NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
10 OCT. 2019: 10 Safar 1441: Vol: 12, No: 33
INDIA: INDIAN ECONOMY
At 5.8%, rating agency Moody’s dishes out bleakest 2019-20 growth forecast for India so far
https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/at-5-8-moody-s-dishes-out-bleakest-fy20-growth-forecast-for-india-so-far-11570685351831.html
US rating multinational Moody’s Investor Services today slashed its 2019-20 growth forecast for India to 5.8% from 6.2% earlier, saying the economy was experiencing a pronounced slowdown which is partly related to long-lasting factors. The rating agency’s projection is the most pessimistic so far and comes ahead of IMF’s growth projections due next week.Last month, ADB and OECD lowered FY20 growth forecast for India by 50 basis points and 1.3% points to 6.5% and 5.9%, respectively. Last week, RBI also slashed its growth projection for the economy by 80 basis points to 6.1% for 2019-20. Rating agency Standard Poor’s has also pared down its India growth forecast to 6.3% from 7.1% earlier. Moody’s said a prolonged phase of softer growth in India would dampen prospects for Govt’s fiscal consolidation plans and hamper its ability to prevent a rise in debt burden, thus constraining the country’s sovereign credit profile. “While we expect a moderate pick-up in real GDP growth and inflation over the next 2 years supported by monetary and fiscal stimulus, we have revised down our projections for both. We forecast real GDP growth to decline to 5.8% in the fiscal year ending in March 2020 (fiscal 2019) from 6.8% in fiscal 2018, and to pick up to 6.6% in fiscal 2020 and around 7.0% over the medium term. Compared with only two years ago, the probability of sustained real GDP growth at or above 8% has significantly diminished," it added. Indian economy is battling a severe demand slowdown and liquidity crunch which resulted in economic growth rate falling to a 6-year low of 5% in June quarter, while growth in private consumption expenditure slumped to an 18-quarter low of 3.1%.It said what began as an investment-led slowdown has broadened into consumption, driven by financial stress among rural households and weak job creation. “A credit crunch among non-bank financial institutions, major providers of retail loans in recent years, has compounded the problem," it added.Livemint
Banks lost Rs 1.76 lakh crore to loan defaulters in 3 yrs, big hike in write offs seen after demonetisation
https://www.news18.com/news/business/banks-lost-rs-1-76-lakh-crore-to-416-loan-defaulters-in-3-years-big-hike-in-write-offs-after-demonetisation-2340213.html
New Delhi: In the last 3 years, the Indian banking system has lost Rs 1.76 lakh crore on account of non-performing loans of 416 defaulters - each owing Rs 100 crore or more – being written off. On an average, the amount declared as bad loans turns out to be around Rs 424 crore per borrower.This the first time data relating to big loans and biggest defaulters – owing at least Rs 100 crore – has come to light.Following a directive issued by RBI to all scheduled commercial banks to come clear on the amount to be prudentially written off and set the accounts right, the data has been exclusively accessed by CNN-News18 by filing a series of RTI applications. RTI replies demonstrate a constant surge in the amount written off by public sector banks and private banks in the country since 2014-15. Between 2015 and 2018, a total of Rs 2.17 lakh crore were written off as bad debts by the scheduled commercial banks. Statistics showed that 109 unique borrowers had their loans to the tune of Rs 40,798 crore written off. This number grew to 199 unique borrowers by March 31, 2016 with a total of Rs 69,976 crore as amount written off. The next two years – post demonetisation, however, witnessed the sharpest increase in the amount being written off for borrowers. The number of unique borrowers grew to 343 – an addition of 144 more, i.e. a 72 % rise in number of such loanees.For this period, the amount written off also jumped from Rs 69,926 to Rs 1, 27, 797 crore.news18
India's inflation surged in September but won't 'bring tears' to RBI: Poll
https://thewire.in/economy/indias-inflation-surged-in-september-but-wont-bring-tears-to-rbi-reuters-poll
Indian retail inflation probably reached a 12-month high in Sept, but still leaving room for further interest rate cuts because it’s expected to remain below RBI’s target, according to a Reuters poll.An extended monsoon has delayed harvests and interrupted supplies of vegetables like onions, a key ingredient in Indian kitchens.That probably pushed retail inflation higher last month; food prices account for over half the inflation basket.Any previous sharp rise in onion prices has been painful for Indian policymakers.To keep that price surge from spiraling out of control, as it did a few years ago, govt has banned onion exports. Oct. 4-9 poll of over 40 economists predicted India’s annual consumer inflation rose to 3.7% in Sept, its highest in a year. Forecasts ranged from 3.10% to 3.92%. Only 2 economists expected inflation to be lower than Aug’s 3.21%.Reuters
FM Sitharaman faces angry PMC depositors, evades giving any concrete assurance
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/sitharaman-faces-angry-pmc-depositors-evades-giving-any-concrete-assurance
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today faced angry depositors of the scam-hit PMC Bank in Mumbai, who shouted slogans upon her arrival at local BJP office for a presser, demanding that their money be returned to them.Irate depositors gathered outside BJP office in south Mumbai ahead of Sitharaman's press conference.Sitharaman and a few of the depositors went inside and had a brief conversation."I heard them about their problems and explained to them that multi-state cooperative banks...are regulated by the RBI," she later said, adding that the Govt's role is limited.But she assured that she will speak to RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and convey the "urgency and distress" of the depositors.When asked when the depositors can get their money back, she said it was a process-driven exercise between RBI and the bank administrator appointed by the RBI.Harbans Singh, a bank customer, told reporters that the depositors had expected the Union Finance Minister to give an assurance that their money was safe, but they were disappointed."16 lakh depositors are in distress. What is our fault? You have got Rs 4,000 crore assets. Sell it and start the bank and then go ahead with whatever action you want against the accused," he said.After a Rs 4,500-crore scam came to light at Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative Bank, the Reserve Bank, which put curbs on withdrawal of funds from the bank, had also said that it would examine if the regulatory framework needed tweaks.PTI
Modi govt to form empowered group to privatise 150 trains, 50 railway stations
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/modi-govt-to-form-empowered-group-to-privatise-150-trains-50-railway-stations
Govt is in the process of forming a task force to draw a blueprint for handing over operations of 150 trains and 50 railway stations to private operators in a "time-bound manner". A letter from Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant to Chairman Railway Board VK Yadav said an empowered group will be constituted to "drive process". Besides Yadav and Kant, Secretary, department of economic Affairs and Secretary, ministry of housing and urban affairs will be part of the empowered group.Kant said while railways was required to take up 400 railway stations for development into world class stations, very few have been upgraded so far.PTI
Congress says Modi govt selling assets in garb of disinvestment, evading Parliament
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/congress-says-modi-govt-selling-assets-in-garb-of-disinvestment-evading-parliament
Alleging a scam in sale of public sector BPCL, Congress has claimed BJP Govt was evading parliamentary oversight to sell navratna companies in the garb of strategic disinvestment. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera asked the BJP Govt as to what was the allurement for "surreptitiously selling out" or "weakening" public-sector profit-making companies.He also accused BJP and RSS of trying to divert people's attention to evade "real issue" of economic slowdown "sale of BPCL is clearly a scam. Whom does Govt want to benefit, by selling out a profit-making company like BPCL for Rs 68,000 crore while a loss-making company Essar is sold for much higher," he asked."Now, there's talk of strategic disinvestment in the garb of which a conspiracy is being hatched to rob the profit making companies in the public sector. So, this is, in a way, a very surreptitious way to bring BPCL and other such PSUs away from Parliament scrutiny and sell them off.You do not want any parliament oversight on your action,why? Khera said.PTI
RSS affiliate Swadeshi Manch to protest against free trade pact
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rss-affiliate-swadeshi-jagran-manch-to-protest-against-free-trade-pact/story-pzPuQoj3bSrHtA2UmumKwJ.html
Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an offshoot of RSS, will hold a nationwide protest against Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) between Oct. 10 and 20. It will also submit a memorandum to PM Narendra Modi through district magistrates to build pressure against India joining the trade block. SJM’s announcement comes even as a crucial ministerial meeting on RCEP begins in Bangkok today. Even as negotiations are underway on whether India should join 16 country Free Trade Agreement (FTA), RSS is vehemently opposed to trade pact on the grounds that it will have an adverse impact on domestic industries.HT
J&K ISSUE & s.asia
J&K off the table as Xi, Modi all set for summit
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-off-the-table-as-xi-jinping-narendra-modi-all-set-for-summit/story-xs7OmbWzGhoblCKtQIwzxK.html
New Delhi:India expects that the second informal summit with China beginning tomorrow will create an overarching road map to take forward bilateral ties, while the recent reorganisation of J&K won’t be up for discussion, people familiar with developments said. Indian position was outlined even as President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with Pakistan PM Imran Khan in Beijing that China is closely following the situation in Kashmir and would support Pakistan on issues related to its core interest, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.After weeks of speculation against the backdrop of irritants in India-China ties, including Beijing’s criticism of reorganisation of J&K, two sides formally announced the informal summit between PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping would be held at the seaside resort of Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu during Oct.11-12. HT
If China is ‘watching Kashmir’, then why does PM not say we are watching Hong Kong, Xinjiang:Cong
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/if-china-is-watching-kashmir-then-why-does-pm-not-say-we-are-watching-hong-kong-asks-congress/article29640653.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit, Congress today asked why does PM Narendra Modi not say that India is watching muzzling of pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong when Xi says he is watching Kashmir. Spokesperson Manish Tewari slammed Modi Govt for failing to stop China from targeting India’s internal matters.“Xi Jingping says he is watching Kashmir but why does @PMOIndia/MEA not say 1) We are watching pro-democracy protests muzzled in Hong Kong. 2) We are watching human rights violations in Xinjiang 3) We are watching continued oppression in Tibet 4) We are watching South China Sea,” Tewari said on Twitter.He also dared India to ask China about Aksai Chin which has been “illegally ceded” by Pakistan to the country, when it keeps raising the issue of PoK and talks about taking it back.Mr. Tewari asked why India does not raise the issue of human rights violations in Xinjiang the way China keeps raising the Kashmir issue.PTI
J&K admin. releases 4 politicians from detention
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jk-administration-releases-four-politicians-from-detention/article29634039.ece?homepage=true
J&K administration today released four political leaders who were detained since Aug.5. 4 leaders were among 3,000 persons who were detained or arrested citing security reasons in run up to Aug.5. Among those released is Abid Hussain Ansari, a prominent Shia leader and senior member of Sajad Lone's party JKPC. He is an ex MLA from Zadibal and the uncle of top Shia cleric Imran Ansari who was released last month. Other 3 middle rung leaders who were released are Noor Mohammad, a National Conference worker; Yawar Dilawar Mir, PDP spokesperson and ex MLA; and Shoaib Lone from Congress party.Officials say that currently around 800 persons are either in detention or under arrest, which includes 250 in jails outside the State. The detainees include three former CMs Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti.thehindu
In first 3 replies to HC, J&K drops PSA charge after challenge
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-first-three-replies-to-hc-jammu-and-kashmir-drops-psa-charge-after-challenge-6061443/
In its first 3 responses to more than 250 writs of habeas corpus challenging preventive detentions under the stringent J&K Public Safety Act, state Home department has informed the Srinagar wing of J&K High Court that it has revoked PSA slapped against detainees. Confirming the dropping of PSA charge, J&K Senior Additional Advocate General BA Dar informed the single-judge bench of Justice Ali Mohammed Magrey that it has revoked the detention orders passed by DMs in 3 cases. All the replies were filed by senior AAG on Sept.30. And after Govt response, in all 3 cases, the court ruled the same day, disposing the habeas corpus petitions filed by the relatives of the detainees as “settled”.“In that view of the matter, the petition does not survive, therefore, is disposed of as settled,” Justice Magrey ordered in each case. indian express
Tourists can now visit J&K; restrictions in continue
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tourists-can-now-visit-jammu-and-kashmir-restrictions-in-valley-continue-6061830/
Srinagar :Tourists will officially be allowed to visit J&K on Thursday for the first time since Parliament abrogated Article 370 on Aug. 5. This, after the administration lifted an Aug. 2 order that asked tourists and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims to vacate the Valley immediately. The order by Home Ministry had cited “intelligence inputs of terror threats”. 3 days after the order, Centre had announced its decision to strike down provisions of Article 370, which granted J&K special status.indianexpress
Delegation of Muslim Sufi leaders, shrines heads to visit J&K
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delegation-of-muslim-spiritual-leaders-to-visit-jammu-and-kashmir/article29643555.ece?homepage=true
Jaipur:A delegation of Sufi leaders and spiritual heads of various shrines across the country will visit J&K between Oct. 12 and 14 to meet the locals and assess the ground situation there. The spiritual head of Ajmer dargah, Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, has taken the initiative to send the delegation comprising 18 members that will be led by his son Nasiruddin Chisty.“Kashmir has been a sufferer of false propaganda which is executed against India from across the border. I felt the necessity that we should interact with Kashmiri people, particularly youths, and work for prosperity in J&K. Therefore the decision to send a delegation to J&K was taken,” Ajmer dargah Deewan said in Ajmer today.“We would like to act as a bridge between the Kashmiri (people) and prosperity,” he added.The delegation members are from Rajasthan, (Ajmer, Jaipur and Jhunjhjunu), Hyderabad, New Delhi, UP, Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar.“Our aim is to build trust among youths and other people and to bring them into the mainstream,” Chisty said.PTI
British Labour Party meet: Cong hits back at BJP, says J&K internal matter, no intervention acceptable
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/corbyn-meeting-congress-hits-back-at-bjp-says-jk-internal-matter-no-intervention-acceptable/articleshow/71524797.cms
Congress today accused BJP of making "malicious statements" to distract people from its failures, after the saffron party asked it to explain British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn's tweet that he discussed human rights situation in Kashmir with "UK representatives from Congress".UK unit of Indian Overseas Congress claimed it had met Corbyn to condemn the Kashmir resolution passed by Labour Party and reiterate to them that J&K is an internal matter and no intervention will be accepted. "Our meeting with Jeremy Corbyn was held to condemn Kashmir resolution passed by his Party and to reiterate that J&K is an internal matter and outside intervention will not be accepted. BJP's malicious statements are another attempt to distract people from their failures," the Indian Overseas Congress said in a tweet. Congress also tweeted that the BJP has failed to answer questions on economic slowdown,unemployment and banking crisis and is resorting to spreading lies instead."BJP has failed to answer a single question on the economic slowdown, rising unemployment, banking crisis and even the irregularities in Rafale deal. Therefore they have to resort to spreading lies to evade the truth. They can't hide behind their propaganda anymore,"Congress tweeted. "A very productive meeting with UK representatives from the Indian Congress Party where we discussed the human rights situation in Kashmir. There must be a de-escalation and an end to the cycle of violence and fear which has plagued the region for so long," Corbyn tweeted.PTI
Sk Hasina defends Delhi deals as she charged of sacrificing country’s interests, “selling out” to India
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sheikh-hasina-defends-delhi-deals/cid/1710504
Calcutta:Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has wagered her reputation against domestic insinuations of selling out to New Delhi during her recent trip, trying to assuage anti-India sentiments inflamed by the lynching of a student who had accused the western neighbour of short-changing Dhaka.“Hasina compromising on interests of Bangladesh is an impossibility,”she thundered at a news conference, defending the bilateral agreements she had signed during her India visit last week. Hasina had arrived in Delhi on Oct.3 amid great expectations in Bangladesh about progress on Teesta water-sharing agreement, which has been kept in abeyance since 2011 because of opposition from Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.This time, too, much-awaited deal eluded Dhaka, causing disappointment in Bangladesh. Hasina was accused of sacrificing her country’s interests and “selling out” to India by some of her political critics who portrayed two of the seven agreements signed during her trip as loaded in favour of New Delhi.One of these was a Bangladeshi pledge to let India withdraw 1.82 cusecs of water from the Feni for a drinking water scheme in Tripura; the other was a pact to allow the use of the Chittagong and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India.The “sell-out” charges received further traction with some people using social media to spread the falsehood that Bangladesh had also agreed to supply natural gas — a rare natural resource — to Tripura. Actual deal, however, was to export LPG to India. Amid the high-decibel debates in Bangladesh on what the country had received from India in exchange, Abrar Farhad, a student at elite Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, wrote a Facebook post questioning the deals with India. Farhad was beaten to death, allegedly by members of the ruling Awami League’s student wing.“As the videos of how Farhad was tortured and finally killed by student wing leaders of the ruling party went viral, the narrative of India short-changing Dhaka got reinforced,” a senior news anchor in Bangladesh said. Opposition in Bangladesh has always accused Hasina of being pro-India.Farhad’s death — which has triggered countrywide protests by students, academics and ordinary people — has intensified these sentiments and fuelled questions about Hasina’s control over her party’s student arm.telegraphindia
OTHERS
Ayodhya hearings, Uniform Civil Code to be on agenda at AIMPLB meet in UP on Saturday
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ayodhya-hearings-uniform-civil-code-to-be-on-agenda-at-aimplb-meet-in-up-on-saturday/1637734
Lucknow:All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) will hold its executive body meeting here on Saturday to discuss the ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court on the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi dispute and the Uniform Civil Code among other issues.Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a senior member of the board, said the AIMPLB executive committee meeting will be held at Nadwatul Ulema in the state capital."The meeting will deliberate on the ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court on the Ayodhya issue and future possibilities after the judgement, expected next month," he said.PTI
Salman Nadwi who advocated shifting of Babri masjid, heckled at Islamic seminary in Lucknow
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ayodhya-case-islamic-scholar-salman-nadvi-heckled-in-nadwa-for-supporting-ram-temple-video/502168
Lucknow: In a rather unfortunate development in the contentious Ram temple issue, a Muslim scholar was on Thursday heckled by his own community for supporting Ram Mandir agenda.Salman Nadwi, ex member of AIMPLB, was heckled by a group of students and teachers at the Islamic seminary Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow for speaking in favour of the Ram temple.The Islamic scholar has in the past voraciously advocated the relinquishment of the disputed land in favour of Hindus. According to sources, Nadwi had gone to a seminary on Thursday to attend a board meeting when the incident took place.timesnownews
With Ayodhya case in court on last lap, a Muslim group says gift land to hindus
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/with-ayodhya-case-in-court-on-last-lap-muslim-group-says-gift-land-to-hindus-2114844
Lucknow: As Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case reaches the final stage in the Supreme Court, a group of Muslim intellectuals has called for a negotiated settlement to the case, including the option of gifting the disputed land at Ayodhya to Hindus even if the Muslim side were to win the legal title suit in the top court. The group calls themselves 'Indian Muslims for Peace' and includes intellectuals like former AMU V-CLieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah.During press interaction in Lucknow, members of 'Indian Muslims for Peace' conceded they had no role in the court litigation in the matter and had also not taken any of the litigants on board. "It is a contradiction," Lieutenant General Shah told NDTV, adding, "Our aim is to bring forward to the country the requirement that an out of court settlement would benefit all in the country."ndtv
Bihar police close sedition case against 49 celebrities and intellectuals, to book complainant
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-police-close-sedition-case-against-49-to-book-complainant-6061441/
Patna :A week after filing a case of sedition against 49 leading personalities including Mani Ratnam, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Shyam Benegal and Ramachandra Guha for signing an open letter to PM Narendra Modi over rising incidents of lynching and intolerance, Bihar’s Muzaffarpur Police decided Wednesday to close the case and instead book the complainant for filing a “false” report.Police said they had filed a case on the orders of a Muzaffarpur court in response to a complaint from local lawyer Sudhir Kumar Ojha who had alleged that these personalities tried to “tarnish the image of the country and undermine the impressive performance of the PM” besides “supporting secessionist tendencies”. There was widespread criticism of the police decision to book the 49.Confirming that they were closing the sedition case, Bihar ADGP Jitendra Kumar said: “Police lodged a case on receipt of an order from CJM court under Section 156(3) CrPC. In such instance, police have no option but to register a case under sections which the reading of the complaint discloses.”He said the case was supervised by SSP Muzaffarpur. The complainant, he said, could not produce supporting documents or evidence, not even the alleged letter written by 49 persons.“On this and other circumstantial basis, the case is found to be false and order has been issued by him (SSP) to the investigating officer to submit final report: False. Along with this, finding this to be an intentional purpose of complainant, prosecution under Section 182 of IPC will be submitted against complainant for lodging a false case,” Kumar said.indianexpress
Lawyer who filed sedition case against celebs, files ‘protest petition’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lawyer-who-filed-sedition-case-against-celebs-files-protest-petition-6062964/
FIR against civil society members: 1389 people endorse open letter to the PM
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/fir-against-civil-society-members-1389-people-endorse-open-letter-to-the-pm
More than 1389 people have added their names to the statement endorsing the open letter sent to the PM by 49 prominent citizens on July 23.They also condemned FIR filed by the police against the signatories which include noted intellectuals like Ramchandra Guha, Mani Ratnam and Aparna Sen, said Indian Cultural Forum in a press release. The letter had raised concerns over the rising mob lynching incidents in the country. Latest signatories include personalities like Arundhati Roy, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Asghar Wajahat, Pankaj Bisht and others.185 more celebrities had endorsed the letter on Monday with total number of signatories now reaching 1389. Earlier today, 650 people added their names in the open letter to the PM.All the 1389 people condemn the FIR alleging “sedition” and “misuse of courts to harass citizens who have every right to express their concern about various forms of violence and inequality in India”.nationalherald
Church body condemns Bhagwat's Bible reference to justify mob lynching
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/church-body-condemns-bhagwat-s-bible-reference-to-justify-mob-lynching/cid/1710638?ref=top-stories_home-template
New Delhi:National Council of Churches in India has issued a statement condemning the reference to the Bible by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, in order to justify the term "mob lynching". In a statement, NCCI said Bhagwat had misquoted the Bible. NCCI stated: "We are shocked that such statements which have the potential to divide communities on religious lines are made in public fora."NCCI statement said this misrepresentation had "created suspicion among the people" and "humiliated Christian minority". It added, "We appeal all people not to be carried away by such misrepresentation or misinterpretation which are often done with political intentions." NCCI pointed out that the Biblical incident that Bhagwat referred to in fact shows how Jesus stood by a woman who was a victim of the patriarchal structures of that time. It said the "incident from the Bible was as an expression of Jesus’s mercy and compassion towards victims of the elitist narratives of the society of his day. Quite contrary to what Bhagwat suggests, Jesus was in fact saving an accused woman from wrath of the mob in the said passage."telegraphindia
Sikh bodies object to RSS chief 's Hindu rashtra statement
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sikh-bodies-object-to-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwats-hindu-rashtra-statement/articleshow/71524461.cms
Amritsar: Sikh bodies have objected to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement on Hindu nation.Shiromani gurdwara parbandhak committee (SGPC) head Gobind Singh Longowal on Thursday said that India was a multi ethnic, multilingual and multi religious nation and even the Indian constitution grants freedom to people of every religion.“It is unfortunate that RSS chief is deliberately imposing a Hindu nation agenda which is in contempt of Indian constitution” said Longowal.While advising Mohan Bhagat to refrain from giving such statements, Longowal said it couldn’t be tolerated that RSS was trying to influence Sikhs as well as people of other religions with Hindu nation ideology.SAD (Taksali) secretary general and chief spokesman, Sewa Singh Sekhwan said, “Such statements tend to bring a sense of aversion in Indians who belong to other religions and cultures. Currently the ruling party in India is BJP which is a political wing of RSS. Use of such words by the chief of such a huge organization expresses his daunting mindset”.TOI
Bhagwat speech reveals glimpses of fascistic ideology: CPM
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cpm-mohan-bhagwat-speech-reveals-glimpses-of-fascistic-ideology-6061545/
CPM has hit out at RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his remarks that “words like lynching” are “alien to Bharat and belong elsewhere” and that there were attempts to defame India and the entire Hindu society and create fear among the “so-called minority communities”.An editorial in the forthcoming edition of CPM mouthpiece People’s Democracy said Bhagwat’s speech has revealed “glimpses of the fascistic ideology which permeates RSS”.Arguing that his remark has exposed the “doublespeak” and “rabidly communal outlook” of RSS, CPM said “the term lynching has no territorial-cultural connotation; it is a term used for any mob attack leading to killing”.indianexpress
'Insaaf', only thing lynching victim Tabrez’s widow now lives for
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/insaaf-the-only-thing-lynching-victim-tabrezs-widow-now-lives-for/articleshow/71522339.cms
Behrasai: Shaista Parveen has been a widow for 3 months, a month longer than her two-month marriage with Tabrez Ansari. He was 22, she 19, and the happy couple spoke daily on their mobiles — Pune to Kadamdiha in Jharkhand. “Tabrez was popular, he could make anyone laugh,” Shaista told TOI, a tear trickling down.In the days that followed Tabrez’s lynching on June 17 in nearby Dhatkidih, Shaista fell ill and suffered a miscarriage. She would sit alone for hours thinking how she would be able to salvage her shattered life. In her ears, there was just one word beating down — justice. That, she decided, is what would keep her alive." Insaaf chahiye, bas,” she said. Shaista knows that could be a long, hard road to walk. But she’s kept her future firmly on hold till justice is served. “I seek justice for my husband. An innocent man was brutally killed,” she said, her voice a whisper. “Unless his tormentors meet the same fate, I will not rest.” Throughout the conversation, she returns to " insaaf” again and again.TOI
CPI to hold seminar on Vedas to ‘prevent scripture misuse’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cpi-to-hold-seminar-on-vedas-to-prevent-scripture-misuse-6061534/
CPI, an ally of CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala, will organise a 3-day seminar on Vedas and Upanishads to prevent the “misuse of Hindu scriptures and texts for communal ends”. The event will be held in Kannur from Oct.25 under the aegis of NE Balram Memorial Trust as part of the birth centenary of late CPI veteran N E Balram. Trust chairman and senior CPI leader CN Chandran said that Indian philosophy was a favourite subject of the late Balram. 9 experts from across the country will present papers on Vedas, Upanishad, Puranas and epics at the event. “We want to prevent the misuse of Hindu scriptures and texts by communal forces for their ends. The seminar wants to look at the topics from a scientific perspective.” indian express
Gujarat: 500 Dalits embrace Buddhism on Vijayadashami
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-500-dalits-embrace-buddhism-on-vijayadashami-6059661/?fbclid=IwAR0VfhhQfftAHL5JEvoacxx4mAdyhqNvvrgYVdK1A5KaKZY_mkZTIFoXroc
Gandhinagar :Around 500 Dalits from various parts of Gujarat embraced Buddhism on Tuesday in three separate programmes held in Ahmedabad, Mehsana and Idar of Sabarkantha district on the occasion of Vijayadashami. The first such function was held at Swastik Bungalows in Rakhiyal area of East Ahmedabad by Gujarat Buddhist Academy. GBA Secretary Ramesh Banker said 148 Dalits gave up Hinduism and embraced Buddhism at the function. One of 148 persons is Vandana Parmar from Amraiwadi area who is pursuing her masters in science. Vandana converted to Buddhism along with her parents and a brother. “We have been influenced by Buddhism and the ideology of Dr Ambedkar in recent past. Buddhism and the Ambedkar ideology of equality and scientific temperament make sense to me and my family. And therefore, we have taken the ‘diksha’ today,” Vandana said. “Our entire family used to be a staunch Hindu religious family. My father used to observe fast on Navratri. But, now we have stopped worshipping gods and goddesses. And my father does not observe fast. We will not celebrate Diwali too,” she added. “We have adopted this new lifestyle because it makes sense to us. But, we are not opposing anybody who is following Hindu faith.” The reason for her to embrace Buddhism was discrimination towards the Dalit community in Hinduism, she said.In another such function held at Chitrodapura Vasahat in Mehsana, around 310 Dalits from various parts of the state like Palanpur, Patan, Mehsana and Gandhinagar converted to Buddhism. The function was organised by practising Buddhists – Bodhiraj Vishwas and PM Parmar. It was on a Vijayadashami day on Oct.14, 1956 that Dr Ambedkar famously embraced Buddhism along with lakhs of his supporters in Maharashtra. indian express
Asim Umar death in Afghanistan: Feels like we never knew him, says family: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/aqis-chief-killed-in-afghanistan-feels-like-we-never-knew-him-says-family-6061654/
Sambhal : "Who is Asim Umar to you?” That was the question Rizwan ul-Haq was asked all through Wednesday at his home in UP’s Sambhal. “Hum kisi Asim ko nahi jaante, humein toh Sanaul malum hai. Sannu bulate the hum usse (We don’t know any Asim, we know Sanaul. We called him Sannu),” was his reply every time. Umar, known to Indian security agencies as Sanaul Haq, was killed in a joint strike by US and Afghan forces at a Taliban compound in Helmand province, Afghanistan’s NDS confirmed Tuesday. But news of his death reached his home in Sambhal only on Wednesday morning as reports slowly trickled in. Umar last made contact with his family around 1998 before he disappeared from India and later emerged as Maulana Asim Umar, leader of Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) in 2014. “There’s no reason for any grief for a person who has been missing for more than 20 years. It makes no difference to find out about his death because it now feels like we never knew this person,” his brother Rizwan (51) said. The youngest of five siblings, Umar was described by family as being “friendly”, good in studies and fond of cricket. His brother said Umar studied at Hind Inter College in Sambhal until Class 8, following which he prepared to become a cleric and joined a madrasa in the city. He later went to Dar-ul-Uloom seminary at Deoband to complete his studies to become a Maulvi. “He left studies midway and sometime in 1998 he came home once asking for Rs 1 lakh to go to Saudi Arabia where he wished to work as an English translator for Arabic,” said Rizwan, who is a math and science teacher at a private school in Sambhal. When Umar’s father refused to give him the money, he grew angry and left, his brother said. He then severed ties with his family. indianexpress
Malegaon case: Bombay HC adjourns hearing in discharge plea of Pragya till Nov 18
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-malegaon-case-bombay-hc-adjourns-hearing-in-discharge-plea-of-pragya-till-nov-18-2795875
Bombay High Court has adjourned hearing till Nov.18 in the application filed by BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Colonel Shrikant Purohit and others seeking discharge from the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Accused have also challenged UAPA sanction for prosecution. According to them,necessary permission for the sanction was not taken from the competent authority and hence it stands null and void.Along with these 2 pleas, the HC will also to hear the issue of Secondary Evidence validity. DNA
Andra govt to give plots to Imams working in mosques
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/andra-govt-to-give-plots-to-imams-working-in-mosques20191009191152/
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Govt is planning to provide house plots to Imams working in mosques. Imams having white ration cards (proof of BPL family) are only eligible for the scheme. "Andhra Pradesh State Waqf Board has written to all the lesser income masjids to avail the scheme. The Imams who want to get a housing plot should apply with their Aadhar card and ration card,"Syed Shabbar Basha, CEO of AP State Waqf Board said. "The scheme is for Imams who don't have a house. They can submit their application to village volunteers, panchayat or ward secretaries," he added. Over 5000 imams of lesser income mosques across the state will get this benefit under the state housing scheme."CM introduces a scheme named 'House plot to the Imams'. This scheme is very beneficial for the Imams working in the income less mosque and the Imams should be of Andhra Pradesh to avail this scheme," Abdul Khuddus, Accounts Officer of the Board said.ANI
DRDO shows interest in acquiring wakf land
https://www.siasat.com/drdo-shows-interest-acquiring-wakf-land-1653884/
Hyderabad: DRDO has written a letter to TS Wakf Board showing interest in acquiring 6 acres and 12 guntas wakf land pertaining to Roshan-ud-Dowla Tomb located at Balapur for extending its research activities. It may be mentioned that most of the lands pertaining to this area are under the possession of illegal occupants who are plotting it.It is reported that when the Wakf Board made an attempt to dislodge illegal occupants, they approached the court and obtained injunction order. Wakf Board is making an attempt to restore the land by commissioning the services of a noted lawyer, Prakash Reddy. It may be mentioned that the Wakf Board has all the documents to establish its ownership. If the Wakf Board takes a decision to hand over the land to DRDO, it might get a handsome amount as compensation. In such a case, Wakf Board has to get assurance from DRDO that it would protect the tomb and the masjid.siasat
After Khurshid, Scindia: Congress needs to introspect, take corrective measures
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/after-khurshid-scindia-congress-needs-to-introspect-take-corrective-measures-6061449/
New Delhi :A day after senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said the party could not “analyse the reasons” for its defeat in Lok Sabha elections because Rahul Gandhi had “walked away”, CWC member Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday that there was need to “introspect” and carry out “corrective” steps if needed. However, veteran leader M Veerappa Moily argued that Rahul had not “deserted” the party, and rejected Khurshid’s statement as “outdated.”Scindia said: “Of course, there is a need for introspection. There are no two ways about that. There is nothing wrong in saying that. Not only introspection, but take some correctives also.” Asked how the party should carry out the introspection, he said, “that is for the party to decide… how can I say that.”Scindia, however, declined to comment on Khurshid’s remarks about Rahul. “I don’t comment on what other people say,” he said. Congress high command, meanwhile, asked its leaders not to make “side comments”, and focus on “exposing” BJP Govt instead.indianexpress
Maha polls: Maulana to take on Cong candidate in Malegaon Central
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/maulana-to-take-on-cong-candidate-in-malegaon-central/articleshow/71494804.cms
Nashik: A fascinating electoral battle is unfolding in the Muslim-dominated Malegaon Central assembly segment in Nashik district. Md Ismail Abdul Khalique, 58-year-old maulana of Malegaon’s Jama Masjid, is preparing to take on sitting Congress MLA Asif Shaikh. Maulana, who is popularly known in Malegaon as ‘Maulana Mufti, is contesting on MIM ticket. He was the local MLA in 2009. At that time, he had contested as the candidate of Teesra Mahaz, a local outfit floated by the maulanas in Malegaon.MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s popularity in this assembly segment has been on the upswing ever since his party made an impressive debut in the local body polls in early 2017 winning seven seats.TOI
Kejriwal to address C-40 Climate Change Summit through video conference after MEA denied permission to visit Denmark
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arvind-kejriwal-to-address-c-40-climate-change-summit-through-video-conference-6062694/
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will address C-40 Climate Change Summit through a video conference on Friday after Ministry of External Affairs denied him permission to visit Denmark, a statement said today.According to Govt, CM has accepted the request of the summit organisers to deliver his address through video conference in the session titled ‘breathe deeply, city solutions for clean air’. CM will also address a joint press conference with mayors of 6 major world cities at 12 pm on Friday, a statement stated. MEA had denied permission to the Delhi CM, saying that clearance from “political angel” has been denied.PTI
Ex-Ranbaxy promoter Shivinder Singh arrested
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ex-ranbaxy-promoter-shivinder-singh-arrested-by-delhi-police/story-921UZCY1eB2BcW51aysEVJ.html
New Delhi:Ex- promoter of Ranbaxy pharmaceuticals Shivinder Singh was arrested today by Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW).In Dec.2018, Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) subsidiary Religare Finvest (RFL) had lodged a criminal complaint with Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police against promoters Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivinder Mohan Singh.The complaint also named REL ex-CMD Sunil Godhwani, among other directors, for cheating, fraud and misappropriation of funds to the tune of ₹ 740 crore.The complaint was registered for various offences including cheating, criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, fraud and forgery and criminal conspiracy.HT
Income Tax department raids premises linked to ex-Karnataka deputy CM Parameshwara
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/income-tax-department-raids-premises-linked-to-ex-karnataka-deputy-cm-parameshwara/cid/1710621?ref=more-from-india_india-page
Income Tax (I-T) department today conducted raids at premises linked to former deputy CM of Karnataka G. Parameshwara and others in connection with a multi-crore tax evasion case linked to NEET exams, officials said. A total of 30 premises are being covered in the raids and a team of around 80 I-T officials, apart from police personnel, are undertaking the searches at various locations in the state and some places in Rajasthan, they said.PTI
Yogi makes moves on UP political chessboard, with outreach to Muslim women
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/yogi-makes-moves-on-up-political-chessboard-with-outreach-to-muslim-women/story-Hab0DQRgE5o9lW3xZpDEOI.html
In BJP’s electoral strategy for the states, CM often shoulders the major responsibility of bringing back the party to power. Though elections in the state are still far away, Yogi Adityanath has already started making his moves on political chessboard of the state to increase the party’s vote share of 49% in 2019 general polls, which also defined loyalties of major castes, specifically Yadavs and Jatavs, and dent BJP could make in their vote banks.Adityanath is trying to make inroads into the vote bank of about 20% Muslims in the state. Hitherto, they were considered to be an exclusive vote bank of two regional forces, SP and BSP.Though its foundation was laid by the architects of BJP’s manifesto that had promised to eliminate the age-old practice of instant Triple Talaq, the CM is going all out to win over Muslim women, who, despite opposition from clergies, have supported the move.The effort is seen as an exercise to test the waters ahead of state bypolls on 12 seats.HT
BJP MLA wants Bigg Boss banned for ‘vulgarity..making Muslims,Brahmins bed friends’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-mla-writes-to-javadekar-wants-bigg-boss-banned-for-spreading-vulgarity-6061990/
New Delhi :BJP MLA Nand Kishor Gurjar has written to Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar asking him to “immediately” stop the telecast of reality TV show Bigg Boss. In his letter to the union minister, Gurjar has accused the show of “spreading vulgarity and hurting the social morality of the country”.In the letter, Gurjar, who represents Loni from Ghaziabad in the state Assembly, has taken strong objection to the ‘Bed friends forever’ concept launched in show. Alleging that it discredits the Indian culture and sensibilities, Gurjar said the show is “intentionally” trying to cause communal discord by pairing contestants from Muslim and Brahmin communities as bed partners.indianexpress
Suspected cattle smugglers fire at cow vigilantes in Gurugram, one injured
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/suspected-cattle-smugglers-fire-at-vigilantes-in-gurugram-one-injured-2114749?pfrom=home-topstories
An activist of the right-wing group Bajrang Dal got injured in Gurgaon near Delhi as suspected cattle smugglers opened fire on a group of cow vigilantes who were giving them chase. The police said the injured man, who was also among the cow vigilantes, has been admitted to a hospital in a critical condition but now doctors say he is out of danger.The police said the shooting took place at Millennium City near Delhi around 3:00 AM after a 20-minute high-speed pursuit on the main road. Suspected cattle smugglers were intercepted by the activists last evening. They gave chase when the suspects, who were in a truck, tried to speed away. Rajeev Deshwal, senior police officer, said when suspected smugglers realised that they were being watched, they offloaded the cows from the truck and sped off. "Then they opened fire, in which Mohit -- a resident of Manesar and member of Gau Rakshak Sangathan -- was injured,"he added.A video, purportedly shot from the vehicle pursuing the alleged cow smugglers, shows a dramatic chase where the vehicle in front skips checkpoints and speeds through the main roads. The miscreants then opened fire and managed to flee.The police said the injured man, who was also among the cow vigilantes, has been admitted to a hospitalThe police have already identified 5 of 6 accused. "A search is on and I hope they will be rounded up soon," the officer said. The truck has been recovered from Haryana's Mewat, nearly 60 km away.NTDV
UP:Communal clash in Saharanpur leaves 6 injured
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/communal-clash-in-saharanpur-leaves-6-injured/articleshow/71510193.cms
At least 6 persons were injured when 2 groups from different faiths attacked each other with stones near Saharanpur’s Behat bus stand. Heavy police force was rushed to the area and the situation was brought under control by Tuesday night, an officer said. SHO of Mandi Thana, Ashish Solanki, said, “3 heavily drunk youths from a community purchased ‘chow mein’ from a hawker.While they were eating the food, one of them puked at the shop. This led to an argument between the vendor and the youths. When some fruit vendors, from a different faith, tried to save the hawker from the youths, they were also abused and attacked.“Soon, it was given a communal colour. People of both the faiths started gathering and attacking each other. However, police immediately reached and controlled the situation.” Those injured were taken to a hospital. As many as 50 people from both the sides were booked.“No arrest has been made,” SHO said.TOI
23-yr old Thane doctor Neha Sheikh riding pillion slips on a pothole, crushed by truck
https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/out-shopping-for-wedding-thane-doctor-slips-off-2-wheeler-on-pothole-dies/story-VzSlmpBFnst8TQeLKDYd5K.html
Thane: A 23-year-old doctor was crushed to death by a truck in Thane after she fell down on the road when her scooter hit a pothole.The incident took place around 10.30 pm on Wednesday when Neha Sheikh was on her way home from Bhiwandi. Her brother was driving the scooter and she was riding pillion. Sheikh was supposed to get married next month and had gone out to shop for her wedding.Police said the incident took place near Dugadh junction on Bhiwandi-Wada-Manor highway. A case has been filed against the driver of the truck who has been absconding.Irked by the incident, volunteers from NGO Shramjeevi Yuva Sanghatna gathered at the toll booth on the highway at midnight and protested.“A case has been filed against the truck driver but ideally it should be against PWD authorities or the organization that was in charge of the maintenance and construction of the roads,” said Pramod Pawar, president, of Shramjeevi Yuva Sanghatna.HT
MP: Police book 150 people after celebratory firing by VHP, Bajrang Dal supporters at Gwalior school
https://www.newsx.com/national/madhya-pradesh-celebratory-firing-by-vhp-bajrang-dal-supporters-in-gwalior.html
Madhya Pradesh Police book 150 after celebratory firing by VHP, Bajrang Dal supporters at Gwalior school during Shastra Puja: An FIR has been registered against 150 workers of VHP and Bajrang Dal for celebratory firing in a school premise during Shastra Puja, in Gwalior on Oct. 8, reported ANI. The case was filed after a video of the incident went viral on several social media platforms in which the activists were seen raising arms in the air to mark the Dusshera celebrations. One of the workers was also seen firing in the air.Earlier on Wednesday, the UP police launched a probe after a video of open firing using rifle and pistol at an RSS event started doing the rounds on several social media platforms. The incident took place in Sitapur during Shastra Puja. Police are yet to ascertain that who all were involved in the firing during the event.newsx
Politics over Murshidabad murders: RSS, BJP claim school teacher was their supporter
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/politics-murshidabad-murders-rss-bjp_in_5d9f1c0fe4b087efdba914f8?utm_hp_ref=in-homepage
Murshidabad:The gruesome triple murder of a school teacher and his family in Murshidabad took a political colour today with BJP and its ideological mentor — RSS — claiming that the victim was their supporter. BJP and the RSS said though the primary school teacher Bandhu Gopal Pal was not their active member, but at times he had participated in the weekly ‘milan’ programmes organised by the Sangh.The police have declined to comment on whether Pal was a member of RSS or not.The bodies of 35-year-old teacher, his pregnant wife Beauty and 8-year-old son Angan were found lying in pools of blood in their house at Jiaganj in Murshidabad on Tuesday when the Durga Puja festivities were on. 3 were murdered by unidentified miscreants, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.PTI
MP: VHP leader shot dead in Mandsaur, police suspect business rivalry
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vhp-leader-shot-dead-in-mandsaur-police-suspect-business-rivalry-6061936/
Bhopal: A VHP leader was shot dead in Mandsaur on Wednesday in what the police suspect is a case of business rivalrly. Yuvraj Singh Chouhan, who ran a local cable network, was near a tea stall at Geeta Bhavan locality when three motorcycle-borne youths shot at him. Chouhan, who was in his late 30s, was declared brought dead on arrival at the hospital.Mandsaur SP Hitesh Choudhary said 6 suspects have been taken into custody. He said prima facie the police believe business rivalry was the motive behind the murder.A BJP MLA from Mandsaur district said local right-wing organizations did not react to the murder because they believe it was linked to personal rivalry either arising from his cable business or some property dispute. Indianexpress
WORLD
‘Deeply concerned’: India calls upon Turkey to exercise restraint against Kurdish forces in Syria
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-turkey-syria-attack-kurdish-forces-6062663/
India has said that it was “deeply concerned” about the ongoing military operation by Turkey on Kurdish forces in northern Syria.“We are deeply concerned at the unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria. Turkey’s actions can undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism,” Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.It said that Turkey’s action has the potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress in the region. India also called upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. MEA in its statement also urged the two nations to settle any issue peacefully through dialogue and discussion. indianexpress
Erdogan threatens to 'open gates' to Europe amid Syria offensive; politicians, public support operation
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-military-operation-syria-latest-updates-191010061648676.html
Turkish president said Ankara will send the 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey to Europe if European countries label the country's military operation in Syria as an occupation."We will open the gates and send 3.6 million refugees your way," Tyeb Erdogan said in speech to his AK Party.Speaking from Istanbul, Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglusaid speech targeted an international audience."Since the operation started, it seems Ankara is not happy about what the international public opinion has been, because the rhetoric in media is thought to be against Turkey," she said."Erdogan wanted to clear the grey areas for the international public opinion because many media outlets have been saying Turkey is about to invade or plans to invade Syria," she continued. "Today Erdogan made it clear that this is not an invasion, and the operation is to clear the area from what Ankara calls terrorist groups."Turkish president defended Turkey's incursion into Syria after a wave of international criticism, saying the military operation would support Syria's territorial integrity by confronting Kurdish control of the country's northeast."They are not honest, they just make up words," Erdogan said of Turkey's critics, singling out Saudi Arabia and Egypt. "We, however, create action and that is our difference," he told members of his AK Party. Turkish public and political elite have largely thrown their support behind the country's forces fighting in northern Syria, standing in defiance against voices in the international community condemning Ankara's operation.Meanwhile, Turkey-backed Syrian rebel fighters are on their way to battle fronts in northeastern Syria in support of Turkish troops who have crossed the countries' border, a spokesman for the rebels said on Thursday. The death toll from the shelling of Turkish border towns rose to 4 today, state TV reported.aljazeera
Russia will push for Turkey-Syria 'dialogue' on Kurds: Foreign Minister
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-military-operation-syria-latest-updates-191010061648676.html
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ankara and Damascus should discuss the issue of Kurdish forces in Syria directly, calling Turkey's cross-border assault a product of US policies."We will strive for the necessity of dialogue between Turkey and Syria,"he said. aljazeera
France summons Turkish envoy over Syria offensive
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-military-operation-syria-latest-updates-191010061648676.html
France's foreign ministry summoned Turkish ambassador to Paris, Ismail Hakki, over Ankara's air and ground offensive into Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Syria, a diplomatic source said.French President Emmanuel Macron said Ankara's operation run "the risk of helping ISIL rebuild a caliphate".
Israel condemns Turkish operation
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/turkey-military-operation-syria-latest-updates-191010061648676.html
Israel criticised Turkey's "invasion" of Kurdish-controlled areas in northern Syria and warned against the "ethnic cleansing" of Kurdish people, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement posted on Twitter. Israeli PM said he was "prepared to extend humanitarian assistance to gallant Kurdish people". aljazeera
Iran parliament speaker cancels Istanbul visit, calls for 'immediate halt' to Turkish Syria offensive
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191010-iran-parliament-speaker-cancels-istanbul-visit-over-turkey-offensive-in-syria/
Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani has cancelled his scheduled visit to Turkish city of Istanbul following decision by Ankara to launch military operation against Kurdish militias. Iran called for an immediate halt to Turkey's offensive on Kurdish-ruled northeastern Syria, citing concern for the dangers to civilians in the conflict zone."Iran... emphasises (need for) an immediate halt to the assault and the departure of Turkish military units from Syrian territory," the foreign ministry said .MEMO
Syrian Kurds, facing Turkish offensive, "didn't help in Normandy", defends Trump
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/syrian-kurds-facing-turkish-operations-didnt-help-us-in-normandy-president-trump-2114405
Syrian Kurds facing a Turkish military operation did not "help us in Normandy," US President Donald Trump said, defending his widely-criticized decision to clear the way for the assault. Kurdish forces -- which the US partnered to combat the Islamic State group in Syria -- are "fighting for their land," Trump said."As somebody wrote in a very, very powerful article today, they didn't help us in 2nd World War, they didn't help us with Normandy as an example," he said. Trump was apparently referring to a piece by a columnist on the conservative Townhall website supporting Trump's decision to pull American forces back from Syria's northern frontier, which opened the way for Turkish operation. Trump has faced a bipartisan storm of criticism since White House made surprise announcement on Sunday. Kurds "are there to help us with their land, and that's a different thing,"said Trump."We have spent tremendous amounts of money on helping the Kurds in terms of ammunition, in terms of weapons, in terms of money, in terms of pay.With all of that being said, we like Kurds," he added.AFP
Egypt: Aisha Shater in hospital for a week following hunger strike
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191010-egypt-aisha-shater-in-hospital-for-a-week-following-hunger-strike/
Aisha Al-Shater has been in hospital for a week after her health seriously deteriorated following a second hunger strike in protest against her prison conditions. Daughter of top Muslim Brotherhood leader Khairat Al-Shater was arrested in Nov.2018 and forcibly disappeared for 21 days before appearing in Al-Qanater women’s prison. She was one of 19 human rights activists arrested that night.Aisha first went on hunger strike in mid-August to protest against the fact that her family, including her children, were not allowed to visit her, which is against Egyptian law, and that she was being kept in solitary confinement.During a court hearing in June Aisha said she was using her pocket as a toilet because she had no access to a toilet or a shower and was not being provided with sanitary products.middleeastmonitor
Egypt activist Alaa Abdul Fattah beaten in prison
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191010-egypt-activist-alaa-abdul-fattah-beaten-in-prison/
Prominent Egyptian activist Alaa Abdul Fattah has told his lawyers that he has been beaten, threatened and robbed inside prison.Alaa is one of the key figures of 2011 revolution. He was released from jail in March this year after serving five years for allegedly organising an illegal protest. A condition of his release was that he would be on probation for five years and was required to sleep in a police station every night.However, six months after he was released from prison Alaa was rearrested at 6am outside the police station where he sleeps as part of a sweep by the Egyptian Govt to curb the 20 September protests.middleeastmonitor
Palestinian PM in Egypt to discuss ‘economic disengagement’ from Israel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191010-palestinian-pm-in-egypt-to-discuss-economic-disengagement-from-israel/
Palestinian PM Mohammad Shtayyeh praised Egyptian efforts to support the Palestinian economy during a visit to Cairo, reported Asharq Al-Awsat.Shtayyeh was speaking at a press conference alongside his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly. Palestinian PM “outlined Govt’s strategy of gradual disengagement from Israel, self-reliance through strengthening national products, and opening Arab markets to Palestinian products.” Shtayyeh has been visiting Egypt at the head of a high-level ministerial delegation to Cairo “to discuss cooperation to strengthen economic relations as part of a Palestinian plan for the gradual disengagement from Israel,” stated Asharq Al-Awsat.middleeastmonitor
Israel settlers raid Al-Aqsa Mosque, Ibrahim Mosque on Yom Kippur
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191010-israel-settlers-raid-al-aqsa-mosque-ibrahim-mosque-on-yom-kippur/
Hundreds of Israeli Jewish settlers raided Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City and thousands raided the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron’s Old City, Wafa news agency reported.Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel and Jewish Rabbi Yehuda Glick led the Jewish settlers to Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed Talmudic rituals, marking the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur or Atonement Day.In Hebron, Israeli occupation forces prevented Palestinians from entering Ibrahimi Mosque to allow the thousands of settlers who raided the Muslim holy site. Settler raids of Islamic sites have been on the increase over the past few years with Palestinians warning that Israel is planning to spatially and temporally split Al-Aqsa to allow constant Jewish access to the site.MEMO
Yemen to become world's poorest country if war continues: UN
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/yemen-world-poorest-country-war-continues-191010112703109.html
War-ravaged Yemen is on course to become the world's poorest country if the conflict persists, the United Nations said in a report."If fighting continues through 2022, Yemen will rank the poorest country in the world, with 79 % of the population living under the poverty line and 65 % classified as extremely poor," according to the UN Development Programme report.Because of the war, poverty in Yemen has jumped from 47 % of population in 2014 to a projected 75 % by the end of 2019.aljazeera
Bangladesh court issues arrest warrant against Nobel laureate Yunus
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/bangladesh-court-issues-arrest-warrant-against-nobel-laureate-muhammad-yunus-1607734-2019-10-10
Dhaka: Alabour court in Dhaka, Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant against Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing over sacking of 3 employees of a company which he heads as its chairman. "Dhaka 3rd Labour Court chairman Rohibul Islam issued warrant as he (Yunus) failed to appear as the hearing was scheduled today," court clerk said. Grameen Communications is IT wing of Grameen Bank and Yunus is the chairman of the Grameen Communications. 79-year-old economist has been at odds with PM Sheikh Hasina since 2007 when he made a brief foray into the country's violent politics dominated by her family. indiatoday
Nobel Prize in Literature: Peter Handke wins 2019 award, Olga Tokarczuk 2018
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/nobel-prize-literature-2018-2019-announced-peter-handk-olga-tokarczuk-6062578/
Austrian author Peter Handke is the winner of Nobel in literature this year and the postponed award for 2018 went to Polish author Olga Tokarczuk. 2 Nobel Prizes in literature were announced Thursday as the 2018 award was delayed by one year following sex abuse allegations that had rocked the Swedish Academy.Peter Handke was awarded “for an influential work that with linguistic ingenuity has explored the periphery and specificity of human experience,”Academy mentioned. Handke “has established himself as one of the most influential writers in Europe after 2nd World War.” indianexpress
Scotland Yard charges MQM founder Altaf Hussain with encouraging terrorism
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/scotland-yard-charges-mqm-founder-altaf-hussain-with-encouraging-terrorism/article29645810.ece?homepage=true
London:,Scotland Yard today charged MQM founder Altaf Hussain, living in exile in UK, with an offence of encouraging terrorism in connection with a speech relayed to followers in Pakistan. Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command said Hussain will appear before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London charged under Section 1(2) of UK’s Terrorism Act 2006 with encouraging terrorism.Hussain requested asylum in 1990s and later gained UK citizenship. PTI
Flash:NEWS,views,Articles
Why did India fall in the Global Competitiveness Index?Udit Misra
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-did-india-fall-in-the-global-competitiveness-index-6062809/
Can the Govt intercept WhatsApp?Pranav Mukul
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-can-govt-intercept-whatsapp-6061402/
Civic laws are flagrantly flouted in India when it comes to religious celebrations of all hues; what explains this?Samrat
https://www.firstpost.com/india/civic-laws-are-flagrantly-flouted-in-india-when-it-comes-to-religious-celebrations-of-all-hues-what-explains-this-7472261.html
Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew, the freedom fighter who is hailed as the hero of Jallianwala Bagh:UNNATI SHARMA
https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/saifuddin-kitchlew-freedom-fighter-hero-jallianwala-bagh/302658/
In Bangladesh, a student’s murder opens a window on rising anti-India sentiment across the border:Ikhtisad Ahmed
https://scroll.in/article/939979/in-bangladesh-a-students-murder-opens-a-window-on-rising-anti-india-sentiment-across-the-border
Serial authoritarianism picks out targets one by one, and tires out challenges:Pratap Bhanu Mehta
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/sedition-charge-against-celebrities-mob-lynching-narendra-modi-6061361/
Modi-Xi meeting tomorrow: What Chinese media has to say on the informal summit
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-narendra-modi-xi-jinping-meeting-mahabalipuram-chinese-media-6062127/
Mohan Bhagwat Ji, a lynching by any other name would be as murderous:Sujata Anandan
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/mohan-bhagwat-ji-a-lynching-by-any-other-name-would-be-as-murderous
‘The Family Man’: Propagating Muslim stereotypes in a run-of-the mill plot:Zaheeb Ajmal
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/the-family-man-propagating-muslim-stereotypes-in-a-run-of-the-mill-plot
Corporate-communal fascist threat is growing:D Raja/IPA
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/corporate-communal-fascist-threat-is-growing
Jharkhand: human rights abuses rampant in Pathalgadi villages; state looks the other way
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/jharkhand-human-rights-abuses-rampant-in-pathalgadi-villages-state-looks-the-other-way
Documentary on NRC Narrates the Painful Stories of those Left Out of Final List in Assam:Waquar Hasan | Caravan Daily
https://caravandaily.com/documentary-on-nrc-narrates-the-painful-stories-of-those-left-out-of-final-list-in-assam/
The Failing Art of Selling Normalcy in Kashmir:Badri Raina
https://thewire.in/rights/jammu-kashmir-normalcy
The Siege in Kashmir Is Damaging India’s Image Abroad:Sushil Aaron
https://thewire.in/politics/the-siege-in-kashmir-is-damaging-indias-image-abroad
Kashmiri students run out of essentials, money; Khalsa Aid, J&K Students Assn extend help
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/kashmiri-students-run-out-of-essentials-money-khalsa-aid-jk-students-assn-extend-help-6061819/lite/?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR2CnIM2HCld_Q8GGQUHHuCX8g4lpbSwkxyXgarrzLS-Ve7oC6DKF8v_eoI
Kashmir conflict: Are local elections amid lockdown a 'sham'?BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49996399
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:06 PM)
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