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

Galwan Valley Pullback Shifts LAC By 1 Km To India's Disadvantage: Report

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-galwan-valley-pullback-shifts-lac-by-1-km-to-indias-disadvantage-report/356315

The de facto border -- LAC-- between India and China has been shifted into Indian territory by a kilometre after mutual troop disengagement in Galwan Valley, a media report said.According to a report in Business Standard, terms of disengagement, negotiated on June 30 between senior military commanders from both sides, regard LAC as running through the Y-Nallah Junction.“This is one km inside India, when compared with LAC’s historical alignment next to Patrolling Point 14 (PP-14),” the report said.Indian Army has patrolled the area, in which PP-14 is located, for decades. But after the troop disengagement, the area now falls inside China’s “buffer zone”.As per the agreement between Corps Commanders, a buffer zone of at least 1.5 km on both sides of the Line of Actual Control had to be created.“The plan permits each country to maintain 2 ‘tent posts’ in its buffer zone. The forward ‘tent post’ will be located 1.4 km from the Y-junction. Their second ‘tent post’ will be 1.6 km further behind the forward post, i.e. 3 km from Y-Junction,” BS report said. As per the agreement, both India and China are permitted to maintain 30 soldiers in its forward ‘tent post’ and another 50 soldiers in its rear ‘tent post’. “By restricting Indian presence to “tent camps”, China can continue with its new claim over the entire Galwan River valley – which it has voiced several times in the past 2 months,”BS report said. Rreport quoted Army sources as saying, “by measuring all distances from Y-Junction, rather than from traditional LAC alignment west of PP-14, Y-Junction has been effectively regarded as LAC point.”As per the agreement, the two armies cannot patrol areas ahead of their forward ‘tent posts’.That effectvely means that the Indian Army, which earlier patrolled up to PP-14, have been restricted behind by a distance of 2.4 km fom that point. While as Chinese patrols can come up to 400 metres from PP-14.outlookindia

Withdrawal from Galwan Valley puts Indian troops further from LAC

 

Withdrawal of Chinese troops in Gogra, Hot Springs complete: Sources

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/withdrawal-of-chinese-troops-in-gogra-and-hot-springs-complete-sources/1890711

China''s People''s Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday completed moving back its troops from the face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh in line with the understanding reached with the Indian Army, and the two sides are set to hold high-level military talks to further de-escalate tension in the region, people familiar with the development said.They said both sides have completed creation of a buffer zone of 3 kilometres in the three friction points of Galwan Valley, Gogra and Hot Springs as part of a temporary measure aimed at reducing the possibility of any confrontation.On Thursday, PLA has totally pulled back its troops from Gogra (patrolling point 17), and with this, both sides have implemented the first phase of disengagement to avoid any friction, the people cited above said.PTI

 

Chinese, Indian border troops have taken ‘effective measures’ to disengage along LAC: China

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/chinese-indian-border-troops-have-taken-effective-measures-to-disengage-along-lac-china/article32033173.ece

China on July 9 said Chinese and Indian troops have taken “effective measures” to disengage at the Galwan Valley and other areas along LAC in eastern Ladakh and the situation is “stable and improving,” days after the two sides agreed on an expeditious withdrawal of soldiers from all the standoff points. The remarks by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian came a day after people in New Delhi familiar with the developments said that Chinese military removed all temporary structures and completed withdrawal of its troops from the face-off site in Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh.PTI

 

Indian Army asks personnel to delete 89 apps including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram

https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/indian-army-asks-personnel-to-delete-89-apps-including-facebook-tiktok-instagram-check-out-the-full-list

Indian Army has asked its personnel to delete 89 apps from their smartphones including Facebook, TikTok, Truecaller and Instagram to plug leakage of information, said Indian Army sources. They have also been asked to delete dating apps such as Tinder, Couch Surfing along with news apps like Daily Hunt in the instructions issued recently. These apps include 59 Chines apps that have been banned by the Modi govt.

 

India-China Standoff: 144 Armed Forces Veterans Appeal for Accountability, Reforms

https://thewire.in/security/veterans-statement-ladakh-galwan-valley

New Delhi: As many as 144 veterans of Indian Armed Forces have written a joint statement on the situation at the border with China in Ladakh, drawing attention to failure in the “political, civil and military establishments” that led to the continued swirl of rumours on the issue and the loss of 20 soldiers’ lives in violence at Galwan Valley.The signatories include members who have served in the defence of the country in various ranks and appointments in peacetime and in operational or war zones over the past several decades. “The incident at Galwan could only have happened because of failure at one or more levels in the political, civil and military establishments, especially in continuous intelligence acquisition and dissemination,” they write.The statement is addressed to the president, the prime minister, defence minister, chief of the defence staff and the chief of the army, air and naval staff.

 

Nepal’s communist party seems headed for split; Oli, Prachanda talks fail to yield positive outcome

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/nepal-communist-party-split-k-p-oli-prachanda-talks-6497871/

Nepal’s ruling communist party has failed to address the intra-party rifts as Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and NCP executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ have failed to reach a consensus despite holding over half-a-dozen meetings in a week, a media report said on Thursday.On Wednesday, a crucial meeting of the NCP’s 45-member Standing Committee was postponed till Friday. The meeting was deferred for the fourth consecutive time in a bid to provide enough time for the two chairmen of the party to sort out their differences amidst the heightened intra-party rift.The political future of 68-year-old Oil is expected to be decided on Friday during the Standing Committee meeting, amidst the growing involvement of Hou Yanqui, Chinese ambassador to Nepal, to save his chair.PTI

 

Nepal stops highway construction in Bihar’s Sitamarhi

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/nepal-stops-highway-construction-in-bihars-sitamarhi-district/cid/1785756

Nepal has stopped the construction of a branch of an Indian national highway along the international border in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district claiming it had encroached on no-man’s land, further straining the ties between the countries. The neighbouring country’s move enraged those engaged in the road-laying project and also locals on the Indian side, following which security personnel from both countries intervened. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel pacified the residents and brought the situation under control.“Nepal officials and its armed police force, which acts as border guards, objected to the construction of a branch of National Highway 104 going up to no-man’s land at the Bhitthamore border on Tuesday. They said a portion of the around 250m offshoot of the national highway was encroaching on no-man’s land,” an SSB officer told The Telegraph.

 

IGP says LeT behind killing of J&K BJP leader Wasim Bari; 10 policemen arrested

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/let-behind-killing-of-jk-bjp-leader-wasim-bari-says-igp-vijay-kumar/article32028801.ece?homepage=true

https://scroll.in/latest/966928/jammu-and-kashmir-10-policemen-arrested-in-connection-with-bjp-leader-wasim-baris-killing

Srinagar:Killing of BJP leader Wasim Bari and two of his family members was a pre-planned attack by LeT militants, according to police.“2 militants involved in the attack have been identified. They are Abid, a local, and a foreigner from Pakistan. It was a pre-planned attack by LeT,”IGP, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said.CCTV footage from a local police station, located just opposite the house of Bari, who was district president of the party, captured the incident that took place in Muslimabad area on Wednesday evening. Police suspect that surveillance was being maintained on the movement of BJP leader. “The local terrorist opened fire from a pistol on Bari and his brother and father from a close range, hitting their vitals. The other terrorist was maintaining vigil,” IGP Kumar said.All the 3, including Bari, were declared dead in a local hospital.10 policemen who were tasked with protecting J&K BJP leader have been arrested in connection with his murder, NDTV reported . “We are taking a tough [stand] against them for dereliction of duty and failure to protect lives,”said IG Kumar. He added that the policemen assigned as personal security officers. “As the house and shop are together, PSOs were allowed to sit on the first floor,” an unidentified official told India Today. the hindu /scroll

 

Advocate held with suspended J&K cop Davinder was allotted 2 medical seats in Pak: NIA

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/advocate-held-with-suspended-jk-cop-was-allotted-2-medical-seats-in-pak-nia-6496921/

New Delhi:An accused in case involving suspended J&K Police officer Davinder Singh was allotted two medical college seats in Pakistan, NIA chargesheet in the case has said.The accused, Irfan Shafi Mir, is an advocate and is alleged to be associated with Hizb-ul Mujahideen (HuM). He had been arrested by J&K Police on January 11 while travelling in suspended DSP Singh’s car along with HuM’s Shopian district ‘commander’ Syed Mushtaq Naveed, alias Naveed Babu. “During searches at Mir’s house in Kashmir we found documents that show he had been allotted two seats by Pakistani establishment to recommend Kashmiri students for medical colleges in Pakistan,”a senior NIA officer said, giving details of chargesheet.NIA has claimed that allotment of medical and engineering seats in Pakistani colleges is a major racket that feeds anti-India forces in the Valley.“Many of those allotted these seats sell them for Rs 15-20 lakh. This money is used to fuel anti-India activities in the Valley,” an NIA officer said.The issue raised its head recently in resignation of Syed Ali Shah Geelani from Hurriyat Conference. In his resignation letter Geelani accused Hurriyat representatives of corruption and cosying up to power structures across the border. Sources said Geelani’s reference was to the controversy surrounding medical seats in Pakistan.

 

Basant Rath: Suspended J-K Cop On Whom Mahesh Bhatt Wishes To Make A Movie

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-basant-rath-the-suspended-jammu-kashmir-cop-on-whom-mahesh-bhatt-wishes-to-make-a-movie/356319

Top IPS officer Basant Kumar Rath, posted in J&K, has been suspended for alleged instances of “gross misconduct and misbehaviour”, according to an order issued by Home Ministry Wednesday. The order says a disciplinary proceeding against Rath is contemplated in connection with “repeated instances of gross misconduct and misbehaviour”, which has been brought to the notice of the government. Incidentally on June 17, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt tweeted that someday he wishes to make a film on the life of enigmatic poet, police officer Basant Rath. Bhatt had posted a picture of Rath in civvies sitting with a child. Earlier this month, when filmmaker Pooja Bhatt wished Rath on Twitter, top cop had tweeted, “Direct a movie for me once I'm done with the script. In the name of Zakhm, Tamanna and Dal Lake.” Rath has taken to poetry of poet-philosopher Dr. Sir Mohammad Iqbal and distribution of free books among students appearing for competitive exams after his suspension. Most of his tweets are about Iqbal’s poetry, distribution of books and taking pot shots at his adversaries. So far Rath and his fellow officers have distributed thousands of books among students. Soon after his suspension, “#WeStandWithBasantRath” started trending on Twitter.  The controversy began on June 25 when Rath filed a written police complaint against his own boss, J&K DGP Dilbag Singh, alleging that the top cop “posed a threat to his safety, reputation, life and liberty”. Rath studied Sociology at JNU.  Rath has a huge fan base in Jammu and Kashmir owin to his unique workstyle.When JNU students were being criticised by TV channels and labelled as anti-national, Rath wrote an open letter to an anchor of a national news channel, saying, “Nationalism Is Not A Marketing Tool and trust me I am not anti-national. People are suffering in Kashmir, Arnab. They are suffering in the Northeast. Does the very act of highlighting the issues of J&K and the Northeast make the students and their leaders’ anti-national?”

 

 

SC directions for review by special committee await compliance even as J&K internet ban restrictions extended

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/sc-directions-for-review-by-special-committee-await-compliance-even-as-jandk-internet-ban-restrictions-extended

With another order being passed by Jammu and Kashmir Administration, extending the restrictions on internet speed till 29thth July, the contempt petition filed by Foundation of Media Professionals against the failure of government officials in constituting a "Special Committee" to review internet restrictions in J&K as per Supreme Court directions is yet to be listed despite being filed weeks ago, reports legal news website LiveLaw.in.An order was passed on Wednesday by the Home Secretary of J&K Administration stating that it was necessary to continue the restrictions on internet speed as high-speed net was likely to be used for "uploading/downloading/circulation of provocative content on the social media" and would aid in recruitment of "gullible youth into the terrorist ranks", amongst other things.It further mentioned that 2G speed had not impeded the government's efforts in COVID-19 control, education and business activities.The instant order, along with the previous order issued on 17th June, was passed without complying with the May 11 instructions of the Supreme Court wherein the apex court had directed for the constitution of a "Special Committee" headed by the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, to examine the issues that had been raised by the Petitioners in a plea which sought for restoration of 4G speed internet services in Jammu and Kashmir.

4G Internet Ban In J-K Extended ‘In The Interest Of Sovereignty Of India’: Admin

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-4g-internet-ban-in-kashmir-extended-in-the-interest-of-sovereignty-of-india/356311

 

 

Shutdown in parts of Kashmir, internet cut off on Burhan Wani’s death anniversary

https://theprint.in/india/shutdown-in-parts-of-kashmir-internet-cut-off-on-burhan-wanis-death-anniversary/457161/

Srinagar: Major parts of Kashmir Wednesday observed a shutdown to mark the fourth death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter with the security forces on 8 July four years ago. Although the day passed without any major violent incident, police officials said some parts of the Valley witnessed minor stone-pelting incidents, which were immediately controlled by the security forces. Mobile internet services, like every year since 2017, were snapped in parts of Kashmir.No major processions were taken out, a senior police official said.Kashmir observes shutdowns every year on 8 July to commemorate 21-year-old Wani, who was killed in a gun battle in Bamdoora area of south Kashmir. Separatist outfits, until last year, have been calling for strikes and asking people to organise protests on 8 July. But this year, no separatist outfit issued a public statement, calling for demonstrations against the government of India.A letter, however, surfaced calling for a strike in commemoration of Wani.According to J&K Police, it was being circulated as a missive from 91-year-old separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, but they said he hadn’t written it. An FIR was also filed in this regard.

 

Dogra group opposes domicile certificate, stages protest

https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/jammu/dogra-group-opposes-domicile-certificate-stages-protest/

Rejecting the domicile certificates, a Dogra group, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on Wednesday staged a protest here to demand its rollback.The head of the group, Rajiv Mahajan said more than 1.30 crore people of Jammu and Kashmir holding Permanent Resident Certificate (PRCs) do not need the domicile certificates.“The government of India should withdraw the domicile certificates,” he said.Mahajan asked the government to create employment avenues for unemployed educated youth of Jammu and Kashmir.He said the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories was condemnable.greaterkashmir

 

*INDIA- ISLAMOPHOBIA, HUMAN RIGHTS & OTHERS*

UP: AMU student, anti-CAA activist Sharjeel Usmani arrested, family says charges not clear yet

https://scroll.in/latest/966961/uttar-pradesh-amu-student-sharjeel-usmani-arrested-family-says-charges-not-clear-yet

https://www.thequint.com/news/india/amu-student-sharjeel-usmani-picked-up-by-uttar-pradesh-police-says-family-anti-caa-protests

An AMU student was arrested from his home at Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening, reported The Quint. Sharjeel Usmani was actively involved in the protests against CAA in December, but it is not yet clear on what charges he was arrested. Azamgarh Police has made no formal statement about the arrest. The public relations officer of Azamgarh SSP told The Quint that they have no idea who arrested Usmani. “There is some buzz on Twitter but we have no clue,” added PRO.The district’s ASP (crime) Arvind Kumar, however, told Amar Ujala that the arrest was made by ATS of Lucknow Police and it was related to a case filed in Aligarh in Dec. “They picked up Sharjeel because he is a "very vocal" person. He was among 52 people named in CAA-NRC protest FIR in December. However, he put forward his views when NHRC team visited AMU,” his father Tariq told The Quint. Usmani’s brother said 5 men in civilian clothes, claiming to be from the crime branch, came to their house on Wednesday evening. Usmani was already with them, with his hands tied and head down, said his brother Areeb. He was arrested when he was out drinking tea.“They confiscated his laptop, all his books, and a solitary set of clothes,” Areeb told The Wire. “Each of us was made to stand and be photographed, stating our relation to him. Areeb said Usmani’s maternal aunt was also compelled to get photographed even though there no female officer present.”“I refuse to believe it is an arrest,” said Usmani’s father. “They did not tell us what charges were being pressed, they did not allow us to have any conversation with him.” His mother Seema Usmani said: “As a parent, and more importantly, as citizens, we have the right to know.”

 

Gangster Act invoked against 50 accused of Lucknow CAA violence

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gangster-act-invoked-against-lucknow-caa-violence-accused-6496919/

Lucknow : At least 50 people facing police cases for alleged violence during anti-CAA protests in Lucknow in December, have been booked under the stringent Gangster Act. At least 10 of them have been rearrested.Nilabja Choudhury, joint commissioner of Lucknow Police, said Gangster Act has been invoked against people who are facing serious charges in connection with the anti-CAA violence. “We have instructed police stations to invoke Act against people who indulged in arson and vandalism,” he said.Gangster Act has been invoked in cases lodged at Thakurganj, Kaiserbagh and Hasanganj police stations. At Thakurganj, at least 25 people have been booked under the Act, said officials, with 15 each at Kaiserbagh and Hasanganj.

 

CAA protests in Lucknow: Cart puller held, cops press ahead with recovery of damages

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/caa-protests-in-lucknow-cart-puller-held-cops-press-ahead-with-recovery-of-damages-6496851/

Lucknow:PRESSING ahead with recovery of damages related to the anti-CAA and NRC protests of Dec.2019, Lucknow police last week arrested a man who pulls a cart for a living for failure to pay up. The city administration’s plans to auction two shops in Hasanganj area on July 16 as part of the process has hit a hurdle though, with one of the properties to be auctioned not owned by person served the recovery notice.On July 2, the administration sealed one more property — a welding workshop in Khurram Nagar owned by Mohammad Nafees, accused of vandalism and arson in Hazratganj area on December 19 . The date for its auction has not been announced yet.Tehsildar (Sadar) Shambhu Sharan, who is overseeing the recovery process in Lucknow, said Mohammad Kaleem (38) was arrested on Friday as he had failed to pay the damages. “We will be arresting others too, but they are absconding. Kaleem will be released after 14 days and we will see what assets he has and will auction them.”Kaleem is among 13 people ordered to pay Rs 21.76 lakh in all as damages in the Hasanganj area.

 

Delhi HC criticises police for 'unwarranted' allegations in affidavit on Pinjra Tod's petition

https://www.firstpost.com/india/delhi-hc-criticises-police-for-unwarranted-allegations-in-affidavit-on-pinjra-tods-petition-8578281.html

Delhi High Court Thursday termed as "unwarranted" the allegations in police affidavit filed in response to a plea by a Pinjra Tod group woman member, arrested in relation to communal violence here during anti-CAA protests, accusing the agency of leaking certain claimed evidence against her to the media."The allegations in the affidavit were unwarranted in view of the limited scope of the petition," Justice Vibhu Bakhru said.The court said the police cannot say that since the petitioner wanted a media trial therefore it is putting out information in the media."You cannot support a media trial. That cannot be the approach of the police. There has to be some restraint that they (police) have to follow. Your affidavit goes way beyond..," judge said.The court said that multiple allegations have been made in the affidavit which go beyond the scope of the petition and suggested that it be withdrawn.It said that in the instant matter it was only going to examine under what circumstances the police can issue official communiques or press notes about a case and in what manner.The court said it was not going to prohibit police from issuing any official communiques in any case.However, if the affidavit remains on record, without any officer taking responsibility for the allegations made therein, it will comment upon its contents, court said."We are not sure the facts (in affidavit) have any basis. Some of the allegations have been made irresponsibly," the court said.The court listed the matter for hearing on 15 July.On Thursday, the court said the interim order will continue to operate till the next date of hearing.PTI

'Can't Support a Media Trial': Delhi HC Tells Police on Allegations Against Devangana Kalita

https://thewire.in/law/hc-disapproves-police-allegations

 

Gujarat HC refuses to drop dacoity charges against anti-CAA protestor for ‘stealing’ keys of state bus

https://theprint.in/judiciary/hc-refuses-to-drop-dacoity-charges-against-anti-caa-protestor-for-stealing-keys-of-state-bus/457524/

Gujarat High Court has refused to drop dacoity charges against a man who was arrested in connection with anti-CAA protests in Dec.2019. It has been alleged that Satish Pravnbhai Vansola had stolen the keys of a state transport bus that was plying on the route of the protest site in Chhapi city.Petitioner Vansola had moved the high court to set aside section 395 of IPC that deals with the offence of dacoity. According to him, the penal provision was added later to FIR that was registered at the Chhapi Police Station.Multiple other criminal charges, including threatening, have been invoked against him.A bench led by Justice Gita Gopi rejected Vansola’s petition that had challenged the dacoity charges on merit and on the ground that he was not present at the protest site on the alleged day of the incident.Vansola had claimed that the local police detained him a day before the protest was scheduled, after authorities withdrew permission to hold the agitation.The dacoity charge was added to the FIR following a request made by the deputy superintendent of police, the petition says.

 

Delhi minorities panel chief wants probe into ‘misbehaviour’ with riot victims seeking relief

https://theprint.in/india/delhi-minorities-panel-chief-wants-probe-into-misbehaviour-with-riot-victims-seeking-relief/456738/

Chairman of Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC) Zafarul Islam Khan has sent a letter to DM of Northeast Delhi Shashi Kausal, seeking an urgent inquiry into allegations of misbehaviour and abusive language used by SDM of Karawal Nagar Puneet Kumar Patel for victims of Delhi riots,who were demanding compensation. In the letter, which was sent via email Tuesday night, Khan said: “Some victims of violence in Delhi district were unable to file their compensation forms. Now Hon’ble Delhi High Court has directed the authorities to restart the process.”“As a result, some victims approached SDM, Karawal Nagar, to file their forms, but allegedly he misbehaved with them rudely and used abusive language, so much so that some of the victims were left in tears,” he wrote.Khan posted the letter on Twitter Tuesday and said it will be delivered to DM by post too.

 

Minutes from home, brothers killed in riots made desperate calls to their family

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/minutes-from-home-brothers-killed-in-riots-made-desperate-calls-to-their-family-6496990/

Just five minutes from home, brothers Hashim Ali (19) and Amir Khan (30) made frantic calls to their family between 9 and 9.30 pm on Feb.26, saying they were afraid because a mob had gathered outside, targeting Muslims. By 10 pm, their phones were switched off.Bodies of the two were among nine victims fished out from a drain during Feb riots in Delhi. The brothers’ last hour is detailed in a chargesheet filed by Delhi Police at Karkardooma court on June 4, based on a statement recorded by their father Babu Khan.The siblings were staying at a relative’s house in Ghaziabad and decided to return home to Delhi on Feb.26 after they heard that the “situation had improved in the area”.Multiple phone calls were made by Hashim to his younger brother Nasir Ali’s two phones between 9 and 9:30 pm, Babu wrote in his statement to police.indianexpress

 

Campaign for release of anti-CAA activist Akhil Gogoi

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/campaign-for-release-of-anti-caa-activist-akhil-gogoi/article32032256.ece

GUWAHATI:A day after 2 of his jailed colleagues tested positive for COVID-19, supporters of Assam’s peasant leader and anti-CAA activist Akhil Gogoi have launched an online campaign for his release from prison. Gogoi has been in captivity since his arrest on Dec.12, for allegedly instigating violence during the anti-CAA protests that led to the death of at least six people. Three members of his group Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and its student wing were also arrested and charged with sedition.Two other KMSS leaders, who have been in jail for more than 200 days — Dhaijya Konwar and Bitu Sonowal — tested positive on Wednesday.Akhil Gogoi Anuragi Mancha Asom (fan club) on Thursday launched a Facebook and Twitter campaign for his release. The group has appealed to people to write two sentences toward ensuring justice for the jailed activist.Popular Assamese singer-lyricist Manash Robin has joined the social media campaign. The students of Dibrugarh University have also decided to begin a campaign — both online and offline — from Friday.

Jailed Assam peasant leader Akhil Gogoi tested for COVID-19 after 2 associates found positive

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jailed-assam-peasant-leader-akhil-gogoi-2-associates-found-covid-19-positive/story-6ZQOJeuRLyUmhSy42jYOCL.html

 

Union Asks Village Council to Drop Complaint Against Journalist

https://www.thequint.com/news/india/journalists-union-asks-village-council-in-meghalaya-to-withdraw-complaint-against-patricia-mukhim

Indian Journalists Union on Wednesday issued a statement expressing “serious concern” regarding the police complaint filed by the Lawsohtun village in Meghalaya against Shillong Times editor Patricia Mukhim. On 3 July, 6 youths were brutally assaulted by 20-25 masked miscreants at Lawsohtun. Mukhim had posted about the incident on Facebook, saying it was “unacceptable”, and asked why the ‘dorbar shnong’, or village council of Lawsohtun was not able to find out who had been involved in the clash, and why they shouldn’t “lead the charge and identify those murderous elements?” Local leaders argued that the clash was an unexpected one between 2 groups “playing together”, and that Mukhim’s statement was unfortunate and irresponsible, inciting communal tension. Indian Journalists Union president Geetartha Pathak (ex member of Press Council) and Sabina Inderjit, vice president of International Federation of Journalists, suggested that if the council is aggrieved by Mukhim’s post on Facebook, or any article by her, it could have issued a clarification instead of filing a police complaint. Instead, the action taken by them threatens freedom of speech, they say. thequint

 

India to raise Rs 20,000 cr by selling stakes in Coal India & a PSU bank to fund stimulus

https://theprint.in/economy/india-to-raise-rs-20000-cr-by-selling-stakes-in-coal-india-a-psu-bank-to-fund-stimulus/457522/

 India is considering a plan to raise as much as Rs 20,000 crores ($2.7 billion) by selling stake in the world’s largest coal producer, and a bank to fund a stimulus program aimed at boosting virus-battered economy, officials with knowledge of the matter said. The proposal involves a share sale depending on the market sentiment, said the officials, who asked not to be identified, as the discussions are private. In case of Coal India, if valuations are not attractive, the company will buy back shares from the govt, they said. 2 calls made to the finance ministry spokesman remained unanswered. The coronavirus pandemic has derailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s budget goals. Rapid spread of the disease prompted the govt to boost spending on welfare programs and revive the economy struggling from the month long stay-at-home order to check the spread of Covid-19. Modi in February had planned to raise as much as Rs 2.1 lakh crores selling state assets in a bid to keep the budget deficit at 3.5% of gross domestic product.

 

Wary of blowback during Bihar polls, Modi govt puts OBC creamy layer tweak on backburner

https://theprint.in/politics/wary-of-blowback-during-bihar-polls-modi-govt-puts-obc-creamy-layer-tweak-on-backburner/457502/

New Delhi: Modi govt has decided to put a controversial proposal regarding OBC quota eligibility rules on backburner ahead of Bihar assembly polls, ThePrint has learnt. Sources in BJP said the govt doesn’t want to “stir the hornet’s nest” in the run-up to Bihar polls, which are scheduled for later this year. Modi govt is said to be looking to increase the income cap for the creamy layer category of OBCs, from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, besides making salary earnings a part of the gross annual income that serves as the basis to determine a candidate’s eligibility for quota. While the proposed increase in the income ceiling is expected to benefit more OBCs, the issue of salary inclusion — meant to make process more transparent — drew fire from OBC leaders and intellectuals, who projected it as a move that would neutralise the gains brought by Mandal Commission. ThePrint

 

Dumped bodies of cops in a well near my house, didn't have time to burn them; received tip-off from police sources in Kanpur: gangster

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vikas-dubey-madhya-pradesh-ujjain-police-questioning-kanpur-encounter-details-1698729-2020-07-09

Vikas Dubey, during police interrogation, has revealed that he had dumped the bodies of the cops who were killed in the encounter on the intervening night of July 2 and 3 in a well and had even planned to set the bodies ablaze to destroy evidence. Dubey said he did not get time to do so and escaped from their instead.  "I told all my men to run in separate directions. We had received information that the raid will take place in the morning, but the cops came at night only. We did not even have food," Vikas Dubey told police during the interrogation. Vikas Dubey also revealed that not only Chaubepur Police Station, but he was also being helped by other in police stations as well. Those who helped him in all matters. "During the lockdown, I took care of all the policemen of Chaubepur Police Station. I fed everyone and helped them in other ways as well," Vikas Dubey said during police interrogation. Dubey also told police that he did not get along well with Circle Officer(CO) Devendra Mishra, who was killed in the encounter by gangster's henchmen, as Mishra always used to threaten him. Dubey said SHO Vinay Tiwari had told him that CO Devendra Mishra was against him.indiatoday

 

Arrest or Surrender by Vikas Dubey? Situation Turns Embarrassing for UP Police as Gangster Found at Ujjain Temple

https://www.news18.com/news/india/arrest-or-surrender-by-vikas-dubey-situation-turns-embarrassing-for-up-police-as-gangster-found-at-ujjain-temple-2707935.html

Lucknow: Wanted for killing of 8 policemen in Kanpur's Bikru village, Vikas Dubey was on Thursday "nabbed" from Mahakal Temple in Ujjain. Sources, however, say that he surrendered and was not arrested as claimed by MP police.The situation remains embarrassing both ways for UP Police who kept searching for the criminal for six days and even confirmed that Dubey was spotted at a hotel in Haryana's Faridabad. Sources close to the development claim that Dubey paid a visit to Mahakal Temple in Ujjain and then himself asked the security personnel to inform the police about him, following which the officers came and took him away. However, MP Police says that one of guards at Mahakal Temple identified Vikas Dubey and informed the police in turn. On Thursday, two more of his associates were killed in encounters with the police in UP. While one of the criminals was identified as Ranbir and shot dead in Etawah, the other was Prabhat Mishra who was taken in custody by the cops from Faridabad on Wednesday.news18

 

‘Arrest or surrender?’: Opposition raises questions after MP Police take Vikas Dubey into custody

https://scroll.in/latest/966956/arrest-or-surrender-opposition-raises-questions-after-mp-police-take-vikas-dubey-into-custody

Several Opposition leaders have raised questions after gangster Vikas Dubey, who was wanted in connection with the murder of 8 policemen in Kanpur, was arrested in MP’s Ujjain district. BJP leaders, on the other hand, praised the efforts of the police in Madhya Pradesh as well as Uttar Pradesh. Both the states are ruled by the saffron party. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday asked Uttar Pradesh govt to clarify whether Dubey surrendered or if he was arrested. “News is coming that the main accused in the Kanpur case is in police custody,”he tweeted. “If this is true, government should clarify whether it was a surrender or an arrest. Besides, CDR [call details record] should be made public so that those hand in glove with him could be exposed.” Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said the incident “looks like a staged surrender to save Vikas Dubey from the encounter” by UP Police. “I have got to know that all this was fixed by a senior BJP leader of MP,’’ he added. Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput also questioned if Dubey would be brought back to Uttar Pradesh safely. “Will he also try to run away and meet a fate similar to others?” he asked.scroll

 

5 hate speech cases against him, 15 cops guard this right wing leader

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/5-hate-speech-cases-against-him-15-cops-guard-this-right-wing-leader-6497630/

Amritsar : He has at least six cases – mainly on charges of hurting religious sentiments and making casteist remarks – registered against him. He has been arrested several times and spent some time in jail.Yet, Sudhir Suri, a self-styled leader of Shiv Sena (Taksali), enjoys a state-provided security cover that even the lawmakers in Punjab can only dream of.Punjab Police has sanctioned 15 of its personnel for Suri’s security detail. “He has been given eight gunmen, five constables and 2 drivers. He has been given only one police pilot Gypsy. The security cover, however, is not enough. We have filed a writ in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking central government security cover for Suri,” said his spokesperson Ranjit Singh.

 

Hyderabad: 2 mosques, temple demolished for new secretariat

https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-2-mosques-temple-demolished-for-new-secretariat-1920607/

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mbt-seeks-protection-for-mosques-inside-telangana-secretariat-complex-ahead-of-demolition-1698419-2020-07-08

Hyderabad: 2 mosques and a temple have been demolished as part of the ongoing demolition activities for the construction of new complex of Telangana secretariat. Masjid Dafaatir-e-Muatamadi is situated adjacent to the C Block while Masjid-e-Hashmi situated near D Block. Nalla Pochamma temple is located in the middle of the premises. Seeing them as an obstruction in the construction of the new secretariat, the govt demolished all 3 structures. The demolition work began on the midnight of Monday and the three places of worship were demolished in the first phase of demolition.Masjid-e-Hashmi is a very old mosque near D Block. United AP govt had also tried a lot to shift the mosque but after the opposition from Islamic scholars and general Muslims, construction of D block was carried out leaving the mosque. Masjid Dafaatir-e-Muatamadi was constructed during Congress rule with cost of Rs 2 crore. Employees of secretariat and surrounding government offices used to pray in the grand mosque. Hundreds of devotees pray in the mosque on Fridays. Earlier, In a letter to Telangana Minorities Commission and the state Wakf Board, Majlis-Bachao Tehreek(MBT) has sought protection of two existing mosques inside Telangana Secretariat complex. MBT spokesperson Amjadulla Khan appealed to the commission to visit the site accompanied by Muslim organizations in order to apprise itself about the history of the two mosques inside the secretariat complex.siasat/ india today

 

‘Muslims’ didn’t kill ‘Hindu’ man in viral video, attack was result of a family feud

https://theprint.in/hoaxposed/muslims-didnt-kill-hindu-man-in-viral-video-attack-was-result-of-a-family-feud/457139/

New Delhi: The video of a body lying in a pool of blood resurfaced Wednesday on social media platforms with the claim that the victim was a Hindu man who was knifed to death by some Muslims in Andhra Pradesh.The original video, of which a snippet was being shared, was first circulated in mid June.A user named Akshay Shashtri had shared it on Facebook on 16 June. The clip shows a young man in a red shirt getting stabbed by two attackers on the side of a road. The victim can be seen falling to his back, with a sharp object protruding from his chest. Shashtri’s post, which has been shared 151 times so far, claimed that the victim was Hindu and his attackers were Muslims. “In AP, Muslim youths killed a Hindu youth with a knife in broad daylight.”The post also claimed this it wasn’t the first time that hate crime on a “Hindu” has taken place, several others had been committed in states such as “Kerala, Kashmir, West Bengal, Rajasthan”. The incident originally took place on 5 June when 22-year-old M.Imran Khan was stabbed in the middle of the day in Hyderabad’s Old City. He had allegedly gone out to recharge his mobile phone when he was brutally attacked. Hyderabad Police had on 10 June arrested 4 men in connection with the crime, all of whom were the victim’s half-brothers — Mehtab Khan (25), Taleb Khan (28), Arbaz Khan (19), and Amir (19). Another man, Ghouse Khan was reportedly absconding at the time.theprint

 

Gujarat: After 7 Months, 6 Vadodara Policemen Booked for Custodial Death of Babu Shaikh

https://thewire.in/government/policemen-accused-for-custodial-death

Ahmedabad: On Tuesday, a senior officer said that 6 officers of Vadodara Police, including an inspector, have been booked for allegedly torturing and killing a 62-year-old suspect in a theft case at a police station and later destroying evidence. While the alleged incident had taken place on Dec.10 at Fatehgunj police station in Vadodara, an FIR against the policemen was lodged on July 6 night following a probe by ACP S.G. Patil. FIR, lodged at the same police station, stated that the accused police personnel had picked up Babu Shaikh, a native of Telangana, on suspecting that he was involved in a theft case. The policemen allegedly tortured him inside the computer room of the police station, leading to his death.FIR further mentioned that after Shaikh’s death, the accused disposed of the body at an undisclosed location.The accused personnel includes police inspector D.B. Gohil, sub-inspector D.M. Rabari and 4 other constables.PTI

 

Government Calls Off Merger of Three Ailing Public Sector General Insurers

https://thewire.in/government/merger-of-3-insurance-firms-called-off

Mumbai: On Wednesday, Union government said that the merger of three ailing public sector general insurance companies has been shelved and the focus will be on making them profitable instead.The Cabinet also approved a capital infusion of Rs 12,450 crore into the three firms — Oriental Insurance Company, National Insurance Company, and United India Insurance Company. This sum includes the Rs 2,500 crore, which was already infused in Feb. A release by PIB read, “…given the current scenario, the process of a merger has been ceased so far and instead the focus shall be on their solvency and profitable growth, after capital infusion”.

 

 

Rename India as Bharat to inculcate feeling of nationalism: Traders’ body in letter to Modi

https://theprint.in/india/rename-india-as-bharat-to-inculcate-feeling-of-nationalism-traders-body-in-letter-to-modi/457553/

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged that the name of the country be officially changed from India to Bharat to “strengthen and inculcate the feeling and sentiments of nationalism”.“We, on behalf of 7 crore traders of the country, applaud your gigantic efforts in the past for restoration of the glory of the country as also establishing India that is Bharat as one of the most powerful nations across the globe. We are sure that under your leadership, the country will not only be strengthened within its geographical limits but will also emerge as a self-reliant nation all over the world,” states the letter written by Praveen Khandelwal, national secretary general, CAIT.

 

ED questions Congress leader Ahmed Patel for 4th time in PMLA case

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ed-questions-congress-leader-ahmed-patel-for-4th-time-in-pmla-case-6497877/

ED sleuths began the fourth round of questioning of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel at his official residence here on Thursday in connection with the Sandesara brothers’ bank fraud and money-laundering case, officials said.A three-member team of the federal probe agency reached the Rajya Sabha MP’s 23, Mother Teresa Crescent residence in the Lutyens’ zone of central Delhi around 11 am. Patel (70) was last questioned in connection with the case on July 2 for about 10 hours. He had told reporters that ED investigators had posed 128 questions to him over 3 sessions.

 

Mocked by BJP, scheme to buy cow dung earns Bhupesh Baghel RSS praise

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chhattisgarh-mocked-by-bjp-scheme-to-buy-cow-dung-earns-baghel-rss-praise-6496915/

At a time when BJP in Chhattisgarh is mocking Congress-led govt’s scheme to purchase cow dung, RSS has come out in praise of CM Bhupesh Baghel for the scheme.Godhan Nyay Yojana, under which the state government will purchase cow dung at the rate of Rs 1.50 per kg, is to be launched on July 21. On Tuesday, a group of RSS supporters met the Chief Minister and handed him an “appreciation letter”. Subodh Rathi, an RSS member and prant pramukh (regional head) of Gau-Gram Swawalamban Abhiyan, said, “In Nov.2019, we had started a statewide programme, urging district authorities to start purchasing cow dung and cow urine to help people in villages and those who look after cows. Since the government has accepted parts of our demands, we wanted to show gratitude and offer some suggestions,” Rathi said.

*CORONAVIRUS- LOCKDOWN*

 

Tablighi Jamaat-Markaz Case: None of 956 Foreigners to be Charged for Culpable Homicide, Clarifies Police

https://www.news18.com/news/india/tablighi-jamaat-markaz-case-none-of-956-foreigners-to-be-charged-for-culpable-homicide-clarifies-delhi-police-2707801.html

None of the 956 foreign nationals, who attended the Tablighi Jamaat's congregation in Delhi for the Markaz event, will be tried for serious charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder or the attempt to commit the crime. In what may bring big relief to the foreigners, Delhi Police have decided not to charge any of them under stricter offences. These nationals, belonging to 36 countries, can only be tried for violating Covid-19 rules and visa norms under relevant provisions of the law.The police have made a categorical statement before a Delhi court that there is no evidence to link any of the 956 foreign national with graver charges under IPC.In a report to Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur, investigating officer has stated that the chargesheets filed against 956 foreigners do not invoke charges under Sections 304, 308, 336 pr 120B of IPC. In the court, the police report submitted that 48 chargesheets and 11 supplementary chargesheets have been filed till date. "During investigation no evidence came against above foreigners under Sections 304/308/336/120B IPC, hence they were not charge sheeted in the above offences," it read.The report added that investigation in 48 chargesheets and 11 supplementary chargesheets has been completed and that "no further investigation is pending against the 956 foreigners."The clarification was sought by the magistrate when these foreign nationals, belonging to countries sought bail in their cases.

Foreigners from Tablighi event won’t be charged with culpable homicide: Delhi Police to court

https://theprint.in/judiciary/foreigners-from-tablighi-event-wont-be-charged-with-culpable-homicide-delhi-police-to-court/457454/

 

Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi court allows 60 Malaysians to walk free on fine of Rs 7k each

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/nizamuddin-markaz-delhi-court-allows-60-malaysians-to-walk-free-on-fine-of-rs-7k-each-6498099/

A Delhi court Thursday allowed 60 Malaysians to walk free on payment of fine of Rs 7,000 each after they accepted mild charges, under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Nizamuddin Markaz here during the COVID-19 lockdown, a lawyer said.Metropolitan Magistrate Siddharth Malik passed the order after the Malaysians sought lesser punishment under the plea bargain process by accepting mild charges, said their lawyer.They were allowed to walk free after SDM of Lajpat Nagar, who was the complainant in the case, ACP of Lajpat Nagar and Inspector of Nizamuddin, said they have no objection to their pleas, said advocate S Hari Haran, appearing for the foreign nationals.PTI

 

CPM wants TN govt to withdraw cases against 129 Islamic tourists

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cpm-wants-tn-govt-to-withdraw-cases-against-129-islamic-tourists/articleshow/76855063.cms

CHENNAI: CPM has asked Tamil Nadu government to release 129 Islamic tourists who are lodged in Saidapet and Puzhal prisons in Chennai. The party wanted the govt to withdraw cases against them and send them to their countries. These tourists were arrested for violation of visa norms as they indulged in religious preaching.In a letter to CM Edappadi K Palaniswami,CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan said tourists, including 12 women, are from nine countries.“Even though court has given bail to 98 of them with the condition that they stay in Chennai, still all are in prison,” said Balakrishnan.“Nowhere such tourists are in prison. In Karnataka, such tourists are being made to stay in Haj House. In Hyderabad, they are made to stay in mosques. In Mumbai, the state government has asked the concerned consulates to take care of them,” said Balakrishnan.

 

Pilgrims can now visit Jammu-Kashmir’s Hindu cave shrine of Amarnath

https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/70377/pilgrims-can-now-visit-jammu-kashmirs-holy-hindu-cave-shrine-of-amarnath-starting-july-21

Amarnath Yatra, which usually is an annual event and was not made operational this year, is all set to start on July 21 and culminate on Raksha Bandan on August 3. The number of yatris has been restricted to 500 per day from Jammu by road. The J&K government's SoPs, which applied to all incoming passengers in J&K, says they must be tested and quarantined until they are reported negative. And this shall apply to the yatris as well.Authorities in the UT of Jammu-Kashmir are toiling to make preparations and check arrangements underway to make this yatra a safe one. Dedicated terminals and counters would be established at the entry point Lakhanpur to ensure the registration and medical sampling of all pilgrims. 

 

 

 

Funds like PM CARES are ‘separate, different, distinct’ from NDRF, says govt in SC

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/funds-like-pm-cares-are-separate-different-distinct-from-ndrf-says-government-in-supreme-court/article32032830.ece?homepage=true

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday defended in the Supreme Court the existence of PM CARES Fund to receive “voluntary donations”. MHA also outright rejected a plea to credit amounts received by PM CARES for fighting coronavirus pandemic into National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), which is constituted under a Parliamentary statute.Ministry told a 3-judge Bench led by Justice Ashok Bhushan that funds like PM CARES were “separate, different, distinct” from NDRF. “Separate provisions” govern them.The government was responding to a writ petition filed by NGO Cente for PIL, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, that contributions made to the PM CARES Fund should be transferred entirely to NDRF.thehindu

 

India's Covid Transmission Rate Rises for 1st Time Since March, Active Cases May Reach 6L By July-end: Study

https://www.news18.com/news/india/indias-covid-19-transmission-number-rises-for-1st-time-since-march-spurred-by-spread-in-southern-states-study-2707857.html

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coronavirus-transmission-rate-goes-up-first-time-since-march-study-6496883/

India's Covid-19 transmission rate has increased for the first time since March, a new study by Institute of Mathematical Sciences in Chennai shows.The coronavirus reproduction number or R estimates the number of people infected by an already infected person. In India, R was decreasing from 1.83 for months since March 4 but has shown a spike in the first week of July, which marks the second unlocking phase. Authorities want the reproduction number to reach 1, as it signals the flattening of Covid-19 curve. R is currently at 1.19, which signifies that on an average, one infected person is spreading the disease to 1.19 people more, said Dr Sitabhra Sinha from the institute. According to Sinha, it takes about 10 days to two weeks for any effect to show up as increased or decreased case numbers. This is the reason she believes the increase which is being witnessed now has its origin in events that took place during mid-June or slightly later.

 

India Coronavirus: Covid deaths per million population is 15, global avg more than its four times, says Health Ministry

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-coronavirus-updates-july-9-lockdown-bengal-bihar-covid-community-transmission-narendra-modi-6497579/

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday said that the number of Covid deaths per million population in India stands at 15 now while the global average is more than its 4 times at 69.3. The number of cases per million population is 538 in India. The same in some countries are at least 16-17 times this number, the ministry said.“We are the second-most populous country of the world. Despite a population of 1.3 billion people, India has been able to manage Covid-19 relatively well. If you look at cases per million population it still remains amongst lowest in world,” Rajesh Bhushan, OSD, Ministry of Health said. Health Ministry also said that the country’s Covid-19 caseload is 2,69,000 at present which proves that the country’s health infrastructure has managed to stand firm against the coronavirus. “This tells us that at the end of the day we’ve managed a situation where our health care infrastructure is not unduly burdened&is not creaking due to the pressure,” said Bhushan.

 

Health Ministry rules out community transmission, says there have been some localised outbreaks

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coronavirus-india-live-updates-lockdown-latest-news-total-covid-19-corona-cases-death-toll-tracker-today-update-6496822/

In a press briefing on the coronavirus situation after a month, Union Health Ministry on Thursday said that India hasn’t yet reached the community transmission stage but there have been some localised outbreaks. “Cases per million population in some countries are at least 16-17 times more than what it is in India. We have 15 deaths per million population whereas we have countries where it is 40 times as much,”said Rajesh Bhushan, OSD, Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry said that Covid-19 situation in Delhi has shown remarkable improvement in recent days with a recovery rate of over 72 per cent and doubling rate of nearly 30 days.

 

Coronavirus: Patna reimposes lockdown till July 16 after 235 new cases reported in a day

https://scroll.in/latest/966912/coronavirus-patna-reimposes-lockdown-till-july-16-after-235-new-cases-reported-in-a-day

Bihar government has announced a strict lockdown in Patna district from July 10 to July 16 due to an alarming surge in coronavirus cases, PTI reports. Government offices, public corporations, all private and commercial establishments will remain closed. However, essential services like ration, dairy, vegetable and meat shops, banks, ATMs and petrol outlets will be open.As many as 749 people tested positive for the coronavirus in a single day, according to the state government’s latest update on Wednesday evening. This took the state’s overall count to 13,274. With two deaths – one each from the state’s Araria and Bhagalpur districts – in 24 hours, the toll rose to 100. As many as 235 of the cases reported on Wednesday were from Patna, taking the district’s tally to 1,351 infection. The toll in the district is 12.

 

Coronavirus: Karnataka High Court stays ban on online classes for school students

https://scroll.in/latest/966940/coronavirus-karnataka-high-court-stays-ban-on-online-classes-for-school-students

Karnataka High Court has stayed state govt’s order banning conduct of online classes from pre-primary level to Class 10, reported Bar and Bench. In its interim judgement, the court said the orders violated Articles 21 and 21A of the Constitution that guarantee fundamental right to education.The division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Nataraj Rangaswamy was hearing a clutch of petitions against the state government’s orders passed on June 15 and June 27. It noted that online mode is the only way available at present to impart education as schools were shut due to Covid-19 pandemic. The bench said the government did not have powers under the Karnataka Education Act, 1983, to impose ban or restrictions on online education.

 

Bodies of 2 COVID patients swapped at AIIMS, Muslim woman cremated by another family

https://www.dnaindia.com/delhi/report-bodies-of-two-covid-patients-swapped-at-aiims-muslim-woman-cremated-by-another-family-2831424

A Muslim family waiting to bury their loved one was in for a shock when they found out that the body they were in the possession of was not of their family member. The dead body had instead gone to a Hindu family which had already cremated it without having a look. The shocking incident of negligence came to light on Tuesday as the bodies of 2 COVID victims belonging to 2 different communities were swapped at AIIMS in Delhi. The body of a coronavirus positive Muslim woman was swapped with that of a Hindu woman and was cremated by the Hindu woman's family. However, when the Mulsim tried to take one last look at their family member, they found out that it was not her.  When they tried to locate the right dead body, they were informed that she had already been cremated by another family. On receiving information about the change of body, a commotion broke out at the gate of hospital.One of the families had already performed the last rites of the body while the other family was asked to wait and see if they got the right body, police said. The incident took place on Tuesday. Later, Hindu family cremated the dead body of their family member.

 

CBSE Result 2020 not on July 11, July 13: Board says fake notification

https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/cbse-result-2020-not-on-july-11-july-13-board-says-fake-notification-1698732-2020-07-09

Afake CBSE notification has been doing the rounds on Whatsapp and social media stating that CBSE results 2020 would be released on July 11 and July 13 for class 12 and class 10 respectively. As per confirmation from a CBSE official, the notification is fake.Students are requested to not fall for fake news as tensions are running high with the pending CBSE board exams cancelled for 2020 and the next academic year’s CBSE syllabus reduced by 30% due to Covid-19 pandemic. The exact CBSE result date and time for either of the classes have not been released yet.

 

Not feasible to conduct final-year university exams in state: Maharashtra education minister to MHRD

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/ugc-exam-guidelines-not-mandatory-maharashtra-higher-education-minister/articleshow/76845142.cms

MUMBAI: A day after UGC issued directives to conduct final-year exams by September end, the state's higher education minister Uday Samant wrote to the centre seeking uniform guidelines for awarding degrees to students based on an 'appropriate evaluation formula' instead. UGC approved the recommendation of an expert committee to conduct exams in offline, online or blended (offline+online) mode."I am of the opinion that UGC's revised guidelines are not mandatory but an advisory like the earlier ones," said Samant in his letter. The minister reiterated the state's stand on not conducting final-year exams in view of the pandemic and based on the review done by the state disaster management authority. "Guidelines issued by UGC are utterly pointless, unreasonable and unfair to students, teachers and educational institutes,"said Mohammad Salman, president, Students Islamic Organisation, South Maharashtra. "The guidelines will increase confusion and anxiety among students, and at worst, will disturb the academic calendar of universities, create health issues and put additional burden on teachers and colleges. Even the September deadline is unjustified as the outbreak situation continues to remain precarious and unpredictable," he said.

 

Cleric seeks govt nod for slaughter on Bakrid

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/cleric-seeks-govt-nod-for-slaughter-on-bakrid

Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, a senior Sunni cleric and Imam of the Aishbagh Eidgah, has requested UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to allow goat markets to be put up at pre-designated spots across the state in view of the upcoming Bakrid festival.In a letter to the Chief Minister, the cleric pointed out that 'sacrifice' was an important part of the festival.He suggested that sanitization of these areas should be done and use of masks and social distancing be made compulsory. Maulana said that cattle farmers rear animals legalised for slaughter and sacrifice for the entire year, and the festival of Bakrid is a major source of their livelihood.IANS

 

*WORLD*

 

UK urged to include Israel in its new sanctions system

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200709-uk-urged-to-include-israel-in-its-new-sanctions-system/

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was accused of turning a blind eye to Israeli human rights abuse during a House of Commons discussion over the new Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime announced earlier this week.Since leaving the European Union, Britain has been free to develop its own sanctions regime, details of which were outlined by Raab. During his statement explaining the new powers that will be granted to UK officials to punish human rights violators, Raab suggested a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, China and Russia were likely targets.Raab’s failure to include Israel in the new sanction regime did not go un-noticed. Labour MP Afzal Khan asked the foreign secretary to explain why the Zionist state was not on his list given its “contempt for international law”.“Israeli annexations are a violation of international law and jeopardise any chance of a two-state solution,” said Khan. “A two-state solution is not a lost cause, but that is only possible if we speak up.”

 

Int’l opposition to Israel annexation must not be underestimated, warns Israel official

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200709-intl-opposition-to-israel-annexation-must-not-be-underestimated-warns-israel-official/

International opposition to Israel’s annexation plans in the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley “should not be underestimated,” Israeli Ambassador to both US and the United Nations Gilad Erdan warned.“Israel will soon clarify to the international community the importance of defining its borders, as well as its historical right in the West Bank lands,” Erdan was quoted by Israeli public broadcasting corporation KAN as stating.As part of a US-initiated Middle East peace plan, Israel intends to annex parts of the occupied West Bank to expand its settlements, which are internationally-recognised as being illegal under international law.On Tuesday, Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan rejected the Israeli plans, warning that: “They could have consequences on bilateral relations with Israel.”

 

Israel forces attempt to raid home of OIC representative in Jerusalem

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200709-israel-forces-attempt-to-raid-home-of-oic-representative-in-jerusalem/

Israeli occupation forces attempted on Wednesday night to raid the home of a representative of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in East Jerusalem, Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported.OIC’s Representative in Palestine Ahmed Al-Ruwaidi lives in Jerusalem’s neighbourhood of Silwan, but the OIC’s office is located in the West Bank city of Ramallah.“I prevented the Israeli army forces from raiding my house,” Al-Ruwaidi recounted. “I told them this, if it happens, it would be a violation of my personal rights and would have scared my children.”

 

US: Opportunity to implement annexation this month

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200709-us-opportunity-to-implement-annexation-this-month/

There is a window of opportunity for Israel to implement its annexation plan this month, an unnamed US source reported by Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post disclosed on Wednesday.According to Safa news agency, the Israeli newspaper reported the source stating that the US deal of the century team is to meet on Wednesday at the White House to discuss future measures, including the implementation of Israel’s annexation plan.Israeli newspaper Maariv announced that the team plan to meet on several occasions and that President Donald Trump will join the advanced stages of the discussions.

 

Israel arrests Palestinian expert on settlements in Jerusalem

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200709-israel-arrests-palestinian-expert-on-settlements-in-jerusalem/

Israel yesterday arrested Khalil Tafakji, head of the maps department at the Arab Studies Society in Jerusalem, Anadolu reported.A source in the Tafakji family told the news agency that large numbers of occupation police and intelligence services stormed the department and tampered with its possessions.The source said after extensive searches, the Israeli forces arrested Tafakji, who is also an expert in Israeli settlements.The source, who preferred not to be named, explained that “the Israeli police and intelligence services did not provide reasons for the raid or Tafakji’s arrest.

 

Hamas hails UNESCO decisions in favour of Palestine

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200709-hamas-hails-unesco-decisions-in-favour-of-palestine/

Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas hailed on Tuesday the unanimous decisions taken by UNESCO on 1 July, as the organisation restated several Palestinian rights.In a statement, Hamas’ Director of International Relations Dr Basim Naim referred to the decisions relating to rejecting Israeli persecution in the occupied West Bank, and the annexation of large areas of it.He also mentioned UNESCO’s adherence to protecting Palestinian religious and cultural heritage.

 

 

Divisions in Iraqi forces over crackdown on Iran-backed group

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/divisions-iraqi-forces-crackdown-iran-backed-group-200709110103505.html

On June 25, the Iraqi government carried out a raid on Kataib Hezbollah, a group with close links to Iran that has been accused of attacking United States forces. It was a test for new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, who has promised to crack down on groups that operate outside the law. But days later, those detained had walked free.Al Jazeera gained exclusive access to the Kataib Hezbollah base that was raided.

 

Move Rohingya from flood-prone island: HRW urges Bangladesh

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/move-rohingya-flood-prone-island-hrw-urges-bangladesh-200709075548649.html

Human Rights Watch has called on Bangladesh to move more than 300 Rohingya refugees, including children, to the camps in Cox's Bazaar district, more than two months after they were quarantined on a small flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal.The Rohingya were rescued by the Bangladesh navy in early May after being stranded at sea for weeks, and sent to Bhashan Char island - a silty strip of land off the southern coast that is vulnerable to monsoon storms. Bangladesh has said the 308 refugees were sent to the island rather than the camps in Cox's Bazar because authorities were afraid they might have the highly infectious disease COVID-19.

 

Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly dies

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/ivory-coast-prime-minister-amadou-gon-coulibaly-dies-200708183836945.html

Amadou Gon Coulibaly, Ivory Coast's prime minister and the governing party's candidate for an October presidential election, died on Wednesday, just days after returning from two months of medical treatment in France. The 61-year-old, who had heart surgery in 2012, became unwell during a weekly cabinet meeting and was taken to a hospital where he passed away, according to a spokesman for President Alassane Ouattara.

 

First travel corridor between Qatar and Turkey established

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200709-first-travel-corridor-between-qatar-and-turkey-established/

Qatar’s Embassy in Ankara announced the establishment of a travel corridor from Turkey to Doha.According to the announcement, four coronavirus testing centres have been approved in Turkey to allow Qatari nationals to avoid the two-week quarantine upon arrival in qatar.

 

 

 

US to not renew F1 visas for foreign students with online classes: How does it impact Indian students?

https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/study-abroad/story/us-not-renew-f1-visas-for-foreign-students-impact-on-indian-students-1698720-2020-07-09

With US deciding not to renew visas for F1 and M1 students in courses with online classes, how will it affect Indian students who wanted to study in US? We got talking to an expert to learn more.On July 7, US said that the visas of foreign students would not be renewed if they are studying fully online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new order pertains to F1 students who are pursuing academic courses and M1 students who are pursuing vocation coursework.These students are being forced to take immediate action since students who choose not to depart may face immigration proceedings.However, most colleges and universities in US have not yet finalized their plans for the fall semester even though many have come up with innovative measures to continue studies amidst the pandemic and lockdown. Indian students who already have an F1 visa will need to come back and see if their university is resuming on-campus classes. If not, they would need to transfer to any US university which is resuming on-campus classes. “Even the ones which have earlier said that they would go completely online, will now have to consider hybrid or on-campus classes, otherwise they will lose these students,” said Sumeet Jain, Co-founder and a higher education expert at Yocket, one of India's largest networks for study abroad aspirants.

If Covid Made Us Anxious, This Will Make Us Fall Apart, Say Indian Students In US On New Visa Rules

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-if-covid-made-us-anxious-this-will-make-us-fall-apart-say-indian-students-in-us-on-new-visa-rules/356348

In a move that will adversely impact hundreds of thousands of Indian students, US immigration authority on Monday announced that foreign students will be forced to leave the country or transfer to another college if their universities offer only online classes this fall semester due to the coronavirus pandemic.This has left Tanesha Gauba worried for her future. Gauba is currently pursuing double Majors in English Literature and Psychology at University of Illinois. “As of now, my university hasn’t said anything on the issue. We were already transitioning into a hybrid model so there are no talks of returning back,” she says.However, the international student community in US is in a complete frenzy. Now these students will have to navigate not only the pandemic, but these new rules as well.

 

UN: World could hit 15 degree Celsius warming threshold in 5 years

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/un-world-hit-15-degree-warming-threshold-5-years-6497993/

Geneva :The world could see average global temperatures 15 degrees Celsius 27 Fahrenheit above the pre-industrial average for first time in the coming 5 years the UN weather agency said Thursday. 15C mark is the level to which countries have agreed to try to limit global warming. Scientists say average temperatures around the world are already at least 1 C higher now than during the period from 1850-1900 because of man-made greenhouse emissions. World Meteorological Organization said there is a 20 chance that 15 C level will be reached in at least one year between 2020 and 2024. The period is expected to see annual average temperatures that are 091 C to 159 C higher than pre-industrial averages.AP

 

JK Rowling, Salman Rushdie and other prominent artists stand against illiberalism

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/jk-rowling-salman-rushdie-and-other-prominent-artists-stand-against-illiberalism

Artists, writers and academics have come together to sign an open letter condemning the rise of ‘illiberalism’ and warned that the free exchange of ideas and thoughts are in danger, a report in HT said.JK Rowling, Salman Rushdie and Marget Atwood are among personalities to argue against ideological orthodoxy in an open letter in Harper’s magazine.The letter came amid the debate over ‘cancel culture’ where prominent people face attack for sharing controversial opinions.The act of canceling, also referred to as cancel culture (a variant on the term "callout culture") describes a form of boycott in which an individual (usually a celebrity) who has acted or spoken in a questionable or controversial manner is boycotted. The forces of illiberalism are gaining strength throughout the world and have a powerful ally in Donald Trump, who represents a real threat to democracy, the letter said.

 

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Axe of privatisation on Indian Railways: One by one, national jewels are being sold off:C Srikumar/IPA

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* Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 7:57 PM)*