*CORONAVIRUS- LOCKDOWN*

Don''t offer sacrifice on roads in Bakrid: Jamaat-e-Islami issues guidelines for Muslims

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/dont-offer-sacrifice-on-roads-in-bakrid-jih-to-muslims/1889426

New Delhi: Jammat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has urged Muslims to take precautions during Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), to be celebrated in the last week of July, and has issued guidelines on offering prayers and sacrifices."The namaz should be offered by adhering to the social distancing norms at eidgahs and mosques. Muslims should offer the Eid prayer at home in the same manner as they had done during Eid al-Fitr in areas where restrictions have been imposed due to Covid-19," it said.For the sacrifice of animals, a part of the festival, JIH said "precautionary" measures should be taken due to pandemic."Don''t offer qurbani on roads, footpaths and pathways. Ensure the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene. Ensure that you bury the blood and entrails of the animal after qurbani or deliver it at the designated spot of garbage collection," JIH said in a statement. JIH said it would be appropriate to form a committee few days before Eid al-Adha, which would keep an eye on the situation, remain in touch with the local administration and offer cooperation towards maintaining the law and order in the area.IANS

Jamaat-e-Islami issues guidelines for Muslims ahead of Eid-al-Adha

https://theindianawaaz.com/jamaat-e-islami-issues-guidelines-for-muslims-ahead-of-eid-al-adha/

Don’t offer sacrifice on roads in Bakrid: JIH to Muslims

 

No Substitute to Animal Sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha: Deoband's fatwa

https://clarionindia.net/no-substitute-to-animal-sacrifice-on-eid-ul-azha-fatwa-from-darul-uloom-deoband/

New Delhi: In a fatwa on animal sacrifice for Eid-ul-Azha, renowned Islamic seminary, Darul Uloom Waqf, Deoband declared that sacrificing of animals is imperative on sahib-e-nasab (those who can afford it) under all circumstances and there cannot be any alternate to this practice.Darul Ifta issued the fatwa in response to a question from one, Usman Raichoti, on whether a Muslim can skip the ritual sacrifice if the situation does not allow. Raichoti approached the seminary for an opinion in the light of Islamic injunctions considering the current lockdown scenario in the country which makes it difficult for faithful to discharge this Islamic duty.According to Urdu Daily Inquilab’s report, the muftis (experts on Islamic jurisprudence), said that animal sacrifice is mandatory on designated days. Offering sadaqa or khairat (charity) cannot be an alternative to sacrificing animals nor can the duty of sacrificing be abrogated by the charity. If one fails to do sacrifice in its mandatory days despite all efforts, he cannot compensate it. However, the money equivalent to the animal meant for the sacrifice should be donated to the poor.The muftis issued this fatwa after they were asked whether charity can be done in place of the sacrificing animal due to lockdown restrictions and outbreak of Coronavirus. They said that the mandatory sacrifice is imperative but the additional sacrifices can be avoided and that money should be given to the poor and the needy suffering due to the lockdown. And the beggars should be given priority in this charity.On this occasion, Sharia council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind also concurred with the view of Deoband that there cannot be any alternative to the sacrifice. “It is not a ritual. According to Prophet’s saying, nothing is more beloved to Allah than sacrificing animals during its mandatory days. Hence, Muslim should make all efforts to perform the rites of sacrificing animals in Eid-ul-Azha. Charity, welfare activities and any other practice cannot be alternate to it,” reads the fatwa issued by the Sharia council. However, a Hyderabad Islamic seminary said that if animal sacrifice is not possible, charity can be done in its place. Clarion India

 

Coronavirus: 'Qurbani' an uphill task in India, 'online' sale and purchase of sacrificial animals In Bangladesh, Pak

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/coronavirus-pandemic-qurbani-an-uphill-task-in-india-online-sale-and-purchase-of-sacrificial-animals-in-bangladesh-pakistan

New Delhi:Sacrifice of animals or ‘Qurbani’ on the occasion of Eid-ul- Azha may be an uphill task for the Muslims this year as Municipal Corporation of Delhi and local police have yet not given permission for the decades old goat market at Jama Masjid that once upon a time used to supply animals to entire national Capital. Meanwhile, officials in neighbouring Bangladesh and Pakistan have gone for ‘online’ sale and purchase of sacrificial animals.Live stock market (goat and buffalo) at Ghazipur, near Ghaziabad, that is part of the only slaughter house in Delhi, has also not reopened after it was closed down when lockdown was implemented on March 24 to check the spread of coronavirus in the country.Not only Delhi, Muslims of Kashmir and Ladakh may also not get animals for sacrifice as goat and sheep were supplied to the Kashmir valley from Delhi market only. The same situation prevails in the rest of the country as well with regard to ‘Qurbani’ this year. Secretary of goat market at Jama Masjid Jamal said that he had approached the authorities two months ago seeking permission for operating the goat market for the festival of Eid-ul-Azha but NDMC and the local police denied the permission on the pretext of COVID 19. Jama Masjid is the oldest goat market in Delhi where lakhs of animals are brought from UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and MP. Animals are available at reasonable rates in this market. President of Delhi Meat Merchant Association Arshad Qureshi said that govt should immediately give permission for reopening of the livestock markets in Delhi and the neighbouring states should allow transport of goats and other animals to ensure that people don’t face problem in celebrating festival of Eid-ul-Azha.AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan and Congress Councillor Aley Mohammad, when questioned about the reopening of the livestock markets of Delhi, refused to comment.   India Tomorrow

 

Ahead of Eid, ‘digital assistants’ let breeders sell goats online

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/ahead-of-eid-digital-assistants-let-breeders-sell-goats-online/articleshow/76829053.cms

 For a number of digitally illiterate goat breeders in UP — who had lost all hope of brisk business this Bakra Eid amid Covid-19 travel curbs — help is at hand. A team of alumni from AMU has set up a new website to facilitate online livestock sales. They are also setting up a network of local youths in villages to act as “digital assistants” to the breeders — their job description includes approaching interested sellers and taking photos and videos of animals for online listing. Ex-vice-president of AMU students’ Union Syed Masood-Ul-Hassan said that his team is already aiding breeders from a dozen villages in Moradabad division to sell their livestock since the website went live on July 2. “More sellers are expected to join ahead of Bakra Eid on July 31. Meat markets in the area are shut and for breeders this is the time for sales. Many of them have no other source of income so we decided to set up a website for them,” he said.TOI

 

Tablighi Jamaat Nizamuddin Markaz event: Delhi court grants bail to 91 foreigners from 21 countries

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/nizamuddin-markaz-delhi-court-grants-bail-to-91-foreigners-from-21-countries/1889792

A Delhi court today granted bail to 91 foreigners from 21 countries who were chargesheeted for attending Markaz at Nizamuddin here allegedly in violation of visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating guidelines of COVID-19. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur granted relief to foreigners on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each.The accused will file their plea bargaining applications on Thursday, said advocate Ashima Mandla, appearing for some of the foreign nationals. During hearing, all the foreign nationals who were staying at a hotel, were produced before the court through video conferencing. They were identified by concerned officials of High Commissions/embassies of the respective countries as well as the investigating officer.The foreigners belong to Afghanistan, Brazil, China, US,Ukraine, Australia, Egypt, Russia, Algeria,Belgium, Saudi Arabia,Jordan,France, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Tunisia, UK, Fiji, Sudan, Philippines and Ethiopia, said advocates Mandakini Singh, Fahim Khan and Ahmad Khan, appearing for accused.The court had on Tuesday granted bail to 122 Malaysian nationals booked in the case. They also filed pleas, bargaining which was allowed by court and listed before concerned Metropolitan Magistrate Siddharth Malik for early disposal of petitions.The court had taken cognisance of 59 charge sheets filed against 956 foreign nationals belonging to 36 different countries in the case and summoned the accused to be produced on different dates through video conferencing. PTI

 

‘159 cases filed for linking Muslims with COVID’

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/159-cases-filed-for-linking-muslims-with-covid-19/article32016493.ece

Tamil Nadu DGP on Tuesday informed Madras High Court that 159 cases had been booked against 356 people across the State for spreading fake news, bigotry and communal hatred against Muslims by linking them with COVID-19. Justices M.M. Sundresh and R. Hemalatha were told that 86 had been arrested and 270 were at large.The information was provided in response to a public interest litigation petition filed by ASA. Umar Farooq of SDPI.

 

India could have 2.87 lakh Covid-19 cases per day by 2021 winter if no cure found: MIT study

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-likely-to-see-2-87-lakh-covid-19-cases-per-day-by-winter-of-2021-mit-study/story-2AMY2H1kSOragvPqJNiueK.html

In the absence of an effective vaccine and improved health infrastructure across states, India could record about 2.87 lakh projected cases of coronavirus per day by end of winter 2021, according to a study by scientists and researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT). MIT professors Hazhir Rahmandad and John Sterman, and PhD candidate Tse Yang Lim, indicated that the top ten countries by projected daily infection rates at the end of winter 2021 are India with 2.87 lakh infections per day, followed by US, South Africa, Iran, Indonesia, UK, Nigeria, Turkey, France, and Germany.The study used data from about 84 countries spanning an estimated 4.75 billion people. With the help of the global data, the researchers developed a dynamic epidemiological model for projected coronavirus infections.

 

Jharkhand CM Self-Isolates After Minister, MLA Test Positive

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-jharkhand-chief-minister-hemant-soren-self-isolates-after-minister-mla-test-positive-for-covid-19-2259140

 Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren tweeted he is isolating himself as a safety measure after 2 of his colleagues tested positive for the highly infectious coronavirus. "My fellow minister of the cabinet Mithilesh Thakur ji and our party's MLA Mathura Mahato ji have been found infected with coronavirus," Soren tweeted."Both are being treated in a govt hospital. As a precaution, I will also be in self-isolation for the next few days from today. But I will continue to perform every important work," CM tweeted in Hindi. Soren's samples are expected to be tested today, PTI reported.ndtv

 

7-day lockdown for now in Bengal, will extend if needed: Mamata

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/7-day-lockdown-for-now-in-bengal-will-extend-if-needed-mamata-banerjee-2259312?pfrom=home-topstories

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee played down new lockdown that will come into force from 5 pm tomorrow across containment zones, saying there is no need to make a mountain out of molehill. The lockdown will be in force for seven days and extended if necessary, she said. She also rejected the list of new containment zones for South24 Parganas district, because too many areas were included. 

 

US notifies UN of withdrawal from WHO

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-notifies-un-of-withdrawal-from-world-health-organization/article32017424.ece

Trump administration has formally notified UN of its withdrawal from WHO, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration of if circumstances change. Withdrawal notification, delivered on Monday, makes good on President Donald Trump’s vow in late May to terminate US participation in WHO, which he has harshly criticized for its response to coronavirus pandemic and accused of bowing to Chinese influence. The move was immediately assailed by health officials and critics of the administration.AP

 

China allows WHO to trace coronavirus’ origin, rebukes US exit move from UN body

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-allows-who-to-trace-coronavirus-origin-rebukes-us-exit-move-from-un-body/story-KEd0BskU91husMFnxKQbKP.html

China has criticised Trump administration-led US’ move of withdrawal from WHO, while agreeing to allow a team from the top health agency to visit the country to trace the origins of the coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.US move will have grave implications for developing countries,Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, and added that Trump administration’s move undermines the international anti-epidemic efforts. He also urged international community to step up support for WHO.WHO, Zhao said, is the most authoritative and professional international institution in the field of global public health security.

 

Coronavirus Pandemic Has Not Peaked Yet, Warns WHO

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/world-news-coronavirus-pandemic-has-not-peaked-yet-warns-who/356244

Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom, has said that Coronavirus pandemic is accelerating and that it had not reached its peak yet. WHO chief said that while there has been progress in reducing deaths, many countries have implemented targeted actions toward the most vulnerable groups.“While the number of deaths appears to have levelled off globally, in reality some countries have made significant progress in reducing the number of deaths, while in other countries deaths are still on the rise,” Adhanom said.

 

No need for panic over research of coronavirus being airborne, wear mask for longer time, says expert

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/no-need-for-panic-over-research-of-coronavirus-being-airborne-wear-mask-for-longer-time-says-expert

People need not panic over new research findings that coronavirus is airborne as studies cited by a group of over 200 scientists only convey it can be 'at least temporarily' in air and does not mean the pathogen is flying all over and will infect everyone, an expert has said.This meant, people should wear mask for a longer period of time and continue to take other precautions such as social distancing to keep off the virus, Director of CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) here Rakesh Mishra said.PTI

 

Israel's alternate PM Gantz isolates after Covid exposure

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/victoria-coronavirus-cases-surge-lockdown-looms-live-updates-200708003621037.html

Israel's defence minister has said he was self-isolating due to suspected exposure to a person infected with the coronavirus. Benny Gantz's spokesman said:"Due to suspicion of being exposed to a coronavirus patient last Sunday evening, out of the desire and responsibility to avoid the risk of infection and after consulting with medical officials, Defence Minister and Alternate PM Benny Gantz decided to go into isolation, pending a corona examination and epidemiologic investigation."

 

Brazilian President faces criticism for taking off mask after testing Covid-19 positive

https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/brazilian-president-takes-off-mask-after-announcing-he-tested-positive-for-covid-19-6495517/

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro announced Tuesday that he has tested positive for Covid-19, after downplaying the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic for weeks even as deaths mounted in nation. Brazilian president announced he had tested positive while speaking with Brazilian press, and took off his mask to show he was doing fine. The video of the incident is being widely shared on social media, with people criticising him for the gesture.“I’m, well, normal. I even want to take a walk around here, but I can’t due to medical recommendations,” Bolsonaro said.“I thought I had it before, given my very dynamic activity. I’m president and on the combat lines. I like to be in the middle of the people,” he said.

 

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

UN makes its third communication on J&K public, expressing grave concern

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/un-makes-its-third-communication-on-jk-public/article32024205.ece?homepage=true

Srinagar: UN Special Rapporteurs have made public their third communication forwarded to India since Aug.5, 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, expressing “grave concern over alleged excessive use of force, ill treatment during arrests and detentions”.4 UN Special Rapporteurs on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions; on minority issues; and on freedom of religion or belief— had forwarded a joint communication to India on May 4, 2010, and made it public recently, after 60 days of response time.“We would like to bring to the attention of Your Excellency’s Govt information we have received concerning continued deterioration of human rights conditions in J&K following severe restrictions imposed after 5 Aug.2019, in particular citing arbitrary detentions, violations to the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment and rights of persons belonging to minorities,” the communication reads.“We regret that no response has been received to either communication, in particular the former. We remain deeply concerned about ongoing human rights violations,” it added. thehindu

 

Kulbhushan Jadhav refused to file review petition, wants to go ahead with mercy plea: Pakistan

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/kulbhushan-jadhav-refuses-to-file-review-petition-wants-to-go-ahead-with-mercy-plea/articleshow/76850752.cms

Captured Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav refused to file a review petition and has decided to go ahead with his pending mercy plea, Pakistan govt has said. "On June 17, 2020, Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav was invited to file a petition for review and reconsideration of his sentence and conviction. Exercising his legal right he refused to file a petition for review and reconsideration of his sentence and conviction," Pak additional attorney general said. Pakistan has offered 2^nd consular access to him, Pakistan media reported today. Earlier this year in May, Pakistan had said that it has "fully complied" with ICJ's judgement in Jadhav case, days after India's lead counsel asserted that New Delhi had hoped it might be able to persuade Islamabad through "back channel" to release Indian death-row convict.

Jadhav coerced: India on Pak’s claim he refused case review

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jadhav-coerced-says-centre-after-pakistan-claims-he-wants-mercy-plea-2259441?pfrom=home-topscroll

New Delhi: Pakistan's claim that Indian national Kulbhushan Yadav -- sentenced to death by its army court -- has refused review of his case and wants to appeal for mercy, is a "continuation of the farce that has been in play for the last four years," India said today.  "Jadhav has been sentenced to execution through a farcical trial.  He remains under custody of Pakistan's military. He has clearly been coerced to refuse to file a review in his case," ministry said.

 

MHA suspends IPS officer Basant Rath for ‘misconduct’, days after complaint against J&K DGP

https://theprint.in/india/governance/mha-suspends-ips-officer-basant-rath-for-misconduct-days-after-complaint-against-jk-dgp/456860/

Srinagar: IPS officer Basant Kumar Rath has been suspended by MHA 2 weeks after he filed a police complaint against DGP Dilbag Singh, with whom he was also allegedly involved in a nasty social media tiff. According to an order issued Tuesday by S.D. Sarkar, under-secretary to Govt of India, Rath was placed under suspension with immediate effect for “repeated instances of gross misconduct and misbehaviour”. “It is further ordered that during the period that this order shall remain in force, HQRS of Basant Rath shall be Jammu, J&K and…Basant Rath shall not leave the said headquarters without obtaining permission of DGP, J&K Police,”the order stated, adding that Rath is eligible for a subsistence allowance and dearness allowance during the suspension period.

 

China, India pullback in a contested area in Ladakh complete: Sources

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/china-india-mutual-withdrawal-of-troops-in-hot-springs-in-ladakh-complete-sources-2259122

2-km mutual withdrawal of Indian and Chinese troops at Ladakh-- on since Sunday after Special Representative level talks -- is complete in some areas, sources said. Withdrawal at Patrol Point 15 in Hot Springs is now complete. 2-km mutual withdrawal at Patrol Point 17A (Gogra) will happen tomorrow or the day after, sources said. Some movement by the Chinese near the Pangong lake -- the Finger 4 Area -- is happening, sources said. Vehicles and tents have been removed but the ridge line remains occupied by Chinese troops, sources said.Yesterday, withdrawal at Galwan river valley, where Indian and Chinese troops clashed with fatal results-- the first in decades -- appeared complete. Satellite images from the bend of the Galwan river as it crosses the LAC  and flows into Indian territory, showed area cleared of Chinese troops and structures.

Chinese troops move out of PP15 area in Eastern Ladakh

 

No Sign of Chinese Pullback from Pangong Lake, Depsang, Says Indian Side

https://clarionindia.net/no-sign-of-chinese-pullback-from-pangong-lake-depsang-says-indian-side/

Indian military sees no pullback of Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops and materiel from Pangong Lake and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, sources said on Tuesday.The disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops has happened in Galwan valley, Hot Springs and Gogra post in Ladakh sector. However, it has not been verified on the ground yet.The disengagement started after a two-month military standoff and it is happening “as per agreed terms in the Corps Commanders’ meeting”.IANS

 

Pompeo Says China Took Incredibly Aggressive Action in Galwan Valley Clashes with India

https://www.news18.com/news/world/pompeo-says-china-took-incredibly-aggressive-action-in-galwan-valley-clashes-with-india-2707339.html

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday accused China of taking "incredibly aggressive action" in a recent confrontation with India over a disputed section of the nuclear-armed neighbours' border."Chinese took incredibly aggressive action," he said, referring to the clash last month in Galwan Valley. "Indians have done their best to respond to that.""I have spoken with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar a number of times about this," he added.

 

 Nepal's Ruling Communist Party Defers Meet to Decide PM's Future

https://thewire.in/south-asia/ncp-meeting-deferred-again

Kathmandu: A crucial meeting of Nepal’s ruling communist party to decide the political future of embattled Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli which was supposed to be held on Wednesday has been once again postponed until Friday. Sources ascribed the delay to intra-party rifts and calls for his resignation over his style of functioning and anti-India statements. Meeting of NCP 45-member powerful Standing Committee was scheduled to be held on Wednesday. PM press advisor Surya Thapa announced that the meeting was postponed until Friday. Thapa did not reveal the reason for rescheduling the meeting for the fourth time.PTI

 

Letter attributed to Geelani fake: J&K Cops

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/letter-attributed-to-geelani-fake-cops-110038

J&K Police on Tuesday filed a case under the stringent UAPA and for public mischief under IPC over a letter attributed to separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, calling for a general strike on July 8 and 13. Police said letter issued by Geelani was fake and published from Pakistan.“As per the family sources of SAS Geelani, the letter is fake and not issued by him. This is published from Pakistan,” the Kashmir police tweet read. “The police are taking action against those who are circulating it through different social media platforms to instigate violence and create law and order problems.”

 

Pakistan court dismisses challenges to Hindu temple construction

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/pakistan-court-dismisses-challenges-hindu-temple-construction-200708084808627.html

A Pakistani court has dismissed a set of petitions seeking a halt to the construction of a Hindu temple in the capital Islamabad, with the matter now referred to the country's Council of Islamic Ideology, govt officials say.  Islamabad High Court ruled on Tuesday that legal objections to the allotment of a 0.2 hectare  plot of land for the construction of a Hindu temple and cremation site - a long-standing demand of the city's Hindu community - were invalid.

 

Indian border forces killed 25 Bangladeshis this year, says report: Anadolu Agency

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/indian-border-forces-killed-25-bangladeshis-year-report-200708104609757.html

At least 25 Bangladeshi civilians were killed by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in first 6 months of this year, according to a human rights watchdog.Odhikar, a Bangladesh-based human rights group, released a report on Monday where it also stated that BSF injured 17 and abducted another three Bangladeshi citizens. "[A total of] 45 Bangladeshi nationals have been victimized by neighboring border force between Jan. and June, 2020," said the report.Referring to a much-discussed killing of a Bangladeshi teenage student, the report said: "During this period, a BSF member entered Bangladesh and shot dead an SSC (secondary school certificate) examinee engaged in agricultural work."Shimon Roy, 16, was shot on April 19 in northern border district of Thakurgaon, according to local media reports.Terming border killing as "very unfortunate" and "unacceptable", Lieutenant Colonel Fayezur Rahman, director operations of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), told Anadolu Agency, "Our field-level officers and high-level officials at headquarters have sent several protest letters against those killings.

 

BJP Leader Killed By Militants In Kashmir's Bandipora

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-bjp-district-president-of-kashmirs-bandipora-attacked-by-suspected-militants/356292

BJP leader Sheikh Waseem Bari, along with his brother Umar Sultan and father Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, was killed by militants in North Kashmir's Bandipora district on Wednesday, Police said. 3 were outside their residence when they were attacked by gunmen at around 8:30 pm. Their residence is adjacent to the Bandipora Police Station.

 

*INDIA- ISLAMOPHOBIA, HUMAN RIGHTS & OTHERS*

Babri demolition case: CBI court records statement of VHP’s Acharya Dharmendra Dev

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/babri-demolition-case-cbi-court-vhp-acharya-dharmendra-dev-6496570/

Acharya Dharmendra Dev of VHP here on Wednesday appeared before a special CBI court hearing Babri Masjid demolition case and accused then Congress govt of framing him due to political vendetta. Babri Masjid was demolished in December 1992 by “kar sevaks” who claimed that the mosque in Ayodhya was built on the site of an ancient Ram temple. Dev told court that then Congress-led government at Centre framed him in case along with other accused due to political vendetta. CBI court has been conducting day-to-day proceedings in order to conclude the trial by Aug.31, as directed by the Supreme Court.The court also directed 2 other accused, Santosh Dubey and Pawan Kumar Pandey, to appear before it on July 9 and 10, respectively, else it will issue non-bailable warrants against them.Special Judge S K Yadav so far has recorded the statement of 23 accused.The lawyers of LK Advani, BJP leader M M Joshi, Sudhir Kakkad and Satish Pradhan stressed on Wednesday that accused were old, hence, their statements should be recorded through video conferencing. Another accused, Ram Chandra Khatri, is presently lodged in a Sonipat jail of Haryana in connection with another case.

Ram Temple Trust chairman, secy depose in Babri Masjid demolition trial

 

VHP praises Congress-run Gehlot govt's initiative on Vedic education

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vhp-praises-gehlot-govts-initiative-on-vedic-education/1888076

Jaipur:VHP, a prominent saffron offshoot of RSS, in an unusual and surprising move, congratulated Congress-run Ashok Gehlot govt in Rajasthan for its initiatives to set up a Vedic Education and Culture Board in the state and also for including biographies of Paramveer Chakra medallists in school curriculum.A one-day meeting of the Jaipur wing of the VHP was held here on Monday.Addressing the session, central working committee member Dinesh Chandra brought forth both the issues in its concluding session and congratulated CM Ashok Gehlot for the same.Gehlot during Bhamashah Samman ceremony held last year had said that the culture, values and traditions of Rajasthan inspire each and every person to donate and future generations should also adopt these glorious traditions. To accomplish the vision, the state govt will set up Vedic Education and Rites Board, he had said.Now, efforts are being made to realise this announcement of CM.In fact, at Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University, efforts are on to increase culture and values by spreading ancient Vedic knowledge science.IANS

 

Kerala : First woman moves SC against triple talaq law

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/1st-woman-moves-sc-over-triple-talaq-law/story-GDNz12PC0SSXEXNrNZWm0O.html

A Kerala lawyer has moved the Supreme Court against a law that criminalises the practice of granting instant divorce becoming first Muslim woman to do so since Parliament passed legislation in 2019.Noorbeena Rasheed on July 6 challenged Protection of Rights on Marriage Act, which provides for a three-year punishment for talaq-e-biddat, a practise also referred to as Triple Talaq, which is practised among a small section of Muslims in the country. “The protection of women cannot be achieved by incarceration of husbands,” her petition stated. Issuing a notice to the Centre, a bench of 3 justices led by NV Ramana on Monday admitted Rasheed’s petition, which will be heard with nine similar pleas challenging the law’s validity. Other petitioners include organisations like Jamiat Ulama, AIMPLB, Muslim Advocates Association, and 2 individuals. The petitions have called the law disproportionate as well as excessive and stringent and sought that the court hold it unconstitutional. A date for hearing these petitions has not been listed as yet. Rasheed’s petition questions provisions of law including one which allows relatives of women to file complaints. The petition stated that this provision could potentially destroy marital relationships in case of false complaint.“This provision is highly detrimental not only to wife but also to the marital relationship.”Her petition also sought clarification from Centre on the assessment that underlies incarcerating Muslim men for divorcing women. Rasheed’s lawyer, Zulfikar Ali, said they want to highlight how law will be detrimental to the interests of Muslim women, which it seeks to protect.”

 

Cop protected from arrest after being booked over triple talaq

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/cop-protected-from-arrest-after-being-booked-over-triple-talaq

In a reprieve for a police sub-inspector(PSI) of Mumbai Police, booked for giving 'triple talaq' to his second wife, Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted him pre-arrest release. The cop had texted "talaq" thrice on his wife's cell phone.A bench of Justice Bharati Dangre opined that the cop could be released on bail as the offense of triple talaq is a bailable one. The bench has ordered Khan to pay Rs 25,000 as a surety.The bench was dealing with the anticipatory bail application filed by Yusuf Khan (name changed), booked for rape, unnatural sex and criminal intimidation along with the relevant provisions of Muslim Women Protection Act for giving triple talaq to his second wife. "According to the wife, she had the sexual relations with Khan, only after performing the marriage as per the Muslim customs, thus no rape case is made out. In these circumstances, no custodial interrogation is necessary and moreover there are no chance of Khan fleeing, since he works as a PSI," Justice Dangre added, while granting him release.freepressjournal

 

New CBSE Classes 9-11 syllabus: Citizenship,Federalism, nationalism, secularism chapters scrapped

https://indianexpress.com/article/education/cbse-class-11-political-science-syllabus-6494822/

New Delhi :As part of rationalising its syllabus in view of Covid-19 situation, CBSE “completely deleted” chapters on federalism, citizenship, nationalism, and secularism from the political science curriculum of Class 11 for the academic year 2020-21.Apart from these, sub-sections including ‘Why do we need Local Govts?’ and ‘Growth of Local Govt in India’ have also been removed from the curriculum. These topics will not be accessed in themselves but teachers have been asked to explain to the students of their relevance with respect to existing topics.The deletions were made on the direction of HRD ministry which asked CBSE to reduce the syllabus for classes 9 to 12 by 30 per cent to make up for the academic loss caused by pandemic and the subsequent closure of schools. “Considering importance of learning achievement, it has been decided to rationalize syllabus up to 30 per cent by retaining the core concepts,” HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal wrote in a tweet.indianexpress

 

Lucknow: Rihai Manch Questions Slapping Of Gangsters Act Against Anti-CAA Protesters

http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/lucknow-rihai-manch-questions-slapping-of-gangsters-act-against-anti-caa-protesters

Lucknow;Well-known human rights organization-Rihai Manch-has questioned slapping of UP Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act 1986, against anti-CAA protesters in various districts of the state. Its general secretary Rajiv Yadav has described action of the state govt against the anti-CAA protesters as “politics of revenge”, intended to throttle democracy in a state which is much bigger in terms of area as well as population than many countries of the world. Lucknow police had booked a total of 27 anti-CAA activists under the dreaded Gangsters Act after the violence on Dec.19 at Parivartan Chowk. Police slapped the controversial Act as, according to police, the protesters had “conspired as a gang to commit anti-government activities causing panic among the public”.India Tomorrow

 

Delhi riots: Maulana Saad, AAP MLA and owner of Al-Hind hospital find mention in chargesheet against school owner

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ne-delhi-riots-maulana-saad-aap-mla-and-owner-of-al-hind-hospital-find-mention-in-chargesheet-against-rajdhani-school-owner-6495129/

A Delhi Police chargesheet into the Delhi riots has mentioned Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad, and claims that his rise in Tablighi Jamaat coincided with the rise of Rajdhani School owner Faisal Farooque. While the Markaz Nizamuddin had earlier found a mention in riots chargesheet, this is the first time Saad’s name has cropped up.While riots took place in February, Markaz and Saad came into news only in March, during the beginning of the Covid outbreak.On the Tablighi chief, the chargesheet states: “After Saad rose to power in Tablighi Jamaat, it has been noticed that Faisal Farooque has also risen in terms of acquisition of real estate in Northeast district.”Farooque and 17 others were chargesheeted by Delhi Police at Karkardooma court on June 3. It is alleged that he was in contact with people who were “part of the larger conspiracy behind the riots in Northeast Delhi”. The chargesheet also mentions Haji Yunus, AAP MLA from Mustafabad, as an “intermediary”.MLA Yunus said, “These allegations made by the police have to be proven. I have not been contacted by police as of now.”Dr M A Anwar, the owner of New Mustafabad’s Al Hind hospital that provided emergency treatment to victims during the riots, also finds a mention in the chargesheet. This is the third time his name finds a mention in a riots chargesheet. Maulana’s lawyer Shahid Ali said, “claims are false. Maulana Saad and the Markaz have nothing to do with this case. Maulana Saad has lakhs of followers across the world, and many people from across the world and India visit the Markaz. This doesn’t mean he has a role to play in the money they earn. These claims are baseless.”Farooque’s counsel R K Kochar said, “There is no connection between my client and Tablighi Jamaat. The properties purchased by his family have no connection to Maulana Saad.”indianexpress

School owner played pivotal role in riots: Delhi police

 

Despite 2 Orders from HC, Delhi Riot Survivors Still Unable to Claim Compensation

https://thewire.in/rights/delhi-riots-compensation-sdm-karawal-nagar-high-court

Delhi Minorities Commission(DMC) issued a notice to DM of Delhi on Tuesday, July 7, asking for an urgent enquiry into allegations that SDM of Karawal Nagar misbehaved with riot survivors and used abusive language against them when they went to his office to submit their compensation forms. The notice, which bears the signature of Zafarul Islam Khan, chairman of DMC, has asked for a reply to be filed by July 10. Advocate Mishika Singh who represented the riot survivors before Delhi high court alleged that the riot survivors were being harassed by SDM Puneet Kumar Patel. thewire

 

Kin of woman killed in Delhi riots recall terror

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kin-of-woman-killed-in-delhi-riots-recall-terror/story-6FZrx9vkTlctNWk0A7e0QO.html

As rioters climbed up our house, one of them placed a sword on my elder daughter’s neck; when a man from the mob shouted ladkiyan Laxmi hoti hain, ladkiyon ko kuch nahi karna...they went the other way and set our house afire,”said Gulista Begum.Gulista Begum is the daughter-in-law of Akbari Begum, 85, who died in the fire during the communal riots that rocked northeast Delhi in late Feb. She was the only woman among 53 fatalities in the violence that also left more than 400 injured; the police have filed 750 FIRs in connection with riots.Gulista’s statement is a part of chargesheet Delhi police have filed in the murder case of Akbari Begum, who died of asphyxiation and also had 72% burn injuries. In her statement, Gulista related how the family was stuck on the rooftop of the burning house; the mob left with Rs 8 lakh cash, her jewellery and other valuables.HT

 

No pistols, Sikh man held for langar at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh: Kin

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/kin-no-pistols-sikh-man-held-for-langar-at-shaheen-bagh/articleshow/76843652.cms

Patiala: Family of 21-year-old Sikh man, who was arrested by Delhi Police and 2 pistols recovered from him, has claimed that he was targeted solely for serving langar to the anti-CAA protesters at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi. Satnam Singh, elder brother of the accused Lovepreet Singh, on Tuesday demanded an independent probe into the whole issue.Meanwhile, Lovepreet’s undated photos from Shaheen Bagh comtinued to circulate on social media on Monday and Tuesday. Protesting arrest of some Sikh men under UAPA by Punjab Police in recent days and then Delhi Police action booking 3 Sikhs, including Lovepreet, Twitter users made #StopTargettingSikh trend. Most of those who have tweeted under the hashtag were Muslim Twitter handles and picture of Lovepreet became face of campaign.Apart from Muslims, some others too expressed solidarity with Sikh activists. The hashtag was started on Monday evening and around 8pm it was trending at fourth place in India. People were tweeting using the same hashtag on Tuesday evening too.Satnam alleged, “ Lovepreet had participated in serving langar to the protesters in Delhi and this probably became a major reason behind his implication in a false case.”

 

Delhi: HC defers hearing in Ishrat Jahan case

http://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/high-court-defers-hearing-in-ishrat-jahan-case-412145

As the controversy over legal representation of Delhi Police in cases related to Delhi riots continued on Tuesday, Delhi High Court deferred the hearing in a plea filed by ex Congress municipal councillor Ishrat Jahan against the extension granted to probe UAPA case against her in one of the riots cases as it allowed Rahul Mehra, Delhi govt standing counsel (criminal) to file a status report in the case.

 

SC extends interim stay on investigation , coercive action against Amish Devgan

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/sc-extends-interim-stay-on-investigation-and-coercive-action-against-amish-devgan

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed that the interim orders staying investigation and coercive action against journalist Amish Devgan for multiple FIRs filed against him in connection with his remarks against Sufi Saint Moinnuddin Chishti shall continue, legal news website LiveLaw.in has reported. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Devgan, informed the bench that status report regarding the investigation as directed on the last date has been filed. A bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Sanjiv Khanna allowed the Petitioners to serve copies on the de facto complainants who had not been served and directed Union and other respondents to file a reply in two week. The Petitioner can file rejoinder thereafter.

 

Coordinate Probe Against 3 Gandhi Family Trusts

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-govt-sets-up-panel-to-coordinate-probe-against-3-gandhi-family-trusts/356250

An inter-ministerial team has been set up by govt to coordinate probe into the alleged violation of various laws like money laundering and foreign contributions by 3 Nehru-Gandhi family linked trusts, including Rajiv Gandhi Foundation(RGF).A Home Ministry spokesperson said a special director in ED will head team."MHA sets up inter-ministerial committee to coordinate investigations into violation of various legal provisions of PMLA, Income Tax Act, FCRA etc by Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust & Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. Spl. Dir of ED will head the committee," a home ministry spokesperson tweeted. Centre's move followed recent allegations by the ruling BJP on Congress and Gandhi family claiming that China had funded the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

Those who fight for truth can’t be intimidated: Rahul Gandhi hits back at Modi govt after probe into trusts

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/those-who-fight-for-truth-cant-be-intimidated-rahul-gandhi-hits-back-at-modi-govt-after-probe-into-trusts

Hours after govt initiated a probe into the funding of 3 Nehru-Gandhi family linked trusts including RGF, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said those who fight for the truth cannot be intimidated."Modi believes the world is like him. He thinks everyone has a price or can be intimidated. He will never understand that those who fight for the truth have no price and cannot be intimidated," Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.

 

Allahabad HC Seeks Govt's Action Report on Anti-Muslim Remarks by Kanpur Medical College's Ex-principal

https://www.news18.com/news/india/allahabad-hc-seeks-govts-action-report-on-anti-muslim-remarks-by-kanpur-medical-colleges-ex-principal-2705855.html

Allahabad High Court has asked Uttar Pradesh government to apprise it by July 20 of its actions on a purported video of former Kanpur medical college principal making remarks against Tablighi Jamaat members and Muslims.A bench of Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice SD Singh gave the direction on a plea by New Delhi-based civil society IMPAR, seeking action against former principal Arti Lalchandani of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur.The bench asked the govt to submit its action-taken-report to the court by the next date of hearing on July 20.PTI

 

Vikas Dubey aide shot at, arrested in encounter, but family claims he was already picked up on July 3

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/vikas-dubey-aide-shot-at-arrested-in-encounter-but-family-claims-he-was-already-picked-up-on-july-3/article32021101.ece?homepage=true

The family of Shyamu Bajpai, an aide of Vikas Dubey, who was shot at and arrested by Kanpur police in an alleged encounter on Wednesday, claimed that he had already been picked up by police hours after killing of 8 policemen on the morning of July 3. Shyamu was listed as one of 18 accused persons absconding from the site after the incident and a bounty of ₹25,000 was placed on his head. He was shot in his left leg during the alleged police encounter, said police. However, on Monday, his mother Ram Lakshmi Bajpai while talking to The Hindu, claimed that on the morning of July 3, hours after the killing of eight policemen in an ambush, policemen came to her house, located behind the now demolished mansion-like house of Vikas.She claimed her son was sleeping in his room when he was picked up by police between 5.45 a.m. and 6 a.m. “I asked police many times but they didn't inform me about his whereabouts,” she alleged. “He was sleeping and was wearing a towel and a vest [when they took him.] His wife, who is ill [and pregnant], was with him,” said Ms. Ram Lakshmi. Shyamu, 30, worked as a labourer in a nearby detergent factory, which employed several youth in the village, his family said.

Vikas Dubey flees Faridabad hotel before police arrival

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/vikas-dubey-flees-faridabad-hotel-before-police-arrival

Haryana Police have been put on high alert after reports of sighting of fugitive Vikas Dubey, responsible for the murder of eight policemen in UP, in a Faridabad hotel, officials said on Wednesday.However, he escaped before the local police could conduct a raid.As per the intelligence reports, Vikas had stayed at in a small-budget hotel located in the populated Badkhal Chowk area under a fake identity.Joint teams of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have detained a Dubey aide who confirmed that Dubey stayed with him at the hotel.

 

Plea in SC seeks guidelines to fill legal lacunae in dealing with death, torture and rape in police custody

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/plea-in-sc-seeks-guidelines-to-fill-legal-lacunae-in-dealing-with-death-torture-and-rape-in-police-custody

Following the custodial torture and death of P Jayaraj and J Bennix, a plea in the Supreme Court urges it to issue directions or lay guidelines to fill legal lacunae surrounding custodial deaths, tortures and rapes, BarandBench.com has reported. Plea filed by an NGO, People's Charioteer Organization calls for guidelines from court concerning custodial deaths, rapes and tortures to be passed by invoking the inherent jurisdiction of the court under Article 142.The petition additionally prays for a direction to the Centre so that an independent committee may be formed and monitored by the SC, tasked with reviewing the existing legal framework around custodial deaths, tortures and rapes.

 

ED may inform Kerala govt about role of its employee and PFI chief in PMLA case:PTI

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ed-may-inform-kerala-govt-about-role-of-its-employee-and-pfi-chief-in-pmla-case/1889022

Enforcement Directorate (ED) may soon update Kerala govt about the role of its employee OM Abdul Salam, who is also PFI''s chairman, in a money laundering case related to alleged financial links between the Islamic organisation and anti-CAA protests in the country, officials said. The central probe agency had recorded the statement of Salam, a senior Assistant in Kerala State Electricity Board, under PMLA in Feb. Salam was then the vice chairman of PFI and he is stated to be posted at the regional audit office of the electricity board in Manjeri town of Kerala''s Malappuram. The govt concerned needs to be informed about the role of any of its employees who are being probed in a criminal case, the sources said.In response to PTI''s query on his association with a private organisation despite being a Kerala government official, Salam said, "There is no rule or notification that specifically prohibits an employee associating with Popular Front of India.""I am working as senior assistant in Kerala state electricity board which is a public sector undertaking. As part of my social commitment I am associated outside my office duty with PFI which is a social organisation," he said.

 

Tablighi Jamaat has never flouted the law of the land; viral videos were unrelated to the organisation:Ziya Us Salam

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/tablighi-jamaat-has-never-flouted-the-law-of-the-land-viral-videos-were-unrelated-to-the-organisation/618401

A mostly reticent Tablighi Jamaat suddenly found itself in the eye of a storm when its congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz Mosque in March was found to be a ‘super spreader’ of coronavirus. Timesnow caught up with Ziya Us Salam, who has recently written a book titled ‘Inside Tablighi Jamaat’, and asked him about Tablighi’s perspective on the incident. Salam said, "it is a misconception to say that Tablighi Jamaat flouted any law of the land by hosting its congregations in mid-March in Delhi. All foreign delegates had come with valid visas granted by the Govt of India. The body had govt's permission for the congregation. No religious gatherings had been banned in Delhi by March 13 when conference started. Even Central Health Ministry had declared on March 13 that there was no health emergency. Only sports meets, gyms and spas etc. were barred. It is only post March 16 that religious congregations were banned. By then the meeting was over."times now

 

Plea in SC seeks shutting down of Ashrams run by ‘fake babas’; court asks SG to look into the matter

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/plea-in-sc-seeks-shutting-down-of-ashrams-run-by-fake-babas-court-asks-sg-to-look-into-the-matter

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to look into what the government can do as regards the closing down of Ashrams run by fake babas and spiritual leaders, particularly in Delhi, BarandBench reported. The Bench of Chief Justice of India SA Bobde with Justices R Subhash Reddy and AS Bopanna posted the PIL after two weeks while asking Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to look into the issue of Ashrams run by fake spiritual leaders and babas and the closure of these.This petition is filed by a resident of Secunderabad, who is seeking for his daughter and many other women to be rescued from ashrams run by fake spiritual leaders, and for such ashrams to be shut down.

 

Family, lawyer of Muslim inmate who died in Tihar jail, suspect “police conspiracy in his death”

http://twocircles.net/2020jul07/437939.html

The family of 30-year-old Tihar jail inmate Mahtab, who died inside jail on 29 June, suspect police conspiracy in his murder. Mahtab died in Tihar jail (number 8) on 29 June. In FIR filed by the police, a jail inmate named Zakir murdered him around 5:50 in the morning.Mahtab’s family said they don’t believe the police version. The family alleged that Mahtab was murdered in a conspiracy by the police. Mahtab’s brother Abdul Salam, who is a constable in Lucknow said that, “Police officers obviously won’t kill themselves. They would have got him killed by some inmate only. Otherwise, their job would be in danger, which is why they plotted this.”TwoCircles

 

Cisco Case Could Expose Rampant Prejudice Against Dalits in Silicon Valley

https://thewire.in/caste/cisco-caste-discrimination-silicon-valley-dalit-prejudice

Over 2o years ago, a student at IIT-Bombay figured that a classmate was a Dalit. The discovery was made when the student didn’t see the boy’s name on the general merit list, and so figured that he had been admitted to prestigious institution via reservations, India’s affirmative action programme. Decades later, when both men made it to Silicon Valley HQRS of the tech multinational Cisco, “upper” caste staffer carried the knowledge of the other man’s “lower” caste with him and even passed on the information to colleagues at work. Last week, Sundar Iyer, the man who “outed” other man’s caste, found himself at the centre of a civil rights lawsuit filed by California govt, which accused Iyer, his colleague Ramana Kompella and Cisco itself of unlawful employment practices. While the lawsuit is the culmination of years of investigations, it couldn’t have come at a more significant time. While caste discrimination has never been a major public issue in US, lawsuit comes at a moment when the country is confronting racial discrimination, giving Cisco case a sharper edge.A number of Dalits in US tech companies point to irony of their casteist colleagues supporting Black Lives Matter while continuing to suppress Indians from so-called lower castes.While caste discrimination among Indians in US workplaces is not new, tech companies largely ignored the practise, primarily because, in strictly legal terms, it is not unlawful.

 

Sharp downward revision of growth by agencies shows deleterious impact of lockdown: Ernst and Young

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/economy/sharp-downward-revision-of-growth-by-agencies-shows-deleterious-impact-of-lockdown-ey

The sharp downward revision in growth by various national and international agencies indicates that the impact of the coronavirus-induced lockdown was highly deleterious and stimulus package was inadequate, Ernst and Young (EY) said on Wednesday.Speaking at EY webinar on ''Rejuvenating Growth - Economic and Trade Policy Pathways'', EY Indian Chief Policy Advisor DK Srivastava said India's fiscal stimulus at 1.2% of GDP is the third lowest among the major economies of world, but hoped that as more fiscal space gets created, there could be another round of stimulus towards the later part of the financial year.It said the growth projections for the current year by various global and domestic agencies indicate a sharp contraction ranging from (-)3.2 per cent to (-)6.8 per cent. More recent the projection, the steeper is the predicted contraction, EY said.PTI

 

Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide: Bihar court rejects plea accusing actor Salman Khan, others of abetment

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/sushant-singh-rajputs-suicide-bihar-court-rejects-plea-accusing-actor-salman-khan-others-of-abetment

A Bihar court today turned down a petition accusing Bollywood bigwigs like Salman Khan, Ekta Kapoor, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Karan Johar, among others, of abetment to actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide, LiveLaw.in reported. Chief Judicial Magistrate Mukesh Kumar dismissed the petition filed by local advocate Sudhir Kumar Ojha, pointing out that the matter lay outside the court’s jurisdiction.

*WORLD*

Israel's annexation plans 'may still be revealed in July' as US officials meet

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-annexation-plans-may-still-revealed-july-us-officials-meet

US officials are reportedly meeting on Wednesday to discuss Israel's delayed annexation plans, which could yet be revealed in July.According to a source familiar with White House team's discussions speaking to the Jerusalem Post, moves to annex parts of the occupied West Bank were “still possible” this month. This comes after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition partner Benny Gantz last week said that all issues not related to coronavirus could wait until the pandemic was under control, taken as an indication that annexation would be pushed back.Netanyahu had initially set 1 July as the date when it could reveal draft annexation legislation. In Israel's sights are the Jordan Valley, northern Dead Sea and illegal settlement blocs, together making up around a third of Palestinian territory.However, PMO made no announcement on that day as expected, but said talks were continuing with US officials and Israeli security chiefs.

 

Fake Middle East  experts published on US right-wing sites, probe reveals

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/fake-mena-experts-published-wing-sites-probe-reveals-200707161305732.html

At least 19 fake personas, acting as Middle East experts, wrote 90 opinion pieces for dozens of mostly US right-wing news outlets, an investigation by a US news website has revealed.The opinion pieces had a common theme of heaping praise on UAE and advocating for a tougher stance on Qatar, Turkey, Iran and its proxy groups in Iraq and Lebanon, according to The Daily Beast which carried out the investigation. The articles were published in US conservative outlets such as Washington Examiner, RealClear Markets, American Thinker and The National Interest. Middle East-based websites that also published these pieces include Al Arabiya, Arab News, and Jerusalem Post. Following The Daily Beast's publication of its findings, Twitter suspended 16 accounts involved in spreading the propaganda.aljazeera

 

Jerusalem church leaders: Israel threatening Christian presence in the city

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200708-jerusalem-church-leaders-israel-threating-christian-presence-in-the-city/

As many as 13 church leaders in occupied city of Jerusalem warned that the Israeli court’s decision concerning the Greek Orthodox Church’s property at Jaffa Gate threatens the Christian presence in holy city, Anadolu reported. In a joint statement, they said: “We, Heads of the Churches and Christian Communities in Jerusalem, stand united in our commitment to safeguard the historical Status Quo of the Holy Sites and rights of Churches which are universally recognized. The case of Jaffa Gate threatens this Status Quo. We are concerned by the recent judgment of District Court of Jerusalem, which dismissed evidence demonstrating Greek Orthodox Church’s case. We strongly support the efforts of Greek Orthodox Church in their plea for justice.” This comes after the Jerusalem District Court last week rejected a petition filed by Greek Orthodox Patriarchate contesting the ownership of a Jaffa Gate property claimed by Jewish settler organisations.

 

Lebanon jails Sunni scholar for life over alleged Daesh affiliation

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200708-lebanon-jails-sunni-scholar-for-life-over-alleged-daesh-affiliation/

A Lebanese court sentenced a Sunni scholar to life and hard labour after finding him guilty of being affiliated with Daesh, local media outlets reported.Bassam Al-Tarras, the former mufti of the Rashya neighbourhood in Al-Beqaa District, was sentenced in absentia over his alleged ties to Daesh, involvement in its operations and for encouraging others to join the militant group.The court also convicted and sentenced Mohamed Al-Ahmed, who is known as Abu Youssef, and Mahmoud Rabei, a Syrian national.The court ordered the arrest of all three defendants.

 

Egypt suspends Islamic preacher who says women are harassed due to tight clothing

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200708-egypt-suspends-islamic-preacher-who-says-women-are-harassed-due-to-tight-clothing/

An Egyptian Islamic preacher has been suspended pending investigation after he said that one of the main causes for sexual harassment is that women wear short and tight clothing.Preacher Abdallah Roshdy previously said that a child can be married at the age of 9 if she can physically and psychologically endure the marriage, according to Egypt Independent.In a video on Twitter, Roshdy said: “A wise person advises his friend: ‘Please lock your car before you go to your house, because if you leave it open, it could be stolen.’ His ‘genius’ friend: ‘Oh no? You justify the theft?’ Apparently, minds need to be reactivated.”The comments, which provoked widespread anger, were Roshdy’s response to reports about the serial rapist Ahmed Bassem Zaki, who has been accused by some 50 women of sexual crimes.

 

Harvard, MIT sue US immigration authorities over new rule for foreign students: report

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/education/harvard-mit-sue-us-immigration-authorities-over-new-rule-for-foreign-students-report

Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued Department of Homeland Security and the federal immigration agency over new guidelines barring foreign students from remaining in America if their universities switched to online-only classes in the Fall.A report in Harvard Crimson said 2 preeminent educational institutions filed a lawsuit in District Court in Boston Wednesday morning against the two federal agencies.The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to bar US Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement from enforcing federal guidelines that will force international students to leave the US.Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow said in an email to affiliates that the “order came down without notice—its cruelty surpassed only by its recklessness. We believe that the ICE order is bad public policy, and we believe that it is illegal.”IANS

Russia and China veto UN extension of cross-border aid to Syria

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/russia-china-veto-extension-cross-border-aid-syria-200708070858597.html

Russia and China have vetoed a UNSC resolution to extend aid deliveries from Turkey to Syria, which the UN says is crucial to save millions of lives.The six-year-long UN approval of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey is authorised until Friday. The remaining 13 UNSC members voted on Tuesday in favour of the resolution drafted by Germany and Belgium.Security Council will now vote on a rival Russian proposal to approve one Turkish crossing for aid access for six months. During the coronavirus pandemic, UNSC has been operating virtually, which means members have 24 hours to cast a vote on a draft resolution.

 

Myanmar air raids 'that killed children amount to war crimes'

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/myanmar-air-raids-killed-children-amount-war-crimes-200707194910335.html

Myanmar's military has killed civilians, including children, in indiscriminate air attacks amid worsening conflict in the country's western Rakhine and Chin states, a prominent rights group has said, urging UNSC to launch a war crimes investigation.In a report, Amnesty International said it collected new evidence showing Myanmar's military - also known as Tatmadaw - bombed several villages in Chin state in March and April, killing more than a dozen people.One witness who was interviewed remotely told the group that an air raid in Paletwa Township on March 14 and 15 killed his uncle, his brother and his brother's 16-year-old friend.

 

UN: ‘Haftar’s mines killed 138 people in two months’

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200708-un-haftars-mines-killed-138-people-in-two-months/

 Some 138 people have been killed and injured as a result of landmines planted by Libyan renegade General Khalifa Haftar’s forces, UN revealed.In a statement by the Special Representative of UN Secretary-General and Acting Head of UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Stephanie Williams, went on to express her deep sorrow for the loss of two humanitarian workers in mine clearance operations, south of Tripoli, on Monday.

 

'Killing field': At least 180 bodies discovered in Burkina Faso

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/field-180-bodies-discovered-burkina-faso-200708014141558.html

At least 180 bodies have been found in common graves in Djibo, a town in the north of Burkina Faso, HRW, said in a report released on Wednesday, saying that the killings were probably carried out by government forces."Available evidence suggests government forces were involved in mass extrajudicial executions," HRW said. It called for government to hold those responsible to account.The Burkina Faso govt told HRW it would investigate the claims.

 

*views, Articles, FEATURES*

This Is What the Modi Sarkar Has Done to Indian Muslims: Anonymous, thewire

https://thewire.in/communalism/this-is-what-the-modi-sarkar-has-done-to-indian-muslims

Delhi Police Degrades Democracy - by Ramachandra Guha

https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/the-perversions-of-justice-in-delhi-by-ramachandra-guha-2259035

How Made-in-India Tablighi Jamaat became largest organisation in Pakistan:ZIYA US SALAM

https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/how-made-in-india-tablighi-jamaat-became-the-largest-organisation-in-pakistan/455990/

FCI has highest rice, wheat stock since 2005. Modi govt continuing legacy of bad economics:VIVEK KAUL

https://theprint.in/opinion/fci-highest-rice-wheat-stock-since-2005-modi-govt-legacy-bad-economics/456972/

Kanpur Police Killings Symptom Of Malaise That Feeds On Caste And Corruption:Anil Kumar Verma, outlookindia

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-kanpur-police-killings-symptom-of-malaise-that-feeds-on-caste-and-corruption/356269

Delhi Violence: Near-Identical Statements by 3 Witnesses in Head Constable’s Murder Case:Tarique Anwar

https://www.newsclick.in/Delhi-Violence-Identical-Statements-3-Witnesses-Head-Constable-Murder-Case

Visual Propaganda and Systemic Stifling of Kashmir:Priyam Marik

https://clarionindia.net/visual-propaganda-the-systemic-stifling-of-kashmir/

China may win, without fighting | Brahma Chellaney

https://www.hindustantimes.com/columns/china-may-win-without-fighting/story-4M3g3EhhwmYlxKRMxc7GUN.html

UAE and Israel: More than a marriage of convenience:Andreas Krieg

https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/uae-israel-ties-more-marriage-convenience

Custodial Torture: It Is the Criminal Justice System That Requires Investigation:Rakesh Shukla

https://thewire.in/law/custodial-torture-it-is-the-criminal-justice-system-that-requires-investigation

 

*Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 10:36 PM)*