any political organisation to hold the programme there. We then shifted the venue to the sociology department after taking due permission from its head. While the screening was on, the Telangana Police turned up at the venue and stopped the programme citing lack of permission to do so,” Bhava Jan, one of the students detained by the police, said. After the students were detained for screening the movie, SIO of UH issued a press statement condemning the detention and blamed alleged nexus between police and a Hindutva student body for disruption of the screening.Caravan
AMU student booked for ‘objectionable’ post on PM
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/amu-student-booked-for-objectionable-pm-post/articleshow/70776463.cms
An MBA student of AMU Kishanganj campus in Bihar was booked by Aligarh police on Wednesday for using an objectionable poster of PM Narendra Modi as a ‘status photo’ on a social media app of his mobile phone. Confirming this, circle officer civil lines, Anil Samaniya, said that student Mohammad Zaid Rashid was arrested by the police. However, later, he was released on bail. He added that this objectionable post was being circulated on the social media with false claims that the same had been displayed in the university. When contacted, spokesperson of the university Shafey Kidwai said, “We are still verifying the student’s credentials and if he is enrolled with the university, stringent action will be taken against him by AMU according to rules and regulations.” TOI
Kerala caste killing: 10 convicted for Dalit Christian man’s murder, including his brother-in-law
https://scroll.in/latest/934769/kerala-caste-killing-10-convicted-for-dalit-christian-mans-murder-including-his-brother-in-law
A principal sessions court in Kerala’s Kottayam district on Thursday convicted 10 of 14 people accused of killing a Dalit Christian man last year, PTI reported. The court observed that the relatives of Kevin P Joseph’s wife were involved in his murder, and called it a case of “honour killing”. On Saturday, Principal Sessions Judge CS Jayachandran will hear arguments on the quantum of punishment to be awarded to the convicts. Joseph was found dead in Kollam city on May 28, 2018, just three days after he married Neenu Chacko, who is from an elite Christian family. Soon afterwards, police arrested Chacko’s father, brother and 3 relatives. However, the court convicted only 10 people, including Joseph’s brother-in-law, and acquitted the rest because of lack of evidence.scroll
‘No one should go through this’: Karnataka man on being falsely labelled a terror suspect
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/no-one-should-go-through-karnataka-man-being-falsely-labelled-terror-suspect-107595
For 28-year-old Abdul Rauf, a resident of Govindoor at Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada district, the internet is rare to come by, let alone communicating through a satellite phone. So, he was surprised when he was recently labelled a ‘terror suspect’ by a section of the media, which alleged that he was making calls through a satellite phone to Pakistan and as a result was being probed by NIA. The media’s allegations were reportedly based on a terrorist’s confession during an interrogation. While authorities in Dakshina Kannada have denied reports of the arrest made by NIA, Rauf recounts the evening the police knocked on his door.thenewsminute
NDA candidate against Rahul Gandhi in wayanad arrested in UAE
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-nda-candidate-opposite-rahul-gandhi-in-wayanad-arrested-in-uae-in-cheque-bounce-case/336865
NDA ally BDJS Kerala chief, Tushar Vellapally, who had contested Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad, has been arrested in UAE in connection with a cheque bounce case.BDJS chief, who contested against the then-Congress President during the Lok Sabha polls, was arrested in Ajman late on Wednesday, his father Vellapally Natesan said.Speaking to the media on Thursday, Natesan, who is the General Secretary of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP),said his son was trapped and arrested."We are expecting that he will get bail today," he said. BDJS chief, who was the candidate for NDA from the Wayanad parliamentary seat, is currently lodged at a jail in Ajman. He was arrested after a businessman in UAE filed a case when the former's cheque bounced.IANS
WORLD
Empty buses in Bangladesh as no Rohingya turn up for repatriation
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/empty-buses-bangladesh-rohingya-turn-repatriation-190822055219357.html
Cox's Bazar: Ambia is crying as she holds her one-year-old girl in her lap outside their makeshift shelter in Cox's Bazar's Shalbagan camp for Rohingya refugees."If we go back there, we will die,"she said today,visibly reluctant to share her last name. "They have killed our families.We don't know what lies there."At the neighbouring Leda camp, Sultan Ali looked agitated. "I would rather commit suicide than go back to Myanmar," he said.Ambia and Ali were among nearly 3,500 Rohingya in Bangladesh who refused a UN-led bid to repatriate them to Myanmar over safety concerns. The refugees were cleared for repatriation following a joint exercise led by UNHCR and Bangladesh Govt.aljazeera
China unveils new counter-terror unit in Muslim-majority Xinjiang province
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/china-unveils-new-counter-terror-unit-in-muslim-majority-xinjiang-province-5924703/
China has set up a new counter-terror special operations unit in its restive Muslim-majority Xinjiang province where a large number of security forces are conducting operations against the separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM).State-run Global Times reported on Wednesday that the Chinese People’s Armed Police have for the first time unveiled to public a new counter-terror special operations unit called ‘Mountain Eagle Commando’ in the province.China has two other counter-terrorism commando units – the Guangzhou-based Snow Leopard Unit, which was established in 2002, and the Beijing-based Falcon Unit, established in 1982.The Armed Police aims to build commando forces capable of conducting missions at any time, in any place, under all weather conditions, the report said.PTI
Activists hail Qatar withdrawal from pro-China text over Uighurs
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/activists-hail-qatar-withdrawal-pro-china-text-uighurs-190821164017456.html
Doha: Activists have welcomed Qatar's decision to withdraw its signature from a letter signed last month by 37 countries expressing support for China's policies in Xinjiang province, where about one million ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims are held in detention centres, according to UN experts. Qatari move, which was first reported by Bloomberg, was made on July 18, six days after the text defending China's human rights record was sent to UN Human Rights Council. Several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Algeria, Egypt and Kuwait, were among the 37 countries to join in the open letter."Taking into account our focus on compromise and mediation, we believe that co-authorising the aforementioned letter would compromise our foreign policy key priorities," Ali al-Mansouri, Qatar's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, wrote to UN Human Rights Council President Coly Seck, according to Bloomberg.aljazeera
Jews disloyal if they vote for Democrats in 2020 polls: Trump
https://www.asianage.com/world/americas/210819/jews-disloyal-if-they-vote-for-democrats-in-2020-elections-trump.html
US President Donald Trump has said Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats display "either a total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty," sparking accusations that he is promoting and politicising anti-Semitism.His comments,which drew fierce rebuke from Jewish groups, came amid his ongoing dispute with Democratic Muslim congresswomen Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, both of whom support a boycott of the Jewish state for its treatment of the Palestinians."5 years ago, the concept of even talking about this -- even three years ago -- of cutting off aid to Israel because of two people that hate Israel and hate Jewish people -- I can't believe we're even having this conversation. Where has the Democratic party gone?" Trump told reporters in the Oval Office."I think any Jewish people that vote for a Democrat, I think it shows either a total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty." Israel last week barred Omar and Tlaib from entry on the grounds that they support the boycott against the country, and after Trump urged the Jewish state to block the two.PTI
Turkey, US agree to launch first phase of Syria safe-zone plan
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/turkey-agree-launch-phase-syria-safe-zone-plan-190822090734698.html
Turkey and US have agreed to launch the first phase of putting in place a safe zone in northern Syria after months of dispute over the depth of the zone and who would control it.Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and his US counterpart Mark Esper spoke over the phone on Wednesday and agreed to flesh out the first phase of implementing the zone, Anadolu news agency reported, adding that delegations from both sides are expected to meet in Ankara "soon".The first phase is expected to be launched later this week and will see joint patrols of Turkish and US soldiers.aljazeera
Syria opens 'humanitarian corridor' for civilians to leave Idlib
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/syria-opens-humanitarian-corridor-civilians-flee-idlib-190822102051112.html
Syria's Foreign Ministry has said it is opening a "humanitarian corridor" for civilians to leave the rebel-held northwestern region of Idlib and northern Hama, where the army has advanced against armed fighters with fierce air and ground attacks. Ministry today said that the corridor was opened in the village of Soran on the southern edge of the rebel-held area, which Syrian troops laid siege to a day earlier.Corridor will be used to evacuate "civilians who want to leave areas controlled by terrorists in northern Hama and the southern countryside of Idlib" province, the statement added.aljazeera
Iraqi militias blame US,Israel for attacks on bases
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/iraqi-militias-blame-israel-attacks-bases-190821190617283.html
Iraq's paramilitary groups backed by Iran have blamed a series of recent blasts at their weapons depots and bases on US and Israel, vowing to defend themselves against any future attack.The statement on Wednesday came from Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), or Hashd al-Shaabi, umbrella grouping of mostly Shia militias. It said the US had allowed four Israeli drones to enter the region accompanying US forces and carry out missions on Iraqi territory. "We announce that the first and last entity responsible for what happened are the American forces, and we will hold them responsible for whatever happens from today onwards," said the statement, signed by the PMF's deputy head, Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi.US-led coalition, in Iraq to fight remnants of ISIL, dismissed the statement.aljazeera
Saudi-UAE led coalition killed 47 Yemen fishermen in 2018: HRW
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/saudi-uae-led-coalition-killed-47-yemen-fishermen-2018-hrw-190821140949177.html
A Saudi-UAE-led military coalition battling Yemen's Houthi rebels killed dozens of fishermen in bombing attacks on fishing boats last year, a leading rights group has said.Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called for a United Nations investigation as it said that at least 47 Yemeni fishermen, including seven children, were killed in five attacks carried out by the coalition in 2018.It also said that over 100 Yemeni fishermen are being held in Saudi, some of whom have been tortured in custody.
Israeli's Yamina party proposes 0.5m more settlers in northern West Bank
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190822-yamina-party-proposes-0-5m-more-israel-settlers-in-northern-west-bank/
Party leaders from right-wing alliance Yamina announced a plan to construct 113,000 housing units in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, reported the Times of Israel.According to Yamina, plan – which would see the settler population rise by some half a million – is a solution to Israel’s housing crisis, which has seen rising house prices.“Tel Aviv metropolitan area is almost as crowded as Gaza and as expensive as New York,” Yamina chair and former justice minister Ayelet Shaked claimed at a press conference held to launch the plan in Etz Efraim settlement. “The different magic tricks we’ve seen in recent years haven’t worked. The solution is simple: to lower prices you must increase supply,” she added. Yamina is looking to construct 113,000 settler housing units over a period of 5 years, effectively linking Ariel – deep in the northern occupied West Bank – and Rosh Ha’ayin inside the Green Line.middleeastmonitor
Sudan’s Hamdok takes office as new PM, vows to tackle conflicts and economy
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190822-sudans-hamdok-takes-office-as-new-prime-minister-vows-to-tackle-conflicts-and-economy/
Sudan’s new PM, Abdalla Hamdok, was sworn in on Wednesday as leader of a transitional Govt, and he vowed to make achieving peace and solving the country’s economic crisis a priority, Reuters reports.The appointment of renowned economist came as General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the outgoing head of the military council, was sworn in as leader of the new Sovereign Council that will run the country for three years until an election after decades of autocratic rule.“The revolution’s deep-rooted slogan, ‘freedom, peace and justice,’ will form the programme of the transitional period,” Hamdok told reporters at a news conference in Khartoum. Burhan and other military officers overthrew veteran leader Omar Hassan al-Bashir.middleeastmonitor
Somalia's Jubaland region re-elects Mohamed as Prz
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/somalia-jubaland-region-elects-ahmed-mohamed-president-190822091045118.html
Somalia's southern state of Jubaland has re-elected Ahmed "Madobe" Mohamed Islam as its leader following a disputed poll.Ahmed defeated three other candidates in a vote cast by semi-autonomous region’s lawmakers in the port city of Kismayu on Thursday.The former rebel leader won 56 of 74 votes cast. Anab Mohamed Dahir, his closest challenger and the only female candidate, won 17 votes, according to the results announced by the regional electoral body.The poll was delayed by three days, with the regional electoral body saying it was to allow candidates more time to register.aljazeera
Flash: NEWS,views,Articles
Kashmir: A bold strategy isn’t always wise:Paul Staniland, University of Chicago
https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/kashmir-a-bold-strategy-isn-t-always-wise/story-jXSRKlF395YxTrD6QovxiK.html
History tells us the Kashmir crisis will be particularly dangerous for women – so why aren’t we talking about it?Payal Dhar
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/kashmir-crisis-india-pakistan-bjp-women-kunan-poshpora-a9072766.html?fbclid=IwAR0HJK6hYjiayhHkc8qmweoeU-zfbepzLsjWiNCx9NyL0VgjppaL1ZGVicc
7 politicians with corruption charges CBI, ED won’t raid:Shivam Vij
https://theprint.in/opinion/7-politicians-with-corruption-charges-cbi-and-ed-wont-raid/280173/amp/?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR0m3ktoVgmZlK7J4seuM7EBCXRXzW3Nn1g6IlfyP_x_H1U85dTqxIggc48
Hindus and Muslims are no longer talking to each other in New India:Swapan Dasgupta
https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/hindus-and-muslims-are-no-longer-talking-to-each-other-in-the-bjp-s-new-india/cid/1699328
Data on demonetisation's link to economic slowdown may have been suppressed:Puja Mehra
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-politically-inconvenient-data-nugget/article29214638.ece?homepage=true
Kashmir needs a new leadership emerging from the development narrative of 21st century: Ram Madhav
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jammu-kashmir-special-status-article-370-bjp-govt-amit-shah-5924896/
Caste politics is being reinvigorated by actors who traditionally opposed it: Christophe Jaffrelot
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rss-mohan-bhagwat-bjp-reservation-policy-debate-5924927/
“Indian Govt has just turned the entire Kashmiri population into unguided missiles”: Rifat Jawaid
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir/indian-Govt-has-just-turned-the-entire-kashmiri-population-into-unguided-missiles/263577/
'India talked of peace and calm in Kashmir. I saw the opposite':Sasha Bhat, aljazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/talked-peace-calm-kashmir-190821140858021.html
'Has UAE lost it?' Emirati plan to award Modi amid Kashmir crackdown lambasted: Nadda Osman
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uae-criticised-plans-award-modi-amid-crackdown-kashmir?fbclid=IwAR1kQtvR5mpFE7VRPfraF3DV5vQQcL1se7AbJ_11A13HPd8EGyzIM9xOtEE
Economic slowdown to deepen further:RBI Governor
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/economy/economic-slow-to-deepen-further-says-rbi-governor-shaktikanta-das
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq,(Released at: 7:20 PM)
| Reactions: |
Posts
0 comments:
Post a comment