*SOUTH ASIA*

India-China dispute: Avoid actions that will escalate tensions along border, UN tells both countries

https://scroll.in/latest/963170/india-china-dispute-avoid-actions-that-will-escalate-tensions-along-border-un-tells-both-countries

United Nations on Thursday said that it was for India and China to decide who should mediate between the two countries, a day after United States President Donald Trump offered to intervene amid escalating tension at the border. It also urged the two nations to avoid any action that would increase tensions.Chinese troops have clashed with the Indian Army at several points along the Line of Actual Control over the last two weeks. This has led to increasing tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours.During an afternoon briefing on Thursday, United Nations Secretary General’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric was asked about the escalating tension and how concerned the global body was. He was also asked if Trump would be a good mediator in the situation. “That would be for the parties involved to decide who they would want to mediate this, not for us to opine,” Dujarric said. “We’re obviously looking at the situation, and we would urge all the parties involved to avoid any action that would make the situation even more tense.”

 

India on Trump’s mediation offer: ‘Already engaged with China to peacefully resolve issue’

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/donald-trump-india-china-ladakh-6431829/

In response to US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between Delhi and Beijing over tensions along the Line of Actual Control , India Thursday said it is already engaged with China to “peacefully resolve” the issue.“We are engaged with China to peacefully resolve this issue,” said Ministry of External Affairs’ official spokesperson Anurag Srivastava.MEA spokesperson, however, refrained from addressing the US President’s tweet, and also did not reject any third-party mediation as it had done in the past. Trump had Wednesday tweeted offering to mediate between the two nations and saying the United States had informed both India and China about being able to mediate their “now raging border dispute”. “We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you,” Trump had said in a tweet.Meanwhile, talking about the tensions along the LAC, the MEA spokesperson said: “Our troops have taken a very responsible approach towards border management and strictly follow procedures laid out in bilateral agreements and protocols with China to resolve any issue that may arise in border areas.”MEA spokesperson also said the two sides have “established mechanisms–both military and at diplomatic levels– to resolve situations which may arise in the border areas peacefully through dialogue, adding that India remains firm in its resolve to ensure the country’s sovereignty and national security.”He also said that the Indian armed forces “scrupulously follow the consensus reached by our leaders and the guidance provided”, while referring to decisions at the Wuhan and the Mahabalipuram summits between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. “At the same time, we remain firm in our resolve to ensuring India’s sovereignty and national security,” he said.

Trump offers to mediate "raging" standoff between China and India - what's it all about?CBS NEWS

 

PM Modi's Strategy On China After Meeting Ajit Doval, Armed Forces Chiefs

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-more-serious-than-2017-doklam-conflict-report-2236331?pfrom=home-topscroll

India has moved additional troops along its northern border as it prepares for an extended conflict with neighbhour China, after several rounds of talks failed to ease tensions between nuclear-armed rivals.China has already placed about 5,000 soldiers and armored vehicles on its side of the border, a government official said, asking not to be identified citing rules. India is adding a similar number of troops as well as artillery guns along the border to fend off the continuing incursions by Chinese army, official said.The standoff began on May 5, when troops clashed on the banks of Pangong Tso -- a glacial lake at 14,000 feet in the Tibetan plateau -- leaving scores of soldiers on both sides injured. Since then there has been a steady build up of troops amid continuing face-offs.Diplomats in New Delhi and Beijing have begun talks after negotiations between Indian and Chinese military officials on May 22 and 23 brought no results, the official said. China's move to step up incursions at two different locations along 3,488 kilometer  undemarcated border is a deviation from its earlier attempts to gain territory after two nations fought a war in 1962, according to officials.Beijing was committed to safeguarding peace and stability in border areas, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in a regular briefing to the media on Wednesday, noting two countries had good border-related mechanisms and communications channels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday discussed the stand-off with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat and chiefs of its three armed services. The meeting centered around options available to India, and it was decided to go the diplomatic route while maintaining a tough military posture at the border.ndtv

 

Army Chief General Naravane, commanders review security situation in Ladakh, Kashmir

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/army-chief-general-mm-naravane-commanders-review-security-situation-in-ladakh-kashmir/

Army chief General MM Naravane and his commanders were presented Wednesday an operational review of the situation on the ground in eastern Ladakh where tensions have escalated between Indian and Chinese troops along Line of Actual Control.The presentation, sources said, included not just the situation in Ladakh, but also operational challenges in other parts of the country including Kashmir. Army commanders are meeting in New Delhi until May 29 for the first phase of their biannual conference — they will meet again towards the end of June to discuss emerging security issues.Northern Army Commander Lt General Y K Joshi is also participating in the conference. Until October last year, Joshi was heading XIV Corps — Fire and Fury Corps — which is responsible for eastern Ladakh.New Delhi

 

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy is Non-aligned, Both India and China are Valued Friends: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa

https://www.news18.com/news/world/sri-lankas-foreign-policy-is-non-aligned-both-india-and-china-are-valued-friends-pm-mahinda-rajapaksa-2641013.html

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa gave an exclusive interview to CNN-News18 as he completed 50 years in active politics on Wednesday.Elected to Sri Lankan Parliament as the youngest MP at 24 in 1970, Rajapaksa has been the President of Sri Lanka twice and the Prime Minister on three occasions. He was also a leading, young voice of the opposition during JR Jeyawardene and Ranasinghe Premadasa’s tenure from 1977 to 1993.Credited with ending 30-year-long brutal Tamil Eelam war (LTTE) for a separate homeland in 2009 and speeding up economic development of the island nation during his previous tenure, Rajapaksa is now serving his third term as the Prime Minister along with his younger brother Gotabaya as the President.In this freewheeling chat, Rajapaksa maintained that Sri Lanka wants to maintain good relations with both India and China as the two countries find themselves involved in another border standoff.

 

Internet services across Jammu & Kashmir restricted to 2G till June 17

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/internet-services-across-jammu-kashmir-restricted-to-2g-till-june-17-120052800543_1.html

Jammu and Kashmir administration informed that internet access across the Union Territory with internet speed restricted to 2G only and internet connectivity with Mac-binding will continue till June 17."The directions to remain in force unless modified earlier," the administration stated.Earlier, 2G mobile internet services were restored in Srinagar after they were snapped on May 19 due to a gunfight in Nawa Kadal area of old Srinagar city.ANI 

 

Suicide attack averted, explosives-laden vehicle defused in Pulwama

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/vehicle-borne-ied-blast-averted-in-pulwama-police/article31692216.ece?homepage=true

SRINAGAR:A suicide attack by militants was averted by security forces on Thursday by tracking a vehicle laden with explosives and defusing them in south Kashmir’s Pulwama.“A timely action of security forces averted a major tragedy. A suicide attacker jumped two checkpoints before leaving the vehicle behind another late night yesterday at Ayegund area of Rajpora, Pulwama”, said IGP, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. “They were fitted in the vehicle jointly by Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Muhammad militants. Experts will study them”, IGP said. “We concluded that 40 to 45 kg of explosive material were used by militants after seeing that the vehicle went up 15 meters above the ground when the improvised explosive devices were being destroyed,” the IGP said.the hindu

 

 

Pakistan using its ties in Turkey, Qatar to provide funds to Zakir Naik, claim Sources: zeenews

https://zeenews.india.com/india/pakistan-using-its-ties-in-turkey-qatar-to-provide-funds-to-zakir-naik-sources-2286004.html

New Delhi: Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is being probed by Enforcement Directorate for money laundering, has received crores of funds from Gulf countries. Indian agencies have been pursuing Naik, who is currently based in Malaysia, also for delivering hate speeches allegedly used to incite terror activities.Sources close to developments have revealed that despite New Delhi’s persistent efforts, Malaysia is reluctant to hand over Naik to New India. In the most recent instance, Naik is said to have contacted one of his old contacts in Qatar and requested him for a generous amount of USD 500,000 as a charity to his organisation. It is also learnt that the Qatari national has been helping Nail contact local wealthy businessmen and charity organisation for the collection of funds. At the same time, Pakistan has also been using its relations with Turkey and Qatar countries to organise funds for Naik. It is to be noted that Pakistan maintains good relations with both Qatar and Turkey. In the last few years, relations between Qatar and Turkey have turned stronger and Turkey has been using its influence on Qatar to take an anti-India stand.Last year, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed UNGA where he had stated, "Despite the resolutions adopted by UNSC, Kashmir is still besieged and eight million people are stuck in Kashmir. They cannot get out."Analyst privy of these developments said, "Zakir Naik was given hospitality by Malaysia at Pakistan’s behest. Now, Pakistan is engaged to  arrange huge funds for Zakir Naik from Gulf countries like Qatar and Turkey."On the other hand, while India and Turkey's relations are far from being sour, it has however turned strained ever since Turkey extended support to Pakistan on the Kashmir issue at FATF. Turkey has also been raising Kashmir issue at various international forums ever since the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Naik continues to maintain several bank accounts in Gulf countries, including Qatar and UAE, for collection of such funds to evade scrutiny of Indian government. He generally uses these accounts to transfer funds to his associates and network for activities by IRF and other associated organizations. Indian government has since put a 5-year ban on IRF.

 

Pakistan criticises India for starting construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pakistan-criticises-india-for-starting-construction-of-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-6431612/

Islamabad : Pakistan has criticised India for starting the construction of Ram temple at the site of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, saying it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised.Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) in a statement on Wednesday night said that while the world is grappling with the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, “RSS-BJP combine” was advancing the “Hindutva” agenda.“The commencement of construction of a mandir at the site of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on May 26, 2020, is another step in this direction and the Government and people of Pakistan condemn it in the strongest terms,” it said. The statement said the commencement of the temple’s construction is a sequel to the decision given by India’s Supreme Court on 9 November 2019, “which completely failed to uphold the demands of justice”.FO said the developments relating to the Babri Masjid, CAA and initiation of NRC process are vivid illustrations of how the Muslims in India are being marginalised.PTI

 

*INDIA- ISLAMOPHOBIA, HUMAN RIGHTS & OTHERS*

Elgar Parishad case :Delhi HC says NIA acted in haste in taking Navlakha to Mumbai

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/elgar-parishad-case-delhi-hc-says-nia-acted-in-haste-in-taking-navlakha-to-mumbai/article31693912.ece

Delhi High Court has questioned NIA for acting in "inexplicable, frantic hurry" to whisk away civil rights activist Gautam Navlakha to Mumbai, even when his interim bail plea was pending before the high court here.Justice Anup J. Bhambhani, who conducted the hearing through video conferencing, remarked that NIA moved applications across Mumbai and Delhi courts over weekends and Gazetted holidays and even obtained orders by e-mail, at the risk of rendering the interim bail plea proceedings infructuous.In last hearing, the high court had granted time to NIA to file its status report in response to Navlakha's interim bail plea. While NIA has filed an affidavit opposing that plea, it also acted in "unseemly haste to instead remove the applicant out of the very jurisdiction of this court". "In view of the inexplicable, frantic hurry shown by NIA in moving the applicant from Delhi to Mumbai while this matter was pending," the high court also decided to act fast and seek an explanation from NIA. It noted, "this court does get a sense that all proceedings in this jurisdiction would be rendered utterly infructuous if an element of of urgency is not brought to bear on the present proceedings".The high court adjourned the case proceeding, which began around 10.30 am on Wedensday till 1 pm the same day and directed Investigating Officer, NIA, Mumbai to join the court proceedings through video conferencing.thehindu

 

 

Police didn’t inform Delhi riots accused of serious charges, violated procedure: Lawyers

https://theprint.in/india/police-didnt-inform-delhi-riots-accused-of-serious-charges-violated-procedure-lawyers/430347/

New Delhi: Devangana Kalita and Natasha Narwal, members of Pinjra Tod collective and PhD students at JNU, were arrested last Saturday, in connection with Northeast Delhi riots. They were accused of obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty by Delhi Police in Jaffrabad, and were granted bail by duty magistrate Ajeet Narayan the next day, on 24 May.However, within minutes of the bail order, they were re-arrested when Delhi Police Crime Branch furnished another FIR (number 50/20), which carried charges under Arms Act as well as the charge of murder under Section 302 of IPC. The court gave police 15 minutes to interrogate; police then demanded 14-day custody for interrogation, but the judge granted two-day custody, later extended by another 2 days.Kalita and Narwal aren’t the first in this regard. Lawyers representing those arrested in the Delhi riots cases claim most arrests were made under FIRs that charged them with lower offences, and, subsequently, additional FIRs were furnished at bail hearings, not all of which were disclosed to the accused or their counsel. They also allege violations of procedures of arrest.The same pattern of additional FIRs with more serious charges had earlier been noted in previous arrests connected to Delhi riots, such as that of Jamia Millia Islamia student Safoora Zargar.Former Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan too was first arrested on 26 Feb.in connection with an FIR relating to a protest in Khureji. Apart from Kalita, Narwal, Zargar, Shafi and Jahan, the police have arrested Jamia students Asif Iqbal Tanha and Gulfisha Fatima, as well as Jamia Alumni Association head Shifa-ur-Rahman and activist Khalid Saifi in connection with riots while the country has been in lockdown.Zargar, Shafi, Fatima, Tanha and Shifa-ur-Rahman have been slapped with UAPA charges and are in jail. In 1996, the SC had laid down 11 guidelines to be followed for arrests and detentions, in D.K. Basu vs State of West Bengal case. The guidelines include furnishing an arrest memo, which includes grounds for arrest, and allowing the arrestee access to a counsel.However, lawyers claim that in the Delhi riots cases, these guidelines are not being followed. Lawyers have also called out procedural flaws. Lawyers unrelated to the cases have also raised questions over the strategy employed by the police.Supreme Court advocate Suruchi Suri told ThePrint: “It appears that the authorities are using these new FIRs as trump cards and splitting up the grounds for arrest. This is to ensure that if bail is granted, arrest is deemed imperative on another ground/s.”

 

Delhi violence: Court sends Jamia student Asif Tanha to judicial custody for 30 days

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/delhi-violence-court-sends-jamia-student-asif-tanha-to-judicial-custody-for-30-days/1847768

A Delhi court Wednesday sent Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) university student Asif Iqbal Tanha, booked under UAPA, to judicial custody for 30 days in a case related to communal violence in northeast Delhi during protests against CAA in Feb. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana sent him to jail till June 25 after the police did not seek his further custody.Earlier, Tanha, was sent to judicial custody on till May 31 in the case.Advocate Sowjhanya Shankaran, appearing for Tanha, had told the court that he was falsely implicated in the case and had no role in the alleged criminal conspiracy.PTI

 

Court Says Delhi Police Probe into Northeast Delhi Riots 'Targeted Towards One End'

https://thewire.in/law/delhi-police-north-east-delhi-riots-probe-targeted

A Delhi court dealing with cases related to the northeast Delhi riots, being handled by the Special Cell of the Delhi police, observed on May 27 that “the investigation seems to be targeted only towards one end”.While most of the cases pertaining to the violence that took place in northeast Delhi in February this year have been registered by the area police and are being heard by the Karkardooma courts, those cases which were handed over to the Special Cell are being heard by special courts in the Patiala House Courts complex.During the hearing of a plea a filed against the 30-day custody of Jamia Millia Islamia student Asif Iqbal Tanha in a case, registered under FIR No. 59 of 2020 of Special Cell, the Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana made strong observations regarding the investigation.He was quoted by The Quint as having said: “Perusal of the case diary reveals a disturbing fact. The investigation seems to be targeted only towards one end. Upon enquiry from Inspector Lokesh and Anil, they have failed to point out what investigation has been carried out so far regarding involvement of the rival faction.”ASJ Rana also called upon the concerned DCP to also “monitor” the case and “ensure a fair investigation”. Talking to The Wire, Tanha’s advocate, Sowjhanya Shankaran, said, “These were important observations”.

 

India’s Locust Nightmare Spreads To Maharashtra, UP; High Alert In Punjab

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/locusts-attack-india-india-spreads-to-maharashtra-up-high-alert-in-punjab-2236215

New Delhi: Massive swarms of desert locusts are destroying crops across western and central India, spearing into Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab now, after Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, as the government said it has stepped up its response to the country's worst locust attack in nearly three decades.Locust containment measures and sprinkling operations have been conducted in 303 locations spread over more than 47,000 hectares till Wednesday in 20 districts of Rajasthan, nine in Madhya Pradesh, two in Gujarat and one each in UP and Punjab, sources in the Agriculture Ministry said.The government is using specialised spraying machines and has set up 11 control rooms to coordinate the response. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is closely monitoring the situation and held 3 meetings with state agriculture ministers and representatives of pesticides companies, officials said. The government is also inviting tenders for drones for aerial spraying of insecticides. After attacking crops in Madhya Pradesh, a swarm of locusts reached Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district on Wednesday, a government official said. Other districts in the region are also on alert.

New trouble for India - faces its worst locust swarm in nearly 30 years, amid COVID-19

https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/new-trouble-for-india---faces-its-worst-locust-swarm-in-nearly-30-years-amid-covid-19-1.1590663621644

 

 

 

Centre playing vendetta politics: Student leaders condemn activists’ arrest amid pandemic

https://www.thestatesman.com/india/centre-playing-vendetta-politics-student-leaders-condemn-activists-arrest-amid-pandemic-1502893064.html

Delhi Police has been facing criticism for arresting student activists in their alleged role in Delhi riots, and anti- CAA amidst the coronavirus pandemic.Student leaders and activists accused the Centre and police on Tuesday of indulging in “vendetta politics” against those who opposed the CAA.At a press briefing held via video-conference app Zoom, former student leaders Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid hit out at the police for arresting Jamia Millia Islamia and JNU students for their alleged involvement in orchestrating communal riots in northeast Delhi.Independent MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani called the arrest of student activists a “witch-hunt” and “vendetta politics of the worst nature”.“Taking advantage of the lockdown, police are targeting those who opposed the new citizenship law and fought for democratic principles.” Former JNU Students’ Union president Kumar said they will have to find novel ways to raise their voice during the lockdown. He called the arrest of students a tactic to divert attention from the government’s “inefficiencies”.“The government is taking advantage of the lockdown to play revenge politics against those who stood against the CAA, NRC and NPR.”N Sai Balaji, president of Left-backed AISA, concurred with Kumar and said it is shameful that a time when the number of coronavirus cases has crossed 1.65 lakh in the country, the government is targeting student leaders.“What political pressure is it under that it has not even registered an FIR against Kapil Mishra and Anurag Thakur?”Umar  Khalid asked. He also questioned the timing of the cases on Pinjra Tod activists Devangana Kalita and Natasha Jarwal.thestatesman

Student Leaders, Activists Condemn Arrest of Anti-CAA Protesters, Term It Witch-Hunt, Diversionary Tactics

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/student-leaders-activists-condemn-arrest-of-anti-caa-protesters-term-it-witch-hunt-diversionary-tactics?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29

 

 

Babri Masjid Demolition Case: CBI Court To Record Statements Of Accused From June 4

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-babri-masjid-demolition-case-cbi-court-to-record-statements-of-accused-from-june-4/353685

The special CBI court hearing the Babri mosque demolition case is set to record the statements of the accused, who include BJP leaders L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti, from June 4 onwards.Special judge S K Yadav on Thursday asked the defence to start producing the accused from that date.The court will record their statements under section 313 of CrPC, giving them a chance to claim innocence.This stage of the trial is also meant to explain to the accused the evidence gathered by the prosecuting agency, CBI, against them. outlookindia

 

 

Some High Courts running ‘parallel government’, Solicitor General claims in Supreme Court

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/some-high-courts-running-parallel-government-solicitor-general-claims-in-supreme-court

In an impassioned plea on Thursday, Solicitor General of India Mr Tushar Mehta maintained that the issue of migrant workers had been politicised and that “some High Courts” were running ‘parallel governments’.The SG appealed to the apex court not to allow the court to be used as a political platform and went on to say, “for these arm chair intellectuals, Lordships are neutral only if they abuse the executive”.Appearing on behalf of the central government, the SG claimed that the government had shifted 10 million migrant workers to their home states and that some migrants were still walking “because of anxiety or local level instigation, where they said—walk now, trains won’t run; lockdown extended…”

 

 

'Hindu sentiments hurt': Bajrang Dal demands resignation of Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO for organizing sehriIndia

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/hindu-sentiments-hurt-bajrang-dal-demands-resignation-of-vaishno-devi-shrine-board-ceo-for-organizing-sehri/597637

Jammu: What can be more unfortunate and shocking than this? Instead of showering praises on Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for upholding communal spirit during the distressing time by providing sehri and iftari to 500 Muslims quarantined at Katra during Ramadan, the Bajrang Dal has now stirred a controversy, demanding the resignation of CEO of the Shrine Board within 72 hours."By organising iftari, Ramesh Kumar, CEO of Shrine Board has hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. Within 72 hours we want him to apologise or resign from the post," demanded Naveen Soodan who is the state president of the Bajrang Dal.When confronted by Times Now for giving 'communal' tinge to the humane and harmonious gesture of Shrine Board, Soodan insisted that he was against the use of Hindu shrine money for the Muslim community. "This is Hindu money and should be used for the welfare of Hindu community only," Soodan reiterated.timesnownews

 

 

 

Himachal : Amid Allegations of Corruption in Health Dept, BJP Chief Resigns

https://thewire.in/politics/himachal-pradesh-rajeev-bindal-resignation-bjp

New Delhi: With allegations of corruption in the procurement of medical supplies for the COVID-19 pandemic clouding the Himachal Pradesh government, the BJP’s state unit president Rajeev Bindal resigned from his post on Wednesday on ‘moral grounds’. The resignation comes within four-and-a-half months of his appointment, with Bindal saying he was stepping down to ensure a proper investigation into the case of alleged corruption by a health department official.In a resignation letter sent to BJP president J.P. Nadda, Bindal said he was tendering his resignation on “high moral grounds (sic)”.The Wire

 

 

Noted Urdu Writer Mujtaba Hussain Passes Away

https://thewire.in/culture/noted-urdu-writer-mujtaba-hussain-passes-away

New Delhi: Noted Urdu writer Mujtaba Hussain, who has several books of humour and satire to his name, passed away on Wednesday morning in Hyderabad. He was one of the most popular Urdu writers in the sub-continent. His work has been translated into Hindi, other Indian as well as foreign languages, and is part of the Urdu syllabus of schools and universities across India. Khushwant Singh was an unabashed admirer of Hussain and considered him a rare breed among the Indian writers of humour.Some of his critically acclaimed books include Takalluf Bar Taraf, Qata-e-Kalam, Qissa-e-Mukhtasar, Baherhal, Admi-Nama, Chehra Dar Chehra, Aap Ki Tareef and Japan Chalo Japan. He was 83 years old and is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons. His funeral prayer was performed at a mosque in Farman Wadi area of the city and he was buried in a nearby qabristan.thewire

 

 

*INDIA- CORONAVIRUS- LOCKDOWN*

Travel fare not to be charged from migrants; notify places providing food for the stranded, directs SC

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/travel-fare-not-to-be-charged-from-migrants-notify-places-providing-food-for-the-stranded-directs-sc

In the suo motu matter on the COVID-19 migrant crisis, the Supreme Court on Thursday made it clear that migrants seeking to return to their home states will not be charged train and bus fares, legal news website BarandBench.com has reported.

The court granted state governments time to file replies after posing a number of questions regarding the transportation of migrant workers by Shramik trains and other modes of transport amid the COVID-19 lockdown.A Bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, SK Kaul and MR Shah, that had earlier decided to take up the issue suo motu, heard the matter on Thursday.On the last date of hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was asked to apprise the court on the steps taken by the Central government to deal with the crisis faced by migrant workers. Today, he submitted, "We are immensely grateful to the Supreme Court for taking cognizance of the issue. Due to this, states and Centre has an august forum now to discuss the migrant crisis issue. Some unfortunate things have happened and it is being flashed again and again."Justice Bhushan replied, "We are not disputing the fact that Centre has not taken steps. But whoever needs help is not getting that help. states are not doing their bit."Mehta proceeded to assure the court that the government will not stop its efforts until every willing migrant labourer is sent to his village.He went on to inform the Court that Shramik trains have been operating since May 1 to transport the migrant workers. From May 1-27, 50 lakh migrant labourers have been transported by these trains, the SG claimed. He went on to say, "Centre and states are working above political and party lines so that mitigation measures are taken. We have shifted 1.85 lakh migrants per day. This proves 137 special Shramik trains have been operating."Mehta added that 41 lakh migrant workers travelling shorter distances have been transported by road since May 1.The Court proceeded to question Mehta on the fare charged for the Shramik trains. Justice Shah remarked, "It seems there is no clarity about fare and thus middlemen are taking advantage."

 

 

India: Nearly 23 lakh people in quarantine; Indigo passenger tests positive for virus

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coronavirus-india-lockdown-updates-may-28-6430972/

COVID tally in the country inched towards the 1,60,000 mark on Thursday even as the Centre prepared to hold a meeting with municipal commissioners and district magistrates of 13 affected cities to formulate a plan for post May 31, when the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown ends. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba is scheduled to hold the discussion with officials from various cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, a Home Ministry official said, PTI reported. According to Central govt, as on May 26, a total of 22.81 lakh people were in quarantine facilities arranged by states and union territories across India. The figure is almost double from 12 days ago when people put under quarantine were 11.95 lakh, a government official told PTI.As Maharashtra is worst-hit by the coronavirus, the number of people in qurantine facilities is also the highest, reporting 6.02 lakh people, followed by Gujarat which has 4.42 lakh in quarantine centres. Those currently in quarantine facilities are people who have reached different states by trains, buses or by the special international flights.The campaign to bring back stranded migrants to Uttar Pradesh will end in two to three days as other states have informed them that they have no or very few people left who needed to be sent back, official said. Till now, 26 to 27 lakh migrants have returned.

 

No train or bus fares for migrants, orders SC

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-train-or-bus-fares-for-migrants-orders-sc/article31695545.ece?homepage=true        

NEW DELHI:The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that stranded migrant workers will not be charged train or bus fares for their journey back home to their villages.The fare would be pooled between the State from where their journey originated and the destination State. Shelter, food and water would be provided by the originating State at notified places to workers waiting for their transport home. During train journey, railways would be in charge of providing them nourishment. Similarly, States through which they passed by buses would take care of their food and water.

 

 

2 migrants commit suicide after returning home in Uttar Pradesh

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coronavirus-india-lockdown-updates-may-28-6430972/

2 migrant workers, who returned to Uttar Pradesh a few days ago from Delhi and Mumbai, respectively, committed suicide allegedly due to financial problems, police said on Thursday. Suresh (22) committed suicide by hanging from a tree in his Lohara village under Mutondh police station area on Wednesday, SHO Mutondh Ramendra Tiwari said. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination and investigations are on, SHO said. In a similar incident in Sindhan Kala village under Pailani police station area, Manoj (20) who had returned from Mumbai 10 days ago committed suicide by hanging in his room. indian express

 

Impose 'Covid Pandemic Cess' On Super Rich To Kickstart Economy: Welfare Party

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/impose-covid-pandemic-cess-on-super-rich-to-kickstart-the-economy

NEW DELHI:Welfare Party of India (WPI) has demanded introduction of ‘Covid Pandemic Cess’ on super rich to raise sufficient revenue to kickstart the economy and  generate revenue to fight the corona virus pandemic under the present economic crises.In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narednra Modi two days ago, WPI national president Dr. SQR Ilyas advised to impose  one time ‘Covid Pandemic Cess’ on the super rich to help kickstart the economy and put it on the track that has suffered badly owing to lockdown to check the spread of the pandemic.Dr. Ilyas said that many economists had pointed to the gravity of the situation and opined that the corona virus pandemic in India might be the “greatest emergency since Independence” and cautioned that “India should prepare itself for a negative growth rate in financial year 2021”.India Tomorrow        

 

 

SC says make NBA party to pleas alleging broadcast of fake news on Tablighi Jamaat

https://in.news.yahoo.com/sc-says-nba-party-pleas-143019806.html

New Delhi:The Supreme Court Wednesday directed that News Broadcasters Association (NBA) be also made a party to the pleas alleging that a section of the media has been fanning communal hatred by portraying Tablighi Jamaat congregation. While issuing notices to the Centre and Press Council of India (PCI), a bench comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde, A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy asserted that it takes all matters “seriously”, when a lawyer urged it to take the matter seriously. It asked the authorities to respond within two weeks to the pleas seeking action against some media houses for allegedly spreading communal hatred over the congregation and also apprise it of the actions taken with regard to alleged violation of Cable Television (Regulation) Act by them. “The petitioners (Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and others) are directed to implead NBA as party respondent in the array of parties. Issue notice to all the respondents as also the newly added respondent(s),” the bench said in the order, passed in the hearing conducted through video conferencing. It said the copies of the petitions be served to the Centre and others during the day and fixed the matters for hearing on June 15.Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for Jamiat, alleged that fake news was “galore” in relation to Tablighi Jamaat issue and such reports have damaged the secular fabric of the nation.Circulation of such fake news constituted an offence and strict actions were needed, he added.The top court had on April 13 said it would 'not gag the press' and had asked Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind to implead the PCI as a party to the case. Jamiat has sought directions to the Centre to stop dissemination of 'fake news' and take strict action against those responsible for it. The plea has alleged that unfortunate incident of Tablighi Jamaat was being used to 'demonise' and blame the entire Muslim community.PTI

SC asks PCI and NBA on action taken against fake news during Covid

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/76056809.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

'Don't Let People Instigate Law And Order Issues' , SC Observes While Seeking Centre's Response On Plea Against Communalization Of Nizamuddin Markaz

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/nizamuddin-markaz-dont-let-people-instigate-law-order-issues-sc-s-157389

 

 

Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi HC allows shifting of 955 foreign attendee from quarantine centres to alternate accommodation

https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/nizamuddin-markaz-delhi-hc-allows-shifting-of-955-foreign-attendee-from-quarantine-centres-to-alternate-accommodation/1973945/

The Delhi High Court Thursday allowed shifting of 955 foreign nationals, who had participated in the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event, from institutional quarantine to an alternate place of accommodation. A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rajnish Bhatnagar, which conducted the hearing through video conferencing, disposed of two petitions filed by various foreign nationals and said all of them will be shifted from government’s quarantine centers to nine designated places in the national capital as suggested by them.The high court’s order came after Centre, Delhi government and Delhi Police did not object to the suggestion of petitioners’ counsel for shifting the foreigners to alternate accommodation and that the financial burden will be borne by community, Tablighi Jamaat.PTI

 

Delhi Police files charge-sheets against 541 foreign nationals in Tablighi Jamaat case

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/delhi-police-files-charge-sheets-against-541-foreign-nationals-in-tablighi-jamaat-case20200528181219/

Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Thursday filed 12 fresh charge-sheets at a Saket court against 541 foreign nationals, who had attended a congregation at Markaz Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin area of the national capital.The charge-sheets filed before the court of duty metropolitan magistrate Archana Beniwala have been listed for consideration on June 25.According to the charge-sheet, 414 of the foreign nationals are from Indonesia, 85 from Kyrgyzstan, and 42 from Malaysia. Earlier, Delhi Police had filed 35 charge-sheets against 374 foreign nationals so far, in connection with the matter.ANI

 

Delhi HC adjourns to June 18 hearing on plea to transfer Maulana Saad case to NIA

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/delhi-high-court-adjourns-hearing-on-plea-to-transfer-maulana-saads-case-to-nia/598145

Delhi High Court on Thursday adjourned to June 18 hearing on a petition seeking transfer of the case filed against Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad to NIA in a time-bound manner. A division bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Talwant Singh adjourned the matter as the counsel appearing for the petitioner didn't appear on time through video-conferencing.Earlier, Delhi Police had opposed the petition stating that investigation is going in a fine manner and added that there is no need to transfer the case to another agency. The petitioner Ghanshyam Upadhyay sought invocation of UAPA and entrusting to NIA, investigation in the case pertaining to allegedly organising a congregation at Tablighi Jamaat with delegates from foreign countries in violation of the orders against large gatherings to contain the spread of coronavirus.The petition had also added that it has also been found, from media reports, that Maulana Saad and/or organisation has its connection with terrorist organisations like Al-Qaeda. The case is currently being probed by Crime Branch of Delhi Police.ANI

 

 

Madhya Pradesh High Court granted bail to 8 Tablighi members, including 6 foreigners

https://www.indialegallive.com/constitutional-law-news/courts-news/madhya-pradesh-high-court-granted-bail-to-eight-tablighi-jamaat-members-including-six-foreigners-100674

A single judge bench of Justice Sujoy Paul allowed the bail application of the Tablighi members, noted that Panel Lawyer while opposing the bail application  for the State did not dispute that the present applicants are similarly situated and their Criminal Case is arising out of same crime number.Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted bail to 8 members of Tablighi Jamaat, including 6 foreigners. According to the Counsel for the applicants, two similarly-situated accused, facing trial arising out of same crime number and for allegedly committing similar offence, were enlarged on bail by the lower court on April 30. Hence the applicant must be released on bail too.India Legal

 

Haryana Court Acquits 57 Foreign Tablighi Jamaat Activists, Embassies Concerned To Make Arrangements For Return To Their Home Countries

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/haryana-court-acquits-57-foreign-tablighi-jamaat-activists-embassies-concerned-to-make-arrangements-for-return-to-their-home-countries?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29

NEW DELHI:With the acquittal of 57 Tablighi Jamaat activists of foreign countries by Nuh district court in Haryana, embassies concerned are doing arrangements for their air travel to their respective countries. At present, they are in a quarantine centre at Nuh.There were a total of 59 Tablighis against whom the Haryana Police had filed the charge-sheet. Of them, one each were from Lucknow and Nepal. Besides, 24 activists were from Sri lanka, 11 from Bangladesh, 5 from South Africa,  11 from Indonesia and 6 Thailand.   India Tomorrow

 

22 Myanmar nationals detained at Gaya airport

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/22-myanmar-nationals-detained-at-gaya-airport/articleshow/76055072.cms

GAYA: Altogether 22 Myanmar nationals, believed to have Tablighi Jamaat links, were detained at Gaya airport by the immigration authorities on Wednesday. They were booked on a special flight of Myanmar National Airways for Yangon. According to Gaya SSP Rajiv Mishra, Myanmar nationals were detained as there was a Delhi Police lookout notice pending against them. "Delhi police have been informed and it is for them to take follow up action in the matter,"Mishra said, adding, he was not aware of religious affiliation or membership of any organisation of the detained persons. Asked if any criminal case has been instituted against the Myanmar nationals, SSP said no case has been registered in Gaya and whatever action was required will be taken by the Delhi Police.TOI

 

 

BJP plans ‘digital rallies’ to mark Modi govt. anniversary

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bjp-plans-digital-rallies-to-mark-modi-govt-anniversary/article31694526.ece?homepage=true

NEW DELHI:The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced BJP to get creative over how to mark the first anniversary of the second successive Modi government with the party deciding to hold a month-long campaign of “digital rallies” in every district in India beginning on June 1. Party general secretary Bhupendra Yadav said this at a video presser, while reiterating that the BJP “stood with the general public in the fight against COVID-19”.“Our party workers have undertaken relentless relief work distributing 19 crore food packets and more than four crore dry ration kits,” he said.Giving details about the first anniversary of second Modi government,  Yadav said that party will hold digital rallies across the country, and all the seven wings of the party will hold 500 digital rallies in their respective fields.thehindu

 

Govt not hearing pain, cries of migrant workers: Sonia Gandhi

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sonia-launches-speak-up-india-campaign-asks-govt-to-pay-7500-for-six-months-to-poor-families/article31693622.ece?homepage=true

NEW DELHI:Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday accused the Union government of not hearing the pain and the cries of the poor migrant workers and appealed to the Centre to ‘unlock its treasury’ to tide over the difficulties faced by them because of the lockdown to flatten the coronavirus curve.Launching a “Speak Up India” campaign on social media platforms, Ms. Gandhi asked the government to transfer ₹7,500 to the poor families for the next six months, pay immediately ₹10,000, ensure free transport of migrant workers, free ration and provision of 200 days of employment under MGNREGA to them in villages where they had returned.Ms. Gandhi alleged that while the entire nation could feel the agony and pain of the migrant workers, the Union government could not.thehindu

 

 

Karnataka Suspends Entry Of Flights, Trains And Vehicles From Five States, Including Gujarat, MP

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-karnataka-suspends-entry-of-flights-trains-and-vehicles-from-five-states-including-gujarat-mp/353695

Karnataka has suspended the arrival of flights, trains and vehicles from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to contain the spread of novel coronavirus in the state.Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are the worst-affected states accounting for the maximum number of COVID-19 cases in India.On Thursday, 75 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of infections in the state to 2,493, health department.With 47 deaths and 809 discharges, there are 1,635 active corona cases in the state, the department said in its mid-day bulletin.outlookindia

 

 

Karnataka to open temples, mosques and churches after May 31

https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/karnataka-to-open-temples-mosques-and-churches-after-may-31-cm-yediyurappa/articleshow/76029591.cms

Karnataka Chief Minister Yediyurappa on Wednesday said that his government will re-open temples, mosques and churches in the state after May 31."We are going to open temples, mosques and churches in the state after May 31, he said while speaking to media in Bengaluru.The Chief Minister added that the "guidelines will be followed" as suggested by experts for opening the worship places."We have no objections to open malls and cinema halls, but we are waiting for the guidelines of the central government, Prime Minister will take decisions to allow malls and cinemas to open," he added.ANI

 

 

BJP's Sambit Patra Hospitalised After He Showed COVID-19 Symptoms: Report

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-bjps-sambit-patra-hospitalised-after-he-showed-covid-19-symptoms-report/353666

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra has been admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon after he showed symptoms of COVID-19, sources said.He is admitted to the Medanta hospital in Gurgaon, hospital sources said on Thursday.The BJP leader has shown symptoms of COVID-19, a source said.Patra is one of the most visible BJP faces on news channels.He is also very active on social media and posted several tweets on Thursday as well.PTI

 

 

Kashmir: Doctors Protest Against Police Harassment in the Valley

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/kashmir-doctors-protest-against-police-harassment-in-the-valley?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailemail&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Indiatomorrownet+%28IndiaTomorrow.net%29

SRINAGAR;More than 100 doctors in Srinagar on Tuesday protested against harassment of medicos by police in the Kashmir valley.The protest was organised by Doctors Association of Kashmoir (DAK) after a senior cardiologist Dr. Syed Maqbool was allegedly beaten up by the police and kept in police detention for several hours on May 23.“They may stop us, beat us, arrest us, strip us but we will always be there for you(patients)”, read the placards carried by the protesting doctors.However, sensing bad PR, cops on Wednesday lined up on the streets to welcome doctors. They handed out roses and flower bouquets to doctors at different hospitals in an attempt to rebuild bridges with the frontline health workers.India Tomorrow

 

 

Coronavirus in Mumbai: Muslims cremate and bury COVID-19 victims on Eid

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/muslims-cremate-and-bury-covid-19-victims-on-eid

Mumbai:Even in these dark times, when the world is struggling to survive, acts of goodwill are transcending the boundaries of faith to exemplify community living.On May 25, on the auspicious day of Eid festival Muslims across Mumbai tried to maintain a low profile celebration, adhering to the social distancing norms.For the Muslim volunteers of Raza Academy, Eid this year, appeared to be a regular day as all of them were involved in the cremation and burial of the bodies of COVID-19 fatalities.In cases where, the kin of those who died due to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic refused to perform the last rites of the deceased, these volunteers have been doing so for over three months now.Volunteers of the Islamic community organisation - Raza Academy are involved in doing the last rites of COVID-19 fatalities, ever since the dreaded virus took a grip in the city. The group of volunteers comprise of an 80 people task force who have been officially appointed by the Mumbai civic body for this purpose.On May 25, the members buried the bodies of 14 Muslims and cremated the bodies of seven Hindus who succumbed to COVID-19. "Serving the people means serving the people. While the world is fighting dreaded pandemic our continuing our service has been our moral duty" said Sabir Nirban spokesperson Raza Academy.freepressjournal

 

 

Muslims lay Hindu widow to rest after son refuses due to COVID-19 fear in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur

https://www.newindianexpress.com/good-news/2020/may/27/muslims-lay-hindu-widow-to-rest-after-son-refuses-due-to-covid-19-fear-in-andhra-pradeshs-guntur-2148457.html

GUNTUR: Muslim youngsters performed the last rites of an elderly Hindu widow in Mangalagiri after her son refused to do so, fearing she had Covid-19. The son also had disputes with his mother, police said.The woman, Yuddham Dhanalakshmi, 70, lived with her daughter, Annapurna, in Bapatla. She slipped and fell on Sunday, and was taken to a government hospital, where she died the next evening.As per her wish to have her last rites performed in her hometown, Annapurna shifted her body to Mangalagiri in an ambulance.However, Dhanalakshmi’s son Nagamalleswara Rao refused to allow the body to be brought into his house, fearing that his mother may have contracted coronavirus.newindianexpress

 

Telangana: Muslim man laid to rest in Hindu cemetery after graveyards deny burial over COVID-19 fear

https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/telangana-muslim-man-laid-to-rest-in-hindu-cemetery-after-graveyards-deny-burial-over-covid-19-fear/598010

Hyderabad: A 55-year-old Muslim man, who died of a cardiac arrest was provided with a final resting place in a Hindu cemetery near Hyderabad after caretakers of at least six graveyards denied burial fearing that he might have died of COVID-19 infection. The harrowing ordeal of the deceased man’s family came to an end when two local Hindu men arranged burial space for the man in a Hindu cemetery.The deceased, identified as Mohammed Khaja Miyan had been living in Rangareddy district’s Gandamguda locality for the last 10 years. On May 22, he died of a heart attack at his residence. The caretakers of 6 graveyards refused to bury him by reasoning that he was not a local and then citing that Miyan could have died of COVID-19, so they were not willing to take any risk, according to the deceased man’s family.timesnownews

 

Muslims in Maharashtra town donate 10-bed ICU unit with Zakat money

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/76041648.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

MUMBAI: Muslims in Ichalkaranji town  of Maharashtra, 380km from Mumbai, have set a good example by donating a 10-bed ICU at a local hospital with Rs 36 lakh they collected in Zakat from the community members this Ramzan.  Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated online the ICU section of IGM Civil Hospital on Monday which coincided with Eid celebrations in India.Zakat is 2.5% of the annual savings Muslims give in charity.Appreciating the community’s efforts, Thackeray said via video conference: “Muslims in Ichalkaranji have shown the way for everyone in the country. The Muslim community has set an example on how to celebrate a festival.” This is the first government hospital in Ichalkaranji of nearly 3 lakh population with an ICU facility and it is being seen as a major step in fight against the escalating Covid-19 pandemic. Samast Muslim Samaj (SMS), an organization of Muslims in Ichalkaranji, decided during the holy month of Ramzan to fund a 10- bed ICU facility at the town’s only government hospital as earlier patients needing ICU facility were sent to towns like Kolhapur and Solapur. “This is a great gesture by the Muslims of this town. I don’t think anywhere else in India Muslims of an entire town have used the zakat money to fund such a facility in critical care. This will help us fight the coronavirus,” said Dr Javed Bagwan, a surgeon of IGM Civil Hospital.

*CORONAVIRUS – WORLD*

 

Mecca to allow entry from May 31 after 2-month coronavirus shutdown

https://www.dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/mecca-to-allow-entry-from-may-31-after-2-month-coronavirus-shutdown

Saudi Arabia announced a "two-phase normalization plan" early Thursday for Mecca with the aim of easing coronavirus measures and gradually returning to normal life. The first phase will begin on May 31, when entering and exiting Mecca will be allowed between 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Interior Ministry said in a statement. Friday prayers and other congregational prayers at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) will continue in line with existing health measures, the statement said. The second phase will begin on June 21 when citizens will be allowed outside between 6 a.m. to 8 pm. The statement also said that coiffeurs and barbers will not be allowed to open yet while weddings and funerals can be attended by 50 people at most. Saudi Arabia had barred entry or exit from Riyadh, Mecca and Medina on March 25 to stem the spread of the coronavirus.dailysabah

 

Coronavirus: Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque to reopen on Sunday

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-jerusalems-al-aqsa-mosque-reopen-sunday

Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque will reopen to worshippers on Sunday, two months after it was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic."All the doors of the Al-Aqsa Mosque [compound] will be opened at dawn on Sunday," Omar al-Kiswani, the mosque's director, told AFP on Wednesday.Last week, the Waqf, the body that looks after the site in occupied East Jerusalem, said the holy mosque would reopen to the public after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which ran from 24-26 May.Details of the reopening have not yet been finalised, including whether the mosques on the site will be opened to worshippers or if the public will only be allowed into the courtyard where the faithful also pray.

 

Coronavirus: Oman to lift lockdown as GCC restrictions ease

https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/coronavirus-oman-to-lift-lockdown-as-gcc-restrictions-ease-1.1025538

Oman said it will end the lockdown imposed in Muscat governorate on Friday, which has been in place since early April as the country and region eases its coronavirus measures. The country has recorded 8,373 cases of the virus and 38 deaths since the outbreak began earlier this year.Authorities said that at least 50 per cent of employees will be allowed to work from their offices from May 31.Domestic flights are also set to begin operating from Sunday, May 31, but international passenger flights remain suspended.Flights operating under repatriation services will continue.The National

 

Coronavirus: Mass resignation at Egypt hospital in protest over doctor's death

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-egypt-resignation-hospital-protest-ppe

Tens of Egyptian doctors at Al-Munira General Hospital in Cairo have published a mass resignation letter on Facebook, saying that the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and quarantine measures led to the death from Covid-19 of their colleague Walid Yahya.Ashraf Shafie, director of the hospital, told EG24 News that he had not received an official resignation.“Nobody has submitted resignation, and no one will submit, and it is just a stunt on Facebook because they have an emotional void," adding that work at Al-Munira “has continued normally until now”.Meanwhile, another doctor, at Al Shorouk Hospital, had also submitted a written resignation in protest over the lack of enough PPE and Covid-19 tests.

 

 

Economic fallout of Covid could push 86 million children into household poverty: UN report

https://theprint.in/india/economic-fallout-of-covid-could-push-86-million-children-into-household-poverty-un-report/430956/

United Nations: The number of children living in poor households across low and middle-income countries could increase by 86 million to reach 672 million by the end of 2020 due to the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new study.The deadly virus has so far infected 5,695,290 people and claimed 355,692 lives globally, according to a tally by the Johns Hopkins University.“The economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic could push up to 86 million more children into household poverty by the end of 2020, an increase of 15 per cent,” said the study conducted jointly by the UNICEF and humanitarian organisation Save the Children. The analysis highlighted that without urgent action to protect families from the financial hardships caused by the pandemic, the total number of children living below the national poverty line in low and middle-income countries could reach 672 million by year-end.PTI

 

 

*WORLD*

Netanyahu says Palestinians in annexed land will not be offered Israeli citizenship

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/netanyahu-palestinians-jordan-valley-annexation-israeli-citizenship

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview published on Thursday that Palestinians living in areas of the occupied West Bank he eyes for annexation will not become Israeli citizens.Instead, he told pro-government newspaper Yisrael Hayom that the Palestinians will live in isolated communities ruled by the Palestinian Authority, surrounded by territory considered Israeli.Israel's new unity government is promising to bring forward legislation that would see the country annex swathes of the West Bank - likely the Jordan Valley and illegal Israeli settlements - in contravention of international law. Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea make up about one-third of the West Bank, almost 2,400 square kilometres where nearly 65,000 Palestinians reside.The city of Jericho will not be annexed, Netanyahu said, but Palestinian towns in the area will be under Israeli security control."They need to acknowledge that we control security in all areas," he said.

 

Iran parliament elects former Revolutionary Guard commander as speaker

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-parliament-elects-former-revolutionary-guards-commander-speaker

Iran's new parliament on Thursday elected former commander of the Revolutionary Guard's air force Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as its speaker, consolidating the power of hardliners ahead of next year's presidential election.The vote further shifts the political balance toward ultra-conservative opponents of the relatively moderate President Hassan Rouhani at a time when Iran is engaged in a bitter standoff with its arch-foe the United States.State television said the 58-year-old Ghalibaf, also a former Tehran mayor and ex-national police chief, had won 230 of the 267 votes cast to secure one of most influential positions in Islamic Republic.Bespectacled, balding and wearing a dark suit, Ghalibaf accepted congratulations from MPs, then moved towards the speaker's seat with a smile and told the chamber: "I thank God for being given a chance to serve the people."

 

 

Sentencing of New Zealand mosque attack accused postponed

https://newsd.in/sentencing-of-nz-mosque-attack-accused-postponed/

The sentencing of the Australian man accused of attacking two mosques in New Zealand’s Christchurch city last year that killed 51 people, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, judicial sources said on Thursday.On March 26, Brenton Tarrant pleaded guilty to all charges -– 51 counts of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one under the Terrorism Suppression Act -– by videolink at the High Court in the South Island city of Christchurch, where the attack took place, reports Efe news.IANS

 

 

 

*views, Articles, FEATURES*

No, China Will Not Conquer The World - by Ramachandra Guha

https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/no-china-will-not-conquer-the-world-by-ramachandra-guha-2235737?pfrom=home-opinion

It's No Ordinary India-China Standoff This Time. Tensions At LAC Won't Dissipate That Easily:P. Stobdan, expert on India-China affairs

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-its-not-doklam-between-india-and-china-this-time-tensions-at-lac-wont-dissipate-that-easily/353670

India’s anti-Muslim fake news factories are following anti-Semitic playbook:SHIVAM VIJ

https://theprint.in/opinion/india-anti-muslim-fake-news-factories-anti-semitic-playbook/430332/

If govt crosses Rubicon, markets will fear that constraints on fiscal policy are being abandoned:Duvvuri Subbarao

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/covid-19-relief-package-india-economy-rbi-fiscal-deficit-nirmala-sitharaman-duvvuri-subbarao-6430542/

Society needs to regain moral compass:Sanjib Baruah

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-coronavirus-lockdown-migrants-jobless-covid-19-pandemic-sanjib-baruah-6430302/

India’s Migrant Workers Crisis Not Just About Economic Inequality, But Social Too:Rehnamol Raveendran

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-indias-migrant-workers-conundrum-is-not-just-about-economic-inequality-but-social-too/353682

Why Allahabad High Court’s Ruling On ‘Azaan’ Means Much to Muslims:RIYAZ KHAN, thequint

https://www.thequint.com/voices/blogs/indian-muslims-azaan-islamic-prayer-mosques-loudspeakers-allahabad-high-court-ruling

‘Delhi Riot Probe Directed Towards One End’: Court Pulls Up Police:ADITYA MENON

https://www.thequint.com/news/india/delhi-riots-patiala-house-court-police-asif-tanha-caa-hindutva

Delhi Riot Probe: Who Are Pinjra Tod & Why Did They Join CAA Stir?AISHWARYA S IYER

https://www.thequint.com/news/india/pinjra-tod-anti-caa-protests-delhi-police-probe-north-east-delhi-riots

Modi 2.0.1 : Green Zone for Anti-Muslims, Communal Harmony in Red

https://www.thequint.com/videos/news-videos/modi-second-term-green-zone-for-anti-muslims-communal-harmony-down-the-drain

Amidst Lockdown, 1 Out of Every 5 Kids in Uttarakhand Didn't Get Food Grains Under Mid-Day Meal

https://thewire.in/food/lockdown-uttarakhand-midday-meal

Does Law Allow Calls to Boycott Muslims During the COVID-19 Lockdown?

Mohammed Afeef

https://thewire.in/communalism/covid-19-lockdown-muslims-boycott-law

The Supreme Court Is in the Thrall of the Government:Chander Uday Singh

https://thewire.in/law/supreme-court-public-institution

Justice Madan Lokur: Supreme Court Deserves an 'F' Grade For Its Handling of Migrants

https://thewire.in/law/after-humanitarian-law-died-a-million-deaths-the-supreme-court-has-finally-stirred-itself

#OperationHashtag: How a Hindutva FB Group Pushes Politically Divisive Topics on Twitter:Saahil Murli Menghani

https://thewire.in/politics/twitter-trends-manipulation-facebook-group-right-wing

 Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:34 PM)