21 Jan 2020: 25 Jamadi-1, 1441: Vol: 12, No: 113
*anti-citizenship act stir*
SC hearing on CAA:From tomorrow, Northeast colleges, universities to observe shutdown in protest against CAA
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sc-hearing-on-caa-shutdown-declared-across-northeast-colleges-tomorrow/article30613043.ece
Students’ associations in the northeast have declared a total shutdown across universities and colleges in the region on Wednesday when the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions challenging the validity of the CAA. All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) is one of the main anti-CAA petitioners. The apex court in December last year fixed January 22 as the date of hearing for all such petitions filed by others such as IUML, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, RJD leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. The fraternity of the north-eastern universities, in a statement on Tuesday, hoped the SC will address the “unconstitutional and contentious CAA and its ill repercussions” on the indigenous people in the northeast.The universities in the eight-State region include Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University, North Eastern Hill University, Tezpur University, Assam Women’s University, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Nagaland University, Rajiv Gandhi University, and North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology. Organisations across these universities and other institutions of higher education are bound by the North East Students’ Organisation, whose affiliates include AASU and several State and tribe-based students’ organisations in the region. Thehindu
CAA-NRC: Universities and Other Institutions in Northeast to Observe ‘Shut Down’ on Jan 22
https://www.newsclick.in/CAA-NRC-universities-institutions-northeast-observe-shut-down-Jan-22
*IMF will factor in anti-CAA protests in next assessment for India: chief economist*
https://scroll.in/latest/950581/imf-will-factor-in-anti-caa-protests-in-next-assessment-for-india-says-gita-gopinath
International Monetary Fund will take into account the widespread protests against the amended citizenship law and the proposed National Register of Citizens in its the next assessment for India in April, organisation’s chief economist Gita Gopinath told NDTV. She added that the world body will track the ongoing protests in which 26 people have been killed so far.2019 has ended with protests on a global scale, most notably in Latin America, West Asia and North Africa, Hong Kong, and India. Gopinath, however, mentioned only Chile and Hong Kong.“I have nothing really significant to say [about India],” she said. “It is something we will follow and we will see what this does in our next assessment in April.” Protests have been going on in Hong Kong since June last year, and have not simmered down even though the controversial extradition bill was withdrawn in Sept.2019.Protestors are demanding an independent investigation into instances of police brutality; the retraction of the classification of protestors as “rioters”; amnesty for arrested protestors; and the implementation of the promised universal suffrage.Gopinath said social cohesion was very important. As of now, it is important to ensure that nations are protecting the vulnerable sections and “they are not left behind in the growth story”, she added. IMF, too, has highlighted a link between “intensifying social unrest across many countries — reflecting, in some cases, the erosion of trust in established institutions and lack of representation in governance structures” — in its World Economic Outlook released in Davos, Switzerland.scroll/NDTV
Have CAA protests impacted India's global image? Here's what IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath has to say
https://www.indiatoday.in/business/davos-2020/story/have-caa-protests-impacted-india-s-global-image-here-s-what-imf-chief-economist-gita-gopinath-has-to-say-1638634-2020-01-20
UK: Labour MPs Discuss Concerns Against CAA and NRC, May Table Motion
https://thewire.in/world/caa-nrc-labour-mps-westminster
London: Labour MPs in the United Kingdom promised to soon table an Early Day Motion in Parliament that will discuss the concerns about India’s CAA and NRC that has seen widespread protests across India and also in cities across the world including in UK.On Monday afternoon, committee room 6 in Palace of Westminster saw Stephen Timms, MP from East Ham along with his colleagues Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, Claudia Webbe, MP for Leicester East and Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East intently listen to the concerns expressed by the South Asia Solidarity Group, Catch Watch UK and Gautam Bhatia, a legal expert who helped draft a petition challenging the CAA in the Supreme Court.The British parliamentarians were concerned with the possibility of mass disenfranchisement of minorities in India. Bhatia also took queries from MPs and explained why the legislation undermines the constitutionally guaranteed rights of a citizen and has a “huge potential for selective disenfranchisement of Muslims”.Huq was concerned with how the rights of British citizens holding Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status would be affected.thewire
'Islamophobic violence harsh reality of Modi regime': Manchester Students' Union support anti-CAA stir, condemn 'state-sanctioned terror' inside varsities
https://www.firstpost.com/india/islamophobic-violence-harsh-reality-of-modi-regime-manchester-university-students-union-support-anti-caa-stir-condemn-state-sanctioned-terror-inside-varsities-7936261.html
Joining the growing chorus of voices against CAA, proposed NRC and crackdown on protesting students in India, Students Union of University of Manchester on Monday issued a statement of solidarity with anti-CAA protesters and students.The statement termed CAA and NRC as a "pair of legal instruments that threaten to disenfranchise millions of undocumented Indians, especially Indian Muslims and other disadvantaged groups" and condemned the "undemocratic and unconstitutional measures" aimed at quelling dissent against these, especially in universities like Jamia Millia Islamia, JNU and AMU.Lashing out against "Islamophobic violence" which, it claims, has become a "harsh reality of the Modi regime", the Students Union of the University of Manchester called upon the government to "unequivocally repeal CAA and NRC" and seeks assurance that no such legislation will be introduced in future.Lastly, it called upon the government to "repeal the brazenly used Section 144 across India, restore internet and telecommunication services to all areas, and prevent further communications blockade everywhere".The statement also pointed out the high unemployment and falling economic growth rate as problems facing the country and observes that the internet shutdown in Kashmir is the "longest in the history of any democracy"."Fascism does not announce its arrival. It creeps on us riding the coattails of indifference and silent complicity," it stated.firstpost
Indian Americans in 4 US states hold 2-day protests against CAA
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/indian-americans-four-us-states-hold-2-day-protests-against-caa-116515
Two-day protests were held against the controversial CAA in multiple places across US, including New York, California, Washington and Georgia. The protests were held across four locations — at Artesia Boulevard in Los Angeles, Devon Street in Chicago, Moody Street in Waltham, Patel Plaza in Decatur and Newark Street in Jersey City — over the weekend of January 18 and 19. Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Executive Director of South Asian American organization Equality Labs, stated that the protests are being organised to demand that the controversial Act, which provides citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, be repealed. thenewsminute
Protest as much as you can, CAA won’t be taken back: Amit Shah at Lucknow rally
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-provision-of-taking-away-citizenship-in-caa-union-home-minister-amit-shah-at-lucknow-rally/story-12bMymZk6qno252RIIK5rM.html?fbclid=IwAR3xa154y09RKh15FbRB9k4CTbYbhZdXZJ7iSVes6Gdp4KwCNwJ1_QdWKus
Lucknow;The CAA will not be taken back, Union home minister Amit Shah today said as he called for a public debate on the legislation that has triggered country-wide protests and forced BJP to launch an awareness campaign.Addressing a rally in Lucknow, Union home minister also lashed out at Congress saying its actions divided the country. On his line of attack were Congress’ Rahul Gandhi as well as West Bengal chief Mamata Banerjee and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav.“The anti-CAA parties are spreading propaganda and spreading illusions that’s why BJP is running the Jan Jagran Abhiyan, which is a public awareness campaign against those who break the country,” Shah said.“Let it be very loud and clear to our opponents that the citizenship law won’t be rolled back at any cost, irrespective of the protests,” Shah said. The minister reiterated that there is no provision for taking the citizenship of anyone anywhere under CAA and said that people will rather get India’s citizenship.“I have introduced this bill in Lok Sabha. I want to tell the opposition that you should discuss this bill publicly. If it can take citizenship of any person, then prove it and show it,” he said.HT
Anti-CAA stir: Munawwar Rana's daughters among 150 booked for protest in Lucknow, poet slams BJP
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/munawwar-rana-bjp-anti-caa-protest-1638882-2020-01-21
Lucknow:Noted Urdu poet Munawwar Rana has sharply criticised the Yogi Adityanath government and Lucknow Police after his daughters were booked along with other women protesters for participating in the indefinite protest against the amended citizenship law at the Ghanta Ghar area since Friday last week.He also hit out at BJP for organising a pro-CAA rally despite Section 144 being imposed in the Lucknow.Munawwar Rana said, "Ahead of Home Minister Amit Shah's visit, those protesting against the law, which is discriminatory, have been booked. However, more people belonging to every section of society will continue to raise their voices. Section 144 has been imposed in Lucknow. BJP leaders can address a huge gathering in the state capital despite prohibitory orders but women are being targeted for peacefully protesting against an unconstitutional law. The police can register more FIRs but it cannot suppress the voice of the people."His daughters Sumaiya and Fauzia have been named in one of FIRs registered at Thakurganj police station."It is clear that the government is misusing section 144 to suppress the voices of those protesting peacefully, which is our constitutional right. However, we will continue to exercise our fundamental rights of peaceful protest. Prime Minister Modi said that NRC is not on the agenda but Amit Shah said that it will be implemented across the country. They are only misleading the people. Why Muslims have been excluded from the CAA?" asked Sumaiya. Meanwhile, other Muslim women also gathered at Amit Shah's pro-CAA rally in Lucknow and welcomed the government's decision to pass CAA law.According to Lucknow police, it identified and named 18 persons and lodged 3 criminal cases against protesters, mostly women, demonstrating against CAA in Lucknow's old quarters. In 3 separate FIRs lodged late on Monday night around 150 people, including 130 unidentified, were booked.indiatoday
Chants of ‘CAA se azaadi’ as hundreds of students march in protest on AMU campus
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/chants-of-caa-se-azaadi-as-hundreds-of-students-march-in-protest-on-amu-campus
Hundreds of students took out a protest march against the amended citizenship act on the Aligarh Muslim University campus here on Tuesday rasing slogans of "CAA se azaadi" and vowing to boycott classes until their demands are met.The protesters including girls and schoolchildren, belonging to the schools within the campus, began their march from the Purani Chungi and culminated it at Babey Sir Syed gate of the university. They also raised slogans in support of Delhi's Shaheen Bagh protesters and the JNU."Shaheen Bagh Zindabad (Long live Shaheen Bagh)" and "JNU tum sangharsh Karo hum tumahre saath hain (keep fighting JNU, we are with you)" rent the air along with the chants of "CAA se azaadi" (freedom from CAA) and "BJP se azaadi" (freedom from BJP).It is reopening in phases from Monday."Our protests are peaceful and we will continue to boycott classes and exams till our demands are met," former president of AMU students union, Faizul Hasan, told newspersons.PTI
After Snatching Food & Blankets From Female Protesters, UP Policemen Now Caught Stealing Milk
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/after-snatching-food-blankets-from-female-protesters-up-policemen-caught-stealing-milk-504701.html?fbclid=IwAR1SSDyXQZfc2GK611Xr1UaFitXqbytNqbdpgBYAN9TUAVBxJgt_SBr4Y3M
Recently, policemen in Lucknow forcibly snatched food items and blankets from females protesting against CAA at Lucknow's Clock Tower. In an unusual crackdown, the UP Police took away their blankets, food items and utensils. “Kambal Chor UP Police (Blanket thief, UP police)” started trending on Twitter after this action by UP police.Well, UP Police is at it again. Another video from Noida has gone viral on social media in which a policeman is purportedly seen stealing packets of milk kept outside a store in the area.The act was caught on a CCTV camera in the early hours of Jan 19.indiatimes
Bhushan Hits Out At UP Police, Calls It " Largest Gang of Organised Communal Criminals"
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/prashant-bhushan-hits-out-at-up-police-calls-it-the-largest-gang-of-organised-communal-criminals-in-the-country
New Delhi:Hitting out at the Uttar Pradesh police, senior advocate of the Supreme Court Prashant Bhushan has alleged that UP police have become the “biggest organised gang of communal criminals in the country” and the “Supreme Court of India has collapsed completely”.He levelled the allegations while addressing media persons at a press conference at the Press Club of India organised by Rihai Manch on Tuesday, after the release of Rihai Manch president Mohammed Shoaib on court orders after a month of his imprisonment for protesting against the controversial CAA.Bhushan commented on UP police quoting an earlier judgement of Justice AN Mulla stating that the police force is the biggest organised gang of criminals in the country. Stretching it further, Bhushan alleged that “UP Police is the biggest organised gang of communal criminals in the country”. He accused the UP police of being communal because of its brutal action against Muslim protesters against CAA in Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Bijnor, Aligarh, Lucknow and Varanasi.Commenting on the current situation in the country, the senior advocate said that the country was facing a situation which was more horrible than that during Emergency in 1975.Adv Mohammed Shoaib, President of Rihai Manch, accused the government of Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of playing revenge politics. Hartosh Bal, Political Editor, The Caravan, Mr Anil Chamadia, Senior Journalist, Mr Rajeev Yadav, General Secretary, Rihai Manch, were also present at the press conference.India Tomorrow
Court Modifies Chandra Shekhar Aazad's Bail Conditions, Now Allowed to Visit Delhi
https://thewire.in/law/chandra-shehkar-aazad-bail-conditions-modified
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday agreed to modify the conditions of bail granted to Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad and allowed him to visit Delhi and campaign for elections if he so chooses.Aazad was arrested by the Delhi police during a protest against CAA in Daryaganj. He was granted bail on January 15, but the judge had asked him to leave Delhi until the assembly elections, scheduled on February 8, are held and also imposed some other conditions. Bhim Army chief had appealed the conditions.On Tuesday, additional sessions judge Kamini Lau allowed Aazad to visit Delhi, but said he should inform DCP (crime) about his visit and day schedule. According to LiveLaw, he was also asked to stay only at the address he has mentioned in application.Judge Lau allowed Aazad’s application, noting that the prosecution “could not show any material that his presence in the national capital would cause violence”. His plea was filed by advocates Mehmood Pracha and O.P. Bharti and said the Bhim Army chief is “not a criminal” and imposing such conditions is undemocratic. Thewire
Akhilesh's daughter's photo at CAA protest goes viral, Samajwadi Party says she was taking a walk
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/akhilesh-yadav-daughter-tina-yadav-photo-at-caa-protest-1638729-2020-01-21
Lucknow:Aphotograph of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's daughter Tina Yadav has gone viral on social media with the claims that she was participating in an anti-CAA rally in Lucknow. Now the party has issued a clarification that she was only in the area when someone clicked a selfie with her.14-year-old Tina Yadav was at the Clock Tower on Sunday, where hundreds of women were sitting on protest against the citizenship law.indiatoday
SIO Calls for Remembrance of ‘Martyrs’ Killed during Anti-CAA Protests
https://caravandaily.com/sio-calls-for-remembrance-of-martyrs-killed-during-anti-caa-protests/?fbclid=IwAR2dPejRIceV7EZy_zNs0i5G5gZJPo45rjxNdtJ0gdz0dIAGg8fr24Sk50o
New Delhi: Calling them “martyr”, Student Islamic Organisation (SIO) has called for remembrance of Muslims killed during anti-CAA protest in the police’s brutalities weeks ago.23 Muslims have been killed in Uttar Pradesh alone in the police actions during anti-CAA protest. 2 people have been killed in Karnataka’s Mangalore.“SIO extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. It reiterates its opposition to CAA-NRC-NPR on constitutional grounds and resolves to maintain its participation in the citizens’ struggle. SIO will be commemorating Jan 21st, as Martyrs’ Day (Shuhada Day) of CAA-NRC-NPR movement. It hereby gives a general national call to all people of conscience, to remember the victims of state terror and to reaffirm and strengthen our commitment to this citizens’ struggle so that the sacrifices of the victims do not go in vain,” said the student group in a statement. caravandaily
Shaheen Bagh Delegation Meets Delhi L-G, Says 'Open to Solutions' Over CAA Protests
https://www.news18.com/news/india/shaheen-bagh-delegation-meets-lg-says-open-to-solutions-over-protests-on-citizenship-legislation-2467457.html
New Delhi: An 8 member delegation from the protest site at Shaheen Bagh on Tuesday met Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal, saying they are "open to coming up with a solution" over the road blockage in light of the ongoing protests against the contentious CAA and the proposed pan-India implementation of NRC. Thousands of people, including women and children, are protesting for over a month at Shaheen Bagh and nearby Jamia Millia Islamia to oppose CAA, NRC.Members of the delegation told CNN-News18 that Baijal has promised "their concerns will be taken to the Home Ministry". JCP(Southern Range) Devesh Srivastava and DCP (South-east) Chimnoy Biswal were present in the meeting.The protests, however, will continue, said delegation member Tasir Ahmed, adding they will wait for an order from the Supreme Court tomorrow.The delegation has also agreed to discuss a "proper solution to open roads for all school vans during specific exam timings" even though protesters have time and again allowed "school buses and ambulances to pass through the area".news18
Shaheen Bagh protesters open way for school bus to pass through: ‘We too have children’
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/we-too-have-children-shaheen-bagh-protesters-open-way-for-school-bus-to-pass-through-6227783/
New Delhi :Amid complaints against Shaheen Bagh protesters for blocking the road and causing inconvenience, the protesters Tuesday decided to allow school vans to pass through the stretch.Sharing a video that shows a school van passing through the barricades, the Twitter handle of Shaheen Bagh protesters read: “Dear @DelhiPolice, we too have children of our own, and understand parents’ worries for their children’s schooling and futures. Many of our children are still recovering from unfair injuries sustained at JMI. Keeping schools in mind, we are allowing school vans to cross.”The handle had also tweeted: “We are allowing school vans to cross through near Kalandi Kunj Park since schools have reopened.”A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the police to ensure smooth traffic flow on Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch. Delhi Police also appealed to protesters to vacate the premises, citing “difficulties” faced by school children, commuters and businesses.The plea in the Supreme Court, filed by advocate Amit Sahni, urged the SC to direct the monitoring of the situation by a retired judge of SC or sitting judge of Delhi HC “in order to avoid any further deterioration of the situation and to circumvent any violence”, and issue any other directions as may be required.indianexpress
Shaheen Bagh women send defamation notice to BJP IT cell chief Malviya over paid protest charge
https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/shaheen-bagh-women-send-defamation-notice-to-bjp-it-cell-chief-amit-malviya-over-paid-protest-charge-1638598-2020-01-20?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR3csMbECquFUhdHCn5RJ3rO29ld7DdjqMbSo13Oj_fgkJqrsHxq7BMCcVE
Miffed by the allegation of being paid to sit on protest, the women at Shaheen Bagh have sent a defamation notice to BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya. The legal notice has demanded an apology and Rs 1 crore in damages from BJP leader. Protests continue at Shaheen Bagh for the 36th day against Centre's decision to implement CAA and provisions of NPR. The protesters are angry over a viral video shared by Malviya, which claimed that the women, who were protesting against the CAA, were paid Rs 500 per day.The notice has been sent by the office of advocate Mehmud Pracha who is the legal adviser for the protesters. indiatoday
Digvijaya visits Shaheen Bagh even as police again urge protestors to disperse
https://scroll.in/latest/950607/protest-watch-digvijaya-singh-visits-shaheen-bagh-even-as-police-again-urge-protestors-to-disperse
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh met protestors at Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh, which has become a major centre of continuous protests since last month against the CAA, NRC and NPR.“We’re against CAA, NRC, NPR,” Singh said at Shaheen Bagh. “These are against Constitution. We’re against the Centre’s divisive policy. No one has the right to ask for proof of citizenship from people who chose to live here.” He claimed that he was asked to deliver a speech by the protestors but refused “as it is not a political stage”.Singh’s visit came even as the Delhi Police urged the protestors to unblock the road as parents of schoolchildren allegedly expressed “deep anxiety” because of upcoming board examinations.
Najeeb Jung on CAA: Include Muslims or remove names of other religions
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/najeeb-jung-on-citizenship-amenment-act-6226569/
New Delhi :Amid ongoing protests against CAA, former Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung Monday said the legislation required a revamp and should be made inclusive.“I feel that the CAA needs a revamp. They should either include Muslims or remove other names (of religions). If Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls these people and talks, the matter will be resolved,” Jung said while addressing protesters at Jamia Millia Islamia.Jung questioned the Centre over not meeting the anti-CAA protesters while saying that former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s government had met agitators when Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement was going on.Jung also condemned police action in the university, besides the violence at JNU and AMU.Jung was one of the 106 personalities who had recently written an open letter, saying that NPR and NRC were “unnecessary and wasteful exercises” which would cause hardships to the public.indianexpress
Imposition of NSA in Delhi Aimed at Thwarting Anti-CAA Protests: Activists
https://caravandaily.com/imposition-of-nsa-in-delhi-aimed-at-thwarting-anti-caa-protests-activists/
NEW DELHI:Prominent social and human rights activists on Monday expressed the apprehension that the re-promulgation of National Security Act (NSA) in the national capital is meant to deter and intimidate the anti-CAA, NRC and NPR protesters. This was promulgated, after it was noted that there was no sign of the protests being abated, they said.Activists sensed this was an attempt to crush citizenship protests. As many as 6 new Shaheen Bagh-type protests or sit-in by local women emerged in Trans-Yamuna area (East Delhi). The draconian law would give unbridled powers to Delhi Police, which had in recent days brutally attacked protesting students and others on campuses of JMI, JNU etc and also on people in Daryaganj and other places here.Renowned civil rights defender, Ravi Nair, slammed Centre for re-promulgation of the law in Delhi. Nair is convener of the ‘Alliance against CAA and NRC’ a broad-based platform of civil society organisations and volunteers that leads the struggle against the citizenship law. He told Caravan Daily that the Delhi Police termed the re-promulgation a routine exercise but in the given political situation, it was not.caravandaily
Mahasabha’s argument on CAA: We would not have needed it, had India been a Hindu nation
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/hindu-mahasabhas-argument-on-caa-we-would-not-have-needed-it-had-india-been-a-hindu-nation
"Had India been a Hindu nation post-partition, India would not need legislation like CAA", said Hindu Mahasabha. Mahasabha chief Chakrapani said Pakistan chose to be an Islamic nation after British left undivided India but India becoming a secular nation has made CAA necessary. "Had we not chosen to become a secular republic and instead become a Hindu nation, there would have been no need for a CAA today," he said. Chakrapani's claim fails to pass the logic test on how India being a secular nation would prevent religious minorities in neighbouring countries from being persecuted.IANS
In ‘Official Human Chain’, Thousands in Bihar Protest Against CAA-NRC-NPR
https://www.newsclick.in/official-human-chain-thousands-bihar-protest-against-caa-nrc-npr?fbclid=IwAR3G-QHugESa-nLqFPY2C7uPgIXezSl1NFsxbZKbl59JHg1wIZTpW6uq7qQ
Patna: It was an embarrassment for Bihar’s ruling NDA on Sunday when thousands of people, mainly youths and students, joined the much- hyped human chain on environment conservation announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and raised their voice against CAA-NRC-NPR and growing joblessness in the state. Incidentally, this part of news was completely ignored by mainstream media while reporting on ‘massive human chain.’The reportedly 16,000-km long human chain was called by Nitish Kumar under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali mission. With placards and banners opposing CAA-NRC-NPR and joblessness, the students and youth shouted slogans against BJP-led Central government, including popular ‘Aazadi’ (Freedom) songs. At some places, youth could be seen wearing black badges and sported T-shirts with slogans against CAA-NRC-NPR and berozgari (unemployment) while joining the human chain for Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali.newsclick
Judges of SC, HCs must intervene to save country: Ex-Judge of Bombay High Court
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/judges-of-supreme-court-high-courts-must-intervene-to-save-country-ex-judge-of-bombay-high-court
Former judge of Bombay High Court, Justice B.G. Kolse Patil has appealed to all judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts to intervene in the current sad state of affairs in the country in order to save it. In a video appeal, Justice Patil said that all institutions on which democracy stands have been destroyed in the last 6 years and if judges of the SC and High Courts did not interfere, the country would be ruined.India Tomorrow
Country Needs Register of Unemployed Youths, Not NRC: Actor Prakash Raj
https://thewire.in/politics/country-needs-register-of-unemployed-youths-not-nrc-actor-prakash-raj
Hyderabad: Actor Prakash Raj on Monday said the country does not need statues that could cost Rs 3,000 crore and if the government wants to prepare a register, then it should make one on the country’s unemployed youths and uneducated children.Addressing a protest against CAA, NPR and NRC here, the actor claimed though the government wants the ongoing struggle to become violent, protesters should confine themselves to non-violent protests.“This country belongs to all..We do not want Rs 3000 crore statue.”PTI
Indian Christians protest against 'anti-Muslim' law
https://news.yahoo.com/indian-christians-protest-against-anti-muslim-law-145240433.html
More than 8,000 people from the Christian community took to the streets in eastern India Monday to protest against a citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims.Hindu-majority India has been gripped by widespread street demonstrations that have sometimes turned deadly, with the march in West Bengal state's capital Kolkata believed to be one of the biggest rallies by Christians.Carrying banners calling for the citizenship law and proposed nationwide "register of citizens" to be ditched, the demonstrators marched for several kilometres from a church to a life-sized statue of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi.One of the protest organisers, Herod Mullick from the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba, said the new legislation was "divisive"."We want to express our solidarity with the people who are protesting against CAA and NRC in different parts of India."AFP
Assam: Prominent personalities including Filmmaker Barua, 9 others write to CJI over CAA stir
https://newsd.in/assam-prominent-personalities-including-filmmaker-jahnu-barua-and-9-others-write-to-cji-over-caa-stir/
Sahitya Akademi awardees Hiren Gohain and Homen Borgohain and eminent filmmaker Jahnu Barua along with ten other prominent personalities of Assam, have written to Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde urging him to deliberate on the prevailing “public outrage and anger in the country”.Signatories to the letter include scientist Dinesh Chandra Goswami, Sahitya Akademi awardee Nagen Saikia, former Gauhati University vice-chancellor Gajendra Nath Talukdar and ex-principals of Cotton College and Gauhati Medical College, Udayaditya Bharali and N N Barman respectively.The letter was made available to media on Monday, and it stated that the government has characterized the ongoing protests across the country as being organized by “mischievous elements” whereas the “reaction of thousands of people has earned the sympathy of all right-thinking elements of the society”.newsd.in
Assam villagers donate Rs 80,000 cash and 45,000 kg of paddy to AASU to fight against CAA
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-villagers-donate-rs-80-000-cash-and-45-000-kg-of-paddy-to-aasu-to-fight-against-caa-1638768-2020-01-21
Guwahati:The farmers of about 85 villages in Assam's Dibrugarh district donated Rs 80,000 cash to AASU to help fund its legal fight against the CAA.Besides cash, the farmers and residents of the 85 villages under Sasoni mouza of Naharkatia in the oil-rich upper Assam district also donated 450 quintals of paddy (45,000 kg), which they had grown, to the AASU.The villagers had handed over the paddy and cash amount to AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi during the anti-CAA agitation programme.indiatoday
Assaam: KMSS leader held for CAA violence
https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/north-east/kmss-leader-sashi-sensowa-held-for-caa-violence/cid/1737546
Dibrugarh:Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS)’s Dibrugarh unit joint general secretary Sashi Sensowa was arrested on Monday for “violence and vandalism” during protests against the CAA in the Upper Assam district.After arresting Sensowa from his house in Tingkong, the police produced him in court, which sent him to judicial custody. Later, KMSS’s women’s wing, Nari Mukti Sangram Samiti, laid siege to the jail here and residents of Tingkong blocked Rajgarh road, demanding his immediate release. The protesters also shouted slogans against the government. Traffic was disrupted for an hour after locals blocked the road.telegraphindia
Mangaluru police firing: People's Tribunal report cites excess by cops, seeks judicial inquiry
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/jan/21/mangaluru-police-firing-peoples-tribunal-report-cites-excess-by-cops-seeks-judicial-inquiry-2092452.html
A People's Tribunal on the police firing on CAA protestors in Mangaluru on December 19 in its report said that the action of the police personnel seem to contravene significant limitations on their powers, as provided for in the Karnataka Police Manual, and has pressed for constitution of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the incident.People’s Tribunal comprised of Justice (Retd.) V Gopala Gowda, BT Venkatesh and Sugata Srinivasaraju which conducted public hearings to hear from all the persons affected by the police firing on 19th December, came out with the observations on Tuesday.The panel has observed that imposition of prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC were unwarranted and its imposition on the evening of Dec 18 was not effectively communicated to the residents of the area.newindianexpress
Mangalore Police Issues Notices to Kerala Residents for Anti-CAA Protests
https://thewire.in/government/kerala-mangaluru-police
Around 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, from Kerala’s Kasaragod district have received summons from the Mangalore police in connection with the probe into violent anti-CAA protests that took place on December 19 and left two people dead in police firing, according to a report in TOI .It appears that a majority of them received summons on the basis of their cellphone location on the day of the protests.The summons, issued by an assistant commissioner of police of the Mangaluru city crime record bureau, mention the date and time for the appearance and caution against absence, which would be construed as “evading the investigation” and would invite “further legal procedure”.The district of Kasaragod in Kerala borders Karnataka and several locals from small towns in district frequent Manguluru, which is the biggest city in the vicinity, for a variety of commercial and household needs.thewire
Muslims collect weapons in mosques instead of praying, says Karnataka BJP leader Renukacharya at pro-CAA rally
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/muslims-collect-weapons-in-mosques-instead-of-praying-says-karnataka-bjp-leader-renukacharya-at-pro-caa-rally
MP Renukacharya, Karnataka Chief Minister’s political adviser has stirred controversy with his remarks over mosques at a pro-CAA rally in Karnataka.While addressing the gathering in support of the new citizenship law, BJP MP said "There are a few traitors who sit in a masjid and write fatwas. They collect weapons inside the mosque instead of praying. Is this why you want a Masjid?”He went on to say that he won't hesitate to use the money allotted to Muslims for Hindus. "I will resort to such politics in my taluk where the money allotted for Muslims can be used for Hindus. I will put you [Muslims] in your place and show what politics is," said Renukacharya.nationalheraldindia
VHP workers to spread awareness about CAA
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vhp-marga-darshak-mandal-meeting-build-ram-temple-from-ram-bhakts-money-not-govt-funds-6227248/
Lucknow: Welcoming the enactment of CAA by the BJP government at the Centre, Darshak Mandal of VHP unanimously approved a proposal to help government in the implementation of the controversial law, against which protests are being held across the country. As per resolution, proposed by Mahamandaleshwar Hariharanand Maharaj, VHP volunteers will help “spread awareness and remove misconception regarding the CAA”.During the meeting, sadhus said that there was a need for the amendment to the citizenship law “as minorities were being discriminated in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan or Afganisation because of their religion”, VHP said.indianexpress
Now, Naseeruddin Shah wants to see PM Modi’s political science degree
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/now-naseeruddin-shah-wants-to-see-pm-modi%E2%80%99s-political-science-degree-29535
Chandigarh:“I don’t have a birth certificate. I cannot produce one. Does that mean we are all going to be excluded?” asks veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah to the passing of the CAA. He said he isn’t worried but angry that Indians are being forced by the ruling party to prove their citizenship. In an interview with The Wire, the veteran actor asked why his passport, voter’s ID, driver’s licence and Aadhaar card weren’t enough proof of his citizenship. He said: “I don’t have a birth certificate. I cannot produce one. Does that mean we are all going to be excluded? I do not need any reassurances that Muslims don’t need to be worried. I am not worried. If living here (in India) for 70 years does not prove me to be an Indian, I don’t know what does. I am not afraid, I am not anxious, I am angry”. Naseeruddin condemns the violence against the student protesters.Tribune
'Didn’t Ask Anything Wrong': Kerala Man After Filing RTI Query On PM Modi’s Citizenship Documents
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-didnt-ask-anything-wrong-kerala-man-after-filing-rti-query-on-pm-modis-citizenship-documents/345940
As protests against the controversial citizenship law continue to rock the country, a man who filed a RTI query seeking documents of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s citizenship has been at the receiving end of both bouquets and brickbats. Joshy Kalluveettil, hailing from Thrissur district in Kerala, has filed an RTI application on January 13 for clarification on the documents for CAA, which was passed by the Parliament in December last year. Kalluveettil says that his intention was to clear the air on the law and to seek clarity on the necessary documents to prove one’s citizenship in the wake of the ongoing protests against it.“The central government had said that Aadhaar, driving license, ration card, PAN card or passport could not be used to prove one’s citizenship. I thought, if we can access the information on PM’s documents, it will allay the fears of the public on documents. The people of India too could use the same documents,” he says.outlookindia
Deeply perplexed: JDU leader confronts Nitish Kumar on tie-up with BJP in Delhi
https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/delhi-assembly-polls-2020/story/jdu-leader-nitish-kumar-tie-up-bjp-delhi-poll-pavan-varma-1638782-2020-01-21
Amid differences over the new citizenship law, a senior Janata Dal (United) leader has questioned Nitish Kumar over the party's decision to ally with the BJP for the upcoming Delhi Assembly poll.In a tweet on Tuesday, senior JD(U) leader Pavan K Varma posted a photo of the letter written to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar where he asked the party chief how an alliance was formed with the BJP for the Delhi elections."This is the letter I have written to Nitish Kumar today asking him how the JD(U) has formed an alliance with the BJP for the Delhi elections, given his own views on the BJP, and the massive national outrage against the divisive CAA-NPR-NRC scheme," JD(U) leader with party leader Pavan K Varma said.India Today
Women Take out Massive Rally in AP’s Kurnool against CAA-NRC/NPR
https://caravandaily.com/women-take-out-massive-rally-in-aps-kurnool-against-caa-nrc-npr/
Kurnool;Amid raging protests, sit-in demonstrations and rallies, hundreds of women took out a huge rally against CAA, NPR and NRC in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool on Monday. In a spirited show, the protesters marched from Osmania College Ground to Collectorate.Addressing their plea to Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jagmohan Reddy, they said, “NPR karne ki teri zid ko mitade wo dhool hun main, aakar dekh Jagan sir dukhtar-e-karnool hun mai” (We will thwart your attempt to carry out the NPR exercise, we are the daughters of Kurnool). The march was organised under banner of National Women’s Front (NWF). Addressing the protesters, an NWF leader said, “Allah will rescue us from the tyranny of Modi as He the Almighty had liberated Bani Israel (Jews) from Pharaoh (Ancient Egyptian tyranny ruler). We are not going to back down unless and until this black law (CAA) is repealed.”caravandaily
In Hyderabad, fears about NRC sparks rush at offices of qazis and Waqf Board
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/hyderabad-fears-about-nrc-sparks-rush-offices-qazis-and-waqf-board-116426
For the last few weeks, the office of Chief Qazi of Qazat Shariat Panah Balda in Hyderabad’s Shah Ali Banda area has been packed. Scores of people from all walks of life – from burqa-clad women to senior citizens – have been lining up outside the office every day. With people in a hurry for their turn, Chief Qazi Mir Qadar Ali Khan and his team members are doing their best inside, to deal with the large number of requests that have come in.Ever since the Centre passed the controversial CAA and proposed a NRC, a large number of people have gathered outside the office of Chief Qazi, whose jurisdiction covers large parts of Hyderabad’s Old City. thenewsminute
*J&K AND S. ASIA*
Afzal Guru was made scapegoat: Actress Soni Razdan seeks solid inquiry into his case
https://caravandaily.com/afzal-guru-was-made-scapegoat-soni-razdan-seeks-solid-inquiry-into-his-case/?fbclid=IwAR2tQEERmEOKrJylEPxjwItsFWiZXi9S7ZfuMUQCvLrQtYuwPCzQXndMazQ
New Delhi:Questioning the conviction of Afzal Guru in the parliament attack case, Alia Bhatt’s mother and actress Soni Razdan said Guru was made scapegoat and there should be solid inquiry in his case.The questions over conviction of Guru raised after Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh, who tortured Guru, was held along with terrorists. In a letter to his lawyer, Guru had accused Jammu and Kashmir police officer Singh of torturing him and assigning him to fetch a parliament attack accused to Delhi.“One day at 10 AM I was on my two wheeler scooter that I had purchased just before two months. I was whisked away by STF men in bullet proof gypsy to Paihallan camp. There the D.S.P. Vinay Gupta tortured me, electrified me — put me in cold water — used petrol-chillies and other techniques. He told me that I possess weapons but at evening time one of his inspector Farooq told me that if I can pay 1000,000 Rs. to him (DSP) I will be released or they will kill me,” said Guru in letter.Referring to this letter, Razadan tweeted, “This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent. This is why the death penalty is not to be used lightly. And this is why there also needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat.” “No one is saying he is innocent. But if he was tortured and then ordered by his torturer to do what he did isn’t that what needed to be fully investigated ? Why did no one take his allegations about Devinder Singh seriously. That’s the travesty,” she further clarified her statement.caravandaily
Soni Razdan: Afzal Guru a ‘scapegoat’, Davinder Singh’s role in Parliament attack must be probed
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/actor-soni-razdan-seeks-probe-into-davinder-singhs-role-in-parliament-attack-calls-afzal-guru-scapegoat-6227902/
Jammu and Kashmir: Only 5 out of 36 Union ministers to visit 3 districts in Valley from today
https://scroll.in/latest/950570/jammu-and-kashmir-only-5-out-of-36-union-ministers-to-visit-three-districts-in-valley-from-today
Only 5 out of 36 Union ministers will be visiting Kashmir from Tuesday as part of Centre’s outreach programme. For next 4 days, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Human Resources Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik and Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy will attend eight government and public programmes. The ministers are expected to educate locals about the development measures and schemes undertaken by the government for the region.On Tuesday, Naqvi will visit Faqir Gujri village on the outskirts of Srinagar. He will lay the foundation stones for a high school in Dara area and for a water conservation project at Sarband in Harwan area. Reddy will be touring Ganderbal district for two days visit from Wednesday. On Friday, he will chair a function at Police Training College in Ganderbal.Prasad will attend a function at Dak Banglow in Baramulla and inaugurate a sports complex during his 2-day stay starting Thursday. Naik will attend a function at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar on Thursday. Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank will travel to Harwan and attend a public meeting at the city centre on Friday.There are a total of 51 trips planned for Jammu, and only 8 for Srinagar, NDTV reported, citing a list it had accessed. scroll.in/PTI
Jammu and Kashmir L-G Murmu invites investors, says communications curbs will go
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jk-l-g-invites-investors-says-communications-curbs-will-go/article30609937.ece?homepage=true
Highlighting investment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant-Governor G.C. Murmu said on Monday that communication restrictions, including the Internet ban, were “temporary”.The event was held in New Delhi in the run-up to the first-ever three-day Global Investors’ Summit to be held in Srinagar and Jammu in April. The summit was to have been held last year, but was postponed.K.K. Sharma, Adviser to the Lt. Governor, told The Hindu that Jammu and Kashmir had a huge mining reserve and it was one area that could be exploited for production. “J&K has reserves of limestone and gypsum that we can exploit for production. For that, we are revamping the policy; industrialists from J&K can participate. The land allotment policy will also be revised. The Internet has been suspended for a limited period, it will not be long time before it is restored,” he said.thehindu
*ECONOMY*
India responsible for 80% of slashed global growth estimate: IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath
https://www.indiatoday.in/business/davos-2020/story/exclusive-india-responsible-for-80-of-slashed-global-growth-estimate-imf-chief-economist-gita-gopinath-1638621-2020-01-20
Davos:As IMF cut down global growth forecasts owing to the economic slowdown in India and other emerging markets, the chief economist of Gita Gopinath said that India was primarily responsible for the downgrade in global growth.India Gopinath said, "We have projected global growth at 2.9 per cent for 2019 and 3.3 per cent for 2020 which is 0.1 percentage point lower than the October estimates. The vast majority of it comes from our downgrade for India which was quite significant for both years."When asked the extent to which the economic slowdown in India had impacted global forecasts, Gita Gopinath said, "Simple calculation says it would be over 80 per cent."IMF on Monday also lowered India's economic growth estimate for the current fiscal to 4.8 per cent. When asked about the slashed projections, Gita Gopinath said, "The first two quarters of India came in weaker than we projected. One sector where we are seeing the most stress is the financial sector -- the non-bank financial corporations. We have seen a sharp decline in credit growth and a weakened business sentiment. All this led to the revised numbers."According to Gopinath, the biggest task before government is to restimulate growth without furthering non-performing assets (NPAs) problem.indiatoday
'India Needs Investment': IMF's Gita Gopinath On Snub To Jeff Bezos
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/imf-gita-gopinath-on-centre-snub-to-jeff-bezos-india-needs-investment-2167192?pfrom=home-topscroll
'Must Prepare Ourselves for Attack on Gita Gopinath': Chidambaram Warns as IMF Trims Growth Estimate
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/p-chidambaram-gita-gopinath-international-monetary-fund-growth-estimate-gdp-davos-2466309.html
New Delhi:Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday said an attack on IMF and its chief economist Gita Gopinath was in the offing after the body trimmed India’s growth estimate.Taking to Twitter, Chidambaram said: "IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath was one of first to denounce demonetisation. I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath.”He also said revision was "window dressing" and was likely to go even lower. Congress leader has been a staunch critic of Modi government’s economic policies. He had earlier said if unemployment rises and incomes decline, there is a danger of youth and students "exploding in anger"."The nation is engrossed with the anti-CAA, anti-NPR protests. Both present a clear and present danger," Chidambaram had said.Chidambaram had also attacked the government over rising consumer price index (CPI) inflation.news18
India’s slowing economy weighs on insurance premium growth, says Moody’s
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/indias-slowing-economy-weighs-on-insurance-premium-growth-says-moodys/article30615261.ece?homepage=true
Mumbai:Moody’s Investors Service said that country’s slowing economy will weigh on insurance premium growth over next 2-3 years, while supportive measures put in place by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) will help counterbalance the deteriorating economic environment. “India’s GDP growth weakened to its slowest rate in five years in the fiscal year ended March 2019, and the resultant financial pressure on rural households amid weaker job creation is in turn also weighing on premium growth,” says Benjamin Serra, a Moody’s Senior vice-president.GDP growth slowed to 6.8% in fiscal 2018 and could slow further to 4.9% in fiscal 2019 before recovering to 6.3% in fiscal 2020, rating agency said. “Nevertheless, the country’s low insurance penetration rate suggests ample room for further growth, while supportive government and regulatory initiatives are also helping mitigate the currently challenging environment for Indian insurance and reinsurance companies,” the report said.thehindu
FM Sitharaman may push for 30K cr interim dividend from RBI to meet low revenue generation, slowdown
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/business/fm-sitharaman-may-push-for-indian-rupee30k-cr-interim-dividend-from-rbi-to-meet-low-revenue-generation-slowdown-2
Finance Ministry is likely to push for ₹25,000-30,000 crore interim dividend from RBI, for the third time in a row, to check slippages in the fiscal deficit of 3.3 per cent in 2019-20.The central bank and government may touch upon the issue when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das at post Budget Vision customary meeting.Government has a Budget estimate of ₹90,000 crore dividend from RBI in FY20. RBI follows a fiscal of July-June. The interim dividend of the RBI's total dividend for 2019-20 (July-June) can help the government check 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target slippage.In the past RBI has paid a total ₹38,000 crore as interim dividend (₹28,000 crore in FY19 and ₹10,000 crore in FY18)."If the RBI board recommends, then it will be the third time when interim payout will be given to the government," said sources.The central bank had paid ₹28,000 crore as interim dividend from its 2018-19 fiscal accounts (July-June) in February, which helped the government contain deficit at 3.4 per cent in the last fiscal.IANS
2000 notes make 56 percent of total fake currency, Gujarat being the hub
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/videos/indian-rupee2000-notes-make-56-percent-of-total-fake-currency-gujarat-being-the-hub
2000 notes introduced after demonetisation, on 8 November 2016 have become the major culprit of counterfeit currency.While ₹1,000 and ₹500 banknotes were banned overnight, the government introduced new banknotes with denominations of ₹2,000 and ₹500.It said these banknotes have additional security features which would make them difficult to be copied by counterfeiters, hence check the menace of fake currency.But three yea₹on, government's own data show that a note with higher value actually helped the rackets operating in counterfeit currency.Latest reports of NCRB reveal that, ₹2,000 banknotes comprised 56 per cent of all fake currency seized in India after demonetisation.NCRB's latest annual report titled 'Crime in India' reveals that in 2017 and 2018, law enforcing agencies seized Fake India Currency Note (FICN) worth ₹46.06 crore.Analysis of the two NCRB reports further reveals that ₹2,000 notes contribute maximum to the value of seized fake currency.nationalheraldindia
SC agrees to hear pleas of Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Tata seeking fresh schedule of paying dues
https://theprint.in/india/sc-agrees-to-hear-pleas-of-airtel-vodafone-idea-tata-seeking-fresh-schedule-of-paying-dues/352479/
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to list next week the fresh pleas of telecom firms, including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices, seeking a fresh schedule of payment of statutory dues to tune of Rs 1.47 lakh crore to Telecom Dept. A bench headed by CJI S A Bobde took note of submissions by a battery of senior lawyers including A M Singhvi and C A Sundaram and said it will list the fresh pleas “sometime in next week” before the same bench which had heard the earlier petition in the high-stake matter.PTI
*JNU & CAMPUS VIOLENCE*
CCTVs at JNU server room not vandalised but shut down on Jan 3: RTI RTI counters admin claim
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cctvs-at-jnus-server-room-not-vandalised-but-shut-down-on-january-3-rti/
New Delhi :Contradicting the claims made by JNU administration that agitating students damaged biometric systems and CCTVs at the server room, the varsity, in an RTI reply, said the main server at the Centre for Information System was shut down on January 3 and had gone down the next day “due to power supply disruption”. RTI reply also stated that “no continuous and entire” CCTV footage of cameras installed at North/Main gate of the JNU campus from 3 pm to 11 pm on January 5 was available, the day when masked men had entered the campus and attacked students and teachers with iron rods and sledgehammers.“The main server of JNU was shut down on January 3 and had gone down the next day due to power supply disruption. None of CCTV cameras were vandalised from December 30, to January 8,” the varsity, in its response to RTI, said. RTI reply also said a total of 17 fibre optical cables were damaged on January 4 at 1 pm. “None of the biometric systems were broken or destroyed from Decr 30, to Jan 8,,” it said. RTI reply had also sought information on whether the CIS office contained the servers of the CCTV cameras in and around the campus. To this, the varsity stated that the servers of CCTV cameras are located in the data centre and not at the CIS office.JNU administration, in an FIR, had claimed that on January 3 a group of students wearing masks had forcibly entered CIS and switched off the power supply, making servers dysfunctional, thereby affecting a range functions, including CCTV surveillance, biometric attendance and internet services.Even JNU V-C Jagadesh Kumar in an interview with Indian Express admitted the same.indianexpress
Biometrics, CCTVs at server room were not vandalised: RTI counters JNU claim
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/biometrics-cctvs-server-room-were-not-vandalised-rti-counters-jnu-claim-116544
Basic demand on fee hike met, calls for JNU VC’s removal now not reasonable: HRD Minister Pokhriyal
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jnu-fee-hike-demand-met-calls-for-vc-removal-not-reasonable-ramesh-pokhriyal-6227690/
New Delhi :Asserting that the basic demand of JNU students on the issue of hostel fee hike has been met, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Tuesday said that the calls for the removal of the university’s Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar are now not reasonable.“The basic demand of students about the hostel fees hike has been met. The calls for JNU VC’s removal now are not reasonable, removing anybody is not the solution,” he said in an interview to PTI.“Over 80 per cent students have already registered for the winter semester. The students who want to study should not be disturbed. If our universities have to excel in global competition, we need to rise above these issues,” said the minister.Asserting that CAA is not aimed at taking away anybody’s citizenship, the minister appealed to students “to explain this to those misleading public on the issue and indulging in petty politics”.indianexpress
JNU students’ union moves Delhi High Court against hostel fee hike, says varsity decision arbitrary
https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/jnu-students-union-moves-delhi-high-court-against-hostel-fee-hike-says-varsity-decision-arbitrary/story-356FnvQdRIDcmse3qTBKyL.html
JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court against the increase in hostel fees. The petition, filed by JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh and other office bearers, wants court to direct administration to allow students to register as per the old fees structure.It also urged court to restrict JNU authorities from imposing late fee on students who want to register for January winter semester. The petition submitted that decisions taken by university’sInter Hostel Administration (IHA) in its Oct, 2019 meeting are malafide, arbitrary and illegal and adversely affect the students.HT
JNUSU President accuses ABVP of beating up student
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jnu-students-union-president-aishe-ghosh-accuses-abvp-of-beating-up-student-2167125?pfrom=home-topstories
New Delhi: Over a fortnight after the violence on JNU campus, the university's Students Union President Aishe Ghosh alleged on Monday that a student has been beaten up by ABVP members, a charge denied by the RSS-affiliated students' body."An unfortunate incident of ragging against students of BA second year is being shown as a case of ABVP violence against the person accused of ragging," ABVP claimed.According to sources, Raghib Akram, a resident of Narmada Hostel, was beaten up by some students. The reason was that he had reportedly not allowed them to eat at the Narmada Hostel mess on Sunday, as they were from a different hostel, the sources said.PTI
Afghan student stabbed near Goa University; NSUI demands strong action to avoid ‘Jamia, JNU-like situation’
https://www.firstpost.com/india/afghan-student-stabbed-near-goa-university-campus-state-nsui-chief-demands-strong-action-to-avoid-jamia-jnu-like-situation-7935601.html
Panaji: An Afghan student studying at Goa University was stabbed by a group of men near Panaji, a police official said on Tuesday. One person has been arrested in connection with incident that took place on Monday afternoon in Dona Paula area near the university campus, he said.The victim, Mathihulla Aria (24), who was pursuing M.Com course at university's Goa Business School, was injured in the attack and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Dona Paula, official said. Panaji Police have arrested Satish Nilkanthe, a Maharashtra resident, for allegedly stabbing the student, the official said.Meanwhile, NSUI Goa chief Ahraz Mulla wrote a letter to Governor Satya Pal Malik after the incident and expressed fear of a "JNU-like situation" in the Goa University."This is to bring to your notice the recent attack on an Afghani student in Goa. The law and order in the state has gone for a ride and students of Goa are fearing a JNU-like situation here very soon with such attacks (coming to notice) on a regular basis," Mulla said.PTI
*OTHERS*
No religion prescribes use of loudspeaker for worship: Allahabad HC rejects mosques' request to Install loudspeaker for azaan
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/no-religion-prescribes-use-of-loudspeaker-for-worship-hc/story-TpbvWyXwBdTrlHWyQ5lJVM.html
While observing that no religion prescribed the use of loudspeakers for worship, Allahabad high court today declined to quash order of Jaunpur district administration by which it had denied use of loudspeaker for the purpose of ‘azan’ in two mosques of village Baddopur in Shahganj area of Jaunpur.Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice VC Dixit, while dismissing petition filed by Jaunpur-resident Masroor Ahmad said, “petitioners have been refused permission to use sound amplifying system at the mosque not only for the inherent reason of noise pollution but in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the area.”The court also raised the issue of noise pollution and ignorance of the public in this regard.It observed, “People in India do not realise that noise in itself is a sort of pollution. They are not even fully conscious about its ill effect on health, though some concern is being shown to it in recent past.”In March last year, the petitioner had moved an application seeking permission to use loudspeakers on 2 mosques. However, circle officer, Shahganj after spot inspection submitted in his report that area had a mixed population of Hindus and Muslims and if any party was allowed to use sound amplifiers, the tension between two groups could escalate and disturb the peace in the area.HT
VHP Marga Darshak Mandal Meeting: ‘Build Ram temple from Ram Bhakts’ money, not govt funds’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vhp-marga-darshak-mandal-meeting-build-ram-temple-from-ram-bhakts-money-not-govt-funds-6227248/
Lucknow :Over 200 Hindu priests and sadhus, taking part in “Marga Darshak Mandal” meeting of VHP in Prayagraj on Monday, called for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya using funds collected from the devotees or “Ram Bhakts” instead of government funds. They said that while the government could form a Trust for the construction of Ram temple as per the Supreme Court’s judgment, no government money should be used for building the temple.They also expressed hope that the construction of temple would start by “Navratra” this year. “Sadhus were of the belief that government of the day has people in it who were associated with the Ram Temple movement since the beginning, and therefore, there is no doubt that soon a trust would be formed for the construction of the Ram temple. While they felt that a date for the construction of the temple should be announced soon, it was also felt that it would be better if it begins during Navratra,”VHP spokespman Vinod Bansal said.At the meeting, it was decided to organise “Ram Mahotsava” in villages across the country between March 25 and April 8. Among those present at meeting included general secretary of Sadhvi Shakri Parishad, Sadhvi Pragya Bharti; mahant Suresh Das of Ayodhya; and VHP general secretary Milind Parande.indianexpress
Peace Party files curative petition in SC against Ayodhya verdict, says Hindus never proved 'unimpeded possession' of disputed land
https://www.firstpost.com/india/peace-party-of-india-files-curative-petition-in-sc-against-ayodhya-verdict-says-hindus-never-proved-unimpeded-possession-of-disputed-land-7936281.html
Peace Party of India, a political party from Uttar Pradesh, filed a curative petition today in the Supreme Court against the verdict in Ayodhya title dispute case, asking the SC to reconsider its decision, which the party said is based on faith. Mohammed Ayub, president of PPI, claimed in his curative petition that the title must be based on exclusive and unimpeded possession which has to be established by evidence.“Hindus were never able to prove unimpeded possession with respect to outer or inner courtyard,” he said in petition.Petitioner further submitted that the judgment of the SC relied upon patent errors and created rights based on illegal acts.A curative petition is last judicial resort available for redressal of grievances. It is decided in-chambers by judges.firstpost
Plea in SC challenges schemes for minorities
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/plea-in-sc-challenges-schemes-for-minorities-6226966/
New Delhi:Do government schemes for religious minorities violate the Constitution? On Monday, a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice R F Nariman issued notice to Centre on a plea which raised the question.The plea by six residents of Uttar Pradesh, who termed themselves as “followers of Sanatan Vedic Dharam” and “belong to the Hindu community”, said, “State cannot make distinction between majority and minority community. The State cannot make any rule, law or regulation distinguishing religious minorities as a separate class. The State cannot make any law in the name of minorities beyond the scope of Article 30 of the Constitution…”The petition, filed through advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, pointed out that “none of the notified minority community have been declared as socially, educationally backward class or economically depressed class of the citizens” and “therefore, there is no constitutional sanction for initiating and implementing the impugned schemes”.indianexpress
Disqualification of lawmakers: SC asks Parliament to rethink Speaker’s powers, suggests independent body
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/not-speaker-but-independent-body-should-decide-on-disqualifications-sc-suggestion-to-parliament-6227578/
New Delhi :The Supreme Court today suggested the setting up of an independent mechanism to take decisions regarding the disqualification of members of legislative assemblies. A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman left it to Parliament to rethink whether the Speaker of the House, also a member of a political party, should have power to disqualify MLAs.The SC was hearing a petition filed by Congress leaders seeking the disqualification of MLA T Shyamkumar Singh from Manipur Assembly under the anti-defection law. Singh had contested 2017 Manipur Assembly elections on a Congress ticket but was later sworn in as a minister of BJP-led coalition government. The SC has given the Manipur Speaker four weeks to decide on the petition, after which it granted the petitioners, Md Fajur Rahim and K Meghachandra, liberty to approach it again if a decision was not taken.Manipur HC had earlier disposed of their petitions, and refused to pass any order citing shortfalls of its jurisdiction under tenth schedule.indianexpress
Rajiv Gandhi assassination: SC asks TN to inform if decision taken on convict’s mercy plea
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajiv-gandhi-assassination-sc-asks-tn-to-inform-if-decision-taken-on-convicts-mercy-plea-6227821/
New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Tamil Nadu government to inform whether a decision has been taken by it on a mercy petition of a convict in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.The apex court also pulled up the Centre for filing a similar status report on a probe done by a CBI-led Multi Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) into unravelling a larger conspiracy behind the killing of the former prime minister.A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Deepak Gupta asked the state government to inform the court about the decision taken by it under Article 161 of the Constitution.The article gives a governor the power to pardon a person who has been proved guilty in court.PTI
HC Gives Karnataka Govt 2 Months Time to Review Ban on Tipu Jayanti
https://thewire.in/politics/karnataka-high-court-tipu-jayanti
Karnataka high court has granted eight weeks time to the state government to reconsider its decision to cancel state celebrations of Tipu Jayanti, the birth anniversary of 18th-century Mysuru king Tipu Sultan, according to a report inDeccan Herald.A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay S. Oka heard a batch of public interest litigation petitions filed by various organisations seeking to quash the order by the government cancelling Tipu Jayanti celebrations.The bench was hearing a PIL petition filed by Bilal Ali Shah, who claims to be Tipu Sultan’s descendant, and two organisations, Tipu Sultan United Front and Tipu Rashtreeya Seva Sangha, Bengaluru, who had challenged the cancellation of Tipu Jayanti as a state event.The bench granted 8 weeks time to the state government and deferred the case to March 18.thewire
Tipu Sultan chapters to be retained in Karnataka textbooks next academic year
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/tipu-sultan-chapters-to-be-retained-in-karnataka-textbooks-bs-yediyurappa-6227583/
Chapters on Tipu Sultan, 18th century King of Mysore, will be retained in state textbooks for the next academic year (2020-21) but Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa-led government will form a committee that would take a decision to add both the positive and negative sides of Tipu Sultan in textbooks.In October 2019, Madikeri BJP MLA Appachu Ranjan had approached Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar, demanding the removal of lessons on Tipu Sultan from school textbooks. He had alleged the chapters “contain wrong information”, and that “Tipu was not a freedom fighter”. Following this, the minister had sought a report on Ranjan’s proposal from Managing Director of Karnataka Textbook Society (KTBS).On Monday, Kumar said, “There will be no changes in chapters on Tipu Sultan in state syllabus textbooks for the coming academic year, but we have decided to form a comprehensive committee which will go through both positive and negative sides of Tipu.”indianexpress
Don't spin Mangaluru bomb incident, Kumaraswamy tells Karnataka govt. BJP asks: Why cry for jihadis?
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mangaluru-airport-bomb-incident-hd-kumaraswamy-bjp-karnataka-1638727-2020-01-21
Mangaluru:BJP on Tuesday came down strongly on HD Kumaraswamy's after he said Karnataka government shouldn't spin a recent bomb scare at Mangaluru airport to its advantage.On Monday, a low-intensity explosive device was removed from the airport and defused safely in an open field. Anil Pandey, DIG (operations), CISF, said explosive didn't have a trigger mechanism.When the airport was being sanitised in the afternoon, it received a threat call about a bomb aboard an IndiGo flight. But a search found nothing "objectionable", an official said.Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said his government would "identify the anti-national forces who want to terrorise people and create panic". HD Kumaraswamy, a senior leader in the opposition JD(S) party, said it shouldn't be difficult to find those responsible, and claimed the police had asked for a month, ANI reported.Kumaraswamy said government shouldn't give the story a "different spin" later, and accused it of creating "a situation of conflict" between different communities, the news agency reported.BJP, on its part, accused him of blaming the police for the bomb and asked: "Why cry for jihadis?"India Today
Home Ministry confirms it has no information on ‘Tukde Tukde’ gang, activist to explore legal options
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-home-ministry-confirms-it-has-no-information-on-tukde-tukde-gang-activist-to-explore-legal-options/345967?fbclid=IwAR1ghnDTEwchHZScqSvkZrhSMaa6HJzsVAeuRIaAQWWqw_ckNWmFQESsGrI
Union Home Ministry on Monday confirmed that it has no information on ‘tukde tukde’ gang, a term which has been frequently used by Prime Minister, Home Minister and other union ministers. Replying to an RTI query by activist Saket Gokhale, the ministry said that it did not possess information regarding the term.Responding to the ministry’s reply, Gokhale said that the Home Minister and the Home ministry are contradicting each other and he will take the matter to Election Commission.“Mr Shah has been using this term repeatedly during election rallies. This is something EC should examine because home minister and home ministry are contradicting each other,” Gokhale told Outlook.Talking about the further course of action, Gokhale said that he will send notices to both Home Minister and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who made a remark on the ‘tukde tukde’ gang during a TV interview on January 6.“I will be sending a notice to both ministers for clarification on their remarks,” he said.Gokhale’s RTI application also sought information on definition of 'tukde tukde gang' as identified by Ministry of Home Affairs and whether a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been drawn up to identify the gang. The term came into wide usage in 2016 after it was alleged that some students raised ‘anti-India slogans’ in JNU. Now that the Home Ministry admitted this term doesn’t exist, there should be push back from people against it, says Gokhale.PTI
Kotkhai custodial death case: CBI asks court to cancel IG Zaidi’s bail
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kotkhai-custodial-death-case-cbi-asks-court-to-cancel-ig-zaidis-bail-6227416/
Chandigarh :12 days after former Shimla SP Soumya Sambasivan alleged in court that she was being pressurised by the accused in the Kotkhai custodial death case, the CBI has moved a plea in the court of Special Judge Dr Sushil Kumar Garg seeking cancellation accused IG Zahur Haider Zaidi’s bail. The probe agency also demanded that a non-bailable warrant be issued against him. After hearing the plea, the court has issued notice to the accused and his counsel for filing a reply on January 24.In its application, CBI argued that that the trial Court (then at Shimla) had “imposed certain conditions on accused Zahur Haider Zaidi while granting him bail”. It said: “One of the condition of granting of bail was that accused will not temper with prosecution evidence and will not influence/ intimidate prosecution witnesses so as to dissuade them from submitting/deposing facts/information relating to case to the Court or police officials/IO. It is pertinent to mention here that the accused Zahur Haider Zaidi had also undertaken to abide by the aforesaid condition and furnished personal bond in this regard.”indianexpress
Assam Rifles jawan booked for molesting and assaulting lady IPS officer
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/assam-rifles-jawan-booked-for-molesting-ips-officer-6226733/
Imphal:A woman IPS officer on duty was allegedly assaulted and molested by an Assam Rifles (AR) rifleman at a check post near Moreh, a town on border of India and Myanmar in Tengnoupal, on Sunday.An FIR was lodged against rifleman, PK Pandey, following a formal complaint by the officer. The victim is posted as sub-divisional police officer in a district in the state. Manipur DGP LM Khaute said, “It is an unfortunate incident. We have informed Assam Rifles authorities. The victim has also lodged a complaint.”
Court directs govt to take over Azam Khan’s varsity land
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/court-directs-govt-to-take-over-azam-khans-varsity-land-6226985/
Lucknow :Stating that the land sold to Jauhar Trust, headed by beleaguered SP MP Azam Khan, has flouted the UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, a Revenue Board court in Prayagraj has directed the government to take over around 100 bighas of land in Rampur allegedly purchased from 12 Dalit farmers under coercion. Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, whose chancellor is Azam Khan, has been built on the land. Established in 2006, the university is spread over 500 acres.Sections 155-AA and 131-B of the Act bar small land-owning Dalits from transferring their land to non-Scheduled Castes, and if they do, it has to be approved by the district administration.“In short, what is sought to be conveyed is that an institution/society may be a person but cannot be a person of no caste. The transfer of land in the present case as such is by Scheduled Caste persons to a person other than a scheduled caste. No such transfer could have been made by the said scheduled caste persons in favour of the institution/ society (petitioners) that has no caste,” stated the order.indianexpress
Delhi polls: BJP’s second list out; Sunil Yadav to take on Kejriwal from New Delhi, Tajinder Bagga fielded from Hari Nagar
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-polls-bjp-release-second-candidate-list-tajinder-bagga-to-contest-from-hari-nagar-6227286/
BJP today released the second list of ten candidates for Delhi Assembly polls, fielding spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga from Hari Nagar constituency. State Yuva Morcha President Sunil Yadav will contest from the New Delhi constituency against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. According to list, Ramesh Khanna will be contesting from Rajouri Garden, party’s Purvanchal Morcha president Manish Singh has been fielded from Delhi Cantt constituency, and Dharamvir Singh will contest the election from Kalkaji.The list also includes the names of former East Delhi deputy mayor Sanjay Goyal who will contest from Shahdara, Sumanlata Shokeen, who would content from Nangloi Jat, Ravindra Chaudhary from Kasturba Nagar, Kusum Khatri from Mehrauli and Anil Goyal from Krishna Nagar.The candidates were announced late last night after BJP’s ally SAD decided not to contest Delhi polls following differences with the saffron party over CAA.indianexpress
Delhi polls: Congress fields Parvez Hashmi from Okhla against AAP’s Amanatullah Khan
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-polls-congress-fields-former-mp-parvez-hashmi-from-okhla-against-aaps-amanatullah-khan-6227592/
New Delhi :Congress on Tuesday released its third list of 5 candidates for the Delhi Assembly polls, fielding ex Rajya Sabha member Parvez Hashmi from Okhla seat against AAP leader Amanatullah Khan, who is eyeing a second term from the seat. Former Congress MLA Mukesh Sharma is party’s nominee from the Vikaspuri seat. Party has fielded Mohinder Chaudhary from Mehrauli assembly seat, Parveen Rana from Bijwasan and Jai Prakash Panwar from Madipur (SC) seat. Congress had declared 54 names in its first list and named seven more candidates late Monday night. Among them is ex NSUI president Romesh Sabharwal, who will contest from New Delhi constituency against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.indianexpress
Delhi polls: Kejriwal files papers after 6 hours in queue
https://www.thehindu.com/elections/delhi-assembly/delhi-assembly-elections-kejriwal-files-papers-after-six-hours-in-queue/article30616014.ece?homepage=true
AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal filed his nomination papers from the New Delhi Assembly constituency on January 21 evening, the last day for filing the poll papers, a party leader said. Kejriwal had to wait at the Jamnagar House for over six hours before filing the nomination.Holding token number 45, Mr. Kejriwal was seen waiting to file his nomination for the New Delhi Assembly seat on.“Waiting to file my nomination. My token no is 45. There are many people here to file nomination papers. Am so glad so many people participating in democracy,” Mr. Kejriwal said.PTI
After Akali Dal, Dushyant Chautala’s JJP says it will not contest Delhi Assembly elections
https://scroll.in/latest/950641/after-akali-dal-dushyant-chautalas-jjp-says-it-will-not-contest-delhi-assembly-elections
Haryana Deputy Chief Minister and JJP chief Dushyant Chautala today announced that his party will not contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, NDTV reported. The party had helped the BJP form a government in Haryana last year. Chautala said the party would not field candidates because of a problem with its desired election symbol. In a tweet, JJP said: “We had requested Election Commission to give key or slippers as symbol and these were given to another organisation. In such a situation, JJP has decided not to contest.”Chautala also spoke about the Citizenship Act, saying whoever has read the new law would not believe that citizenship was being taken away from any individual.scroll
Tug-of-war between Haryana CM and state HM Anil Vij intensifies as latter demands removal of CID chief
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/tug-of-war-between-haryana-cm-and-state-hm-anil-vij-intensifies-as-latter-demands-removal-of-the-cid-chief
The ongoing tug-of-war over the command of CID between Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and state Home Minister Anil Vij has further intensified with the latter seeking removal of the agency chief.Vij has asked the CM to remove CID chief Anil Rao after taking disciplinary action against him, say sources in the state Home Department, adding that the minister has made written communication to the CM in this context.A six-time MLA and the senior-most BJP leader, Vij has demanded that state CID chief Anil Rao, who is an ADGP-rank officer, be replaced by another senior IPS officer.nationalheraldindia
Rajinikanth on controversial Periyar remark: ‘I cannot apologise’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajinikanth-refuses-to-apologise-for-controversial-remark-on-periyar-6227644/
Chennai:Raising photostat copy of a magazine page, Tamil actor Rajinikanth on Tuesday refused to apologise for his comments on a rally taken out by social reformer Periyar decades ago. Accused of “defaming” Periyar, Rajinikanth said his comments were based on news reports he had read.On January 14, Rajinikanth, addressing 50th anniversary-cum-readers’ connect event of Tamil magazine Thuglak, had claimed that Periyar had taken out a rally in 1971 at Salem in which “effigies of Ram and Sita were paraded without clothes and garlanded with footwear”. Following his remarks, DVK party filed 6 police complaints against actor accusing him of defamation. Dalit party VCK also announced protests outside Rajinikanth’s house.indianexpress
Islamophobia a reality in Kerala, was part of my films too: Parvathy
https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/01/20/islamophobia-a-reality-in-kerala-was-part-of-my-films-too-parvathy.html
Malayalam actor Parvathy Thiruvothu has said that Islamophobia is a reality in Kerala and admitted that it was part of her own films too. "I have to admit that there's a major discourse happening around the films that I have done, Take Off, Ennu Ninte Moideen. And I agree that there is massive conversation on the Islamophobia generated by my own films," the actor, a founder-member of the Women in Cinema Collective, said.She said she has decided not to repeat such mistakes in her films in the future. She was speaking at a panel discussion as part of the 'Watchout: Akhila Bharatiya Anti-Nazi Film Festival' in Kozhikode recently.A few days before, Parvathy said Islamophobia exists in Kerala in excess.theweek
Andhra Assembly passes bill for 3 capital cities; Chandrababu Naidu and 17 MLAs detained
https://scroll.in/latest/950612/andhra-pradesh-assembly-passes-bill-for-3-capital-cities-chandrababu-naidu-and-17-mlas-detained
Andhra Pradesh Assembly has passed a legislation to give shape to government’s plan to build 3 capitals in state amid protests by farmers and Opposition leaders.The situation in the state has been tense since last month, when CM YS Jaganmohan Reddy declared that the state would have three capitals – the executive capital in Visakhapatnam, legislative capital in Amaravati, and judicial capital in Kurnool. Reddy’s government wanted to move state secretariat and CMO to Visakhapatnam and the High Court to Kurnool.scroll
AP: Police Lathicharge As Protesters Reach Assembly To Oppose Relocating Capital
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-ap-police-lathicharge-as-protesters-reach-assembly-to-oppose-relocating-capital/345962
"Rape Cases Will Increase": BJP Leader On 24x7 Malls, Eateries In Mumbai
https://www.ndtv.com/mumbai-news/bjp-leader-raj-purohit-on-24x7-malls-in-mumbai-rape-cases-will-increase-2167285?pfrom=home-topscroll
Mumbai: Rape cases will increase in Mumbai if shops, malls and restaurants and movie theaters in the city are allowed to remain open for 24 hours, a Maharashtra BJP leader has said opposing the trial run by Uddhav Thackeray government set to begin next week. Nightlife is not a "part of Indian culture", BJP's Raj Purohit has said."I have been protesting against nightlife in Mumbai for the last five years. it's not a part of Indian culture. This will lead the youth down on a wrong path and will also lead to an increase in the number of rape cases, crimes against women," 64-year-old leader told ANI.ndtv
Dabholkar killing: Sanatan Sanstha member Vikram Bhave’s bail plea rejected
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dabholkar-killing-sanatan-sanstha-member-vikram-bhaves-bail-plea-rejected/article30615643.ece?homepage=true
A special court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of Sanatan Sanstha member Vikram Bhave, who was arrested by the CBI in connection with the 2013 murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar.Additional Sessions Judge S. R. Navandar said Bhave could not be granted bail given his conviction in the 2008 Thane bomb blasts case and in view of his alleged role in Dabholkar’s murder.The defence and prosecution lawyers concluded their arguments on Bhave bail plea on Jan 2.thehindu
Dinkar Gupta to continue as Punjab DGP: HC
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/dinkar-gupta-to-continue-as-punjab-dgp-high-court/articleshow/73478793.cms
Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday stayed the order passed by Chandigarh bench of CAT setting aside appointment of Punjab DGP, Dinkar Gupta. With this Gupta will continue to function as Punjab police chief. While staying January 17 order passed by CAT Chandigarh, division bench comprising Justice Jaswant Singh and Justice Sant Prakash has asked Punjab to file affidavit about material forwarded by it to UPSC for the selection of DGP. UPSC has also been told to provide details regarding restrictions regarding number if officers considered for DGP’s post.Bench has passed these orders while hearing the arguments of DGP Mohammad Mustafa who had challenged Dinkar Gupta’s appointment, Punjab government and counsel for Dinkar Gupta. The case would now come up for hearing on Feb.26. A specially constituted Chandigarh bench of CAT on Friday quashed appointment of Dinkar Gupta as Punjab DGP observing that the entire process followed in Gupta’s appointment went against provisions outlined by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh’s case. The order was passed by CAT on an application filed by another DGP rank officer Mohammad Mustafa.TOI
8 tourists from Kerala, including 4 kids, found dead in Nepal hotel room
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/8-tourists-kerala-including-4-kids-found-dead-nepal-hotel-room-116519
A holiday turned tragic for 8 Indian tourists who were found unconscious in a hotel room in Daman, Nepal. They were airlifted to a Kathmandu hospital on Tuesday and declared dead on arrival. They are believed to have died because of asphyxiation due to a gas heater. A group of 15 people who hailed from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala had travelled to Nepal on holiday. They were traveling from Pokhara to take a flight back to India and had made a pitstop at a hotel in Daman in Nepal’s Makwanpur district, where they had turned on the gas heater for the night, to keep themselves warm. The area is at an altitude of nearly 2500 metres above sea level.Praveen Krishnan Nair (39) and his wife Saranya (34) died along with their 3 kids, Sreebhadra (9), Aarcha (8) and Abhi Nair (7).thenewsminute
As coronavirus infects 300, Delhi airport starts thermal screening of fliers from China
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/china-wuhan-coronavirus-outbreak-delhi-airport-thermal-screening-6228217/
New Delhi :In the wake of coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has started thermal screening of passengers coming from China, reported ANI.Civil Aviation Ministry had received an advisory from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, saying that health screening of passengers coming from China to Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai has to be undertaken at pre-immigration counters installed with thermal cameras.indianexpress
231 out of 287 Indian cities severely polluted: Greenpeace India air quality report
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/231-out-287-indian-cities-severely-polluted-greenpeace-india-air-quality-report-116530
A recent report by Greenpeace India has put the focus back on including more Indian cities in the list of ‘non attainment’ cities under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India. The Indian division of the global environmental group released its ‘Airpocalypse IV’ report today, which is an assessment of the air pollution levels across the country.According to the report, out of the 287 Indian cities which have more than 52 monitoring days of data in 2018 under National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), 231 cities were severely polluted, with PM10 levels exceeding limits set under National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Jharia in Jharkhand recorded the maximum level of PM10 pollutants with 322 µg/m3 in 2018, followed by both Dhanbad in Jharkhand and Noida in Uttar Pradesh at 264 µg/m3. Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh was recorded as the third most polluted city in India with 245 µg/m3.thenewsminute
*WORLD*
Israel transfers dozens of Palestinian child detainees outside the West Bank
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200121-israel-transfers-dozens-of-palestinian-child-detainees-outside-the-west-bank/
Israeli authorities “transferred dozens of Palestinian child detainees outside the occupied West Bank to a prison inside Israel last week”, human rights NGO Defence for Children Palestine (DCIP) has revealed, in a move it described as “amounting to a war crime”.According to DCIP, on 13 January the Israel Prison Service (IPS) moved 33 Palestinian children from Ofer prison, located near Ramallah inside the occupied West Bank, to Damon prison, located inside the Green Line near Haifa.“The transfer of Palestinian child prisoners outside the occupied West Bank is a war crime,” said Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Programme Director at DCIP.middleeastmonitor
UK represents Israel’s third largest export market and more, says Middle East think-tank
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200121-uk-represents-israels-third-largest-export-market-and-more-says-middle-east-think-tank/
A new strategic relationship is being fostered between the UK and Israel following increasing bilateral trade and deepening ties in various sectors, according to a new report by the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM).Published on its site today, the report entitled Britain and Israel: The new strategic partnership, says that since June 2016, 65 Israeli companies have set up or expanded their activity in UK, creating 1,500 jobs. Israeli funds and institutional investors have invested more than £500 million ($653.6 million) in the UK.“The large Conservative victory in the December 2019 election, combined with Britain’s departure from the EU, could serve to deepen and enhance the Britain-Israel security partnership as Britain seeks to redefine its foreign policy and security strategy while strengthening relations with allies outside of Europe,” said BICOM.middleeastmonitor
EU reiterates rejection of Israel’s actions in Jerusalem
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200121-eu-reiterates-rejection-of-israels-actions-in-jerusalem/
Spokesman of European Union (EU) in Palestine, Shadi Othman, on Monday reiterated EU’s rejection of Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, mainly in Jerusalem, Quds Press reported.Speaking to Palestine Voice radio, Othman called on the Israeli occupation to stop its violations and to respect international law. Othman stressed that the EU is following up on events in Jerusalem and its suburbs, with “great concern”.He also disclosed that EU reinforces the Palestinian existence in East Jerusalem, through empowering citizens and offering legal aid for them, mainly to those whose homes and lands are facing threat of demolition or expropriation.middleeastmonitor
Haniyeh meets Malaysian Defence Minister
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200121-haniyeh-meets-malaysian-defence-minister/
The Head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Ismail Haniyeh, met Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu in the movement’s office in Doha today. The two men discussed developments in the Palestinian issue as well as bilateral relations.Haniyeh hailed Sabu’s support for the Palestinian cause, and the speech made by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at the UN General Assembly last year. The Hamas leader also praised the efforts made by the people of Malaysia to alleviate the 13-year siege imposed by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip.middleeastmonitor
Muslim Brotherhood to commemorate 2011 Revolution
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200121-muslim-brotherhood-to-commemorate-2011-revolution/
Senior Muslim Brotherhood official Medhat Al-Haddad has revealed that there is a comprehensive programme planned to commemorate the ninth anniversary of Egypt’s January 2011 Revolution, Arabi21.com reported today.According to Al Haddad, the anniversary activities will take place abroad. The movement will participate in all of them along with all of the other national factions. Brotherhood official stressed that the group will never give up on any such activities taking place outside Egypt. This year, he explained, activities include international meetings, protests, multimedia shows and social media campaigns.middleeastmonitor
Tunisia's Saied tasks former finance minister to form new gov't
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/tunisia-saied-tasks-finance-minister-form-gov-200121073922874.html
Tunisia's President Kais Saied has given Elyes Fakhfakh, a former tourism and finance minister, the difficult task of assembling the country's next govt. Fakhfakh, a member of the centre-left Ettakatol party, has a 30-day period to form a coalition government. Failure to win parliamentary approval would force Saied to dissolve the House and call for a fresh election. The nomination came after the Tunisian Parliament earlier in January rejected a government proposed by Habib Jemli, the previous prime minister-designate who had been nominated for the job by Ennahdha, a moderate Islamist party.Though the most powerful force in 217-strong parliament, Ennahdha's 52 seats meant that it alone could not guarantee Jemli's inauguration.aljazeera
Former president accuses Saudis, UAE and Egypt of leading counter-revolution in North Africa
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200121-former-president-accuses-saudis-uae-and-egypt-of-leading-counter-revolution-in-north-africa/
Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki has accused Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt of leading a counter-revolution in North Africa by targeting Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. Marzouki made his comments during a speech at the Maghreb Forum in the city of El Jadida in central Morocco.The counter-revolutionaries, he said, did not forgive Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for responding positively to the popular aspirations for change in 2011, and engaging the Islamists directly in decision-making circles.“These steps taken by the Moroccan monarch are considered by the countries leading the counter-revolution as blatant blasphemy that necessitates retaliation against the perpetrators,” explained ex President of Tunisia. middleeastmonitor
Egypt proposes bill to criminalise child marriage
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200121-egypt-proposes-bill-to-criminalise-child-marriage/
Egyptian parliament has proposed a draft law criminalising child marriage, Egyptian newspaper, Youm7, reported. The bill states that any perpetrator will be jailed and fined 5,000 – 10,000 Egyptian pounds ($317 – $633).The proposal also includes a number of incentives for four-member families, which it describes as “exemplary families”. It also mentions rewarding families that have given birth to a child, at their discretion.MEMO
US Senate hearing: Trump's impeachment trial to begin on Tuesday
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/senate-hearing-trumps-impeachment-trial-tuesday-200121104613881.html
After months of arguments and build-up, US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial is set to begin in the Senate later on Tuesday.Trump is accused of abusing the powers of his office by trying to force Ukraine's leader to investigate a political rival and of obstructing Congress's investigation.aljazeera
'Here to stay', vow Iraqi protesters as deadly violence surges
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/stay-vow-iraqi-protesters-deadly-violence-surges-200120175214929.html
Iraqi protesters vowed to continue their escalation until demands for an independent prime minister and snap elections are met, as deadly violence surged in Baghdad and several key southern cities.Two protesters were killed in the capital's Tayaran Square in the early hours of Monday after security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse angry crowds, officials said. Another protester was killed in Baghdad later in the day.Two died after being struck by live rounds fired by security forces and the third after a tear gas canister pierced his neck, they said.Witnesses said that Yusuf Sattar, a photojournalist and volunteer paramedic in his 20s, was among the dead. He was shot in the head by live-fire and died at the scene. aljazeera
3 rockets hit near US embassy in Baghdad
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/three-rockets-hit-near-us-embassy-in-baghdad/article30612370.ece?homepage=true
Baghdad:Three rockets hit near US embassy in the Iraqi capital’s high-security Green Zone, security sources told AFP, with no immediate reports of casualties.Sirens could be heard across the zone immediately after the rockets made impact.The United States has blamed Iran-backed paramilitary groups for a spate of similar attacks in recent months on the Green Zone, but there has never been a claim of responsibility.AFP
UK PM defeated on Brexit laws for first time since election
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/uk-pm-defeated-brexit-laws-time-election-200120203904808.html
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government was defeated in parliament on Monday for the first time since a December election, with the upper chamber voting in favour of a move to protect the rights of European Union citizens in Britain after Brexit.Johnson's Conservative Party won a large majority in the lower chamber, the House of Commons, at the December 12 vote and lawmakers there quickly approved the legislation needed to ratify his exit deal with Brussels earlier this month.The legislation is now passing through the House of Lords, where the government does not have a majority.While the upper chamber is not expected to block passage of the bill, it is seeking to make changes.aljazeera
Myanmar finds war crimes but no genocide in Rohingya crackdown
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/myanmar-finds-war-crimes-genocide-rohingya-crackdown-200121012116763.html
A commission set up to investigate 2017 crackdown in Rakhine that led hundreds of thousands of mostly Muslim Rohingya to flee Myanmar, has concluded that while some soldiers probably committed war crimes there was no genocide.Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) released the findings of its investigation, but not the full report, to the country's president on Monday, a few days before UN's top court is set to rule on whether to impose urgent measures to stop the alleged continuing genocide in Myanmar.aljazeera
Nearly half billion people lack decent jobs: UN
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nearly-half-billion-people-lack-decent-jobs-un/article30612444.ece?homepage=true
Over 470 million people worldwide are currently unemployed or underemployed, UN said, warning that a lack of access to decent jobs was contributing to social unrest.The global unemployment rate has remained relatively stable over much of past decade, according to UN’s International Labour Organisation.AFP
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
Amid Mounting Anger Against CAA, A Political Alternative Is Taking Shape In Assam:Sadiq Naqvi, outlookindia
https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/amid-mounting-anger-against-caa-a-political-alternative-is-taking-shape-in-assam/302627
Meet Tasneem, the first Muslim woman mayor of Mysuru, indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/tasneem-mother-of-two-is-the-first-muslim-woman-mayor-of-mysuru-mysore-6226593/?fbclid=IwAR221YxMglhEXmCQunyuP9Tjia-xNQ4LCGdSY2mWQPBvA8DEVjjM-cOASiw
RTI Amendment Act: DoPT wanted change in CIC/IC ranks, Cabinet sought control on tenure:indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rti-amendment-act-dopt-wanted-change-in-cic-ic-ranks-cabinet-sought-control-on-tenure-6227009/
Nehtaur, Aligarh, Jamia — How Qurratulain Hyder’s Aag ka Darya Imagines India: Aviral Anand, caravandaily
https://caravandaily.com/nehtaur-aligarh-jamia-how-qurratulain-hyders-aag-ka-darya-imagines-india/
Power Shut Off, Toilets Locked but Women at Lucknow’s Ghanta Ghar Refuse to Budge:LARAIB FATIMA
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/7/18197/Power-Shut-Off-Toilets-Locked-but-Women-at-Lucknows-Ghanta-Ghar-Refuse-to-Budge?fbclid=IwAR3eNkZiGALsg_M9r1pKa5ebw72tcyO5o2Kvn7Zl5oKhFGre1R9sHLkeUQw
A New Politics – and Aesthetics – of Protest Is Coming to Life in Kolkata:Monobina Gupta, thewire
https://thewire.in/politics/kolkata-bengal-caa-nrc-protests
China Crisis: How Prepared Is India to Deal With a New Public Health Emergency?Mahesh Devnani, thewire
https://thewire.in/health/china-coronavirus-india-public-health-emergency-infectious-diseases
'Land Bought in Blood': Why Anti-CAA Protests at the Kolkata Derby Hold Meaning:Soumashree Sarkar, thewire
https://thewire.in/sport/caa-protests-kolkata-football
Muslim Women Can Think:Apoorvanand, thewire
https://thewire.in/women/watch-the-wire-opinion-muslim-women-can-think
'Indians have no regard for history,' says historian Vikram Sampath
https://www.theweek.in/leisure/society/2020/01/20/indians-have-no-regard-for-history-says-historian-vikram-sampath.html?fbclid=IwAR2DKD6vR1qEKf1d-uD-oPmr7OeJXy_cjkDqI3wytCesqcpUfSGH5u6sVa0
From Modi to Imran Khan, Trump’s visit to Delhi holds a victory for all sides:JYOTI MALHOTRA , theprint
https://theprint.in/opinion/global-print/from-modi-to-imran-khan-trumps-visit-to-delhi-holds-a-victory-for-all-sides/352380/
US investors concerned over India’s economic slowdown, social unrest and Modi’s disinterest:NITIN PAI, theprint
https://theprint.in/opinion/us-investors-concerned-over-indias-economic-slowdown-social-unrest-and-modis-disinterest/352490/
Why'd A Hindu Support Muslims?Ajaz Ashraf , mid-day
https://www.mid-day.com/articles/whyd-a-hindu-support-muslims/22454156
Differently abled in Kashmir Valley pine for resumption of internet to connect with outstation friends:Gulzar Bhat, nationalheraldindia
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/differently-abled-in-kashmir-valley-pine-for-resumption-of-internet-to-connect-with-outstation-friends
The ruling elite is smug, the young are standing up for India’s soul:Abdul Khaliq, indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/caa-nrc-protest-youth-citizenship-act-6226856/
So Far, Kejriwal Steers Clear Of BJP Attempts To Trap Him In Delhi:Ashutosh, ndtv
https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/so-far-kejriwal-steers-clear-of-bjp-attempts-to-trap-him-in-delhi-1884776?pfrom=home-topstories
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 6:25 PM).
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