NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
2 Nov. 2019: 04 Rabiul Awwal 1441: Vol: 12, No: 51
INDIA: BABRI MASJID title case
Babri Verdict: Prominent Muslim organisations, leaders vow to maintain peace, harmony
https://caravandaily.com/ayodhya-case-major-muslim-organisations-resolve-to-maintain-peace-and-harmony-after-verdict/
New Delhi: Heads of prominent Muslim organisations, Muslim intellectuals and religious leaders have resolved to maintain peace and harmony following the Supreme Court’s verdict on the sensitive Babri Masjid title suit which is expected to be delivered before Nov.17. In a closed door meeting convened by Navaid Hamid, president of All India Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat, in New Delhi on Saturday, leaders of known Muslim organisations were of the opinion that the apex court’s verdict should be respected in any case, while showing confidence that the verdict will be in favour of Muslim parties. Well-known leaders of Muslim organisations who participated in the meeting include: Maulana Arshad Madani President, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind; Er. Sadatullah Hussaini, President Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; Maulana Asghar Imam Mehdi Salafi, President All India Jamiat e Ahle Hadith; Maulana Ashraf Kichauchvi, President All India Mashaikh Board; Prof. Mohammad Sulaiman, President Indian National League; Wajahat Habibullah, ex Chairman NCM, Prof. Akhtarul Wasay Former Chairman Linguistic Commission of India; Parliamentarians Dr. Jawed and Imran Hasan; Imam Mohsin Taqvi; Maulana Maqsood Imran, Imam Jama Masjid Bangalore and also other prominent Muslim leaders and intellectuals. Maulana Arshad Madani, while speaking at the meeting, showed confidence that as advocates of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and other Muslim parties, defending the Babri title suit case, have argued with evidences in the SC, there is no reason to doubt about the outcome of case in favour of Babri Masjid. However, he said, all parties needs to ensure that the verdict should be respected in any case. President of the Mushawarat Mr Hamid was of the opinion that the Supreme Court judgement would be a milestone in the judicial history and it needs to be seen whether the court delivered its judgement as Court of Justice or not and the judgement would have far reaching impact on destiny of the country.The participants passed the following resolution in the meeting: – This representative meeting realises that for the stability and development of any country it’s vital to have peaceful environment, constitutional supremacy and rule of law.– In a multi religious and multi-cultural country like India communal harmony and respect for others’ constitutional and religious freedom is a symbol of democracy and secularism. However, the fascists and anarchists are trying to communalise the environment by inciting violence in different names.– In such weird situation it is incumbent upon on the peace loving Indians who want the prosperity and stability of the country to come forward and fight against communal forces and try their best to establish the rule of law in the country.– In this context, the impact and consequences of SC’s decision in Babri Masjid case should be taken positively.– This representative meeting while appealing to maintain the rule of law wants to draw the attention of all Indians irrespective of creed and cast and urge them to honor the verdict of SC in Babri Masjid case, whatsoever.– We also appeal to all countrymen to face the situation with patience and endurance and avoid any kind of provocation and incitement and also stick to peace and optimism whatever be the circumstances.caravandaily
SC will rule for Babri Masjid, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind believes
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sc-will-rule-for-babri-masjid-muslim-body-believes/1652657
New Delhi:The central advisory council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has said evidences and witnesses suggest the Supreme Court will rule in favour of the Babri Masjid.In a statement, released here on Thursday, the JIH''s advisory council expressed satisfaction with the counsels representing the Muslim side in the Ayodhya title dispute. "They put forth claims over the masjid with facts, evidence and witnesses", it said.The council also emphasised on the documentary evidence to stake rights over the masjid.Citing the probability of decision in its favour, the Muslim body said, "This will enhance the prestige of the Supreme Court. It will also erase the stain on India''s polity, which it carried after the demolition of Babri Masjid."The council said the entire world was awaiting the SC judgment on the centuries-old dispute. JIH council also expressed concern over Indian economy, exclusion of nearly 19 lakh people from final list of NRC in Assam and Union Home Minister''s statement that NRC would be implemented across the nation. NRC was a drain on the exchequer, a waste of human resources, and a harmful thing for the nation, it said. It appealed all citizens, especially Muslims, to avoid unnecessary fear and anxiety. "As responsible citizens, they should update the necessary legal papers and documents in their possession," it said.outlookindia/IANS
RSS not to ‘celebrate’ Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict if it goes ‘in favour of the Hindus’
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rss-not-to-celebrate-supreme-courts-ayodhya-verdict/article29857176.ece?fbclid=IwAR0HwxM-bY7b6EZ0dDj9p_fg8pLmAsgZiE93eGswSQqo9zGGkLb1IeNU2uM
Kolkata:RSS has no plans to celebrate the “victory” if the Supreme Court’s decision on Ayodhya land dispute, expected later this month, goes “in favour of the Hindus”. The restraint will be in line with the “tradition of RSS”, senior functionaries of the Sangh Parivar said. It is also expected that the construction of the Ram temple will start in early 2020, in case of a favourable verdict.The verdict will “not be projected as a victory for the Hindus and defeat for Muslims,” a top official of VHP also reiterated, following a 2-day meeting of Sangh Parivar organisations recently.A senior RSS official also approved the observation on condition of anonymity. “The Sangh never celebrates victories. Have you seen us celebrating after [abrogation of ] Article 370? We do not assess anything as a victory or defeat and this will be a court verdict [so] there is no question of victory or a defeat…it can be interpreted as victory of justice,” the official said.“We have many more works left. We need to work to eradicate various forms of discrimination, including caste-based ones. We need to cultivate a feeling of nationalism and develop the idea of ‘one nation’…so a lot of work is left,” he said.While there was no official statement from Sangh Parivar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent message to maintain peace is considered the “official line” by the RSS.thehindu
RSS banks on Muslim leaders of BJP to maintain harmony following SC verdict on Ayodhya
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/rss-banks-on-muslim-leaders-of-bjp-to-maintain-harmony-following-sc-verdict-on-ayodhya20191102175423/
New Delhi:RSS leaders held a marathon meeting with Muslim leaders of BJP here on Friday night ahead of the verdict on Babri Masjid title suit verdict, that is likely to be delivered in the coming few days.RSS approach is to keep BJP Muslim leaders at the forefront in its bid to ensure peace and harmony in society. For which, four committees have been constituted for communicating with the community with Muslim Rashtriya Manch at its pivot.BJP leaders like Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Shahnawaz Hussain, Shazia Ilmi, BJP national president of Minority cell Abdul Rashid Ansari, Chairman Minority Commission Saiyed Gairul Hasan Rizvi were present at the meeting attended by senior RSS functionaries Krishna Gopal, Indresh Kumar and others.ANI
Ahead of ayodhya verdict, Adityanath warns ministers to refrain from controversial comments
https://www.india.com/news/india/ahead-of-ayodhya-verdict-yogi-adityanath-warns-ministers-to-refrain-from-controversial-comments-3828630/
Lucknow: Ahead of the supreme court verdict on Babri Masjid title dispute case, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told his ministers to refrain from giving any ‘unnecessary’ or ‘controversial’ statement and rather maintain peace in Uttar Pradesh.The Chief Minister held a special meeting at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow where he spoke to his ministers and educated them regarding the political-sensitive issue.“Yes, the chief minister has told us not to react or give any unnecessary statement and coordinate with others to maintain peace in view of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Ayodhya issue. CM has said show restraint and don’t say anything that could stir up tensions,” said a minister after the meeting. Adityanath also directed his ministers to visit their respective districts, for which they are in-charge, in a day or two and evaluate the security measures considering the sensitivity of the case.india.com
Ayodhya case:VHP cancels major events across UP
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-verdict-vhp-cancels-two-major-events-across-uttar-pradesh-6098798/
Dehradun :With the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ayodhya case expected soon, RSS affiliate VHP has cancelled two major events in Ayodhya and Lucknow. The verdict in the case is expected before Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi retires on November 17.One of the events VHP has cancelled is a 10-day training camp for its women’s wing Durga Vahini, scheduled in Ayodhya from November 4 to 14.The other event to be cancelled is Ekal Kumbh, an annual conference of volunteers of VHP and other RSS affiliates who run Ekal Vidyalaya in different parts of the country, especially in remote forest and tribal-dominated areas. Ekal Kumbh was scheduled to be held from November 15 to 17 in Lucknow. VHP was expecting a gathering of nearly 1 lakh for Ekal Kumbh. indianexpress
No leave for MP police officials ahead of SC verdict on Ayodhya issue, festivals
https://www.news18.com/news/india/no-leave-for-mp-police-officials-ahead-of-sc-verdict-on-ayodhya-issue-festivals-2371281.html
Bhopal:Police officials and employees in MP are directed to not avail leave until further notice ahead of Supreme Court verdict on the sensitive Ayodhya issue and festivals.An order in this regard was issued by the state police headquarters on Friday which is addressed to SPs of all districts and other police officers. "Keeping in mind the communal harmony and law and order in view of coming festivals - Milad Un Nabi, Gurunank Jayanti and expected Ayodhya verdict, all police officials and employees are prohibited to take leave from Nov.1 onwards until further order," the circular stated.PTI
Ahead of Ayodhya verdict, Section 144 imposed in Ghaziabad, DM appeals for peace
https://www.newsnation.in/cities/delhi-and-ncr/ahead-of-ayodhya-verdict-section-144-imposed-in-ghaziabad-dm-appeals-for-peace-242816.html
Ahead of politically-sensitive Ayodhya verdict, which is likely to be delivered around November 17, Section 144 has been imposed in Ghaziabad from Friday. Earlier, Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi and other cities in Uttar Pradesh were put on alert after intelligence agencies warned of possible terror attacks in view of the upcoming verdict in the -Babri Masjid land dispute case.newsnation
Rajasthan: Hindus, Muslims to hold peace march ahead of Ayodhya verdict
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/hindus-muslims-to-hold-peace-march-ahead-of-ayodhya-verdict/articleshow/71863981.cms
Jaipur: Jaipur’s Moti Doongri temple in association with Muslim organisations will hold an interfaith peace march here on Nov.9 to spread the message of peace and harmony ahead of the Supreme Court’s verdict on Babri Masjid case.The decision was taken at a joint meeting of Hindu priests and Muslim religious leaders on the temple compound on Friday.Temple chief priest Mahant Kailesh Sharma said, “People of all faiths including Hindus and Muslims are living in harmony from centuries in Jaipur and India. The peace march is intended to acknowledge the brotherhood and to give a stern warning to anti-Indian forces that we stand united in every circumstances.”Underlining the importance of the march, Salim Engineer, Vice Presidemt of Jamaat-E-Islami Hind said, “It is the time to win over hatred in society. I am happy that we all have come together to spread the message of love. The march will restore confidence among people who are scared and suspicious ahead of the judgment.”Members of Sikh Community will also join the march to mark birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. TOI
J&K ISSUE
Kashmir situation unsustainable, must improve: German chancellor Merkel
https://thewire.in/external-affairs/germany-india-sign-wide-ranging-agreements-on-merkels-three-day-visit
New Delhi: German chancellor Angela Merkel, who is on a three-day visit to India, said on Friday that the conditions for people in Kashmir are “unsustainable” and need to improve.Merkel told accompanying media reporters that she planned to raise the issue about situation in Kashmir during her dinner meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.“We have not talked about Kashmir specifically yet. I can and will say tonight – when it will be on the agenda – that we are committed to de-escalation and relaxation. Above all, we want India and Pakistan to find a peaceful solution. We are well aware of Indian position, but I would like to hear arguments of the prime minister today. The current situation for people there is not sustainable and not good. That certainly needs to be improved,” Merkel told German media.Since Germany, till now, has made relatively mild comments on India’s move to put an end to Kashmir’s autonomous status while placing blanket restrictions on communications and movement, Merkel’s remarks are surprisingly robust and indicates growing impatience within the international community. So far, only US – and UK to an extent – has expressed strong concern among western countries about the restrictions still in place in Kashmir, especially related to political detainees.Indian government sources said that Kashmir wasn’t raised during the plenary meeting Inter-Governmental Commission that she co-chaired with Modi.There is still no official statement from either the Indian or German side about the substance of the discussion on Kashmir at the Indian PM’s residence. Earlier in day, Merkel and Modi witnessed the exchange of 5 joint declaration of intent and 17 MoUs to deepen strategic cooperation and exchanged notes on ways to boost bilateral trade.thewire
Kashmir situation is of ‘profound concern’ to UK: PM Johnson
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/kashmir-situation-is-of-profound-concern-to-uk-pm-johnson/story-qOwHLLoQsVKQDlPGrV6DxO.html?fbclid=IwAR21c0Yhw1O7HjHbL2r5w5AuvDeoyrjzoVBy0ACXb9eY9r3LQF_AS0DD59I
London:After describing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as ‘serious’ in August, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed ‘profound concern’ when asked in House of Commons about allegations of human rights violations there.Several British MPs have voters with origins and links in Jammu and Kashmir and PoK, many of whom participated in recent protests in London against the structural changes made by Indian government in August. Steve Baker, Conservative MP from Wycombe, asked Johnson during Prime Minister’s Questions: “Thousands of British people in Wycombe have family and friends on one or both sides of LoC in Kashmir”.“With so many serious allegations of human rights abuses being made, does the government accept that this is not merely some foreign policy issue to be dealt with by others but that it is an issue of the most immediate and profound concern in Wycombe and in towns across UK”.Johnson responded: “He is absolutely right. This matter is very much not just to him and his constituents but the welfare of communities in Kashmir is of profound concern to the UK government”.HT
Will not discuss Kashmir matter this month: UNSC head
https://scroll.in/latest/942446/un-security-council-president-says-body-will-not-discuss-kashmir-matter-this-month
UNSC will not discuss the Kashmir matter this month, according to Karen Pierce, the permanent representative of UK to UN, and president of UNSC for the month of November.“No, we don’t have anything scheduled on Kashmir,”Pierce said on Frida. She was responding to a Syrian reporter who asked her if any discussions were scheduled on Kashmir.“There are a lot of issues going on in the world and each month the presidency picks a few that are not routinely scheduled as part of the rhythm of Security Council’s business,” Pierce added. “We have not picked Kashmir because the Security Council had an opportunity to discuss it recently and we have not been asked by any other Security Council member to schedule a meeting.”scroll.in
Centre releases political map of new Union Territories Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
https://www.thehindu.com/news/resources/centre-releases-political-map-of-new-union-territories-jammu-kashmir-and-ladakh/article29863670.ece?homepage=true
Central government today released the new political map of the Indian Union, with 28 States and nine Union Territories, and a map showing the administrative boundaries of newly formed UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.The status of J&K was reduced to UTs after the Centre passed the Reorganisation of J&K Bill in the Parliament in the first week of August..The Hindu
J&K: PDP expels sole MP for attending L-G swearing-in event
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-pdp-expels-sole-mp-for-attending-l-g-swearing-in-event-6098873/
Srinagar : PDP on Friday expelled party leader and Rajya Sabha member Nazir Ahmad Laway for attending swearing-in ceremony of J-K’s first Lt Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu,. Laway, however, questioned who had issued the order saying that the party president in presently in jail.Laway, a resident of south Kashmir’s Kulgam, was the only mainstream political leader, other than leaders of the BJP, who attended Thursday’s ceremony at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar.In a release on Friday, the PDP said Laway was being expelled for “anti-party activities”. indianexpress
J&K: Journalists covering protests in Srinagar allege they were beaten up by police
https://scroll.in/latest/942397/j-k-journalists-covering-protests-in-srinagar-allege-they-were-beaten-up-by-police
At least 3 photojournalists on Friday alleged they were beaten up by police personnel as they covered stone-pelting in downtown Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. Several other photo and video journalists, including a woman, alleged that police personnel chased and verbally abused them.“Around 4 pm, we reached Khanyar to cover clashes in the area,” Muzamil Mattoo, a freelance photographer, said. “There was minor stone-pelting. We were in between personnel of J&K police and CRPF near Khanyar Chowk when a policeman pointed his pellet gun towards us and fired.”scroll.in
No passport required for indians visiting Kartarpur: Imran Khan
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/kartarpur-corridor-darbar-sahib-gurudwara-imran-khan-announces-concessions-for-indian-pilgrims?fbclid=IwAR1Lwr03C43PRtkbKDnpiM1nLQtHUZQ-O4H-WAA9DnN65pe-cRRzfJSO2Tw
Pakistan PM Imran Khan has announced some concessions for Indian pilgrims paying a visit to Darbar Sahib gurdwara at Kartarpur in Pakistan’s Punjab.“For Sikhs coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I’ve waived 2 requirements: i) they won’t need a passport, just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee to be charged on day of inauguration and on Guruji’s 550th birthday.” Khan tweeted. Earlier, the agreement signed stated that while the travel would be visa-free, pilgrims were expected to carry a valid passport.Khan's announcement also waives, on 2 special days, USD 20 fee that pilgrims are expected to pay to visit the holy site. the quint
INDIAN ECONOMY
India's unemployment rate has hit 3-yr high: data
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/india-unemployment-rate-3-year-high-cmie-data/article29855098.ece?homepage=true&fbclid=IwAR0p2ap6X_8eM0fO8rVJrZC-Tb68Yt2y2zANQv4RBF6ZBiYVn-HmDlQyzTs
India’s unemployment rate in Oct rose to 8.5%, highest level since Aug 2016, according to data released by Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) on Friday. According to CMIE, urban unemployment rate for Oct 2019 stood at 8.9%, slightly higher than rural unemployment rate of 8.3%.The chart below shows the unemployment trend since Janu2016, when CMIE began estimating unemployment.Among States, Tripura and Haryana saw unemployment levels of more than 20% (the highest), while the unemployment was the lowest in Tamil Nadu at 1.1%. Rajasthan saw its unemployment rate double between September and Oct 2019.CMIE’s figures are in line with the findings of the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey, which had estimated an unemployment rate of 6.1% between July 2017 and June 2018, the worst in 45 years.The data also comes on the back of other indicators showing a downturn in the economy, including the core sector output in September posting its worst contraction in at least 14 years. Earlier, August’s industrial output shrank at its fastest rate in more than six years.A working paper titled, 'India’s Employment Crisis' by researchers at the Centre for Sustainable Employment estimates that between 2011-12 and 2017-18, employment declined by an unprecedented nine million jobs (a 2% drop), with agricultural employment declining by 11.5%.In the same period, employment in the service sector increased by 13.4%, while manufacturing employment dipped by 5.7%.thehindu
Youth unemployment rising with educational qualifications: Study
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/youth-unemployment-rising-with-educational-qualifications-study-6098754/
Mumbai: 2 more PMC Bank depositors die of cardiac arrest; toll rises to 8
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mumbai-2-more-pmc-bank-depositors-die-of-cardiac-arrest-6098734/?fbclid=IwAR39e39zFyc9aKiSTvK4m9_EA9w4g_2HFSN5HwGauS3LwDKNJ0g7DZbqsuU
Mumbai : 2 more account holders of scam-hit PMC Bank have died in Mumbai, taking the total number of deaths following RBI-imposed restrictions on the bank to 8 since Oct.14. Kuldeep Kaur Vig (64) and Ranjeet Puri (43) allegedly died of cardiac arrests. Vig died in a local hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest Tuesday. “She was worried about her money being stuck in the bank. After watching the protests against the bank on TV, she grew agitated,” Vig’s husband Varinder Singh (74) said. “My own account is in the bank. Our health insurance is also not getting renewed as no one wants a PMC Bank cheque,” he added.Puri, based in Mumbai, also died from a cardiac arrest in Solapur.indianexpress
India’s export subsidies are illegal, rules WTO dispute panel, upholds US case
https://scroll.in/latest/942318/indias-export-subsidies-are-illegal-rules-wto-dispute-panel-upholds-us-case
A WTO committee has ruled that Indian export subsidies were illegal and asked it to remove them, upholding a complaint lodged by US.The dispute panel largely agreed with American claims challenging the subsidies granted as exemptions from customs duties and a national tax but rejected some of US contentions. The world trade body called on India to withdraw the export-contingent subsidies within periods varying from 90 days to 180 days. US Trade Representative’s Office said the world body had noted that India provides prohibited annual subsidies of more than $7 billion (Rs 49,663 crore) to Indian exporters, including producers of steel products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, Information Technology products and textiles. Reuters
Instead of acknowledging economic slowdown, PM Modi is busy managing headlines: Sonia
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/instead-of-acknowledging-economic-slowdown-pm-modi-is-busy-managing-healines-sonia-gandhi-6099810/
New Delhi :Congress president Sonia Gandhi today launched a scathing attack on BJP government over its management of the economy, questioned its decision to sign Regional Economic Partnership Agreement and accused it of snooping and spying on activists, journalists, and political persons.Gandhi chaired a high-level meeting of the party to review the preparations for a 10-day nationwide agitation, the opposition party is planning to launch from Nov.5.Speaking on WhatsApp snooping row for first time, she said Modi government has been snooping and spying activities on activists, journalists, and political persons through Israeli Pegasus software acquired by it. “These activities are not only illegal and unconstitutional, they are also shameful,” she said.“What is even more worrying is that the government is in complete denial. Instead of acknowledging the severe slowdown and looking for a comprehensive resolution, Prime Minister Modi is too busy managing headlines and events. This cavalier attitude comes at a high price, a price that millions of our fellow Indian especially the unemployed youth and farmers and fellow Indians are having to endure,”she said.She also questioned the govt’s decision to sign RCEP – regional free trade agreement of 16 Asian countries – arguing it will deal a body blow to Indian economy. “This will result in untold hardship for our farmers, shopkeepers, small & medium enterprises with serious repercussions for the people. We can ill afford to become a dumping ground for products – including agricultural produce from foreign countries,” she said.indianexpress
‘RCEP pact will deal ‘body blow’ to Indian economy’
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/rcep-pact-will-deal-body-blow-to-indian-economy-sonia-gandhi
Airports for sale: 13-15 more to be leased out to private companies; RSS affiliate BMS opposes it
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/airports-for-sale-13-15-more-to-be-leased-out-to-private-companies-rss-affiliate-bms-opposes-it
In what is being termed as “growing fissure within saffron family” over leasing of Airport Authority of India-run airports to private players, RSS affiliate Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has said that they are seriously upset with government.Days after Central govt decided to lease out 6 more AAI-run airports to private companies, BMS said that the govt is bent upon selling profit-making airports but the workers’ union of RSS was opposed to the move.“We have written letters to Prime Minister Modi and the Minister of Aviation also, opposing the leasing out of the airports,” told a senior leader of BMS on the condition of anonymity.nationalherald
Electoral bonds worth Rs 6,128 crore sold in 20 months, over half of it in 2 months before LS Polls
https://thewire.in/political-economy/lok-sabha-polls-electoral-bonds
As many as 12,313 electoral bonds worth Rs 6,128 crore were sold by State Bank of India, only entity authorised to sell them in the country, between March 2018 and Oct.2019, an analysis by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed. ADR is a non-partisan NGO that works in the field of electoral and political reforms. Most of these Rs 6,128 crores were spent on bonds bought in Mumbai (Rs 1,880 crores), followed by Kolkata (Rs 1,440 crores), with Delhi (Rs 919 crores) and Hyderabad (Rs 838 crores) also making it to 4 cities where most purchases were made. All other cities together accounted for a total of Rs 1,051 crores.thewire
NRC
NRC in UP to be decided after initial survey: CM
https://www.sentinelassam.com/national-news/nrc-in-uttar-pradesh-to-be-decided-after-initial-survey-yogi-adityanath/
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that a survey is being held to ascertain the quantum of illegal immigrants in the state. “After the survey is complete, we will decide when to roll out the NRC-like exercise,” he told reporters.During the recently-concluded Assembly by-polls, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had stated that Uttar Pradesh may also take a cue from Assam in implementing NRC.Adityanath had praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over plans to implement NRC-like exercise across the country. Sources in the home department have confirmed that a survey was underway by the police department for identifying illegal immigrants living in the state.IANS
Citizenship Amendment Bill is communal says North East Students’ Organisation ahead of agitation
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/021119/citizenship-amendment-bill-is-communal-says-neso-ahead-of-agitation.html
Guwahati:Powerful North East Students’ Organisation (Neso), a conglomeration of leading student organisations of north-eastern states, on Friday threatened to launch agitation to prevent the passage to the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) which it described as “communal.”Neso adviser, Samujjal Bhattacharya, who has been in the forefront of anti-foreigners movement told reporters, “The proposed CAB is to give protection to illegal migrants at the cost of identities and safeguards of the indigenous people of the northeast. We cannot allow a communal, unconstitutional and anti-indigenous Bill to become a legislation.”Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, had announced last month that the Centre will introduce CAB in Parliament in November and will ensure that it is passed. Jyrwa, taking cognisance to the minister’s remark said, “We will go for an agitation to prevent the passage of the CAB in the winter session of Parliament. On November 18, there will protests against CAB in the state capitals of the region. Centre should not impose the Bill because it is against the interest of indigenous people of the North-East.”The Neso leaders said, “We have been telling the Centre not to impose Citizenship Amendment Bill. The proposed legislation is being pursued by the government for political benefits as it will create a vote bank. But we will not spare anybody who supports the Bill.”DECCAN CHRONICLE
NRC: Violent hate speech targeting minorities on FB viewed over 54 lakh times, says US-based NGO
https://scroll.in/latest/942382/assam-nrc-violent-hate-speech-targeting-minorities-on-facebook-viewed-over-54-lakh-times-says-ngo
US-based NGO Avaaz has said that violent hate speech targeting ethnic and religious minorities in Assam on Facebook has been viewed at least 54 lakh times. The report, published in October, comes over 2 months after the final list of NRC was published, excluding 19 lakh people. Avaaz report, Megaphone for Hate, said that Bengali Muslims in particular are targets of hatred on Facebook, with content calling them “criminals”, “rapists”, “terrorists”, “pigs”, and “dogs” being shared over 1,00,000 times. Avaaz said it carried out the investigation during NRC process in Assam.“NRC process has prompted repeated warnings from the UN that there was rising hate speech against vulnerable minorities in Assam,” Avaaz said. However, it added, Facebook continues to rely on Artificial Intelligence-based hate speech detection mechanisms. These mechanisms have failed to identify hate speech stoking up ethnic tensions in Assam, the NGO said.scroll.in
Citizenship amendment bill will not help those left out of NRC: NGO
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/citizenship-amendment-bill-will-not-help-those-left-out-of-nrc/articleshow/71862206.cms
Guwahati: Countering BJP’s claim that proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) will assist those left out of final National Register of Citizens (NRCNSE 2.22 %), NGO Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) said that it will not help Gorkhas, Bhojpuri and many indigenous communities.Suhas Chakma, director of RRAG, said that CAB will provide citizenship by naturalisation to people belonging to minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan but Gorkhas, Scheduled Tribes, Bhojpuri, Koch Rajbongshi, Tea Tribes cannot claim to have migrated from these countries and therefore, they are not covered under CAB.Assam government and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have no policy as to how to resolve their issues, he said.Chakma said, “Religious minorities who fled from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan are only being fooled with the promise of CAB. CAB only reduces the time period for submitting citizenship application from 11years to 6 years. The situation of Chakmas and Hajongs, who were settled in Arunachal Pradesh by the government of India after the 1962 Indo-China war, is precarious. Despite Supreme Court orders in 1966 and 2015, not a single citizenship application of Chkmas or Hajongs have been determined.”economictimes
All outsiders entering Meghalaya will now have to register with government
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/all-outsiders-entering-meghalaya-will-now-have-to-register-with-government/story-jG0y5KGRF84f5XUkc3vWZI.html?fbclid=IwAR1MdFnQItj557FCOjc0On_udkI4H3A0L5_r6MNZeDT0_UBU9tkWMgvceEM
Shillong:Meghalaya cabinet on Friday okayed an ordinance that necessitates all outsiders to register with the government before entering the state, stating that it was ‘in the interest of the government and people of Meghalaya. National People’s Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government approved amendment of Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act, 2016 (MRSSA) in the form of an ordinance. The ordinance, once implemented, will bring into effect inner line permit (ILP) like requirements operational in Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh that require people from outside the state to register before entering.After the Cabinet meeting, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong said, “The amended Act has been approved in the form of an ordinance and it will come into force with immediate effect. The ordinance will be regularized in the next session of the state Assembly.”“Any person who is not a resident of Meghalaya and intends to stay more than 24 hours in the state will have to furnish information to the government. This is done for their (outsiders) own interest as well as for the interest of the government and people of Meghalaya. They will be much safer,” he said while also maintaining that the provisions of the act will not apply to employees of the centre, state and district councils.The deputy chief minister said the act is for people who are interested in visiting the state as tourists, labourers, business, education and other purposes. Tynsong said the decision was also taken after series of meetings were held with different stakeholders including political parties and NGOs.HT
RSS plan is to keep minorities in fear: Setalvad
https://www.siasat.com/rss-plan-keep-minorities-fear-says-teesta-setalvad-1716144/
Hyderabad: Teesta Setalvad, an illustrious civil rights activist and journalist, narrated a disturbing story during her recent visit to Hyderabad. She said, B.S Moonje, a politician having close ties with RSS, wrote in his diary an incident which goes like this:Once when he (Moonje) was driving past in a city, a Muslim man came running and requested him to stop. Muslim who was wearing a cap said, “Namaste, Namaste Bhai Saab… Moonje stops his car or whatever (he was in)… This man says ‘Sahib Maar Kaat Chordo; Hum Hindu Banke Rahenge (Please stop killing; we will become Hindus and live in India).”After penning down this incident Moonje said, “You know it’s (killing) not needed…To keep fear alive is the key. You don’t need to continue killing. Killing once in a while is okay; but just keep generating fear.”After recounting this ‘documented’ episode Setalvad said, “That’s the politics of the RSS; to keep the population in a state of fear. Now this NRC , I feel is doing just that. It has created a sense of further fear, even if the lynching were not enough…And that I think is a very very dangerous face of politics.” siasat
NATIONAL POLITICS
Jharkhand Assembly polls to be held in five phases from November 30, results on December 23
https://scroll.in/latest/942346/jharkhand-assembly-polls-to-be-held-in-five-phases-from-november-30-results-on-december-23
Assembly polls in Jharkhand will be held in five phases starting November 30 and results will be announced on December 23, the Election Commission said on Friday. Model Code of Conduct came into force with the announcement.Voting for 13 constituencies will be held in the first phase on November 30, followed by the second phase in 20 constituencies on Dec.7. 17 seats will vote on December 12 in third phase, 15 constituencies on December 16, and the remaining 16 seats on December 20 in the final phase.The term of the 81-member Assembly ends on January 5 next year. Chief Minister Raghubar Das-led BJP is hoping to retain power in the state once again.scroll.in
‘Is Prez in your pocket’: Shiv Sena hits out at BJP
https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/shiv-sena-ncp-reaction-on-bjp-president-rule-comment?fbclid=IwAR0KTFFoSkdQ8oA7I6YtZesb2uUE22hEOnIdvyiyZ6CO1QAGUn4fCoNCCSM
Shiva Sena today cautioned that the President is the constitutional head of the country and any attempts by BJP to misuse the office of President or the Governor is "a threat to the country".Hitting out at senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar for his warning on Friday that President's Rule may be imposed in Maharashtra if the state doesn't get a government by 7 November, Sena MP Sanjay Raut said dragging the President's office into the state's political crises in this manner was "unwarranted, improper"."President is the constitutional head... He's not in anybody's pocket. Issuing such a threat is an insult to the public mandate," Raut said sharply. He countered that neither the Marathi 'manoos' attaches any importance to Mungantiwar's statements nor would he be cowed down by such threats.He reiterated that Sena would honour the commitments of its alliance with BJP "till the last moment".But henceforth, it will not adopt a 'wait-and-watch' policy.On Friday, NCP too, had slammed Mungantiwar for his comment. The comment sounded like a threat and insulted the state's people, Opposition party said.The Quint
Sharad Pawar says NCP can think of alternative if BJP-Shiv Sena fail to form Maharashtra government
https://scroll.in/latest/942432/sharad-pawar-says-ncp-can-think-of-alternative-if-bjp-shiv-sena-fail-to-form-maharashtra-government
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has said that his party can think of providing an alternative arrangement if BJP and the Shiv Sena fail to form a coalition government in Maharashtra, Indian Express reported.“Even after getting a majority, if the Sena and BJP fail to provide a stable government, we will definitely think of providing an alternative,” Pawar said on Friday. However, he added that Congress is unlikely to support such an arrangement. NCP has 54 seats in the Assembly, while the Congress has 44. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress will have to form an alliance if they want to take the reins of the government.scroll.in/
Karnataka: Amit Shah handled MLAs’ resignations, Yediyurappa tells BJP workers in leaked clip
https://scroll.in/latest/942468/karnataka-amit-shah-handled-mlas-resignations-yediyurappa-tells-bjp-workers-in-leaked-clip
A clip has surfaced online in which Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is heard telling party workers that BJP National President Amit Shah “supervised and made all arrangements” for Congress and JDU MLAs to resign from the Assembly in July, leading to the fall of the state government, NDTV reported on Saturday.“You do know, don’t you, that it wasn’t Yediyurappa who made them take this decision,” CM is heard saying in the clip. “National president was aware of this and supervised this and made all arrangements. You do know this?” Yediyurappa added that since 17 MLAs who resigned had helped BJP come to power in Karnataka, the party must stand by them.scroll.in
Amit Shah behind collapse of HDK govt:Congress after Yediyurappa’s viral video
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/karnataka-cm-yediyurappa-video-congress-jds-mlas-6099593/
New Delhi :Yediyurappa video, Yediyurappa rebel MLAs video, Yediyurappa poaching MLAs video, Yediyurappa amit shah poaching MLAs video, Karnataka government Congress Saturday claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was behind the alleged poaching of rebel MLAs that brought down Congress-JD(S) coalition in the former Kumaraswamy-led government in state earlier this year.Reacting to the video clip, former Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said told reporters, “What he (Yediyurappa) and Amit Shah did was conspiracy to murder democracy and a violation of the Constitution. Both the chief minister and home minister have no right to hold a constitutional post.” Senior Congress leader K C Venugopal said the party would approach the SC to produce the video as evidence. “I think you all are aware of the latest video of BS Yediyurappa related to the poaching of Congress and JD(S) MLAs. We have always said that BJP is misusing government agencies to poach MLAs,now it’s established beyond doubt. We’ll approach the SC with the evidence,” he said.indianexpress
OTHERS
WhatsApp says it alerted Centre of privacy breach in May, government refutes it
https://scroll.in/latest/942416/whatsapp-says-it-alerted-centre-of-privacy-breach-in-may-government-refutes-it
WhatsApp has said it had in May informed government authorities about a privacy breach that affected some Indian users, ANI reported. A day earlier, the Centre had issued a notice to the Facebook-owned company asking for an explanation on the hack.“Our highest priority is the privacy and security of WhatsApp users,” ANI quoted a WhatsApp spokesperson as saying. “In May, we quickly resolved a security issue and notified relevant Indian and international government authorities. We agree with the government of India, it is critical that together we do all we can to protect users from hackers attempting to weaken security.”However, the government has countered this. In May, WhatsApp had reportedly sent information to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, or CERT-IN, which was in “pure technical jargon” and contained no “mention of Pegasus (the spyware) or extent of the breach”, ANI reported. “The information shared was only about a technical vulnerability but nothing on the fact that privacy of Indian users had been compromised,” The Hindu quoted a government official as saying.scroll.in
Govt says not alerted on breach, WhatsApp says it did — in May
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/whatsapp-spyware-pegasus-india-surveillance-government-6098831/
WhatsApp spyware attack: Ex-minister Praful Patel, 40 others were targeted, says report
https://scroll.in/latest/942306/whatsapp-spyware-attack-ex-minister-praful-patel-40-others-were-targeted-says-report
Former Union minister Praful Patel and ex MP Santosh Bharatiya were among at least 41 individuals who were targets of a WhatsApp hacking earlier this year, HT reported, citing an unidentified official from the messaging platform. So far, 17 individuals, including lawyers, human rights activists, and journalists, have confirmed to Scroll.in that they were targeted by spyware on WhatsApp. WhatsApp official told the newspaper that of 41 individuals who were targets of surveillance, 21 were journalists, lawyers or activists. scroll.in
Bhushan to file PIL on Pegasus-WhatsApp hack
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/whatsapp-pegasus-hack-prashant-bhushan-to-file-pil?fbclid=IwAR28vej5FwVcxQCECQZO_AQOVXeO6qbbQ6SMeunPkRMw0LY01WLBmj40gH8
Lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan is planning to file a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court to seek an investigation by cyber experts into WhatsApp hacking of human rights activists and lawyers and journalists, HuffPost India reported.He told reporters that the government should come clean about whose phones were tapped and who ordered it, and that there should be complete accountability. “There should be an investigation into this. Full investigation by cyber experts,” Bhushan said.Bhushan said that only govts can use this kind of spyware and therefore it is clear that either the government is snooping on these people or someone else, on the government’s orders.The Quint
Kamlesh Tiwari murder: 24-year-old held for ‘providing pistol’ to killers, say police
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kamlesh-tiwari-murder-24-year-old-held-for-providing-pistol-to-killers-say-police-6098926/
Lucknow :A day after the eleventh arrest in connection with the murder of Hindu outfit leader Kamlesh Tiwari, a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat ATS arrested a 24-year-old man from Kanpur district on Friday for allegedly providing the pistol used in the crime.Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid in Harbansh area of Kanpur on Friday evening and arrested Yusuf Khan, taking the total number of arrests to 12 in the case.The police claimed to have recovered two cell phones from his possession. Khan, who hails from UP’s Fatehpur district, works in Gujarat.indianexpress
Rampur CRPF camp attack: 4 including 2 Pakistani’s gets death sentence,One gets life term
https://www.eastcoastdaily.in/2019/11/02/rampur-crpf-camp-terror-attackfour-including-two-pakistanis-gets-death-sentenceone-convict-gets-life-term-imprisonement.html
The court decree for 6 convicts of 12-year-old Rampur CRPF camp attack was delivered today.Out of 6 convicts, four will be sent to noose and one convict will be sentenced for lifelong imprisonment. Out of the four sentenced to death, 2 convicts- Imran Shahzad and Farook Sabaudeen aka Sherief are from POK. Jang Bahadur is sentenced to lifelong imprisonment and another Faheem is sentenced to 10 years in prison. They were brought to the court under tight security for receiving the court decree. eastcoastdaily
Rampur court acquits 2 and convicts 5 in 2008 CRPF camp attack case
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rampur-court-convicts-five-of-2008-crpf-camp-attack-sentencing-today-6098902/
Lucknow :A local court in Rampur on Friday convicted 5 people, including two Pakistani for the 2008 attack on a CRPF camp in Rampur that led to the death of eight people.The convicted include Imran Shahzad and Mohammad Farooq, and Shareef (41), Jung Bahadur (56) and Sabauddin (40). The court also acquitted two others — Gulab Khan (41) and Mohammad Kausar (48) — for want of evidence.Police had booked Gulab Khan and Mohammad Kausar for allegedly hiding the weapons used at their residences before the attack.The same court, in another case, convicted Mumbai native Faheem Ansari, who was arrested along Shareef. Police had said they recovered two hand grenades, a pistol, a fake driving licence, a Pakistani passport and nine hand-drawn maps of Mumbai from Ansari’s possession. Singh said Faheem Ansari was not accused in CRPF camp attack case and has been convicted in a separate case.Faheem and Sabauddin also faced trial in the Mumbai attack case, but were acquitted by a court that city.indianexpress
Now, Muslim clergy roped in to counter ISIS online propaganda:IANS
http://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/42042/now-muslim-clergy-roped-in-to-counter-isis-online-propaganda.html
New Delhi: To counter ISIS's literature of jihad and crimes against humanity, India has started creating an internet-based "non-official channel of religious leaders" to stop Muslim youths from falling into their trap, sources said on Friday. Muslim clergy will be trained to create YouTube channels, podcast, accounts on social media and websites to counter ISIS narrative. Further, clergy has been directed to highlight the atrocities carried on women and children by ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.The Centre has stated that ISIS has exploited the internet in a very organized way for its every terror-related activity such as radicalisation, training, recruitment, planning and execution. "This needs to be countered in a similar way," said a senior IPS officer posted with MHA, adding that merely arresting the Muslim youths is not going to solve the imminent threat. He said PMO has directed IB, NIA and all the police chiefs across the country to expedite the process of setting up of non-official channel of religious leaders. PMO directives also stated: "Mainstream forces from Muslim community should be utilized in countering any instance of radicalistion in any corner of the country."It further stressed: "Creation of an internet-based non-official channel of religious leaders to provide right kind of advice and guidance to the Muslim youth who are misled by illogical information which they come across."
Scholarship scheme for minority: SC disposes of Gujarat govt’s plea challenging HC’s order
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-disposes-of-gujarat-govts-plea-challenging-high-courts-order-6098958/
Ahmedabad :Petitions by the Gujarat government at the Supreme Court in 2013 challenging a Gujarat High Court judgment seeking that the state implement Centre-sponsored pre-matric scholarship scheme for minority students were disposed of on Oct.17, as the scheme is now fully funded by Centre.UPA government in 2008 launched the scheme pan-India for the welfare of the religious minorities. Under the scheme, poor students belonging to five religious minority communities – Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis – were to be given scholarships if the income of their parents didn’t exceed Rs 1 lakh annually. Each eligible student, under the scheme, is entitled to receive Rs 850 per year. Funding of the scholarships was to be shared by the central government and the state government(s) in the ratio of 75% and 25% respectively.However, the state government resisted from implementing it on the ground that it discriminated against students of other religious communities and hence it was unconstitutional. A 5-judge bench of the Gujarat HC upheld the scheme on Feb.15, 2013, saying the scheme was not unconstitutional and ordered the state government to implement it. The state government subsequently moved the SC, challenging the HC order.indianexpress
Anti-Sikh riots: Rally Calls for Justice to Victims of Communal Violence
https://caravandaily.com/anti-sikh-genocide-rally-calls-for-justice-to-victims-of-communal-violence/
New Delhi: To mark the 35th anniversary of ‘genocide’ faced by minority Sikhs in 1984, Lok Raj Sangathan along with several other social and political organisations held a protest rally at Jantar Mantar here on Friday. They demanded justice not only to the Sikh victims but also those affected by the Gujarat pogrom of 2002 and other communal riots and mob lynchings across the country.Expressing grave concern over the “growing culture of impunity” in the country, political leaders and activists said that, by and large, the perpetrators of these crimes against humanity were roaming around freely, as they were left scot free. Both the major parties, the Congress and the BJP, were involved in such criminal acts, they alleged. Addressing the protest rally, S Raghavan, President of Lok Raj Sangathan, said the ‘genocide’ was a part of the overall “divide and rule” strategy of the ruling class.” Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat's Delhi chief Abdul Rashi Agwan said anti-Sikh genocide of 1984 was the product of a peculiar mindset of the ruling elite in India, which considered minority persecution as the sure formula for political success. Election after election, this was found advantageous to the ruling class. WPI leader Siraj Taalib said Congress and BJP have the same mentality towards the religious minorities. caravandaily
RSS appropriates icons as they don’t have their own: Irfan Habib
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/rss-appropriates-icons-as-they-dont-have-their-own-irfan-habib
Historian and author S. Irfan Habib today alleged that RSS "has been appropriating" national icons like Sardar Patel, Bhagat Singh, and Subhash Chandra Bose as it didn't have any of its own to whom the people of India can connect."Be it Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, or Bhagat Singh, RSS have been appropriating icons since forever. Tell me one name they have backed who was one of their own," the author said. "They don't have anyone they can take to the people, anyone with whom people of India can connect," he added.PTI
Air Quality Index in Delhi worst in world, Lahore 2nd
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/air-quality-index-in-delhi-worst-in-the-world-lahore-second
Delhi ranks first in terms of polluted air among 10 major cities of the world as the air quality index (AQI) in the capital is at 450, which is dangerous.According to airvisual.com, Delhi topped AQI rankings while Lahore with AQI 356 is the second in the ranking followed by Dhaka (182), Krakow (165), Ulaanbaatar (162), Wroclaw (158), Guangzhou (157), Wuhan (153), Chongqing (152) and Kathmandu (151).The air pollution level has increased so much that the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) had to declare a public health emergency and the Delhi government announced that all schools in the Capital will remain closed till November 5.IANS
As SC panel declares health emergency in Delhi NCR
https://www.news18.com/news/india/as-pollution-crosses-severe-levels-in-delhi-ncr-up-cm-yogi-adityanath-calls-meet-to-discuss-crisis-2370413.html
Lucknow: As the national capital and its surrounding areas gasped for clean air on Friday with pollution levels crossing the severe category, Uttar Pradesh government has called a meeting later in the evening to discuss the issue. Ghaziabad district, which falls in Uttar Pradesh, was declared the most-polluted city in the country with levels of PM2.5 — tiny particulate matter less than 2.5 microns that can enter deep into the lungs — reaching as high as 493.Besides Ghaziabad, other neighbouring districts of Delhi that fall in NCR and continued to breathe extremely polluted air are Greater Noida (480), Noida (477) and Faridabad (432).Earlier in the day, a Supreme Court-mandated panel declared a public health emergency in Delhi-NCR and banned construction activities till November 5 as the air quality dipped to “severe-plus” levels. News18
People in North India may lose 7 yrs of life due to air pollution: Study
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/people-in-north-india-may-lose-7-years-of-life-due-to-air-pollution-study/story-JTxm9Jhy6VEqYumz1h2cUJ.htmlAmazing?fbclid=IwAR19fyUu7Su1JXrUwBuvsKDM1BUucoKn7_C0-q4KmT9GFWIbWNQYc4SsqEA
People living in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) region are expected to lose 7 years of their life because of severe air pollution, a new analysis released has said.AQLI, produced by Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), shows there has been a 72% increase in pollution from 1998 to 2016 in the region which accounts for 40% of India’s population. In 1998, the impact on people’s lives from dirty air would have been 3.7 years of life expectancy. The analysis also states that citizens in IGP region which includes Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal are exposed to far higher levels of air pollution and hence have shorter lives.HT
WORLD
Israeli air raids in Gaza kill Palestinian, wound others
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/israeli-air-raids-gaza-kill-wound-191102052511893.html
Israeli air raids on the Gaza Strip have killed one person, Palestinian officials have said. Gaza Ministry of Health said 27-year-old Ahmed al-Shehri was killed during pre-dawn attacks on Saturday. Two others were wounded in the strikes.Palestinian media reported that the assault targeted several training sites and outposts affiliated with Hamas, the group that rules the besieged Gaza Strip. Witnesses at Nasser hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis said the three were sitting in an orchard adjacent to one of the posts that was hit.The strikes came after the Israeli military said that Palestinians fired 10 rockets from Gaza into Israel late on Friday, eight of which were intercepted. It said that the series of strikes were carried out in response to the rocket fire.There were no reports of casualties. Israeli police said shrapnel damaged a house in the southern town of Sderot and video footage showed a car near the structure with windows blown out by debris.It was the second consecutive day that the Israeli army reported rocket fire from the coastal enclave.aljazeera
Israel approves 2,300 settler homes in West Bank
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191101-israel-approves-2300-settler-homes-in-west-bank/
The plans for 2,342 settler homes in the occupied West Bank has been given final approval for construction by Israel, confirmed settlement watchdog Peace Now. Approval for a building permit for the construction of the new Tunnel Road, which bypasses Bethlehem to the west has also been granted by Israeli occupation authorities, which is expected to increase the number of settlers in the area.middleeastmonitor
Iraqi protesters block major port near Basra as unrest continues
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/iraqi-protesters-block-major-port-basra-unrest-continues-191102104619357.html
Thousands of Iraqi protesters are blocking roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port, according to security sources, as mass demonstrations calling for economic reform and an overhaul of the political system continue for a ninth consecutive day.Protesters on Saturday burned tyres and set up concrete blocks around the Umm Qasr port, south of the city of Basra, after security forces moved in overnight to try and disperse a sit-in.aljazeera
Rights group: Iraq education system on brink of collapse
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/rights-group-iraq-education-system-brink-collapse-191028180740513.html
Millions of students across Iraq are losing out amid a shortage of teachers and education funding, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has said.Across Iraq, 2.5 million children are in need of education support, including 775,000 internally displaced children residing in and out of camps, the independent humanitarian organisation told Al Jazeera.aljazeera
Pakn opposition protesters call on Imran to resign
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/pakistan-opposition-protesters-call-pm-imran-khan-resign-191102055531301.html
Pakistani opposition leaders have renewed their demands for PM Imran Khan to step down, terming his government illegitimate and incompetent as thousands gathered at an anti-government protest in the capital, Islamabad.Addressing supporters on the second day of the protest in Islamabad on Friday, leader of the right-wing Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl party, Fazl-ur-Rehman, said a sit-in would continue for 2 more days.aljazeera
Mali: Dozens of troops killed in military outpost attack
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/mali-dozens-troops-killed-military-outpost-attack-191102052705177.html
At least 53 soldiers and a civilian have been killed in an attack on a military post in northeast Mali, according to the country's communication minister.The attack, one of the deadliest against Malian forces, took place in Indelimane, in the Menaka region close to the border with Niger, Yaya Sangare wrote on Twitter today. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.aljazeera
Saudi Halloween spooks some over 'satanic' celebrations
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-celebrates-halloween-horror-some-observers?fbclid=IwAR3cks-08449RtpOuXvB7NWp1H2yUCRwNnRgTwoXiPtOPvJkxfxcGHDYcNA
Saudi Arabia held several spooky events this month as part of it's three-month-long "Riyadh Season", a series of cultural events mostly aimed at tourists. One event had giant demonic statues floating down the streets of the capital, with techno music blaring and flashing lights. But many social media users were unimpressed, questioning how a pagan holiday could be celebrated in the birthplace of Islam, using statues that they felt went against Islamic principles. Others weren't just upset about Halloween. And some worried Santa was headed to Saudi Arabia.middleeasteye
Over 100,000 people killed in Yemen war since 2015: new report
https://caravandaily.com/more-than-100000-people-killed-in-yemen-war-since-2015-says-new-report/
Yemen’s civil war has killed over 100,000 people since 2015, a database project that tracks violence said.Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, or ACLED, said in a new report its death toll includes more than 12,000 civilians killed in attacks targeting civilians directly.The conflict in the Arab world’s poorest nation began with the 2014 takeover of northern and central Yemen by Iran-aligned rebels, driving out the internationally recognised government from the capital, Sanaa.AP
Flash: NEWS, views and Articles
Modi-Shah’s hyper-nationalism is making India insecure when it is actually most secure:Shekhar Gupta
https://theprint.in/national-interest/modi-shahs-hyper-nationalism-is-making-india-insecure-when-it-is-actually-most-secure/314760/
On socio-economic indicators, Muslim youth fare worse than SCs, OBCs: Christophe Jaffrelot, Kalaiyarasan A
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/muslim-community-youth-india-marginalisation-6096881/?fbclid=IwAR1nx2jHGuCW39FvjY78z1Fvg5nlzzIV5mcdYd8BAFKyJYjfb-uQY8t9Jv4
The citizenship bill must be opposed:Yamini Aiyar
https://www.hindustantimes.com/columns/the-citizenship-bill-must-be-opposed/story-sxrqkgvM05hizuGxz784eI.html?fbclid=IwAR3q9HT8j4Swg3hfjzO2TVimKcBPD9t6pJcKk46HOljn_qYGaURJQnugBtE
What is the truth about India’s ‘increasing international respect’? Samir Nazareth
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/what-is-the-truth-about-indias-increasing-international-respect
Fact-finding report on Kashmir: Complete loss of press freedom:Majid Maqbool
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/fact-finding-report-on-kashmir-complete-loss-of-press-freedom
Saudi can’t help solve Kashmir issue because it now lacks legitimacy in Muslim world:Ayesha Siddiqa
https://theprint.in/opinion/saudi-arabia-cant-help-solve-kashmir-issue-because-it-now-lacks-legitimacy-in-muslim-world/314682/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:26 PM)
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