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

India, China withdraw in key Ladakh areas with new buffer zones: NDTV

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/chinese-troop-withdrawal-by-2-km-in-ladakhs-hot-springs-region-to-be-completed-by-today-gogra-by-tomorrow-sources-2258567?pfrom=home-topscroll

New Delhi: China has completed the withdrawal of its troops by 2 km in the contested Hot Springs and Galwan area of eastern Ladakh today. Chinese have also started pulling back in Gogra near Hot Springs. India has also withdrawn an equal distance in all three areas. Buffer zones are being created in the areas where Indian and Chinese soldiers are mutually withdrawing. A future decision on patrolling in the region will be taken after the next round of military talks in less than two weeks from now. China dismantled its camps at PP 14 or Patrol Point 14 in Galwan and began withdrawing from Sunday. Patrolling Points are the farthest points that Indian army patrols in Ladakh and these are located virtually on LAC, the de-facto border dividing India and China. With Chinese withdrawal in Galwan, People's Liberation Army forces are firmly on their side of the LAC, say sources.Buffer zones created by the mutual withdrawals in Galwan, Hot Springs and Gogra, and Pangong to the south are being monitored electronically through drones and satellites. There is also a hotline between two sides. There will be no patrolling by the armies of either side within the buffer zone.Sources tell NDTV that in the future it may be possible for police forces such as ITBP and Chinese border police personnel to patrol the buffer zones to ward against a potential clash. But this still needs to be finalised.NDTV

After Chinese pullback, Indian troops also move 1.5 km away from Galwan Valley clash site: official

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-chinese-pullback-indian-troops-also-move-15-km-away-from-galwan-valley-clash-site-official/article32009878.ece?homepage=true

In Galwan, both sides agree: Troops step back 1.8 km, 30 soldiers each in tents

Congress to Modi: Withdraw no-intrusion statement

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/congress-to-modi-withdraw-no-intrusion-statement/cid/1785512

Congress has asked PM Narendra Modi to reveal how far Chinese troops have pulled back and how much of Indian territory they still occupy, arguing that Monday’s reports of a partial withdrawal “confirm” that he had “misled the nation”. “We knew Chinese troops cannot face India’s brave soldiers. They will be pushed back by our brave army,” Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said.“PM should now withdraw his statement that nobody had entered our territory and share with the nation how far Chinese troops have withdrawn. Which areas in Ladakh had been encroached by them and how much land is still under their occupation?”PTI

 

Why did India allow China to ‘justify’ Galwan Valley clashes, asks Rahul Gandhi

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-did-india-allow-china-to-justify-the-galwan-valley-clashes-asks-rahul-gandhi/article32010073.ece?homepage=true

A day after India and China announced disengagement and de-escalation at Ladakh border, ex Congress president Rahul Gandhi has asked why India has not insisted on restoring status quo ante, allowed China to ‘justify’ the Galwan Valley clashes and did not mention territorial sovereignty over Galwan Valley. In a tweet, he said the govt of India was duty-bound to protect national interest. MP Shashi Tharoor too stressed on restoring status quo ante.thehindu

 

US military will stand strong with India in border tensions with China: White House top aide

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-military-will-stand-strong-with-india-in-border-tensions-with-china-white-house-top-aide-6494069/

US military will stand strong with India in connection with border dispute between India and China, a top White House aide said.“The message is clear. We’re not going to stand by and let China or anyone else take the reins in terms of being the most powerful, dominant force, whether it’s in that region or over here,” White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told Fox News.Meadows made the remarks while responding to border tenstions between the two countries. “Our military might stands strong and will continue to stand strong, whether it’s in relationship to a conflict between India and China or anywhere else,” he said. indianexpress

 

After India, now US says certainly looking at banning Chinese social media apps including TikTok

https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/us-ban-mike-pompeo-chinese-social-media-apps-tiktok-1697861-2020-07-07

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said US  is "certainly looking at" banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok.“I don't want to get out in front of President (Trump), but it's something we're looking at,” Mike Pompeo said.India has banned 59 apps with Chinese links for engaging in activities “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order".  Reuters

 

Modi led from front in border crisis unlike Xi Jinping who is ‘insecure’: RSS mouthpiece

https://theprint.in/india/modi-led-from-front-in-border-crisis-unlike-xi-jinping-who-is-insecure-rss-mouthpiece/456160/

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led from the front in the India-China border stand-off and his surprise visit to Leh last week has sent a “strong strategic, political and civilisational message”, which stands in stark contrast to the leadership style of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, according to RSS mouthpiece ‘Organiser’. In an editorial published Monday, RSS mouthpiece has compared Modi’s and Xi’s leadership style with regard to the border dispute in Eastern Ladakh and Covid pandemic. On Modi, the editorial stated: “Leading from the front PM Modi responded to the occasion… When he mentioned about the borders and the composition of Bharatiya armed forces, the message of unity and integrity of the country is reiterated.”Contrasting Modi’s leadership traits with Xi, the editorial said the latter is “ambitious and powerful but insecure”.

 

UP: Yogi govt in a fix over Chinese investments in state

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/uttar-pradesh-yogi-govt-in-a-fix-over-chinese-investments-in-state

Yogi Adityanath govt in UP is treading cautiously over the investments being made by Chinese companies in the state, following face-off between the two countries on the border. Minister for Industry Satish Mahana said many Chinese companies have already started production in Uttar Pradesh and the state govt would act only in accordance with the guidelines from the Union Government on the issue. Various incentives are promised to companies that propose to make investments in the state under provisions of UP Electronics Manufacturing Policy-2017. Chinese companies are obviously here to take advantage of the policy and have been given subsidised land to set their units in accordance with the policy. UP's development authorities, including Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority have given 25 per cent rebate while providing land to foreign companies. These include Chinese companies also.UP govt is committed to reimburse to the development authorities a subsidy of about Rs 200 crore given to foreign companies.IANS

 

IES officer Subhan Ali, missing after his vehicle falls into trench in Leh, family demands body

http://twocircles.net/2020jul06/437911.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim+%28TwoCircles.net+-+Indian+Muslim+News%29

The family of 28-year-old Subhan Ali, an IES officer who was stationed in Leh and went missing after his vehicle fell into a 5,000 feet trench, urged the Government of India to utilize all its resources to find the body.Subhan was working with Border Roads Organization(BRO) in Leh.Recently, he was deployed for monitoring an army quarantine camp. He was in charge of a quarantine centre in Dras, Meenamarg. Subhan’s brother Sahban Ali in an interview to BeyondHeadlines said that Subhan’s cell phone has been off since June 22 and they haven’t heard from him since.The family learnt that Subhan’s vehicle met with an accident on NH1 and fell down. 2 people Subhan Ali and Palwinder Singh have been reported missing. The rescue team of police, GREF (BRO) and SDRF have been deployed and the vehicle (a Gypsy) was spotted and fished out from trench.

 

Chinese envoy steps in to save PM Oli govt, her office says don’t want NCP in trouble

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chinese-envoy-hou-yanqi-steps-in-to-save-pm-oli-govt-her-office-says-don-t-want-ncp-in-trouble/story-d4YoLhsDt5bkF5qsavvnuJ.html

Chinese ambassador Hou Yanqi reached out to Nepal Communist Party leader Jhala Nath Khanal on Tuesday, continuing her outreach to NCP leaders who have joined hands to push out Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, people familiar with the development said. Hou has, over the last few days, met President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and senior NCP leader Madhav Kumar Nepal as well, triggering criticism about the envoy’s role in Nepal’s internal politics. Nepal and Khanal, both former prime ministers, are aligned with the rival faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda. A meeting between Hou and Prachanda hasn’t matured yet. Prachanda, who is leading the campaign to oust PM Oli, is reluctant to meet her, people familiar with the development told HT. It is not clear how long he would be able to resist. Hou Yanqi’s deep interest in Nepal’s politics and PM Oli’s continuation has been widely criticised in Kathmandu. Chinese Embassy has defended Hou’s meetings. Embassy spokesperson Zhang Si told the Kathmandu Post that China did not wish to see NCP in trouble and wanted the leaders to resolve their differences and stay united.“The embassy keeps good relationships with Nepali leaders and is ready to exchange views on issues of common interest at any convenient time,” said Zhang, according to a report in the Post. hindustantimes

 

J&K to reopen tourism soon, locals skeptical amid Covid, 4G internet ban

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kashmir-to-reopen-tourism-soon-locals-skeptical-amid-covid-4g-internet-ban-1697899-2020-07-07

J&K administration has decided to reopen tourism that went through several rounds lockdown first with the scrapping of Article 370 and then coronavirus. J&K authorities on Monday decided to reopen the tourism sector. Tourism sector has been financially hit for almost a year now since the shutdowns began last year in Aug. “J&K will reopen for tourism soon. The govt will be issuing detailed guidelines and SoP shortly. LG issued directions in a high-level meeting in Srinagar today,”Rohit Kansal, J&K’s spokesperson tweeted late on Monday night. So how are the tourism stakeholders in Kashmir reacting to this development? “It is a good development but only if people come to Kashmir for tourism. There definitely is the threat of coronavirus but when other sectors are opening up why we should suffer. We will have to however ensure all the safety precautions are followed,” said Hussain Khan, a hotelier in famous Pahalgam region. Another tourism player said this was a logical step however with restrictions on high speed internet, tourism can’t achieve its potential in Kashmir. “I think tourism is dependent on 4G internet, which is still banned in J&K and the government has created a war-like situation here since Aug.2019,” said Danish, a local resident.

 

Militant killed, 3 security personnel injured, in Pulwama encounter

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/encounter-between-security-forces-militants-in-pulwama/article32008746.ece

Srinagar: 3  security personnel, including two soldiers and one policeman, were injured and one militant was killed in an ongoing operation in south Kashmir’s Pulwama.“The operation is on,” a senior police officer said.The encounter started when a joint team of Police, Army’s 53 RR and the CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation in Goosu village, following a specific input about the presence of the militants.“The militants fired when we zeroed in,” police said.

 

NIA arrests Pulwama resident for Feb.2019 attack on CRPF convoy

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/nia-arrests-pulwama-resident-for-february-2019-attack-on-crpf-convoy-109817

 NIA has arrested a Pulwama resident for allegedly providing logistical support to militants involved in planning the attack on a CRPF convoy that left 40 jawans dead in the south Kashmir district in Feb.last year, officials said. Bilal Ahmed Kuchey, a resident of Kakpora of Pulwama district, is the 7^th person to be arrested in connection with the attack. Officials in the agency said, Bilal was produced at a special NIA court in Jammu on Tuesday and sent to police custody for 10 days.

 

Ending terror sanctuaries essential for peace in Afghanistan: India

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ending-terror-sanctuaries-essential-for-peace-in-afghanistan-says-india/story-afE0oPqjXiNS1NH9sbtf7H.html

India has told a meeting on the development of Afghanistan that putting an end to terror sanctuaries and safe havens is an essential condition for ensuring peace and stability in the war-torn country.JP Singh, new head of Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran desk in external affairs ministry, represented India at “Strengthening Consensus for Peace”, a meeting of regional partners that was hosted by the Afghan govt. The meeting was chaired by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. 20 countries and international organisations, including UN, participated in the meet.“India highlighted the fact that in order to achieve durable peace in Afghanistan, putting an end to terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens is an essential pre-requisite,” said a statement from the external affairs ministry. HT

 

Setback For Indian Students As US Says Foreign Pupils Must Leave If Classes Go Fully Online

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/world-news-trump-admin-says-foreign-students-must-leave-us-if-classes-go-fully-online/356171

International students in US are panicking and universities are scrambling to make sense of a new policy announcement by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) that says foreign students in US will be forced to leave the country or transfer to another college if their universities offer only online classes this Fall. "Nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in US", the first line of the July 6 statement says.Officials in the International Students Office at the University of Southern California told IANS they are still "analysing the new information" and swamped by a flood of enquiries from worried students. According to immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta, the latest one pager policy announcement means 3 things: Students enrolled in US universities that are moving to an online-only education model will be barred from getting F-1 visas, they will be stopped from entering US on F-1 visas and not allowed to maintain F-1 status in Fall semester.ICE is now turning screws on universities to re-open despite the coronavirus roaring back across 40 of 50 states.

 

*INDIA- ISLAMOPHOBIA, HUMAN RIGHTS & OTHERS*

Vinod Dua Sedition case: SC pulls up HP Police for failing to file investigation reports, gives it time till July 13

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/vinod-dua-case-sc-pulls-up-hp-police-for-failing-to-file-investigation-reports-gives-it-time-till-july-13

The Supreme Court today pulled up Himachal Pradesh Police for failing to file the investigation reports pertaining to the sedition case filed against journalist Vinod Dua, legal news website BarandBench.com has reported.The court has now directed the police to place the details on record in a sealed cover. The case will be heard for final disposal next week. Police is required to submit the relevant investigation details to the court by Monday, July 13. The Bench of Justices UU Lalit, Mohan M Shantanagoudar, and Vineet Saran took up the plea filed by veteran journalist Vinod Dua seeking protection from coercive action in relation to an FIR filed against him in Shimla. At the start of today's hearing, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, representing Dua, termed the police interrogation as harassment. He claimed that Dua received the same questions from the police on multiple occasions, and that the police has refused to furnish details of the complaint. Claiming that Dua was a "responsible journalist" with a standing of around 45 years in the profession, Singh said that he had the right to criticise the government under the guaranteed freedom of speech and expression. This right was being affected on account of police's action against him, Singh submitted. Singh cited the SC's recent order in the plea filed by anchor Amish Devgan, who was successful in securing interim protection from the SC. The court's order staying FIRs filed against OpIndia's Nupur J Sharma and 3 others was also cited by Singh.nationalheraldindia

 

UP: Congress leaders taken into custody for third time during protest

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/uttar-pradesh-congress-leaders-taken-into-custody-for-the-third-time-during-protest

Scores of Congress leaders led by UP Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Ajay Kumar Lallu were taken into custody here on Tuesday when they were on their way to Raj Bhawan to submit a memorandum to the Governor Anandiben Patel on the Kanpur incident.Among those who were taken into custody include senior leaders P.L. Punia, CLP leader Aradhana Mishra, Naseemuddin Siddiqui and Tanuj Punia.This is the third time that Congress leaders and workers in Lucknow have been arrested for protesting against the government in the past one month.IANS

 

BJP demands action against Congress' Shama Mohamed for her 'PM hates Muslims' remark

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/bjp-demands-actions-against-congress-shama-mohamed-for-her-pm-hates-muslims-remark/617229

New Delhi: Questioning PM Modi's persistent tough stance against Pakistan, Congress Spokesperson Shama Mohamed asked, "PM has said numerous times that Pakistan will be taught a lesson. Is it because Pakistan is a Muslim majority country?"BJP has demanded action against Shama Mohamed.  BJP Spokesperson, Sambit Patra said, "Friends, Congress national spokesperson is saying ".. Modi threatens only Pakistan... Because Pakistan is a Muslim country and Modi hates Muslims .. If this is the thinking of "mother and son" then why not call them #jaychand? (sic)" Patra said in a tweet, roughly translated from Hindi.When asked for clarification, Shama said there's no need for any clarification as she knows what she said during TV debate. She was participating in a debate to discuss the situation in the Valley days after the images of a wailing 3-year-old boy trying to wake up his grandfather, shot dead, shook an entire nation.

 

Vikas Dubey case: 200 cops being probed for links with Kanpur gangster

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kanpur-encounter-role-of-200-policemen-under-scanner-1697981-2020-07-07

Kanpur: Over 200 policemen have come under the scanner over the sensational Kanpur encounter that turned into an ambush against the police team resulting in the killings of 8 policemen. Police personnel at Chaubeypur police station along with several other stations in the area are on the radar as investigators look into their possible involvement with gangster Vikas Dubey.Meanwhile, 10 police personnel have been suspended in Kanpur over their involvement in Kanpur encounter case. 10 police constables have been sent to Chaubeypur Police Station from reserve police lines to replace suspended cops. Kanpur IG Mohit Aggarwal had said that Chaubeypur police station is under suspicion.  It is now slowly being discovered that the number of people who helped Vikas Dubey within police department is constantly rising. More than 200 policemen from Chaubeypur, Bilhaur, Kakwan, and Shivrajpur police stations are on the radar. Mobile call records of all these personnel are also being investigated. Meanwhile, a 2017 video of Dubey has gone viral on social media in which he suggested he was close to local politicians including some BJP MLAs.

 

RSS Leader With No Research Degree Lectures Scholars in Haryana University

https://clarionindia.net/rss-leader-with-no-research-degree-lectures-scholars-in-haryana-university/?fbclid=IwAR2tOdqkH5bCO8Kd9Vkfzr3bK84_Dxme7vP0ZgkX3vekh9juFFfmwUa7aJI

New Delhi: A senior RSS leader having no degree in the research has addressed as chief guest a conference on “research methodology” organised by Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, which attracted criticism from academics. According to Telegraph, Sunil Ambekar, RSS sah-prachar pramukh, delivered his speech over videoconferencing shortly after the weeklong event’s inauguration on Friday. He spoke on what the objectives of research should be. Reacting to the issue,  academics said this is a compromise with the topic itself. The topic demanded a discussion on the more technical subject of new research tools and techniques — a crucial issue in Covid-hobbled times. “The maxim ‘for the happiness of the many, for the welfare of the many’ should play a pivotal role in determining the aim of research,” a university release quoted Ambekar as having told the conference. Ambekar said: “Passion to work diligently for research, affirm originality of research(sic) and to work on new ideas is absolutely necessary.”He also stressed the need to find ways in which research can benefit the “economy” along with “society and the country”, the release said.Clarion India

 

Vadodara: 6 cops booked for alleged custodial death of Telangana's Sheikh Nisar

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vadodara-six-cops-booked-custodial-death-missing-telangana-man-6494239/

Vadodara police have registered an FIR against six policemen for allegedly killing a Telangana man while in custody at Fatehgunj police station and disposing his body and destroying evidence. This comes in the backdrop of action against several policemen over the custodial death of a father and son in Tamil Nadu’s Sathankulam. The victim, Babu Sheikh Nisar(65), a native of Telangana, had reportedly gone missing on Dec.10, after he was apprehended by policemen on suspicion of theft from Phoolwadi area of the city. According to his family members, Nisar, who sold bedsheets and clothes on a lorry, had come to Vadodara from Ahmedabad with his son-in-law Ibrahim. The 2 had departed for their respective work areas and were scheduled to meet again in the evening. When Nisar did not show up, Ibrahim informed his son in Telangana’s Kamareddy district and left for Ahmedabad. indianexpress

 

Muslims demand ban on Majid Majidi's 2015 film 'Muhammad: The Messenger of God'

https://www.dnaindia.com/hollywood/report-muslims-demand-ban-on-majid-majidi-s-2015-film-muhammad-the-messenger-of-god-2831024

Twitter has a new trend - #BoycottFilmOnProphet. Hashtag is around Majid Majidi's 2015 release called 'Muhammad: The Messenger Of God'. Muslims on the mico-blogging site have been demanding ban on the movie for various reasons. One reason that a ban is demanded on 'Muhammad: The Messenger Of God', is because, according to a user, filmography is prohibitted in Shia culture. Many others have asked the govt to take strict action against the film too.

 

*CORONAVIRUS- LOCKDOWN*

COVID existed worldwide before emerging in China: Oxford expert

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/covid-19-existed-worldwide-before-emerging-in-china-oxford-expert

The novel coronavirus has existed worldwide and broke out whenever and wherever favourable conditions occurred before it emerged in China last December leading to ongoing global pandemic, an Oxford University expert said."I think virus was already here -- here meaning everywhere. We may be seeing a dormant virus that has been activated by environmental conditions," Xinhua news agency quoted Tom Jefferson, a senior associate tutor at Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine(CEBM) at Oxford and a visiting professor at Newcastle University, as saying."There was a case in the Falkland Islands in early February. Now where did that come from? There was a cruise ship that went from South Georgia to Buenos Aires, and the passengers were screened and then on day 8, when they started sailing towards the Weddell Sea, they got the first case. Was it in prepared food that was defrosted and activated?"IANS

 

Coronavirus: Majority testing positive have no symptoms

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-53320155

Only 22% of people testing positive for coronavirus reported having symptoms on the day of their test, according to Office for National Statistics.This hammers home the importance of "asymptomatic transmission" - spread of the virus by people who aren't aware they're carrying it.Health and social care staff appeared to be more likely to test positive.This comes as deaths from all causes in UK fell to below the average for the second week in a row.Between the end of March and June, there were 59,000 more deaths than 5-year average.

 

Process Human trials of Covaxin, India’s first Covid-19 vaccine, begins at NIMS Hyderabad

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/process-for-covid19-vaccine-clinical-trials-begins-at-nims-hyderabad/1888622

Hyderabad: Process of conducting clinical trials for Covaxin, a vaccine candidate for COVID-19, began today at Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here, a top official of the state-run medical facility said. "We will select healthy individuals and draw blood and send the blood samples to designated labs in New Delhi. They will give the green signal. Then the medicine people will examine and the first shot of the vaccine will be given due observation," NIMS director Dr K Manohar told PTI. ICMR has identified 12 clinical trial sites such as medical institutions and hospitals, including NIMS, and has asked their principal investigators to ensure that the subject enrolment is initiated no later than July 7. "Everything will be sent to ICMR, where data is analysed. We have already started screening of individuals. We will first take audio visual consent of the individual," the medical officer added. Asked about the total number of individuals required for the clinical trial, Manohar said at least 30 are needed. The clinical trials proposal was already placed before NIMS hospital ethics committee. PTI

Over 1,100 people for clinical trials of first Covid vaccine

 

Gagandeep Kang, vaccine scientist, quits top research institute

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gagandeep-kang-vaccine-scientist-quits-top-research-institute-6493337/

Dr Gagandeep Kang, one of India’s most eminent medical scientists who played a critical role in the development of indigenous rotavirus vaccine, has unexpectedly resigned as executive director of Translational Health Sciences and Technology Institute (THSTI), prestigious Faridabad-based public health research institute under Ministry of Science and Technology’s Dept.of Biotech. The resignation of Prof Kang, the first Indian woman scientist to be elected Fellow of Royal Society(FRS), London, came around 2 months after a committee to look into indigenous Covid-19 drugs and vaccines that she headed, was disbanded.Dr Kang said on Monday that she had resigned due to personal reasons. indianexpress

 

India’s Covid tally: From 1 lakh cases in 110 days to 7 lakh in just 49 days

 https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-covid-19-tally-from-one-lakh-cases-in-110-days-to-7-lakh-in-just-49-days/story-tw6fIRPEBn2zrbwbATMl8L.html

India, world’s third worst-hit country by coronavirus, has recorded recovery rate at 61.13 percent on Tuesday, union health ministry said, adding that continuously expanding network of 1,115 testing labs across the country has helped in testing over 10 million people.“Recovered patients touch 4,39,947 today. 1,80,390 more recovered cases than active cases, taking India’s recovery rate to 61.13%,” ministry said.The increase in recovery rate was recorded on the day India crossed the grim milestone of over 20,000 deaths due to the infection, with 467 new deaths in the last 24 hours. The country has recorded cases over 20,000 for 5^th day in a row. However, in terms of death toll globally due to Covid-19, India is at 7^th spot, behind US, Brazil, UK, Italy, France and Spain, indicating better grasp over the infection spread in the country. While the country recorded 1 lakh coronavirus cases in 110 days, it took just 49 days for the cases to multiply seven fold and cross the 7-lakh mark.

 

Shiv Sena slams Centre, says PM Modi failed to win battle against COVID-19 even in over 100 days

https://zeenews.india.com/india/pm-narendra-modi-said-battle-against-covid-19-will-be-won-in-21-days-but-crisis-still-persists-after-over-100-days-shiv-sena-2294117.html

 Maharashtra’s ruling party Shiv Sena has yet again made a scathing attack on the Modi government at Centre for being unable to prevent the rapid rise of coronavirus cases across the country.In a strongly worded editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party took a jibe at PM Modi who had expressed confidence that battle against COVID-19 would be won in 21 days. The party said that it has been over 100 days and the crisis still persists.“The war of Mahabharata lasted for 18 days. PM Modi had exuded confidence (in March) that we will win this battle against COVID-19 in 21 days. But it has been over 100 days and the coronavirus still persists and those fighting it have become tired,” Shiv Sena said in its mouthpeice.Sena editorial said that fight against COVID-19 is more difficult than the mythological war of Mahabharata, adding that battle against the pandemic will continue till 2021 as the disease vaccine won't be available before that. Uddhav Thackeray-led party expressed serious concern over India reporting third-highest COVID-19 cases in the world.

         

‘Murder ho sakta hai’, said Dainik Bhaskar journalist before suicide; Harsh Vardhan orders inquiry

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/murder-ho-sakta-hai-said-dainik-bhaskar-journalist-before-suicide-harsh-vardhan-orders-inquiry

Fearing job loss and ‘murder’, Dainik Bhaskar journalist Tarun Sisodia committed suicide at AIIMS, where he was under treatment for COVID-19, on Monday. Some of his friends suspect foul play.“Murder ho sakta hai (I can be killed),” wrote Dainik Bhaskar journalist Tarun Sisodia in a WhatsApp group before jumping off from the fourth floor of AIIMS in Delhi on Monday.Sisodia who was admitted at AIIMS after testing COVID-19 positive, was suffering from brain tumour and depression, according to his friends, but why he feared murder and whom he feared are questions that remain unanswered. Many of his friends believe that he was so “cool headed and sorted out” that he could not have killed himself. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a friend of Sisodia said there are many questions that need to be answered, including the following:Why was he shifted to the fourth floor at AIIMS?Why was nobody around him at the time of the incident?How could he break the glass of the window?He was not on oxygen support for last five days, then why was he not shifted to the general ward?Why and on whose instructions was his mobile taken away?Although AIIMS in a statement on Monday said that “he was stable and was planned for shifting to the general ward from ICU,” Sisodia’s friends suspect foul play. Some of them want a CBI investigation. “Only CBI probe can reveal the truth,” said a friend of Sisodia.

 

Door-to-door Covid testing begins in Guwahati after spike in cases

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/door-to-door-covid-19-testing-begins-in-guwahati-after-spike-in-cases/story-vpgijhhKTDhBldYW1wXz6I.html

Assam healthcare authorities have launched a door-to-door coronavirus disease  tests at a densely populated locality in Guwahati, north-eastern region’s biggest city, from Tuesday following a spike in viral outbreak cases. Mass rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests, where results are made available within an hour, started in Ward-2 (Pandu),under Guwahati Municipal Corporation(GMC), state health minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said.Healthcare workers aim to conduct 3,000 RAD tests by Wednesday.

 

CBSE reduces 30% syllabus for Classes 9 to 12

https://indianexpress.com/article/education/cbse-reduces-syllabus-30-pc-syllabus-for-classes-9-to-12-6494493/

CBSE has been asked by Ministry of HRD to reduce the syllabus for classes 9 to 12 by 30 per cent. The decision has been taken after asking for suggestions from stakeholders on the same. Through a tweet, HRD Minister had informed that he received over 1,500 suggestions from different stakeholders.“Considering the importance of learning achievement, it has been decided to rationalize syllabus up to 30 per cent by retaining the core concepts,” HRD minister wrote in a tweet. “Looking at the extraordinary situation prevailing in the country and the world, #CBSE was advised to revise the curriculum and reduce course load for the students of Class 9th to 12th,” he added.

 

Jharkhand: Helping hand for Hindu brothers

https://www.telegraphindia.com/jharkhand/helping-hand-for-hindu-brothers-in-jharkhand/cid/1785540

Jamshedpur: A social organisation in Jharkhand, spearheaded by Muslim youths, is helping devotees during Shravan month by distributing puja essentials and also encouraging them to plant saplings, amid Covid-19. Social organisation, Youth Concept, on Monday (first day of Shravan) started distribution of milk and water to the devotees near a Shiva temple at Chottai Kuli in Jharia township along with a plantation drive. A large number of devotees perform rituals at Shiva temples during the Shravan month,with Monday considered the most auspicious to offer puja to Lord Shiva.This year places of worship have been shut down by the Jharkhand govt till July 31 in wake of the pandemic. Akhlaque is a special educator for the intellectually impaired at a block resource centre in Jharia. Aslam Sadmani, 60, an advocate in Dhanbad district court and president of Youth Concept, said they wanted to convey a message of communal harmony by this initiative.

 

National Textile Corporation slashes over 60% salary of staff

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/national-textile-corporation-slashes-more-than-60-salary-of-staff

National Textile Corporation, under textile ministry headed by Smriti Irani, has not been paying its management and mill staff their salaries during lockdown.From March onwards, the mill workers have been paid only a fraction of their salaries and the management staff have not got their salaries for the month of June. Letters have been written to PMO, labour ministry, and the textile secretary. This is despite the central government ordering all employers to pay full wages during the lockdown. The annual budget for payment of salaries is ₹350 crore, which means NTC requires ₹29.16 crore monthly for salaries. There are 300 management employees and 7,200 mill staff working with NTC. In March, when the first lockdown was announced, the workers of NTC got only 75% of their salaries. In April, they got 60% and in May only 40% of their salaries.

 

Business resumption index falls for 1st time in post lockdown phase

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/business/business-resumption-index-falls-for-1st-time-in-post-lockdown-phase

Business resumption is faltering in India and a flattening mobility curve amid a rising pandemic curve is a key risk, according to a research by foreign brokerage, Nomura. Nomura Indian Business Resumption Index (NIBRI), a weekly tracker of the pace at which economic activity is normalising – moderated to 69.2 for the week ending July 5 from 70.5 on June 28.Activity has recovered from the lows of around 45 at end April and rose sharply from May until mid-June, but the pace of increase has slowed since.This is the first time the index has fallen in the post-lockdown phase (since May) on a week-on-week basis.IANS

 

COVID in children’s homes: SC seeks response from UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Tripura

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/covid-19-in-childrens-homes-sc-seeks-response-from-uttar-pradesh-bihar-uttarakhand-and-tripura

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the states of UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Tripura to file their respective Affidavits by Friday in its suo motu case pertaining to the condition of children in protection, juvenile and foster or kinship homes amid Coronavirus outbreak,LiveLaw reported. A bench of Justices LN Rao, Hemant Gupta and S. Ravindra Bhat also directed the state of UP to file an additional reply pertaining to the issue of apprehensions of COVID-19 cases at shelter homes in Kanpur, UP. Further to this, court also appointed advocate Gaurav Aggarwala as Amicus Curaie and asked all counsel of state to submit their affidavits to him. In this backdrop, bench adjourned the matter to July 10.

 

Aarogya Setu now lets users delete account and data, give health data access to third-party apps

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/aarogya-setu-now-lets-users-delete-account-and-data-give-health-data-access-to-third-party-apps-5515451.html

Aarogya Setu, COVID-19 contact tracing tool developed by Indian government, has released a new update allowing users to delete their account and all the associated data stored in the app. It has also introduced a couple of more new features like giving health data access to third-party apps and using Bluetooth contacts to assess risk levels associated with coronavirus. To get these new features, users must update Aarogya Setu app to iOS version 2.0.0 from the Apple App Store and version 1.3.1 on Android from Google Play Store.

 

*WORLD*

Annexation not on today’s or tomorrow’s agenda: Israel’s Foreign Minister

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200707-annexation-not-on-todays-or-tomorrows-agenda-says-israels-foreign-minister/

Israel’s annexation of parts of the occupied Palestinian West Bank “is not on the agenda for today or tomorrow,” Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi told KAN Bet on Monday. Ashkenazi said that he did not know whether the annexation was cancelled forever, but pointed out: “I can say that the Foreign Ministry is preparing diplomatic assessments and Defence Ministry is preparing security assessments. It has deep ramifications.”He has held talks with more than 30 foreign ministers, mostly from Europe, on the issue. “I hear what they say, and I think it’s clear what we’re facing.” This was a reference to Europe’s opposition to Israeli annexation plan.“I think the government of Israel, led by Netanyahu and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz, will make sure to enact a responsible, measured process. We will hear the evaluations and then act.”

 

‘Most Arab leaders are indifferent to annexation plan’

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200707-most-arab-leaders-are-indifferent-to-annexation-plan/

The majority of Arab leaders have conveyed messages to Israel that they are indifferent to the annexation of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. The claim has been made by Israel Hayom, a newspaper which is known for being close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saying that it obtained information from political parties in Israel which confirm this claim, the newspaper pointed out that leaders of Arab countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and some Gulf States, are making domestic preparations in case it is necessary to respond to popular protests about annexation. They are, though, generally indifferent, although they would release symbolic denunciations and accusations against the move.

 

Jordan FM: Just peace in Palestine will not be achieved by occupation

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200707-jordan-fm-just-peace-in-palestine-will-not-be-achieved-by-occupation/

Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, said that a just peace in Palestine will not be achieved as long as the Israeli occupation remains.Speaking at 9th ministerial meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF),the minister said his country values China’s support for Palestinians’ right to freedom and statehood and believes that it adheres to the international position that rejects Israel’s annexation of occupied Palestinian lands.“We look forward to working with China and the international community to find a real horizon to achieve a just peace that people accept which will not be achieved as long as the [Israeli] occupation remains,” he added.

 

Israel facing $16.9bn budget deficit, its worst in history

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200707-israel-facing-16-9bn-budget-deficit-its-worst-in-history/

The economic consequences of the pandemic are set to push Israel’s state deficient to 58.2 billion shekels (16.9 billion), its highest rate in history.Israel’s budget deficit has widened to 6.4 per cent of gross domestic product for the 12 months ending 30 June 2020, the Ministry of Finance reports, up from 6 per cent at the end of May.According to The Globes, estimates are that by the end of 2020, the deficit could reach between 10-11 per cent.Following a new surge in COVID-19 cases over the weekend, the Bank of Israel said it plans to purchase corporate debt for the first time.

 

Hamas chief receives letter from Iran’s Khamenei

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200707-hamas-chief-receives-letter-from-irans-khamenei/

Head of Hamas’ political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, yesterday received a letter from Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in which he stressed that the Islamic Republic will continue to “support Palestinian people”, Anadolu reported. Hamas said in a statement that Khamenei told Haniyeh that Iran “will spare no effort to support the Palestinian people to restore their rights and deter the evil of the Zionist entity”. Khamenei called in the letter on the need to “maintain awareness and unity between the Palestinian people and their factions to thwart the enemy’s plans”.

 

Factory blast near Iran's capital kills 2 in latest explosion

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/factory-blast-iran-capital-kills-latest-explosion-200707124705165.html

2 people were killed in an explosion at a factory south of Tehran on Tuesday, latest in a series of fires and explosions, some of which have hit sensitive sites. State IRNA reported "human error" was the cause of the blast. "2 people were killed and three others were injured," said local official Amin Babai, adding the explosion happened in "an industrial zone" at Baqershahr near Tehran. "The explosion that was caused by some workers' negligent handling of oxygen tanks ... was so powerful that the walls of a factory nearby were also totally destroyed," Babai was quoted as saying.

 

 

Yemen’s Islah party: We are not linked to Muslim Brotherhood

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200707-yemens-islah-party-we-are-not-linked-to-muslim-brotherhood/

Yemen’s Islah party is not linked to the international organisation of Muslim Brotherhood, movement’s spokesperson Adnan Al-Odaini told Saudi paper Ashraq Al-Awsat.Al-Odaini added that the party’s good relations with Saudi Arabia “infuriate the enemies”, adding that Islah is focused on national priorities in an effort to save Yemen from the current predicament, advance toward a comprehensive reform and restore a robust political track.He pointed out that “the relations between our party, our people and Saudi Arabia are historical, rooted and solid more than any other country and people. This relationship is based on a shared national and Islamic identity, political geography and common destiny. We have established close relations within the framework of the two states.”

 

Saudi pressuring Canada to extradite ex-intelligence officer

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200707-saudi-pressuring-canada-to-extradite-ex-intelligence-officer/

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has been pressing Canada to extradite former top Saudi intelligence officer Saad Al-Jabri, Canadian paper Globe and Mail reports. According to publication, Saad Al-Jabri held a cabinet-rank intelligence post under deposed Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef and has been living in Toronto since a 2017 palace coup in Riyadh. Saudis attempted to have Al-Jabri arrested by issuing a “red notice” order through Interpol, the international co-operation organisation for police, in late 2017. In 2018, a visiting Saudi delegation also pressed Canada to extradite him. Canadian govt has not commented on the matter, with a Justice Department spokesperson saying in statement that extradition requests are confidential.

 

Armed group's attacks in DRC killed almost 800 in 18 months: UN

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/armed-group-attacks-drc-killed-800-18-months-200707063807204.html

Intensified attacks by an armed group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the past 18 months have killed at least 800 civilians, according to UN, which said the assaults may amount to crimes against humanity. In a report released on Monday, UN's Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) in DRC documented a series of "widespread, systematic and extremely brutal" rights abuses by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).ADF, which was formed in 1986 by groups based in neighbouring western Uganda, has long been active along the border and in recent years has been blamed for a wave of killings in the region.

 

Fewer Medical Graduates From Muslim Countries Entering US in Trump-era

https://www.news18.com/news/world/fewer-medical-graduates-from-muslim-countries-entering-us-in-trump-era-2704397.html

The number of foreign medical graduates from Muslim-majority countries coming to US to become doctors has declined by 15% under Trump administration, exacerbating shortages in America's physician workforce, a study said Monday. International medical graduates represent about a quarter of practicing doctors in US. They are required to take several licensing exams and then complete two or three years of training to practice medicine in US. Overall, citizens from Muslim-majority nations made up 4.5 percent of US physician workforce in 2019, with Pakistan, Egypt and Iran historically providing the bulk. The number of graduates from Islamic nations applying for certification in US rose from 2009-2015, peaking at 4,244, before falling steadily to 3,604 in 2018 -- a decline of 15 percent.

 

*views, Articles, FEATURES*

Large sections of poor are unlikely to benefit from extension of food grains scheme: Swati Narayan

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/scheme-is-not-enough-6493247/

In a crisis, Opposition has a right to know and it is duty of govt to provide answers:Kapil Sibal

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-china-border-news-parliament-session-congress-bjp-kapil-sibal-6493169/

Targeting mosques:Ziya Us Salam, frontline

https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article31951700.ece

Satellite images reveal China's own Stalinism against Muslim minorities:Col Vinayak Bhat

https://www.indiatoday.in/news-analysis/story/satellite-images-reveal-china-s-own-stalinism-against-muslim-minorities-1697693-2020-07-06

Yogi Adityanath said ‘gunda raj’ over and people bought it. But UP crime still the worst:ASIM ALI

https://theprint.in/opinion/yogi-adityanath-said-gunda-raj-over-and-people-bought-it-but-up-crime-still-the-worst/455360/

Khilafat Movement: Relevance and Discourse:Dr Shreerang Godbole

https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/opinion-khilafat-movement-relevance-and-discourse-2703403.html

Political Patronage, Moles, Sluggish Trials: Vikas Dubey's is Classic Case of 'System' Creating Mob Bosses:Pranshu Mishra

https://www.news18.com/news/india/political-patronage-moles-sluggish-trials-vikas-dubeys-is-a-classic-case-of-system-creating-mob-bosses-2704665.html

A Kashmiri Teacher On Many Lost Months, And How He Is Battling 2G And Corona:Mudassir Kuloo

https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/kashmir-teacher-2g-coronavirus_in_5f031ce8c5b6acab285365bb

How Can Schools Safely Reopen In India? Expert Explains: Akshita Jain

https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/schools-reopen-safety_in_5efdd4f2c5b612083c5827e0

Most States Have Flouted Mandatory Judicial Inquiry into Custodial Deaths for 15 Years: Sukanya Shantha

https://thewire.in/rights/custodial-death-judicial-inquiry-crpc

Delhi Riots: What Were Amit Shah and the MHA Doing When Violence Raged in the Capital?N.D. Jayaprakash

https://thewire.in/communalism/delhi-riots-2020-amit-shah-home-ministry-police

 

 

 Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:33 PM)