*INDIA- ISLAMOPHOBIA, HUMAN RIGHTS & OTHERS*

Ahead of Ram Mandir Construction, Bangladesh Says India Must Prevent Moves That May Hurt Ties

https://www.news18.com/news/india/ahead-of-ayodhya-temple-construction-bangladesh-says-india-should-prevent-moves-that-could-hurt-ties-2736721.html

 

August 5 Ayodhya Event Part of BJP’s Political Agenda, Say Babri Masjid Committee Leaders

https://clarionindia.net/august-5-ayodhya-event-part-of-bjps-political-agenda-say-babri-masjid-committee-leaders/

New Delhi:Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) and All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), say the upcoming August 5 in Ayodhya event is not a religious ceremony. “This ceremony is not for constructing a temple. Its main aim is to polarise society along communal lines keeping in mind Assembly elections in states like Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh,” said Advocate Zafaryad Jilani, BMAC convener. SQR Ilyas, Co-Convener of AIMPLB’s Babri Masjid Committee, said, “It’s fulfilment of the political agenda of the BJP. Its leaders have been working on this agenda since 1986 when Babri Masjid was unlocked through a court order.”Bboth the leaders maintained that they fought the case to the best of their ability. “We were not satisfied with the judgement of the 5-judge bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi of Nov. 9, 2019. But we accepted it because it came from the highest court in our country. Ulema had committed themselves to go by the court ruling. So, we took it as Allah’s will,” said Jilani. But he added, “We would not be able to forget the injustice meted out to us.”Jilani said the apex court rejected the review petition even without hearing. “It is within their rights. Again, we have no option but to accept their decision.”Ilyas was of the view that RSS was behind everything that was happening at Ayodhya, adding that it was controlling all temple-related activities through Modi.Clarion India

 

Mushawarat Chief Questions Amit Shah Meeting Babri Demolition Accused Advani Ahead of Court Hearing

https://clarionindia.net/mushawarat-chief-questions-amit-shah-meeting-babri-demolition-accused-advani-ahead-of-court-hearing/

All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat president Naved Hamid has questioned the propriety of Home Minister Amit Shah meeting Lal Krishna Advani, one of 32 accused in the criminal conspiracy to demolish Babri Masjid in 1992. “It is an irony that the Home Minister of the country goes to one of the accused with a battery of lawyers to take briefs and to brief the lawyers of the accused for the upcoming deposition in the court,” said Hamid. By doing so, Hamid charged, the government of the day gave a “loud and clear message to all where it matters.”Hamid criticised Advani for his refusal to admit his role in the demolition. Hamid was of the view that the Supreme Court judgement changing the title suit of Babri Masjid had opened the Pandora’s Box for hate politics in the country. He said the bogey of pseudo-nationalists must be countered by one and all.Clarion India

 

Why Is PM Modi Attending Ayodhya 'Bhoomipujan' During COVID Crisis: AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/why-is-pm-modi-attending-ayodhya-bhoomipoojan-during-covid-19-crisis-aimim-mp-imtiaz-jaleel

PUNE: AIMIM MP from Aurangabad Imtiaz Jaleel has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to visit Ayodhya for temple ‘bhoomipoojan’ in August during the time when the country is facing unprecedented coronavirus crisis. Jaleel referred to PM while he was reacting to Maharashtra govt’s appeal to the Muslims to offer symbolic ‘Qurbani’ during Bakrid.  Imtiaz Jaleel is one of the most vociferous and educated Muslim parliamentarian from Maharashtra who has been raising issues of Muslim empowerment and social justice ever since he joined politics. “We want opening of all religious places of worship for Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and all other communities in the state. Maharashtra Government has appealed for symbolic Qurbani, then why is PM Modi going to Ayodhya during coronacrisis? We are not against the temple and respect the verdict of SC. But coronavirus pandemic should be given priority in such hard times”, he said.

 

CPI opposes DD live telecast of Ayodhya temple ceremony

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/cpi-opposes-dd-live-telecast-of-ayodhya-temple-ceremony/article32204568.ece?homepage=true

A live telecast of the foundation laying ceremony for the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, scheduled for August 5, by national broadcaster Doordarshan is “contrary to the accepted norms of national integrity,” CPI MP Binoy Viswam said in a letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar. Viswam, opposing the move, pointed out that the Prasar Bharati Act, which governed the functioning of Doordarshan, in Section 12(2(a) clearly states that its objective is ¨upholding the unity and integrity of the country and the values enshrined in the Constitution.”

 

VHP slams Uddhav for wanting e-Bhoomi Pujan in Ayodhya, says it’s fall of a Hindutva party

https://theprint.in/politics/vhp-slams-uddhav-for-wanting-e-bhoomi-pujan-in-ayodhya-says-its-fall-of-a-hindutva-party/469027/

New Delhi: VHP has attacked Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for his comments that Bhoomi Pujan, for Ram Temple in Ayodhya, could be conducted through video-conferencing in view of Covid19. VHP working president Alok Kumar Monday said Uddhav’s remarks reflect the fall of a once-Hindutva party.“The statement of Uddhav Thackeray only shows his blind opposition and we do mourn such a fall of what once was a Hindutva party led by the legendary Shri Bala Sahab Thackeray,” Kumar said.“Bhoomi Pujan is an essential and sacred ritual. Before starting any construction work we worship the Mother Earth, seek her permission to dig and construct structures and obtain her blessings for the mission. Obviously, this cannot be done by e-conference,” he added.theprint

 

Sunni Central Waqf Board to set up a mosque construction trust in a week's time:ET

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sunni-central-waqf-board-to-set-up-a-mosque-construction-trust-in-a-weeks-time/articleshow/77187138.cms

New Delhi: As preparations intensify for the ground-breaking ceremony for the Ram temple in Ayodhya on August 5, a trust could be announced around the same time for the construction of a mosque in Dhannipur village of the city.“The trust for building the mosque has been finalised. It will have around 15 members. We will officially inform about it in a week’s time,” Zufar Ahmad Faruqi, chairman of the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board told ET. He said it would also take another week for other formalities like transfer of the five acres of land in revenue records to be completed, though the land has already been allotted.“Due to the lockdown, these formalities could not be completed. The trust will decide whether to seek donations for building the mosque. Besides a mosque, a charitable hospital, an educational institute and a research centre on Indo-Islamic culture would also come up on this five acres of land in Dhannipur,” said Faruqi.This site is near Faizabad on the Ayodhya highway to Lucknow, about 25 kilometres from Ram Janmabhoomi site. AIMPLB and Jamaiat Ulama had earlier said that the alternative land should not be accepted by the Waqf Board as Muslim side’s fight was for the land for a mosque at the same place where it was demolished and not for barter elsewhere.

 

Name of AIMPLB member Dr SQR Ilyas Finds Mention In Delhi Riots Chargesheet

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/name-of-aimplb-member-dr-sqr-ilyas-finds-mention-in-delhi-riots-chargesheet

NEW DELHI: The name of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Dr Qasim Rasul Ilyas has been mentioned in a riot-related chargesheet filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. Regarding the development, Dr Ilyas has tweeted “All those law-abiding citizens and activists who had participated in the anti-CAA/NRC agitation or were associated with it are being systematically framed by the police to protect the real culprits who masterminded the Delhi riots. One of the chargesheets contains my name where it has been claimed that I had delivered an inflammatory speech in Chandbagh. I challenge Delhi police to prove the charges against me,” he stated. Talking to India Tomorrow, Dr Ilyas said, “Delhi police is saving the original instigators, and inflammatory speech givers. Besides being a member of AIMPLB, he is WPI national President. “I have delivered speeches during the anti-CAA rallies across the country including Delhi and all their recordings are available. Delhi police must prove when and at what place did I deliver an inflammatory speech,” he questioned. Lambasting Delhi police for its biased approach and questionable integrity, Dr Ilyas said, “Delhi police is acting on the directions of Union Home Ministry and one can openly see that BJP workers involved in riots  have not been  questioned especially those who delivered inflammatory speeches and disturbed the social fabric of the society  by stoking communalism”, he said. Referring to the chargesheet, he said, “The names of a number of constitution- lovers who participated in the anti CAA-NRC rallies and programmes are mentioned in the chargesheet. The names of Yogendra Yadav, Harsh Mander and a number of intellectuals including social workers are there in the chargesheet. All these intellectuals and social activists are engaged in saving the constitution of the country”, he said. India Tomorrow

 

Delhi violence: HC asks police to place order of senior officer to probe teams

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/delhi-violence-hc-asks-police-to-place-order-of-senior-officer-to-probe-teams/1903560

Delhi High Court Monday directed the police to file a copy of an order passed by a senior officer of the probe agency to its team, which has been challenged by the families of 2 victims who were allegedly killed during Delhi riots this year. Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, who was hearing the matter through video conferencing, said no action can be taken based on a news report, on which petition was filed, unless some authenticity to the claims is provided.The HC was hearing a petition filed by Sahil Parvez, whose father was shot dead allegedly by communal rioters near his home, and Mohd Saeed Salmani, whose elderly mother was allegedly lynched in her house by rioters, seeking quashing of a July 8 order issued by Special Commissioner of Delhi Police. Advocate Mehmood Pracha, representing petitioners, sought direction to the police to produce the July 8 order of Special CP Praveer Ranjan and other such orders issued by the authorities, which amounts to an unlawful and illegal interference in the performance of investigative functions by police officers. “Clearly under pressure from these efforts, respondent no.4 (Special CP) issued an order dated July 8 observing that there was a degree of resentment in the Hindu community against arrest of certain Hindu persons, and directing investigating officers that they should be careful in the future when making arrests, and that arrests of persons should be made only after discussion of the evidence with special public prosecutors who have been illegally appointed to represent the police in these cases,” plea claimed.PTI

 

Delhi HC Restrains Police From Circulating Info on Allegations Against Pinjra Tod activist  Kalita

https://thewire.in/law/delhi-hc-restrains-police-from-circulating-info-on-allegations-against-devangana-kalita

Delhi high court on Monday restrained the police from circulating information about the allegations against Pinjra Tod activist Devangana Kalita, arrested for alleged involvement in communal violence during anti-CAA protests, till the trial commences in the case. Justice Vibhu Bakhru, while pronouncing order through video conferencing, also said the prayer made by Kalitha to set aside the press note issued by Delhi Police on June 2 to the media about the case cannot be acceded to. The court passed the order on a plea by Kalita, a JNU student, alleging selective leak of certain evidence against her by the police.Pinjra Tod (break the cage) is a collective of women students and alumni of colleges from across Delhi.Kalita, who was arrested on May 23, is lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody in a case associated with violence in old Delhi’s Daryaganj area during protests against the CAA in December last year.PTI

‘Inscrutable indolence’: Delhi court raps police over footage recovery delay

 

Delhi Riots: HC Allows Harsh Mander To Withdraw Plea Seeking FIR Against Politicians Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur; To Approach Magistrate

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/delhi-riots-delhi-hc-allows-harsh-mander-to-withdraw-plea-seeking-fir-against-politicians-160559

Delhi High Court on Monday allowed social activist Harsh Mander to withdraw his writ petition which sought registration of FIR against politicians such as Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma etc., over alleged incitement of Delhi riots. This was after Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for Mander, expressed that he was seeking to approach the jurisdictional Magistrate under Section 156(3) of Code of Criminal Procedure for the same relief.Based on the submission, a division bench comprising Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan allowed the withdrawal of the petition, with liberty to avail alternative remedies. The Court also adjourned the hearing on the other petitions in the batch till next Monday, after directing the Delhi police to streamline their replies to various pleas. During the hearing, one of petitioner, Jamiat Ulema Hind, invited the Court's attention to the fact-finding report filed by Delhi Minorities Commission, which stated that several places of residence and worship belonging to Muslims were destroyed in the riots. There was a targeted attack on a particular community, Jamiat said. It alleged that Delhi police were "mere bystanders to the attacks committed on members of the Muslim community ". livelaw

Hindu Middle Class Is Driving Opposition Silence On Delhi Riots: Author Revati Laul

https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/opposition-delhi-riots-congress-bjp_in_5f1d8a6ac5b6945e6e3bce2b?utm_hp_ref=in-politics

Author Revati Laul has explained the silence of the Opposition amid Hindu majoritarianism.HuffPost India spoke to Laul, a political analyst and author of The Anatomy of Hate, a book on 2002 Gujarat riots, about Congress Party-led Opposition’s reaction to communal violence back then, and the silence of Congress and AAP on Delhi riots in the political landscape of Hindu majoritarianism that exists today. Laul, reporter of 25 years, who covered Gujarat riots, traces this silence to rise of an “illiberal” middle class as a dominant political entity since India’s economic liberalisation in 90s. “Problem is not with Kejriwal or Modi,” she said. “Problem is with our middle class that is constantly making right wing Hindutva-vadi leaders succeed one after another whether it is in the government or in Opposition. This is a mirror of who we are as a middle class.” huffingtonpost

 

In This Delhi Riot Murder Case, Karkardooma Judge Granted Bail

https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/delhi-riot-murder-case-karkardooma-bail_in_5f1da504c5b638cfec4612af

New Delhi:“Grounds that I have put down in my application are my thoughts on this case,” said M.M. Hashmi, who says he is representing the only three men who have been granted bail in a murder case related to the Delhi riots thus far. In the bail order for one Mohammad Rizwan, booked for murder in FIR of Khajuri Khas police station, Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav of Karkardooma District Court, wrote, “I have given my thoughtful consideration to the arguments advanced at bar. In the entire report, IO has nowhere mentioned as to how the applicant was identified in this matter.”The order dated 24 June, 2020, said, “The report is completely devoid of material against applicant.” “When I applied for bail there was no specific evidence against him,” said Hashmi, a trial lawyer in Delhi for the past 25 years.“PP and IO could not defend it,” he said, referring to the Public Prosecutor and the Investigating Officer.  Hashmi said that bail was similarly granted to two of his other clients in the case, Mohammed Tyabb and Israr Ahmad.

 

‘Attempt at stifling criticism’ — prominent citizens express solidarity with Prashant Bhushan

https://theprint.in/india/attempt-at-stifling-criticism-prominent-citizens-express-solidarity-with-prashant-bhushan/469124/

New Delhi: A group of 131 prominent citizens, including former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur and Swaraj India President Yogendra Yadav, released a statement Monday, expressing solidarity with activist-advocate Prashant Bhushan, who was issued a contempt notice by the SC last week.The statement called upon the SC to withdraw the contempt proceedings against Bhushan “in the interest of justice and fairness and to maintain the dignity of the Supreme Court of India”.The signatories include historian Ramachandra Guha, former Delhi High Court judge Justice A.P. Shah, author Arundhati Roy, activist Harsh Mander, lawyer Indira Jaising, among several others.

 

“Dr Kafeel is behind bars not for his anti-CAA comments but because CM of UP is settling old scores”

https://enewsroom.in/dr-kafeel-khan-caa-cm-up-shabista/

At a time when India needs doctors on the frontline, the bail of Gorakhpur’s Dr Kafeel Khan has been continuously denied by Uttar Pradesh Government for over six months now.This comes even after Dr Kafeel had written a letter to the Prime Minister , Narendra Modi, in March, offering his services to help India combat the pandemic. However, all that the doctor got in return was an extension on his detention under the draconian NSA and constant deferring of hearing dates for his bail.“Aligarh Court had granted him bail on this case, but for some reason, the UP government made sure to not let him out even after the bail. For four days his jail stay was extended and what followed we all know. UP government slapped the draconian law – NSA which is meant for hardcore criminals on him,” said Dr Shabista Kafeel, over the phone. Dr Shabista, a dentist by profession, maintained, “Dr Kafeel is behind the bars not for his anti-CAA comments but because the chief minister of UP is settling old scores. It’s quite evident that our CM (Yogi Adityanath) is going to any extent to stifle voices that criticise the govt.”enewsroom

 

Congress minority cell to file PIL, FIRs against demolition of places of worship in secretariat premises by Telangana govt

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/congress-minority-cell-to-file-pil-firs-against-demolition-of-places-of-worship-in-secretariat-premises-by-telangana-govt/articleshow/77185196.cms

HYDERABAD: Congress has decided to file a PIL in the high court against the demolition of the places of worship in the secretariat premises and has also directed the party’s district minority cell chairpersons to lodge complaints in the police stations of their jurisdiction against the razing down of the 2 mosques and a temple.Telangana Congress minorities cell chairman Shaik Abdullah Sohail along with city minorities cell chief Sameer Waliullah said it has been decided to file a PIL in the court and that all the chairmen of minorities cell of the party in the districts have been directed to lodge complaints against the demolition and register multiple FIRs against those responsible for the demolition.

 

Ex-CBI chief says Maulana Azad, Leftists ‘whitewashed Islamic rule’

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ex-cbi-chief-nageswara-rao-says-maulana-azad-leftists-whitewashed-islamic-rule-6524957/?fbclid=IwAR2nYdIQzLV38haoq4X7wplVxuBEukxh0mlKrMstGmeTeEI7uPeYeNeJ0D4

Raising questions of propriety and service rules, former interim CBI director and serving IPS officer, M Nageswara Rao, claimed on Twitter Saturday that Indian history had been “distorted” with the “whitewashing” of “bloody Islamic invasions/rule” and named previous Education Ministers who “were in charge of Indian mind space” for 20 “out of 30 years (1947-77)”.After naming “Maulana Abul Kalam Azad — 11 years (1947-58)”; “Humayun Kabir, MC Chagla & Fakruddin Ali Ahmed — 4 years (1963-67)”; and, “Nurul Hassan — 5 years (1972-77)”, Rao posted: “Remaining 10 years other Leftists like VKRV Rao.” These lines were part of a series of four slides that Rao posted along with a tweet that started with the line, “Story of Project Abrahamisation of Hindu Civilization”. He listed 6 points below: “1. Deny Hindus their knowledge, 2.Vilify Hinduism as collection of superstitions, 3. Abrahamise Education, 4. Abrahamise Media & Entertainment, 5.Shame Hindus about their identity, 6. Bereft of glue of Hinduism Hindu society dies.”Rao, who is DG Home Guards, Fire Services and Civil Defence, and due to retire on July 31, did not provide any further explanation. Rao was appointed CBI interim director on Oct.23, 2018, following a turf war between the then director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana.  In January, Rao wrote an article for RSS mouthpiece Organiser where he argued for a complete ban on foreign funding for NGOs in India.

 

'The Only Thing That’s Stopping You Is YOU': India Remembers Dr. Kalam On His 5th Death Anniversary

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-the-only-thing-thats-stopping-you-is-you-india-remembers-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-on-his-5th-death-anniversary/357467

Tributes are pouring in for India’s 11th President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his fifth death anniversary. Dr. APJ Kalam, born on Oct.15, 1931, in Tamil Nadu served as President of India between 2002 and 2007. Also known as 'Missile Man of India', Kalam played a key role in 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests. His contribution to India's space program and missile development programmes has been significant.Dr. Kalam died due to a cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at IIM in Shillong on July 27, 2015. Dr. Kalam was also respected and known for his inspirantional philosophy on life.

 

SC to hear on Sept.1 pleas against Maratha quota

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-to-hear-on-september-1-pleas-against-maratha-quota/article32201451.ece?homepage=true

The Supreme Court on Monday listed for hearing on September 1 petitions challenging the legality of a Maharashtra State law providing reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and education.A Bench led by Justice L. Nageswara Rao refrained from passing any orders for stay on the implementation of the the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act providing 12-13% quota to Maratha community, saying the State had already issued a government order on May 4 that there would be no regular appointments made for the time being.

 

Madras HC directs Centre to form committee to decide on OBC reservation for medical courses

https://scroll.in/latest/968678/madras-hc-directs-centre-to-form-committee-to-decide-on-obc-reservation-for-medical-courses

Madras High Court on Monday directed the Centre to set up a committee to decide on the provision of Other Backward Class reservation for medical seats given up by Tamil Nadu government to all-India quota. The committee has to be formed within three months. A bench comprising Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, however, said that the decision made by the committee will be applicable from the next academic session. The bench said that the committee should include representatives from the Centre, Tamil Nadu and the Medical Council of India.

 

Jungle Raj? After Kanpur, Class 6 student kidnapped in Gorakhpur, killed after demanding Rs 1 crore ransom

https://www.indiatoday.in/crime/story/gorakhpur-kidnapping-paan-shop-owner-son-kidnap-kill-1-crore-ransom-uttar-pradesh-crime-1705003-2020-07-27

After abductions in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur and Gonda caught the national headlines, another child was kidnapped in the state's Gorakhpur district on Sunday.The kidnappers killed the 14-year-old teen after demanding of Rs 1 crore from his family.The body of the class 6 student was recovered from an area near a canal in Gorakhpur on Monday evening.The 14-year-old son of a grocery and ‘paan’ shop owner was kidnapped from Pipraich area on Sunday. The teen was kidnapped on Sunday afternoon and the family had also received a ransom call.

 

‘Repeal UAPA’: Students, Akal Takht Slam Punjab Govt for Use of ‘Draconian’ Laws Against Sikh Youth

https://clarionindia.net/repeal-uapa-students-akal-takht-slam-punjab-govt-for-use-of-draconian-laws-against-sikh-youth/

Chandigarh:A student association at Punjab University has slammed state govt for rampant use of controversial laws days after the death of a youth, Lovepreet Singh.Singh is believed to have committed suicide due to the stress he underwent after he was slapped with the anti-terror law UAPA for his alleged links with the Khalistan, a separatist insurgency in Punjab.His death has brought attention to the case of sedition and use of UAPA against 30 men, mostly in their 20s in Punjab.Students For Society (SFS) said that if the case was probed properly, “the charges would come out as baseless, superficial and eclectic as UAPA & NIA cases against anti CAA-NRC protesters, including students, political activists, Women, Muslims and Dalits”.SFS president Harmandeep Singh said the government of Captain Amrinder Singh was resorting to the use of UAPA against Sikh youths and framing them as Khalistanis.

 

Viral English-Speaking Fruit Seller Who Holds A PhD Was Offered A Research Project In Belgium

https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/viral-english-speaking-fruit-seller-who-holds-a-phd-was-offered-a-research-project-in-belgium-518842.html?fbclid=IwAR0PKZW_7dKdWDfvjjFs9T4znT3KIVhpAJcFtn4zvKXoh4ekSe2C7nqZCvY

Last week, Raeesa Ansari made headlines when a video of her went viral on social media. In the video, Raeesa was seen speaking in fluent english, protesting the repeated lockdowns in Indore. She later identified herself as a former research scholar of Devi Ahilya University, Indore.Turns out, Raeesa, who now sells fruits, had been offered to work on a research project in Belgium while she was doing her PhD. She told Jagran that at that time she was on a CSIR research fellowship at IISER in Kolkata. "A senior of mine from the university was working on the project from Belgium. Their research head offered me to join them and sent an offer letter. I required the permission of my PhD guide to accept the offer, however he refused to sign the document. Once I lost the opportunity to go to Belgium for research project, I lost all hope and returned from Kolkata,"she told Jagran.com.

 

*SOUTH ASIA, INDO-PAK & J&K*

India bans 47 clones of Chinese apps amid border tensions with Beijing

https://scroll.in/latest/968701/india-bans-47-clones-of-chinese-apps-amid-border-tensions-with-beijing-reports

Indian government on Monday said that it had banned 47 applications that are clones of the 59 Chinese apps banned on June 29, according to several reports on Monday. However, an official statement has not been released yet. A source in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology told Indian Express that the Centre’s main concern is the “operational ethics” of certain apps. “This is an ongoing process. If apps qualify under the same grounds of operational ethics, then they will also come under the scanner,” the unidentified government official said.

 

'Will Not Lie About Chinese Entering India; Don't Care If It Costs Me Politically': Rahul Gandhi

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-will-not-lie-about-chinese-entering-india-dont-care-if-it-costs-me-politically-rahul-gandhi/357480

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he is not going to lie about Chinese transgressions in eastern Ladakh even if it costs him politically, asserting he will say the truth as far as Indian territory is concerned.Gandhi made these remarks in a tweet, along with an over-a-minute-long video, as part of a series launched by him on the India-China face-off along LAC in eastern Ladakh. Asked in the video how he would react to people who say his questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on China weakened India, former Congress chief said, "If you want me to lie that the Chinese have not entered this country, I am not going to lie. I will simply not do it. I do not care if my whole career goes to hell. I am not going to lie."

 

This is how Pakistan plans to protest 1st anniversary of India scrapping Article 370: theprint report

https://theprint.in/defence/this-is-how-pakistan-plans-to-protest-1st-anniversary-of-india-scrapping-article-370/469031/

New Delhi: Pakistani military establishment has planned a series of events — from a domestic media blitz to protests abroad — for the first anniversary of India’s decision to scrap Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories. Indian government had announced the decision on 5 August last year, and Pakistan is observing the day as ‘Black Day’.Indian security agencies have managed to get a copy of the events being planned, and the list is exhaustive. Among Pakistan’s plans is a foreign media corps’ trip to the Line of Control, as well as one for UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). A white paper is also scheduled to be handed over to UNMOGIP.A number of packages criticising the Indian government have been made for Pakistani TV news channels, who are also supposed to turn their logos black.

 

 

Consider releasing J&K bar chief if he agrees not to visit Kashmir, SC tells Modi govt

https://theprint.in/judiciary/consider-releasing-jk-bar-chief-if-he-agrees-not-to-visit-kashmir-sc-tells-modi-govt/469103/

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday asked the Modi government to consider an early release for Mia Abdul Qayoom, president of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, before his detention period expires on 6 August if he agrees to not visit Kashmir or issue any statement there till 7 Aug. Qayoom was detained under PSA on the intervening night of 4 and 5 August last year, ahead of Modi government’s decision to scrap Article 370. A Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, “We are trying to work out a workable arrangement. The govt may have some apprehensions to release him due to the approaching date. Are you willing to release him if he doesn’t go there (Kashmir) till the seventh, agrees to stay in Delhi and not release any statements?”Mehta agreed to come back with a response on 29 July. On Monday, Mehta informed the bench that the government will not extend Qayoom’s detention beyond 6 August.

 

J&K: Omar Abdullah says he will not contest Assembly polls while region remains a Union Territory

https://scroll.in/latest/968632/j-k-omar-abdullah-says-he-will-not-contest-assembly-polls-while-region-remains-a-union-territory

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Monday that he will not contest Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as long as the region remains a Union Territory. “To this day, I fail to understand the need for this move [to make the state a Union Territory], except to punish and humiliate the people of the state,” Abdullah said in an article in The Indian Express.“If the reason for carving out a separate Union Territory for Ladakh was the public demand among the Buddhist population of the area, then the demand for a separate state for the people of Jammu is a much older demand,” Abdullah said. He said that if the move was made on religious grounds, it ignored that the majority population of Kargil and Leh in Ladakh is Muslim.

Omar Abdullah writes: While Jammu and Kashmir remains UT, will not contest Assembly elections

 

Kashmir University student booked under UAPA, family, friends say detained for activism at varsity

http://twocircles.net/2020jul27/438335.html?fbclid=IwAR1zo9X7y9RV8WabPVzZRy2uFAynezDYDLg8hRGoNhSA_p3N9KUWfk0vpko

Srinagar,: The family of a Kashmiri student, who was booked under the stringent UAPA claim that he was “punished” for his “activism” at University of Kashmir. Aqib Ahmad Malik (26), who hails from south Kashmir’s Shopian district, was detained in Police station Nigeen and booked under UAPA, a law used to book militants. Malik’s maternal uncle, Zahoor Ahamad said, he was summoned to police station in Srinagar on Thursday evening, and he(Aqib) went there on Friday and was arrested. A member of banned student’s organisation Kashmir University Students Union(KUSU) condemned Aqib’s detention and demanded his immediate release. He maintained that Maliq was active in university and would frequently raise his voice against corruption in the University.Malik’s uncle Zahoor Ahmad corroborated this and said that he was punished because of KU authorities.TCN

 

UN report on ISIS in Karnataka: Home Ministry seeks report on security from top official

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/united-nations-report-isis-kerala-karnataka-home-ministry-6525386/

Taking note of a UN report on the “significant numbers” of ISIS terrorists in Kerala and Karnataka, B S Yediyurappa-led government has sought a report from DG and IGP Praveen Sood on internal security of the state.Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, “UN report on ISIS terrorist activities in Karnataka is based on the arrests made by the state police and NIA in the past year.”

 

*INDIAN POLITICS*

Rajasthan Guv seeks another proposal from Gehlot govt for calling session for floor test

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-government-crisis-live-updates-ashok-gehlot-sachin-pilot-congress-mlas-supreme-court-6525081/

Stating that he was never against calling an Assembly session, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra Monday sought another cabinet proposal from the Gehlot government with clarification on three points. He said before any decision could be taken on convening an Assembly session, the government should give a 21-day notice period to the MLAs as it is difficult for them to appear in a short notice during the pandemic. He also mentioned certain conditions which are required to be followed if confidence voting is carried out and asked the government to specify how social distancing could be ensured during the session.Taking a swipe at Mishra, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot earlier said he would respond to the Governor’s “six-page love letter” pertaining to the Assembly session by today evening. The remarks came hours after the Governor rejected the chief minister’s fresh proposal for a session on July 31. Governor had in the past returned an earlier recommendation by the govt, asking for clarifications on 6 specific points.“The governor has returned the file to the state govt with some queries. The matter is being examined,” govt sources told PTI.

 

Conspiracy to topple elected govt in Rajasthan, murder democracy: UP Congress chief

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-government-crisis-live-updates-ashok-gehlot-sachin-pilot-congress-mlas-supreme-court-6525081/

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu, who was arrested while 'Speak up for Democracy' protest said the (central) government is conspiring to topple an elected government in Rajasthan, wants to murder the democracy. Watch the video in which he speaks before being bundled into a police van earlier today

 

Call Assembly session, 3 former Law Ministers write to Rajasthan Governor

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/call-assembly-session-3-former-law-ministers-write-to-rajasthan-governor

As the stand-off between Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and the Ashok Gehlot government continues over the convening of the Assembly session, three former Union Law Ministers have written to Mishra on what they called the constitutional impasse and advised him to go by the government request on the matter.The letter signed by Kapil Sibal, Salman Khurshid and Ashwani Kumar said that "the delay in convening the special session of Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha as decided and advised by the council of ministers has resulted in an avoidable constitutional impasse."All 3 Congress leaders said that they have been at the helm of the Law Ministry in the past and "students" of the Constitution, adding that as per the established legal position the Governor is "obliged to call the Assembly session in accordance with the advice of the state Cabinet".IANS

 

Chidambaram: By law, Rajasthan Guv has to adhere to state govt’s advice, has no discretion at all

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/chidambaram-by-law-rajasthan-guv-has-to-adhere-to-state-govts-advice-has-no-discretion-at-all

Senior Congress leader and former Union Home and Finance Minister P Chidambaram trained his gun on Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and Modi-led BJP government at the Centre, saying the Governor has no choice but has to listen to the advice of the Council of Ministers and allow the Legislative Assembly to convene. He said, “The fundamental basis of a parliamentary democracy is a functioning legislature. If the executive government wants the legislature to meet, it has the absolute right and authority to call a session. The Governor is only a formal instrument to sign and issue the summons to the MLAs. If a Chief Minister who is accused of not enjoying a majority wants to prove his majority, he is entitled to call a session at the earliest to prove his majority. No one can stand in his way. Placing any obstacle to calling the session would undermine the fundamental basis of a parliamentary democracy.”

 

In Rajasthan Fight, Mayawati's Party May Ally With BJP In Court

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-rajasthan-fight-mayawatis-party-may-ally-with-bjp-in-court-2269465

In Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's struggle to retain his narrow majority after a rebellion by his sacked deputy Sachin Pilot, a new case is in court. Mayawati's BSP, which lost all 6 Rajasthan MLAs to Congress last year, has approached the High Court. BJP had challenged merger of BSP MLAs into the Congress before the High Court last month. BSP today asked to be allowed to be party to the same petition. The move implies that Mayawati is willing to join forces with BJP in the legal fight against Congress. BJP had also objected to the merger before Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi in March. With Speaker rejecting the objection, the High Court has asked BJP to file a fresh petition challenging that decision.BSP yesterday issued a whip to MLAs ordering them to vote against the Congress in a trust vote.

 

Rajasthan HC rejects BJP’s petition against merger of six former BSP MLAs with Congress

https://scroll.in/latest/968682/rajasthan-high-court-rejects-bjps-petition-against-merger-of-six-former-bsp-mlas-with-congress

Rajasthan High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by BJP MLA Madan Dilawar against the merger of 6 former BSP MLAs with Congress, PTI reported.Former BSP MLAs Sandeep Yadav, Wajib Ali, Deepchand Kheria, Lakhan Meena, Jogendra Awana and Rajendra Gudha had applied for a merger with the Congress on Sept.16, 2019, a request which was granted by then Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Chandra Prakash Joshi. 2 days later, the Speaker declared that MLAs will be considered as a part of the Congress.

 

 

 

 

*CORONAVIRUS- LOCKDOWN*

Donations to PM-CARES cannot be transferred to NDRF, Govt tells SC; order reserved

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/donations-to-pm-cares-cannot-be-transferred-to-ndrf-govt/article32204682.ece?homepage=true

PM-CARES Fund is a “public charitable trust” to which “anyone can contribute”. It is a “misconception” that contributions received by a public trust like PM-CARES can be transferred to a statutory fund like National Disaster Relief Fund(NDRF), the government maintained in the Supreme Court on Monday.The government was responding to a bunch of petitions, including one from the CPIL, represented by senior advocate Dushyant Dave and advocate Prashant Bhushan, to transfer funds from PM-CARES to NDRF to help fight the pandemic.Appearing before a Bench led by Justice Ashok Bhushan, Dave argued that PM-CARES is not subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. It is not under “public scrutiny” and contributions to it are “100% tax free”.Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said corporate contributors are lured to donate to PM-CARES because they can avail of CSR benefits, which is not possible in the case of donations to States’ funds.“So, this means corporates will only contribute to PM-CARES,” . Sibal said.Mr. Mehta objected that NDRF contributions are eligible for CSR benefits.“The Trust is only there to circumvent NDRF... It is a fraud on the Constitution. All that we are saying is it should be subject to public scrutiny,”  Dave submitted. The court reserved the case for judgment.

 

Celebrate Eid adhering to all health ministry guidelines on COVID: Jamiat to Muslims

https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/celebrate-eid-adhering-to-all-health-ministry-guidelines-on-covid-19-jamiat-to-muslims/2036619/

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind on Monday urged members of the community to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha adhering to all Union Health Ministry guidelines on COVID-19 pandemic. Jamiat president Maulana Arshad Madani said that in view of the rising cases of coronavirus, it is advised that Muslims perform Eid-ul-Azha prayers in mosques or at home following all social distancing norms and guidelines issued by the health ministry from time to time.It is better to perform animal sacrifice, an important part of the festival, after offering sermon and prayers in a short period of time, immediately after 20 minutes of sunrise, Madani said. He said that it must also be ensured that all waste be buried or disposed of in a manner that it does not create any problem for other people.“If, however, there is no way to fulfil this (sacrifice) religious obligation, then a sacrifice should be offered at a nearby place where there is no difficulty,” Madani said. “But, at a place where the sacrifice has been offered regularly, and there is a problem right now, at least one goat must be sacrificed there after registration with the local administration,” he said.PTI

 

Ahmedabad, Surat Police Ban Animal Sacrifice in Places 'Visible to Public' on Eid

https://thewire.in/rights/gujarat-animal-sacrifice-ahmedabad-surat-ban-eid

Ahmedabad: Days ahead of Bakri Eid, police commissioners of Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat have issued orders prohibiting animal sacrifice in public places and at private places where it would be visible to public.The notifications, having similar content, were issued on Sunday by Ahmedabad police commissioner Ashish Bhatia and his Surat counterpart R.B. Brahmbhatt.The notifications, issued to maintain law and order under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code, “prohibit animal sacrifice on Eid-al-Adha, to be celebrated on August 1, at public places and at private places where it would be visible to the public.” Such public sacrifice would “hurt sentiments of people of other faiths and it would disrupt communal harmony,”notifications said. The ban is necessary in the wake of the coronavirus situation, the orders said.People have also been barred from throwing animal remains in public after the ritual.The notifications also put a ban on decorating animals and taking out their procession ahead of the ritual of sacrifice.PTI

 

Goat 'Arrested' by Kanpur Police For Not Wearing Mask in UP's Beconganj Area

https://www.news18.com/news/india/goat-arrested-by-kanpur-police-for-not-wearing-mask-in-ups-beconganj-area-2736959.html?fbclid=IwAR0_Ps1wBAVoM7bv2702zY1GqcObG_v796LZksCXk1fOHZT-wAo2cDJ5PoA

In a bizarre incident, the Kanpur police 'arrested' a goat that was roaming in the Beconganj area here 'without wearing a mask'.The incident took place over the weekend and the Beconganj police picked up the goat and took it to the police station in a jeep.When the owner of the goat learnt that the police had taken it away, he rushed to the police station.He pleaded with the cops and the police finally let him take back his goat but warned him not to allow the animal to roam on the road.Circle officer, Anwarganj police station, Saifuddin Beg, however, said that police had found a youth without a mask, taking the goat along."When he saw police, he ran away leaving the goat behind so the policemen brought the goat to police station. Later, we handed over the goat to its owner," he said. One of the policemen who had brought the goat admitted that they found a lockdown violation because the goat was without a mask. "People are now making their dogs wear a mask so why not a goat?" he asked.

 

 

Coronavirus India: 5 lakh samples tested in day, about 50,000 reported positive

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-tally-crosses-14-lakh-mark-over-5-lakh-samples-tested-in-a-day-11595818914570.html

With 49,931 people testing positive for coronavirus in a day, India's COVID-19 tally crossed 14 lakh mark today, while the recoveries jumped to 9,17,568. The country's death toll rose to 32,771 with 708 fatalities being recorded in a day. The fatality from covid currently stands at 2.3% in India as compared to global average of about 4%.Total COVID19 positive cases stand at 14,35,453 including 4,85,114 active cases, 9,17,568 cured/discharged/migrated and 32,771 deaths, the health ministry said.The recoveries on Sunday is one of the highest ever recoveries in a single day. 31,992 COVID-19 patients were cured and discharged in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate has now inched closer to 64%. The gap between active patients and recovered patients has crossed 4 lakh and currently stands at 4,32,454.For the first time a record number of more than 5 lakh tests have been conducted in a single day. With 5,15,472 samples tested in the last 24 hours, the cumulative testing stands at 1,68,06,803.

Covid: Centre says recovery rate improving, death rate falling as cases cross 14.35 lakh

 

Tamil Nadu Mulls Extension of Lockdown Till August-End: Reports

https://www.india.com/news/india/tamil-nadu-lockdown-august-palaniswami-govt-mulls-extension-of-lockdown-till-august-end-4095163/

Amid the growing number of coronavirus cases, Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu is reportedly mulling extension of lockdown until August-end. Earlier last month, the state government had extended the lockdown till July 31, with certain relaxations outside containment zones.

 

Chhattisgarh Extends Shutdown in Worst-Hit Districts Till August 6

https://www.india.com/chhattisgarh/chhattisgarh-lockdown-news-government-extends-shutdown-in-worst-hit-districts-till-august-6-4095643/

With number of coronavirus cases in Chhattisgarh rising, the state government on Monday announced an extension of the lockdown in the worst COVID-19 hit districts of the state till August 6. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel today.

 

Is Delhi Bracing For Second Lockdown? Check Out CM Kejriwal’s Latest Statement

https://www.india.com/news/india/lockdown-in-delhi-is-delhi-bracing-for-second-lockdown-check-out-cm-kejriwals-latest-statement-4095273/

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Monday asserted that there is no need to impose another lockdown in the national capital. Addressing a digital briefing CM said,“There was no need to impose second lockdown in Delhi. This is a matter of satisfaction.” He further claimed that there’s improvement in COVID situation in Delhi and at present the recovery rate in the city is 88 per cent. “There is a decline in the number of deaths. Only 9% of the people are ill now and 2-3% of the people have died. The Delhi model is being discussed in India and abroad”, the Chief Minister said.

 

Iraq to impose full curfew on Eid ul-Adha

https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/jul/27/iraq-to-impose-full-curfew-on-eid-ul-adha-2175379.html

 Iraqi health authorities have decided to impose a full curfew during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday.In a statement on Sunday, Higher Committee for Health and National Safety, headed by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, said that it decided to extend the weekly full curfew from July 30 to August 9, including Eid al-Adha holiday, reports Xinhua.The Committee will discuss the curfew situation after the holiday, the statement said.

 

Keeping borders closed not a 'sustainable strategy' against COVID: WHO

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/morocco-returns-partial-coronavirus-lockdown-live-updates-200726222443290.html

Keeping borders closed to halt spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, WHO said, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading.Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus.But WHO warned that such measures cannot be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission. "Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else,"  Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, said.

 

Trump's national security adviser Robert O'Brien tests positive for Covid

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/morocco-returns-partial-coronavirus-lockdown-live-updates-200726222443290.html

US President Donald Trump's national security adviser Robert O'Brien has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the White House has confirmed. The White House said that O'Brien has mild symptoms and "has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site," adding that: "There is no risk of exposure to the President or the Vice President" and that the "work of NSC continues uninterrupted".

 

*WORLD*

Israeli settlers torch W. Bank mosque in 'price tag' attack

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israeli-settlers-torch-west-bank-mosque-in-price-tag-attack-38441

A mosque has been vandalised in a suspected "price tag" attack apparently by Israeli settlers in occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian Authority and residents. Attackers spray-painted anti-Arab slogans and racist graffiti on the walls of a mosque in Al Bireh city in central West Bank, residents said.Palestinian Authority said a group of Israeli settlers tried to burn down a mosque. "Land of Israel for the People of Israel,"read part of a slogan sprayed in Hebrew on the mosque's wall, a reference to a biblical, historical and political claim to an area that includes the occupied West Bank.It appeared to be the latest case of the so-called "price tag" vandalism, which is a strategy used by militant Jewish settlers to attack Palestinians and their property in retaliation for perceived threats to Israeli settlement expansion. Speaking ahead of a weekly Palestinian cabinet meeting, PM Mohammed Shtayyeh called the attack a "racist act" and said he held Israel's govt responsible for "increasing violence of the settlers."Journalists who arrived at the scene found fire damage at the entrance to building and in a washroom, and spray-painted slogans in Hebrew reading, "Siege on Arabs and not on Jews," and "land of Israel for my people!"

 

Hezbollah fighters battle Israeli troops on northern frontier

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/exchange-fire-israel-lebanon-border-israeli-media-200727130940141.html

Israeli forces exchanged fire with Hezbollah fighters along the volatile Israeli-Lebanese frontier on Monday, heaviest fighting between the bitter enemies in nearly a year.Israeli army's spokesperson Avichay Adraee said troops foiled Hezbollah attack by 3 or 4 men who infiltrated a few metres over Blue Line, which demarcates Israel's 2000 withdrawal from Lebanon. There were no casualties among Israeli forces, Adraee said.Hezbollah carried out the operation against Israeli soldiers in disputed Shebaa Farms area, Reuters quoted unnamed sources familiar with the situation as saying. The raid was in retaliation after an Israel air raid near Syrian capital, Damascus, killed a Hezbollah fighter last week, the sources said. There was no immediate statement by Hezbollah.

 

 

Israeli army says one of its drones crashed inside Lebanon

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/israeli-army-drones-crashed-lebanon-200726194846685.html

Israeli army says one of its drones came down in Lebanese territory, following a reinforcement of its presence at its northern frontier near Lebanon.The drone fell "during IDF operational activity" along the border, the army said in a statement on Sunday."There is no concern that any information was leaked," it said. Israel's Channel 12 reported that drone crashed after it experienced a technical failure.

 

Report: Israel told Hezbollah killing of fighter in Syria was a mistake

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200727-report-israel-told-hezbollah-killing-of-fighter-in-syria-was-a-mistake/

Israel did inform Hezbollah that killing of one of the group’s fighters in Syria last week was a mistake, Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen news channel reported. The message, which was transmitted between the parties by the United Nations, reportedly stated Israeli forces were unaware Hezbollah fighters were stationed in the area and warned against a response.Hezbollah, according to Al-Mayadeen, admitted receiving the message but denied Israel had warned against retaliation.The message from Israel comes after a Hezbollah fighter was killed in an Israeli strike which struck near Damascus airport, south of the city, on Monday night.

 

Israel blocks Palestinian mothers travelling with newborn babies

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200727-israel-blocks-palestinian-mothers-travelling-with-newborn-babies/

Israeli authorities have prevented two Palestinian women from leaving the occupied West Bank for Jordan because their newborn babies are not registered in the Zionist state, Wafa news agency has reported.Although the babies are registered with Palestinian Interior Ministry, they were not allowed to cross into Jordan via Allenby Bridge.A number of Palestinians have been denied travel recently at the Israeli-controlled border crossing with Jordan. The bridge connects the West Bank with the Hashemite Kingdom and is the sole designated exit and entry point for West Bank Palestinians travelling into and out of the Israeli occupied territories.

 

Israel’s security agency Shin Bet secretly spies on Israelis’ phones for years

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200727-shin-bet-have-been-secretly-spying-on-israelis-phones-for-years/

Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, has been secretly tracking Israeli citizens for at least 2 and a half years and had access to their phones’ content, which may still be ongoing as part of a programme to fight Daesh, reported Channel 13.According to the report, programme, under which the phones of “majority” of Israelis were subject to monitoring by Shin Bet, was not approved by the Knesset which cited anonymous sources.The actual name of the programme is classified, and is therefore referred to as “Dark Box.”

 

Bin Salman targets family of former intelligence chief after bribes fail

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200727-bin-salman-targets-family-of-former-intelligence-chief-after-bribes-fail/

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has targeted the family of a former intelligence official and tried to have him extradited through Interpol when efforts to bribe him failed, it has been alleged in media reports over the weekend, including Al Jazeera and the New York Times. Saad Al-Jabri has faced false allegations of corruption that have been condemned by international police organisation as a politically motivated campaign to silence critics of the de-facto ruler of the Kingdom.With parallels to the efforts to silence Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi prior to his murder in Oct.2018, details of the campaign against Al-Jabri, a high profile intelligence official, reveal that Bin Salman has allegedly gone to extreme lengths to force the former spy chief to return to Saudi. 62 year-old fled the Kingdom fearing the Crown Prince’s authoritarian streak.Among other efforts, the prince tried to lure him with a new job. When that failed, he sought unsuccessfully to have him extradited on corruption charges through Interpol. That too failed, but led to the arrest of Al-Jabri’s two children in Riyadh. Al-Jabri fell out of favour in 2017, following the soft-coup which saw Bin Salman replacing Mohammed Bin Nayef as Crown Prince. The official left Kingdom fearing a crackdown and settled in Turkey, while the prince moved against domestic allies of Nayef, who by then had been placed under house arrest.

 

Concern at Trump attempt to bypass Congress to sell weapons to Saudi and UAE

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200727-concern-at-trump-attempt-to-bypass-congress-to-sell-weapons-to-saudi-arabia-and-uae/

Members on both sides of the US Congress are deeply “concerned” that President Donald Trump will bypass the legislature and sell weapons to Saudi Arabia and UAE, New York Times has reported. Both countries are deeply involved in the war in Yemen.According to NYT, US legislators are saying that several countries in the Middle East are seeking to purchase drones, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Members of the Congress also point out that both are waging devastating aerial warfare in Yemen and have killed thousands of civilians.Congress has sought to prevent the Trump administration and US companies from selling weapons to Saudi Arabia and the UAE following criticism of America for selling bombs used in the war.

 

Britain is training spies from Saudi, Egypt and UAE

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200727-britain-is-training-spies-from-saudi-arabia-egypt-and-the-uae/

British intelligence agencies have been involved in training senior spies from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE, an investigation by Declassified UK has found. The training by personnel from MI5 and MI6 apparently took place during an 11-day International Intelligence Directors Course in 2019, and also included officials from Jordan, Oman, Algeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, among others.Places on the annual course, which is run by Britain’s Joint Intelligence Training Group (JITG) at an army base in Bedfordshire, appear to be highly selective, Declassified UK found. Only one student per country can attend the course, with “bids (for places) [invited], but places only offered following [an] allocation meeting,” according to the brochure.

 

Missing Rohingya refugees found alive on Malaysian islet

https://www.trtworld.com/asia/missing-rohingya-refugees-found-alive-on-malaysian-islet-38435

26 Rohingya refugees, who had been feared drowned while trying to swim ashore on Malaysian resort island of Langkawi, have been found alive hiding in the bushes on a nearby islet.Malaysia does not recognise refugee status, but Muslim-majority country is a favoured destination for Rohingya Muslims seeking a better life after escaping a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar and, more recently, refugee camps in Bangladesh.Late on Saturday, one Rohingya swam ashore from a small boat off Langkawi's west coast. Officials had feared that the rest of the group had drowned while trying to reach the beach, but they were later discovered on an islet just off the coast.

 

Somalia: Parliament Removes Prime Minister in No-Confidence Vote

https://thewire.in/world/somalia-parliament-removes-prime-minister-hassan-ali-khaire

Mogadishu: Somalia’s parliament ousted Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire in a no-confidence vote on Saturday, as a simmering power struggle between him and the president came to the fore.Khaire and President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo” Mohamed have been tussling over whether to delay a national election due in February next year, with the prime minister insisting it go ahead and the president favouring postponement.Farmajo elevated deputy prime minister Mahdi Mohamed Guled to prime minister in an acting capacity, a statement issued by his office said, citing the need for continuity of government programmes.The president’s allies have also accused Khaire of failing to stabilise the security situation.Mohamed Abukar Islow, the internal security minister and a key ally of Khaire, accused the speaker and the president of plotting to remove the prime minister to extend their terms. Reuters

 

US flag lowered as consulate in Chengdu forced to close

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/flag-lowered-chinese-consulate-chengdu-state-media-200727005926093.html

China said in Monday it had taken possession of US consulate in Chengdu hours after US flag outside the building was lowered, following a Chinese order for the US to leave the building in response to US move to evict Beijing from its consulate in Houston.Chinese state broadcaster CGTN said the flag was lowered on the building at about 6:18am local time on Monday. Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a social media post that the consulate in southwestern Sixhuan province had been closed a few hours later.

US Warplanes Fly Closer to Shanghai as Tensions Remain High after Closure of Consulates: Report

https://www.news18.com/news/world/us-warplanes-fly-closer-to-shanghai-as-tensions-remain-high-after-closure-of-consulates-report-2738133.html

American warplanes have approached Chinese mainland, with one reaching within 76.5km of Shanghai, one of the closest passes in recent years, a media report said on Monday amid deepening tensions between two nations following the tit-for-tat closure of consulates.A US P-8A (Poseidon) anti-submarine plane and an EP-3E reconnaissance plane entered the Taiwan Strait, flying near the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian on Sunday, according to the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, a Peking University think tank. According to a chart from the think tank, P-8A came within 76.5km of Shanghai, the closest any US planes have come to mainland China in recent years, while the other plane came within 106km of Fujian's southern coast, the report said.PTI

 

*views, Articles, FEATURES*

International pressure grows on India over arbitrary detentions:GOURI SHARMA

https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/international-pressure-grows-on-india-over-arbitrary-detentions-38444

Delhi Riots: Does Delhi Police Want To Steer Probe Towards A ‘Particular Direction’?Shastri Ramachandaran

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-delhi-riots-does-delhi-police-want-to-steer-probe-towards-a-particular-direction/357469

Remembering Ibn-e-Safi, Whose Books Are Bestsellers 40 Years After His Death  :Mahtab Alam

https://thewire.in/books/ibn-e-safi-urdu-writer-bestsellers

Explainer: Why Has Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's Name Surfaced in a Rajasthan Chit Fund Scam?Shruti Jain

https://thewire.in/politics/explainer-why-has-gajendra-singh-shekhawats-name-surfaced-in-a-rajasthan-chit-fund-scam

From Atmanirbhar Bharat to Reliance India:Prabir Purkayastha

https://www.newsclick.in/Narendra-Modi-Govt-Mukesh-Ambani-Jio-5G-Atmanirbhar-Bharat-Reliance

As Gujarat Model Goes National, Hindutva Hunts for the 'Enemy in Our Midst':Jan Breman

https://thewire.in/rights/jammu-kashmir-article-370-4g-internet-services-business

 

Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 9:11 PM)