NEWS DIGEST, EVENING
04 Nov. 2019: 06 Rabiul Awwal 1441: Vol: 12, No: 53
INDIA
Mega Asian trade deal RCEP on track, says Thailand amid India's concerns
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/committed-to-sign-rcep-pact-by-2020-says-thailand-amid-indias-demands-2126790
Bangkok:Thailand said on Monday that Asian countries had held conclusive talks on what could be the world's biggest trade pact and there would be an announcement of success at a summit in Bangkok despite doubts raised by India.Spurred in part by US-China trade war, Southeast Asian countries hoped to announce at least provisional agreement on the China-backed 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on Monday.But last minute demands raised by India meant negotiations among ministers went late into the night alongside a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) being held in Bangkok, Thailand."Negotiation last night was conclusive," Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Monday. "There will be an announcement together on the success of RCEP agreement by the leaders later today. India is part of this as well and will jointly make the announcement. The signing will be next year."RCEP includes 10-member grouping of Southeast Asian nations, as well as China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia and New Zealand.At a separate meeting, Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha said "We welcome the conclusion of RCEP negotiation and (are) committed to sign RCEP agreement in 2020."Southeast Asia's biggest country, Indonesia, had appealed to India on Sunday to remain part of the agreement. New impetus to complete the deal has come from the US-China trade war, which has helped knock regional economic growth to its lowest in five years.But India has been worried about a potential flood of Chinese imports and officials with knowledge of the negotiations said India had raised last minute demands. PM Narendra Modi did not even mention RCEP in his public comments after meetings in Bangkok on Sunday.The bloc would account for a third of global gross domestic product and nearly half the world's population. Thai government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat told reporters on Sunday that a signing was still expected for Feb.Some countries have raised the possibility of moving ahead without India.But one advantage for Southeast Asian countries from having relative heavyweight India in the trade pact would be less domination by China.Reuters
New Indian demands may stall RCEP deal
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-indian-demands-may-stall-rcep-deal/article29873419.ece?homepage=true
Congress to oppose peace agreement if it changes geography of Manipur: Jairam Ramesh
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/congress-to-oppose-peace-agreement-if-it-changes-geography-ofmanipur-jairam-ramesh/articleshow/71886920.cms
Imphal: Slamming Centre over alleged lack of transparency in the ongoing Naga peace talks, ex union minister Jairam Ramesh has said that the Congress will oppose any agreement, if it changes the geography of Manipur and any other northeastern state.A 6-member Congress delegation arrived here on Sunday to take stock of the situation in Manipur arising out of Naga peace talks and gather the opinions of people and party leaders on NRC. "There is no transparency regarding Naga peace talks on the part of the central government. The progress in the ongoing Naga peace talks has not been disclosed," Ramesh told reporters at the Congress Bhawan here.Any accord which would change the geography of any state of the northeast region, including Manipur, will be opposed by Congress, he said. During the tenure of ex PM Rajiv Gandhi, the Centre had signed Assam, Mizoram and Tripura accords "without changing the geography of any state",senior Congress leader said. He was accompanied by AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik, former union minister of state Jitendra Singh, MP Manickam Tagore, AICC secretary Ranjit Mukherjee and Mohammed Ali Khan.PTI
J&K ISSUE
We diluted Article 370 twelve times without controversy: Congress
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/we-diluted-article-370-twelve-times-without-controversy-claims-congress/story-JgOcJ95qQTmC4bH5ujm4VP.html
Dehradun:Congress has claimed it “diluted and abrogated” Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir as many as 12 times without creating any controversy.Addressing a press conference in Dehradun, Congress spokesman Pawan Khera said, “Not once or twice, but the Congress party diluted article 370 as many as 12 times, but without letting any controversy break out.” Khera said the country’s affairs are run through dialogue and not through controversies. He said Congress understands this fact but “the ruling BJP doesn’t” as its entire politics is founded on controversies.Khera said the party’s stand on Article 370 has not changed at all but it is objecting to the way BJP government annulled it. He also accused the BJP government at the Centre of not implementing GST properly, saying it has resulted in small businessmen, manufacturers and farmers driven to the verge of ruin today. Alleging that the noteban imposed by Narendra Modi government had caused the country’s economy to totter, he said a similar noteban imposed during Indira Gandhi’s tenure as prime minister had caused no harm to it. “There used to be in circulation in those days Rs 10,000 notes, which were banned when Mrs Gandhi was the PM but no one had to queue up outside banks nor was there any controversy,” he said.PTI
J-K: Thousands of bunkers being constructed for safety of citizens in villages near LoC
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/j-k-thousands-of-bunkers-being-constructed-for-safety-of-citizens-in-villages-near-loc20191104100922/
Rajouri: As part of government schemes, large numbers of safety bunkers are being constructed in different border areas which are in close proximity to LoC.An official said that the construction of around 1200 such bunkers have been completed while another 1000 structures are at various stages of construction. "Around 1200 workers have been completed. Around 1000 bunkers are at other stages of construction. A total of 3131 bunkers are being constructed in the region," DDC Rajouri Mohammed Aijaz Asad said.The people of the region thanked the administration and expressed their gratitude to the government for the construction of workers saying it will ensure their safety during the firing by Pakistan.ANI
J&K to shift political detenues during winter
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/jk-to-shift-political-detenues-during-winter/article29873503.ece?homepage=true
Srinagar::As the winter sets in, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is looking for another accommodation to lodge 34 political detenues, currently in Centaur Hotel in Srinagar, as it lacks proper heating arrangements, officials said.The winter chill has already started taking a toll on the health of the detenues that include National Conference, PDP and People’s Conference leaders and prominent social activists, as well as the security personnel guarding them.They have been lodged at the hotel on the bank of Dal Lake since August 5.According to the officials privy to the development, Centaur Hotel, owned by Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), has submitted a bill of ₹2.65 crore to the Home Department for 90 days of boarding and lodging of the detenues.The administration has, however, rejected the claims of Centaur Hotel, and argued that the facility was converted into a subsidiary jail on August 5 and therefore, only the government rates would be paid.PTI
POLITICS
Maharashtra: Fadnavis heads to Delhi, Sena says tying with NCP, Congress ‘in state interest’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/fadnavis-heads-to-delhi-sena-says-tying-with-ncp-cong-in-state-interest-6101709/
Mumbai, Pune :With talks with ally BJP stuck over chief ministership, the Shiv Sena Sunday said joining hands with NCP, Congress and others to form a government was “in the interest of Maharashtra”.Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said he would meet the Maharashtra Governor on Monday. “I will ask him to invite the single largest party and then give a chance to other parties,” Raut said, adding that there would be a Sena CM and the oath-taking ceremony would take place at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.The action is also set to move to Delhi, with incumbent Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis travelling to the Capital on Monday to meet BJP chief and Home Minister Amit Shah. This will be his first visit to Delhi since the election results, which gave BJP fewer seats than it expected. Monday will see a meeting between NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Delhi as well.Asked by mediapersons in Aurangabad if the Sena would form the government alone or join other parties, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Sunday said, “You will get to know in the coming days.”In his column Rok Thok, published in Sena mouthpiece Saamana Sunday, Raut put forward several scenarios of government formation, in none of which a BJP-led one endured. “After BJP fails to prove its majority in the House, Shiv Sena can stake claim to form the government. With the help of NCP, Congress and others, the figure will go up to 170. Shiv Sena can have its own Chief Minister,” he wrote. BJP and Sena together won 161 seats in the recent elections. The half-way mark in the 288-seat House is 145. Saamna also carried a front page story Sunday, headlined ‘At any cost, there should be no BJP government’, which said the Congress and NCP had taken a decision to keep the BJP out of power.Fadnavis told reporters he was going to Delhi to seek relief for farmers hit by unseasonal rains from National Disaster Response Fund, which falls under Shah’s ministry. However, sources said, the CM would discuss with BJP chief strategies to bring the Sena on board, with delay in government formation stretching embarrassingly.Admitting that the Sena, NCP and Congress were parties with different ideologies, Raut wrote in his column, “The way Atal Bihari Vajyapee ran his government, we will have to take it forward… This is in the interest of Maharashtra.”Among Raut’s options for government formation in the state, the first is the BJP coming to power keeping the Sena out. “BJP has 105 MLAs. It requires 40 more…Getting 40 more is looking impossible…,” he wrote.In another development Sunday, NCP leader Ajit Pawar showed reporters a text message from Raut on his phone. The message in Marathi simply said, “Namaskar mi Sanjay Raut. Jai Maharashtra”. “This means I should call him. I will call and check,” Ajit Pawar said.Sharad Pawar’s meeting with Sonia comes amidst increasing clamour within NCP that it and the Congress align with the Sena to keep BJP out. However, NCP and Congress seniors are wary that the Sena’s outreach is no more than a ploy to drive a harder bargain with the BJP.
Shiv Sena leader Raut, senior party leaders to meet governor today over govt formation
https://www.firstpost.com/politics/maharashtra-power-tussle-shiv-sena-leader-sanjay-raut-senior-party-leaders-to-meet-governor-today-over-govt-formation-7595291.html
BJP-JJP coalition govt in Haryana based on ‘selfish interests’, won’t last long: Abhay Chautala
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-jjp-coalition-govt-based-on-selfish-interests-wont-last-long-abhay-chautala-6101335/
Chandigarh : Dampening prospects of any truce in the feuding Chautala clan, INLD lone MLA Abhay Chautala on Sunday accused his nephew Dushyant Chautala-led JJP of forging post-poll alliance with the BJP out of “selfish interest” and claimed the coalition government in Haryana will not last long.“They came together for their selfish interests,” Abhay Singh Chautala told reporters on sidelines of his party’s state executive meeting here.Haryana ex CM Om Prakash Chautala’s younger son Abhay Chautala made the contentious remarks days after his elder brother Ajaya Chautala, whose son Dushyant Chautala was sworn in as the state’s deputy chief minister in BJP-led state government, met him, triggering hopes of a truce in the clan.Ridiculing BJP-JJP alliance, Abhay Chautala said his nephew-led party joined hands with the BJP after fiercely opposing each other in the recent assembly polls.PTI
Karnataka Congress urges SC to take on record audio clip of Yediyurappa in MLAs disqualification case
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-congress-urges-sc-to-take-on-record-audio-clip-of-yediyurappa-in-mlas-disqualification-case/article29876645.ece?homepage=true
Karnataka Congress has requested the Supreme Court hearing the MLA disqualification case to take on record a fresh audio clip in which Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa is purportedly referring to rebel MLAs.A Bench headed by Justice N.V. Ramana said it will consult Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi for constituting the Bench on Nov 5 to consider fresh material given by Karnataka Congress.A purported audio clip of Yediyurappa expressing anguish against leaders at a recent party meeting in Hubballi over their opposition to giving tickets to disqualified Congress-JD(S) MLAs for the December 5 Assembly bypolls in 15 constituencies had surfaced on Friday last.In the audio, he is purportedly saying that the rebel Congress JD(S) MLAs, who were later disqualified, were kept in Mumbai during the final days of the coalition govt under BJP national president Amit Shah’s watch.PTI
OTHERS
No insulting posts on deities on social media till Dec 28: Ayodhya order
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-insulting-posts-on-deities-on-social-media-till-dec-28-ayodhya-order/articleshow/71883433.cms
Ayodhya: Ahead of the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Babri Masjid case, the UP government has issued a four-page directive disallowing people in Ayodhya district to make any defamatory remark on deities on social media platforms like Whatsapp, , Telegram and Instagram for 2months while restricting electronic media from conducting debates in the district during this period.Issued by Ayodhya district magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha on October 31, the order will be in force till December 28 as part of Section 144 of the CrPC, which has been imposed across the district. Violators will be booked under Section 188 of IPC (disobedience to an order by public servant).“No attempt should be allowed to make any insulting remarks on great personalities, deities and gods on any social media platform such as Instagram, Twitter and Whatsapp. Besides, no installation of any idol of any deity will take place without permission from the district administration,” says the order.The order says the restrictions have been imposed in view of festivals and other events during this period, which include Chhath Puja, Kartik Purnima, Panchkosi Parikrama, Chaudhari Charan Singh’s birth anniversary, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Guru Teg Bahadur Shahid Diwas, Eid-ul-Milad and Christmas.TOI
Ahead of Ayodhya verdict, Muslim groups stress on peace, keep legal option open
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ahead-of-ayodhya-verdict-muslim-groups-stress-on-peace-keep-legal-option-open-6101506/
New Delhi :A clutch of Muslim organisations met on Friday and resolved to explore all legal actions if the Ayodhya verdict of the Supreme Court is “not satisfactory” but also stressed on the need to maintain peace and harmony “at all costs”.There was general consensus in the meeting that the position of the Supreme Court as the principal legal recourse must be respected and legal remedies, such as review petition or any other option, could be explored.The meeting was convened by Navaid Hamid, president of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat. It came a day after RSS leaders reached out to Muslim organisations in a Paigam e Hubbal Watni (Conference of Nationalism) where they asked the community to be vigilant against attempts to create “bhram, bhay, bhadkaw (diversion, fear, provocation)” once the verdict is out.Wajahat Habibullah, former chairman of National Commission for Minorities who was among those who was present at the meet, said: “The leadership of different Muslim groups and also Muslim clerics got together because a decision on the Babri Masjid Ram Janmabhoomi dispute is expected any time now and the idea was to enjoin that peace be maintained at all costs. Whatever campaigns have been going on against the rise of communalism in the country can continue but there should be at no point any recourse to violence.”“Whatever legal recourse would have to be taken, would be taken, there would be no letup in that. But there was a general consensus that the position of the Supreme Court as the principal legal recourse must be respected and whatever legal recourses are available after a verdict would be exercised but the public need not agitate itself on the issue,” he said.Maulana Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama Hind, who also attended the meet, said personally he is not in favour of further legal action although a final call would have to be taken by all the parties and Jamiat working committee. Among others who attended the meeting were Sadatullah Hussaini, president Jamaat e Islami Hind, Maulana Asghar Imam Mehdi Salafi, president All India Jamiat e Ahle Hadith and Maulana Ashraf Kichauchvi, president of All India Mashaikh Board.indianexpress
Ayodhya land dispute case: NSA will be imposed if needed, says UP DGP OP Singh ahead of verdict
https://www.firstpost.com/india/ayodhya-land-dispute-case-national-security-act-will-be-imposed-if-needed-says-up-dgp-op-singh-ahead-of-verdict-7595301.html
Hardoi: Ahead of the expected verdict in the Babri Masjid title suit by Supreme Court, Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh said that the state police is ready and if needed National Security Act (NSA) will be imposed on elements who attempt to disrupt law and order."We are absolutely ready. Under no circumstances, anybody will be allowed to take law in hand. Our Intelligence machinery is geared up. If needed, NSA will be imposed on elements who attempt to disrupt law and order," Singh said in UP on Sunday.ani
Cleared in terror case after 11 yrs, they brace for new fight
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rampur-2008-crpf-camp-attack-mohammad-kausar-gulab-khan-6101459/?fbclid=IwAR0VhHTUNczD1d5nNwIVuiGnfUEidSdfjxyRT9uufdnENypwoQgLHzYXBtk
Lucknow : Acquitted after spending 11 years behind bars for 2008 attack on a CRPF camp in Rampur, Mohammad Kausar and Gulab Khan say they are not sure if the court order would prove enough to rid them of “terrorist” tag. Before they were arrested, Kausar (48) ran an electronics shop near his house in Kunda area of Pratapgarh while Khan (41) owned a welding shop at Baheri locality in Bareilly. With their families having sold their shops as well as spent their savings fighting their case, the two said it wouldn’t be easy for them to pick up the pieces.On Saturday, a Rampur local court awarded death sentence to four accused, including 2 Pakistani nationals, for 2008 attack, in which 7 CRPF jawans and a rickshaw-puller were killed. A fifth accused was sentenced to life. Khan and Kausar, who were accused of hiding weapons used in the crime at their residences before the attack, were acquitted for want of evidence. Kausar was arrested on Feb.9, more than a month after the attack, from his shop in Pratapgarh, 486 km from Rampur. “A senior police officer asked me two-three questions and then put me in a room. 2 days later, I was produced before a court, which sent me to jail. In the 2-minute interaction with a senior police officer,I maintained I was innocent,” Kausar said over the phone. Kausar, who studied upto Class 9, said he worked for 10 years at an electronics shop in Saudi Arabia before returning to India in 2005. After his arrest, he said, there was no one in the family to run the shop he opened in Kunda and it was shut down. “Because of financial crisis, my 3 children had to drop out of school. My wife Salma Bano started stitching clothes for a living. Relatives stopped coming to my house. To raise money to fight the case, family later sold the shop.”Released from Bareilly Central Jail on Sunday, Kausar said he feared that his ordeal was not over. “People don’t easily believe a person who has spent over a decade in jail. The court has acquitted me but people will not accept me as innocent. I have to fight once again to get their trust.” Khan said his family was forced to shut the shop as none of them knew iron wielding work. “Naajara started stitching clothes but that was only enough to arrange food for the family. Even power connection to my house was snapped because of non-payment of bills,”said Khan, ruing that his appeals that he was innocent fell on deaf ears.Khan’s elder brother Kamal said his 3 children dropped out of school as they couldn’t pay the fees. His brother-in-law Mohammad Shaheen said every step in these 11 years had been a struggle. indianexpress
Gulab Khan acquittal: Muslims discriminated against in terror cases, says Asaduddin Owaisi
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gulab-khan-acquittal-muslims-discriminated-against-in-terror-cases-says-asaduddin-owaisi-1615401-2019-11-03
New Delhi: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has said that Muslims are incarcerated in the terror-related cases "only to be acquitted" later on. Asaduddin Owaisi's statement came 2 days after Gulab Khan, one of the accused in the 2008 Rampur CRPF camp attack case, was acquitted of his involvement in the case. Owaisi said that Muslims are being discriminated against in the criminal justice system regardless of the party in power."Muslims are incarcerated in terror cases only to be acquitted after decades. We experience systemic discrimination in the criminal justice system regardless of the party in power. The double injustice here is not only to Gulab Khan but also to the victims of Rampur attack," Owaisi said.AIMIM chief also asked if Gulab Khan would be compensated for the "indignity he had to endure for 12 years. "Who were the real culprits? Will Gulab Khan be compensated for the indignity that he & his family had to endure?" he tweeted.india today
Home Ministry warns of ‘lone wolf’ attacks by IS peratives: the hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/home-ministry-warns-of-lone-wolf-attacks-by-islamic-state-operatives/article29872667.ece?homepage=true
Chennai: A high alert has been issued to security forces across the country by central intelligence agencies, warning of possible ‘lone wolf’ attacks by Islamic State (IS) operatives targeting high-risk dignitaries in the run-up to the Republic Day celebrations in January next year.A communication issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to all the States on Nov.1 stated that the overall security scenario in the country remained a cause for concern on account of the threat emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan-Pakistan belt.Pakistan’s ISI continued to provide infrastructural and other financial/logistical assistance to terror groups, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, operating in that country, the note said.thehindu
Hyderabad : Spiritual leaders to strive for peace, amity in society
https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/spiritual-leaders-to-strive-for-peace-amity-in-society-578128
Hyderabad: In an attempt to bring closure different religious groups with the objective of attaining religious harmony, the first meeting of 'Dharmik Jan Morcha' of religious heads and spiritual leaders representing all major religious groups expressed their commitment to work for peace and amity and for cementing the bond of brotherhood with one another. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) which was able to bring Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Jain besides religious heads from Muslim community held deliberations amongst the members of the Morcha. They are planning a platform to be led by shri hari krishna vadalankar, arya samaj, TridandiDevanatha Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami, RevFrDr Anthony Raj Thumma, the executive secretary, Federation of Telugu Church, AP & Telangana, Swami PurnaTej, mentor of Art of Living Foundation, Telangana, Sardar Nanak Singh Nishter, Ambassador for Interfaith Harmony, Gurudwara Saheb, Gowliguda, and Vinod Jain, president Shri Digamber Jain Sansthan, besides Moulana Hamid Mohammed Khan, JIH State president. Speaking on the occasion, Jeeyar Swami said that all religions teach peace even though they have different doctrines. While welcoming the development, he felt that religious heads and spiritual leaders coming to form a single platform was for the greater good of the society. Swami PurnaTej hoped that this would not only develop brotherhood but also ease religious understanding of each other. Sardar Indersingh of Gowliguda Gurudwara held that the Sikh community always stood in the forefront in bridging the communities and was ready to take part any of the activities for common good being taken up by the Morcha. Dr Anthony emphasised the need for religious tolerance, respect and acceptance amongst different communities. Vinod Jain hoped that this initiative would prove to be an example of unity in the coming days. Salim Engineer, Vice Presdient JIH, said that this was part of the national initiative in view of the existing scenario where attempts are being made to develop schism among communities. He hoped that all the States like Telangana would come up with similar programmes. Sadiq Ahmed and his team members who worked to bring all on single platform and aides of religious heads were present.thehansindia
In alert on Chhath Puja, Bihar district admn names Muslims
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-alert-on-chhath-puja-bihar-district-admn-names-muslims-6100287/
Patna :In an order to the local police and administration, Madhepura DM Navdeep Shukla has warned against attempts by “mischievous elements from Muslim community (to) cause tension” during ongoing Chhath festival.Frowning at the order, the state home department said it would look into the issue. “It was inadvertently phrased,” Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Amir Subhani, said. Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey said the “tone of the order should have been changed”.In the order, dated Oct 31, DM has said: “Water deposit in lanes through which Chhath Puja devotees cross, especially through Muslim settlements… overflowing drain water running through (these) roads causes tension. At times, dismantling of ghat structure because of the crowd also causes problems. Incidents of eve-teasing of relatives and acquaintances of devotees by mischievous elements from Muslim community cause tension. Passing objectionable remarks on Chhath devotees and their relatives causes law and order problems”.indianexpress
UP: Trailer crushes 2 madrassa students, teacher to death
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/trailer-crushes-2-madrassa-students-teacher-to-death/articleshow/71881086.cms
Allahabad: 2 madrassa students and their teacher were killed by a speeding trailer near Mandhata bus stand road on Prayagraj-Ayodhya highway under Mandhata police station of Pratapgarh district on Sunday morning. The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Farhad (14) of Raniganj, Mohammad Shahwan (16) of Pratapgarh and their teacher Shan Mohammad (25) of Khiri.Inspector (Mandhata) Sanjay Yadav told TOI that the incident took place around 8 am. The teacher, along with their students, was standing with a bike near Mandhata bus stand road. They were about to leave for Darapur Madrassa in Pratapgarh when a speeding trailer knocked them down. All three of them died on the spot. The driver of the trailer managed to escape.TOI
EPF funds diversion rocks Yogi government, 2 held
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/epf-funds-diversion-rocks-yogi-adityanath-government-2-held/cid/1716629?ref=india_india-page
Lucknow:Two former executives of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited have been arrested on the charge of illegally investing Rs 2,631 crore of Employees Provident Fund money, and with a company that is being investigated for alleged fraud and terror links.Sudhanshu Dwivedi, ex finance director of the corporation, and Praveen Kumar Gupta, former general manager (finance), are accused of investing the money with Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited between March 24, 2017, and Dec.31,2018, police sources said.If correct, this would mean the diversion of EPF funds — which a union leader termed a “scam” — began 5 days after Yogi Adityanath govnt took charge. Adityanath has recommended a CBI probe. One of his ministers sought to deflect blame, saying the investment of EPF money was a policy decision taken by the previous Akhilesh Yadav government that some officials later implemented without informing their superiors.telegraphindia
UP: Impersonation FIR against Muslim youth to be reviewed
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/impersonation-fir-against-muslim-youth-to-be-reviewed/articleshow/71875623.cms
Lucknow: Police will review charges against a Muslim youth who was booked and arrested for impersonation in Bareilly because he dressed up as Hanuman. Mohammed Naseem, 19, said to be a behrupiya who lives off alms, was picked up and sent to jail for cheating and impersonation based on the complaint of some Bajrang Dal members on Friday.ADG of police (Bareilly zone) Avinash Chandra told TOI that if Naseem were indeed an artist who donned disguise for a living, the charges against him would be reviewed.Chandra also conceded that the station house officer of Subash Nagar police station in Bareilly might have succumbed to pressure of local residents and registered the case.TOI
Women in Mosques: Why not allow them entry, argues a new book
http://www.uniindia.com/news/india/women-in-mosques-why-not-allow-them-entry-argues-a-new-book/1778150.html
New Delhi:Within a week of the Supreme Court seeking response of the Centre on a PIL which sought entry of Muslim women in all mosques of the country, journalist and author Ziya Us Salam argues Quran does not discriminate against women and at 59 places, it asks men and women to establish prayers.Last Friday, a bench comprising CJI Ranjan Gogoi and justices S A Bobde and S A Nazeer issued notice to the Union Law and Justice Ministry and Minority Affairs Ministry on the plea seeking entry of women in mosques.UNI
India air pollution at 'unbearable levels':Delhi CM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50280390
Air pollution in the north of India has "reached unbearable levels," the capital Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says. In many areas of Delhi air quality deteriorated into the "hazardous" category, with the potential to cause respiratory illnesses.Low visibility caused more than 30 flights to be diverted on Sunday.Rules have now gone into effect allowing only cars with odd or even number plates to drive on given days.The initiative is aimed at getting more vehicles off the road in an effort to curb air pollution.Schools in Delhi have been ordered to close until Tuesday, and construction has been halted.BBC
Odd-even rule kicks in as pollution in Delhi remains severe
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/delhi-records-poorest-air-quality-in-3-years-cabinet-secy-to-monitor-situation-daily-odd-even-from-today
The odd-even road rationing scheme, an anti-pollution measure, kicked in from 8 am on Monday in the city, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urging people to follow it for the sake of their family and kids.Under the scheme, apart from exempted categories, only those non-transport four-wheeled vehicles will ply on the roads which have registration numbers ending with an even digit.The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of city at 7:30 am stood at 439, which falls in the "severe" category. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. An AQI above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category."Namaste Delhi, odd-even is starting from today to reduce pollution. Please do follow it for yourself, your family, kids and your breath. Share cars. It will strengthen friendship, form relations, save petrol and pollution," Kejriwal said in an early morning tweet in Hindi.Violations of the odd-even rule will invite a fine of Rs 4,000.Over 600 teams of Delhi Traffic Police and transport and revenue departments have been deployed for a strict implementation of the scheme across the city.nationalheraldindia
WORLD
Iraqi protesters attack Iran consulate in Karbala
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/iraqi-protesters-attack-iran-consulate-karbala-191103232545555.html
Dozens of protesters in Iraq attacked the Iranian consulate in the Shia holy city of Karbala on Sunday night, scaling the concrete barriers surrounding the building, bringing down an Iranian flag and replacing it with the Iraqi flag, witnesses said.Security forces fired in the air to disperse the protesters who threw stones and burned tires around the building on a street corner in Karbala south of Baghdad.There were no immediate reports of casualties in the incident, which comes amid ongoing protests in the capital Baghdad and majority-Shia provinces in the south. The witnesses spoke to AP on condition of anonymity because of security concerns.There have been reports of the government authorities deploying police in the area.The protests are directed at a post-war political system and a class of elite leaders that Iraqis accuse of pillaging the country's wealth while the country grows poorer.But protesters have also directed their rage at neighbouring Iran and the powerful Iraqi Shia militias tied to it.The anti-government protests in Karbala, Baghdad and cities across southern Iraq have often turned violent, with security forces opening fire and protesters torching government buildings and headquarters of Iran-backed militias. More than 250 people have been killed in the security crackdown following the protests. Feisal Istrabadi, a former Iraqi ambassador to UN and director of the Center for the Study of the Middle East at Indiana University, warned that more crackdowns could happen. Istrabadi said that is is "nearly impossible" for the current leaders in Iraq to quell the ongoing protests.aljazeera
Thousands gather on Beirut's streets for anti-government protest
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/thousands-gather-beirut-streets-anti-government-protest-191103193308510.html
Tens of thousands of Lebanese protested on Sunday to keep up a nationwide street movement that has brought down the government, hours after a smaller rally of thousands was held to support the embattled president. Unprecedented cross-sectarian demonstrations have gripped Lebanon since Oct.17, demanding a complete overhaul of a political system deemed inefficient and corrupt.On Sunday evening, thousands of protesters streamed into the main square carrying Lebanese flags and a flurry of inventive slogans on placards, an AFP correspondent said."Revolution," they cried to the rhythm of electronic beats in Martyrs' Square."All of them means all of them," they chanted, calling for political leaders from all sectarian stripes to step down.They also called for a general strike on Monday to pressure political leaders.The protest, the biggest since Tuesday when supporters of the powerful Hezbollah movement broke up the protest camp, followed a rally earlier in the day by supporters of Lebanon's president, held to counter anti-government protests that have paralysed the country for more than two weeks. President Michel Aoun has been among the main targets of mass protests that aim to sweep from power Lebanon's entire sectarian and political elite.Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned last week, meeting a key demand of the protesters, but will stay on in the role of caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. aljazeera
Israeli official says prisoner swap deal with Hamas ‘progressing’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191104-israeli-official-says-prisoner-swap-deal-with-hamas-progressing/
Israel’s negotiations on a prisoners’ exchange deal with Hamas are “progressing,” Israeli government’s coordinator for prisoners and missing persons, Yaron Blum, announced.“Israeli citizens and Hamas hostages, Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed, had crossed the Gaza border and been returned home,” Blum told Reshet Bet.Blum’s remarks came following comments by the mother of a kidnapped soldier, Hadar Goldin, on Israel’s Channel 12 on Saturday, in which she accused the Israeli government of “neglecting its detained citizens in Gaza.”Goldin, along with Oron Shaaul, went missing during the Israeli attack on Gaza, which was launched on 8 July 2014 and had lasted until 26 August of the same year. In April 2016, Hamas said it was holding four Israeli soldiers in custody. In a similar context, the Israeli government announced the loss of two soldiers during the Gaza aggression. Still, the local security ministry later said that they were killed in a fight that involved Palestinian fighters and Israeli soldiers.MEMO
Israel arrests Palestine’s Jerusalem affairs minister for 3rd time this year
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191103-israel-arrests-palestines-jerusalem-affairs-minister-for-3rd-time-this-year/
Israeli forces on Sunday arrested Palestine’s Jerusalem Affairs Minister Fadi al-Hadami , reported Anadolu Agency via a local source.Police forces and intelligence agents raided al-Hadami ‘s home in Jerusalem and took him into custody, the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.It remains unclear why the minister was arrested.There was no comment from Israeli authorities on the report.Hadami was detained by Israeli forces in September for questioning before being later released. Prior to that, he was detained by Israeli forces in June of this year.middleeastmonitor
Saudi Aramco kick-starts what could be world's biggest IPO, offers scant details: Reuters
https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/saudi-aramco-kick-starts-what-could-be-world-s-biggest-ipo-offers-scant-details-1615442-2019-11-04
Saudi Arabia's giant state oil company finally kick-started its initial public offering (IPO) on Sunday, announcing its intention to float on the domestic bourse in what could be the world's biggest listing as kingdom seeks to diversify its economy away from oil.But in its long-awaited announcement, Aramco, the world's most profitable company, offered few specifics on the number of shares to be sold, pricing or the date for a launch. Bankers have told the Saudi government that investors will likely value the company at around $1.5 trillion, below the $2 trillion valuation touted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman when he first floated the idea of an IPO nearly four years ago.Aramco also did not mention what measures it has taken to beef up security following unprecedented attacks on its oil plants in Sept.
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After Depositors, PMC Scandal’s Second Potential Victim is Trust in India’s Financial System :K.T. Jagannathan
https://thewire.in/banking/pmc-bank-depositors-trust
Watch | Kashmir Valley: Train services remain suspended months after abrogation of Art.370
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kashmir-valley-three-months-after-the-decision-on-article-370/article29876385.ece?homepage=true
How Arakan mosque symbolising Muslim-Buddhist unity was destroyed to rewrite Myanmar history :Habiburahman, Sophie Ansel
https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/how-arakan-mosque-symbolising-muslim-buddhist-unity-was-destroyed-to-rewrite-myanmar-history/314302/
Delhi's Urdu Heritage Festival Is a Heartfelt Attempt to Reach New Audiences:Mahtab Alam
https://thewire.in/the-arts/delhi-urdu-festival
RCEP explainer: Why Modi government is wary of joining the world’s largest trading bloc:Shoaib Daniyal
https://scroll.in/article/942551/rcep-explainer-why-modi-government-is-wary-of-joining-the-worlds-largest-trading-bloc
On the loose: Never one story:Single perspective narratives are confusing for students:Leher Kala
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/tipu-sultan-karnataka-textbook-history-yediyurappa-6101393/
Unanswered Questions for Govt, WhatsApp, NSO Over Pegasus Snooping
https://www.thequint.com/videos/news-videos/unanswered-questions-whatsapp-spyware-govt-israel-nso-other-tech-companies-pegasus
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 2:02 PM)
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