*25 OCT. PRIME TIME NEWS*

*INDIA-NEWS*

 

Like Ram Mandir, Article 370 move, PM Modi ‘decided’ date of war with China: UP BJP chief

Amid the ongoing standoff between India and China, BJP’s Uttar Pradesh chief Swatantra Dev Singh has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided when the country would be at war with Pakistan and China. Like the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of Ram Temple, everything has been decided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Swartandra Dev could be heard saying in a video clip that is now doing the rounds on various social media platforms.“Like the decisions on Ram Mandir and Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided when there would be war with China,” the Uttar Pradesh party chief said amid claps. Reports said the video is from an event on Friday at BJP MLA Sanjay Yadav’s house.Apart from Article 370, Ram temple and India China war, the BJP chief mentioned India-Pakistan war as he said all dates have been fixed by Modi. “Sambandhit tithi tai hai,” he said in Hindi, claiming that a decision has been taken on the date. “But he won’t let down the poor of the country, he won’t allow the country to be disrespected. We are on the path of Ram and Krishna,” he added.HT

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/like-ram-mandir-article-370-move-pm-modi-decided-date-of-war-with-china-says-up-bjp-chief/story-TRdTLWjSfrNr1P7POhL5eL.html

 

PM has ‘decided’ date of war with China, Pakistan claims  Uttar Pradesh BJP president:PTI

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pm-has-decided-date-of-war-with-china-pakistan-uttar-pradesh-bjp-president/article32940512.ece?homepage=true

 

 

 

Monitoring India-China issue, don’s want situation to escalate: top US official

With Indian and Chinese troops locked in a border standoff for the last five and half months, the US is closely monitoring the border row between India and China and does not want the situation to escalate, a senior US administration official said on Saturday.The official told the reporters during a telephonic conference call early Saturday, ahead of the next week’s 2+2 India-US ministerial in New Delhi, that the Trump administration was providing support to India through defence sales, joint military exercises and information sharing.Indian Express had reported earlier that the cooperation includes sharing of high-end satellite images, telephone intercepts, and data sharing of Chinese troops and weapons deployment along the 3,488 km India-China LAC.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/monitoring-india-china-issue-dont-want-situation-to-escalate-top-us-official-6877369/

 

China govt uses ‘United Front’ to gather intel on citizens abroad;US dy NSA

Referring to revelations in a series of investigative reports by Indian Express and other global publications on how a private technology firm in Shenzhen, with links to the Chinese government and Communist Party of China (CPC) uses big data tools for hybrid warfare, a top US Security official has said that the Chinese foreign ministry handles a “United Front”, which includes “powerful tech firms” that gather intelligence to influence private citizens overseas.Pointing to the database of Zhenhua Data, which targets individuals and institutions in politics, government, business, technology, media, and civil society, US Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger has said that the CPC is “compiling digital dossiers on millions of foreign citizens around the world”, with the aid of “new tools of digital surveillance”.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/china-govt-uses-united-front-to-gather-intel-on-citizens-abroad-says-us-dy-nsa-6877220/

 

 

Against China, India needs to be militarily better prepared:RSS chief Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said India needs to be more powerful than China in terms of military preparedness, adding the world is aware of that country’s expansionist designs.Speaking at the Sangh’s annual Vijayadashami rally, which this time was limited to an indoor event attended by 50 ‘swayamsevaks’ due to Covid-19 guidelines, Bhagwat said India needs to be militarily better prepared against China.Many countries are now standing up to China, he said.Claiming that China was shocked at India’s response to its intrusion, Bhagwat said, “Our defence forces, government and people responded sharply to China’s efforts to encroach on our territories.” “We dont know how it will react. So the way forward is to be alert and prepared. We should be more powerful than China in terms of military preparedness, economic conditions, international relations and also relations with neighbouring countries,” he said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/against-china-india-needs-to-be-militarily-better-prepared-says-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat/story-PlW3GkIT18L6C4pw83QKiJ.html

 

Iran curbs won’t hit Chabahar: US signals climbdown for India

Ahead of the Indo-US 2+2 ministerial meeting starting Monday, the Trump administration has told the Indian government that its development of the Chabahar port in Iran will not be impacted by US sanctions on 18 major Iranian banks, The Sunday Express has learnt.This assumes significance since the Trump administration, going to elections on November 3, has been extremely hawkish on Iran, but has made this exception to New Delhi.The message on the Chabahar port development was communicated by Washington to New Delhi through diplomatic channels on October 12, it is learnt.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iran-curbs-wont-hit-chabahar-us-signals-climbdown-for-india-6873996/

 

Want border tensions with China to end, but will not let go off an inch of land, says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that India wants an end to the border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. He, however, asserted that that India’s armed forces are dedicated towards protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will not allow even an inch of its land to be taken away.

https://scroll.in/latest/976701/want-border-tensions-with-china-to-end-but-will-not-let-go-off-an-inch-of-land-says-rajnath-singh

 

 

 

‘Don’t presume to know what Supreme Court will decide’: Omar Abdullah takes on Ravi Shankar Prasad on Article 370

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Sunday took on Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad who on Saturday said special status will not be restored in Jammu and Kashmir. The law minister’s comment came after PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said she would raise the national flag only once the state flag in back, pushing for the restoration of Article 370. BJP condemned her “seditious comment” and demanded action against the leader, who has been released from detention early this month after 14 months.Replying to the law minister, Omar Abdullah took to Twitter on Sunday morning and said it is not expected of him to restore the erstwhile state’s status. “Dear Ravi Shankar Prasadji, we don’t expect you to restore anything but unless you are suggesting the Supreme Court has surrendered its independence and takes dictation from you please don’t presume to know what the honourable judges will decide,” Abdullah tweeted.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/don-t-presume-to-know-what-supreme-court-will-decide-omar-abdullah-takes-on-ravi-shankar-prasad/story-hSGItpKTzuhM77LpOftfXP.html

 

'Communal flare in minds of people was left unaddressed due to coronavirus': RSS chief over anti-CAA protests

Nagpur: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that "few protested against CAA and misguided our Muslim brothers by their false propaganda that this law was brought for restricting the Muslim population".Bhagwat gave his customary Vijayadashami address to 50 'swayamsevaks' or volunteers on Dussehra amidst the coronavirus threat. Commenting on anti-CAA riots, the RSS chief said, "We witnessed anti-CAA protests which created tension in the country. Before it could be discussed further, the focus shifted on coronavirus this year. So, communal flare in minds of a few people stayed in their minds only. Coronavirus overshadowed all other topics.""CAA doesn't oppose any specific religious community. Yet few protested against this law and misguided our Muslim brothers by their false propaganda that this law was brought for restricting the Muslim population. So, due to this, there were further protests."

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-vijayadashmi-address-at-vyas-sabhagruh-amid-covid/672389

 

‘We are not kids’, Owaisi’s reply to Mohan Bhagwat’s ‘some people misled our Muslim brothers’

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi sharply reacted to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s comment that “Muslim brothers” have been misguided about the CAA, and said Muslims are not kids who will be “misguided”.“We’re not kids to be ‘misguided’. BJP didn’t mince words about what CAA+NRC were meant to do. If it’s not about Muslims, just remove all references to religion from the law,” Owaisi wrote on Twitter.“Know this: we’ll protest again & again till there are laws that require us to prove our Indianness,” Owaisi added.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/we-are-not-kids-owaisi-s-reply-to-mohan-bhagwat-s-some-people-misled-our-muslim-brothers/story-l4SbKOsEc4DMSBXbQmKY4H.html

 

 

Supreme Court should deliver judgment on CAA  as soon as possible : Jamaat-e-Islami Hind

New Delhi: Joining the issue of free distribution of cornovirus vaccination, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind on Saturday underlined that it is the basic duty of any government to protect people from any pandemic disease and it cannot be used for political mileage in elections.  Jamaat  also appealed to the Supreme Court to deliver its judgment on the set petitions challenging  CAA as early as possible  which have been pending before it since December last year.Addressing to media persons at the monthly briefing here the Jamaat’s Headquarters, President Syed Sadatullah Hussaini has said that providing free vaccination is the basic duty of any government and it should not be used as a political tool who spoke on  various issues related to the upcoming assembly polls in Bihar, the CAA, madrassas and freedom of the press. When his attention was drawn towards the recent statement of the ruling BJP president on the controversial CAA saying that its implementation was delayed due to pandemic, Jamaat Chief Hussaini said “We consider this law to be against the constitution and discriminating against a particular religious community over others”. He appealed to the  apex court to deliver its judgment on this very important issue as soon as it can.MuslimMirror

http://muslimmirror.com/eng/supreme-court-should-deliver-judgment-on-caa-as-soon-as-possible-jamaat-e-islami-hind/

 

Delhi violence: Court extends judicial custody of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam till November 20

A Delhi court has extended till November 20 the judicial custody of JNU student leaders Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with a case related to the violence that took place in northeast Delhi.Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid were on Friday produced before the court through video conferencing from Tihar Jail. Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat, while extending the judicial custody, also inquired from the Jail Superintendent about the specific grievances of accused Umar Khalid of not being allowed out of his cell and being confined in it.ANI 

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/delhi-riots-court-extends-judicial-custody-of-umar-khalid-sharjeel-imam-120102400590_1.html

 

Delhi riots: High Court grants bail to Khalid’s alleged accomplice Faizan, says no proof on record

Delhi High Court has granted bail to Faizan Khan, an accused in the Anti-CAA Delhi riots of February 23-25, this year. The court found no proof on record, such as CCTV footage, video or chats.Justice Suresh Kumar Kait noted that the petitioner voluntarily appeared before the agency for questioning and did not evade or flee between the periods of registration of the FIR i.e. (06.03.2020) and the date of his arrest i.e. (29.07.2020).Faizan sought regular bail on the ground that the media team of the JCC used that particular mobile number in question.

https://www.indialegallive.com/constitutional-law-news/courts-news/delhi-riots-delhi-high-court-grants-bail-to-khalids-alleged-accomplice-faizan-says-no-proof-on-record/

 

 

Media Trials Posed Threat To My Life: Maskoor Usmani

Maskoor Usmani, a Former AMU President and Indian National Congress’s candidate contesting from Jale constituency in Darbhanga district, recently found himself at the centre of a political storm after BJP MP Giriraj Singh accused him of being a ‘Jinnah Sympathiser’. The Congress nominee is one of the youngest candidates contesting in the state of Bihar which is set to vote for a new government next week. In a conversation with Outlook’s Midhat Fatimah, he talks about his candidature, the Opposition, media trials, and the relentless attacks over the two-year-old incident involving Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s portrait.

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-media-trials-posed-threat-to-my-life-maskoor-usmani/362930

 

 

Will aid people forcibly accused in Delhi riots: Jamiat

Saharanpur: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind national president and Darul Uloom, Deoband's Sadar Mudarris Maulana Arshad Madni on Saturday said that their organization will provide every possible help to get justice to those who have forcibly been made the accused in the Delhi riots. Maulana Madni said that in a span of two days, the Karkarduma Sessions Court has ordered that six accused be released on bail. He said that getting justice to the innocent people is Jamiat's main work.UNI

http://www.uniindia.com/will-aid-people-forcibly-accused-in-delhi-riots-jamiat/north/news/2211341.html

 

 

Jamiat slams ''negative propaganda'' against madrasas, calls new education policy ''discriminatory''

Days after a Madhya Pradesh minister said madrasas nurture "fundamentalists and terrorists", prominent Muslim body Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has condemned all such comments and asserted that humanism and national unity was being taught at these educational institutions.A resolution passed at the national executive meeting of the Jamiat also alleged that the new education policy is discriminatory against minorities.According to a statement issued by the organization, issues such as the new education policy, "negative propaganda" against madrasas, the preparation of practical programmes for modern education in madrasas and the spread of religious hate messages on social media were deliberated upon."Jamiat General Secretary Maulana Mahmood Madani talked about the current situation of the country especially BJP President JP Nadda''s recent statement related to the implementation of CAA and the prohibition of religious studies in madrasas aided by the government of Assam," the Jamiat statement said.PTI

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/jamiat-slams-negative-propaganda-against-madrasas-calls-new-education-policy-discriminatory/1963678

 

 

4 Mewati ‘madrasa’ products to join as religious teachers in the Indian Army

NEW DELHI; 4 ‘madrasa’ products from Mewat in neigbouring Haryana have been selected as religious teachers in the capacity of Naib Subedars in the Indian Army, after clearing written examinations, rigorous physical examination and medical test.Hailing from farming families, the four selected persons are Abdul Majid, Talha, Ali Hasan and Majid Rahimi. Apart from having obtained religious education from ‘madrasas’, they have also done their graduation and post-graduation from universities and colleges in modern subjects. They have been selected against 9 vacant post of religious teachers that was advertised in September this year. 25 year old Abdul Majid, has done his ‘Almiyat’ from world-famous Darul Uloom Deoband and M.A. in Urdu literature from Delhi University and B.Ed from Nuh Centre of MANUU, Hyderabad.  “When I came to know about vacancies especially for those who have ‘madrasa’ as well as graduation degree from a university, I decided to compete for it. There were two papers – general knowledge and ‘deeniyat’(religious knowledge). I did hard work and with the grace of Allah I scored good marks in both the papers. I also succeeded in 1600 metres race, physical and medical test.”Abdul Majid, who is married and has a child, belongs to Meo community of Haryana and at present, he along with his parents, is residing at village Hauz Rani near Malviya Nagar in South Delhi. His father, Mohammad Quraish, is engaged in farming.India Tomorrow

https://indiatomorrow.net/2020/10/24/four-mewati-madrasa-products-to-join-as-religious-teachers-in-the-indian-army/

 

TRP ‘scam’ case: Republic, News Nation, Mahamovie execs wanted, cops tell Mumbai court

Mumbai Police Crime Branch Saturday informed the Metropolitan Magistrate Court that owners and other officials affiliated with Republic Media Network, News Nation and Mahamovie have been named as accused in the alleged TRP scam and are wanted for their role in the case.The names of these persons were not disclosed. The police informed the court that their roles were ascertained during the interrogation of those arrested in connection with the alleged artificial spiking of TRP numbers.This is the first time that News Nation and Mahamovie channels have been formally named in the case.So far, nine people have been arrested. Two of them, Ramji Verma (44) and Dinesh Vishwakarma (37)—both former employees of Hansa Research Group—were again produced in court on Saturday. Arrested on October 20, the duo was Saturday remanded in police custody for two days.The police also claimed to have learned during interrogations that one Abhishek Kalawade and his accomplices had allegedly accepted money from Republic TV, News Nation and Mahamovie channels. Kalawade is another person wanted in the case.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/trp-scam-case-republic-news-nation-mahamovie-execs-wanted-cops-tell-mumbai-court-6874838/

 

 

Gujarat HC grants bail to key accused in Una flogging

Gujarat High Court on October 21 granted regular bail to Nagjibhai Dayabhai Vaniya, one of the main accused persons in the 2016 Una Dalit flogging case. The ruling was primarily on grounds of parity—nearly 28 other co-accused are already out on bail—as well as considering the fact that he had undergone the sentence which could be imposed upon him.A group of purported cow vigilantes had allegedly assaulted Balu Sarvaiya, his wife Kunvar, sons Vashram and Ramesh, nephews Ashok and Bechar as well as relative Devshi Babariya on July 11, 2016 over the skinning a the carcass of a cow in Mota Samadhiyala village. The Dalit family was publicly flogged in Una town before being abandoned near the Una police station. The Gujarat CID team had arrested more than 40 persons, including four police officers.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-hc-grants-bail-to-key-accused-in-una-flogging-6874805/

 

 

Getting rid of flood water proves costly for residents in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Over a week after heavy rains lashed the city and flooded several areas, colonies in different parts of the city are still struggling to get rid of the muddy water and sewage that inundated their homes by spending hundreds of rupees every day.Scenes of residents gathering their belongings and using water pumps, buckets and other utensils to pump out water from homes can be seen across Yakutpura, Nadeem Colony, Al-Jubail Colony, Saroornagar, Chandryangutta, Bandlaguda, Tolichowki, etc.Many say saving their valuables and pumping out water from the houses is not just time-consuming, but it is also turning out to be a costly affair. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, an organisation that is providing assistance to the flood-affected families is continuing rehabilitation initiatives at Al Jubail Colony, Falaknuma and Chandrayangutta so that residents can resume normal life.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/getting-rid-of-flood-water-proves-costly-for-residents/articleshow/78851187.cms

 

*POLITCS*

LJP will probe 'saat nishchay' for corruption, jail Nitish Kumar if voted to power: Chirag Paswan

Chirag Paswan, while addressing an election rally on Sunday, claimed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will be behind bars if the LJP comes to power. National president of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Chirag Paswan has refused to field candidates against one part of the NDA alliance in Bihar while opposing the other. The son of former union minister late Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag Paswan has been vocal in his opposition to JD(U) and its tallest leader, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Without explaining how since the BJP is fighting the Bihar elections allied with the JD(U), Chirag has claimed that there will be a BJP-LJP government in Bihar once the dust settles.

https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/story/ljp-will-probe-saat-nishchay-for-corruption-imprison-nitish-kumar-if-voted-to-power-chirag-paswan-1734960-2020-10-25

 

M.P. bypolls: 18% candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, says report

Out of 355 candidates contesting in Madhya Pradesh bypolls, 63 (18%) have declared criminal cases against themselves, according to a report by poll rights group Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).11% or 39 candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves, the report said.Serious criminal cases are non-bailable offences with over five years of imprisonment.PTI

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/mp-bypolls-18-candidates-have-declared-criminal-cases-against-themselves-says-report/article32940370.ece?homepage=true

 

 

'It's a matter of national security', BJP leader Naqvi asks Congress to clarify its stance on Jamaat-e-Islami, PFI: Times Now

New Delhi: BJP on Sunday questioned Congress' secular stand over its alleged plans with outfits like Jamaat-e-Islami and PFI. The saffron party also asked whether Congress ally Tejashwi Yadav plans to bring such elements to Bihar as well. It has been alleged that Congress is trying to forge an alliance with the Welfare Party, the political outfit of Jamaat-e-Islami, in Kerala. The grand old party has also been accused of "surrendering" its secular stance for vote bank politics. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi held a press conference today and launched a tirade against the grand old party.While speaking to media, Naqvi said, "Congress party which calls itself secular is sponsoring radicalism. They tweet different questions for us, but they should clarify their stance on their plans with the Jamaat-e-Islami, PFI and other such elements."

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/its-a-matter-of-national-security-bjp-asks-congress-to-clarify-its-stance-on-jamaat-e-islami-pfi/672502

 

Congress holding discussions with Jamaat-e-Islami leaders claims Union Minister V Muraleedharan: ANI

Kerala: Union Minister V Muraleedharan on Saturday alleged that Congress is holding discussions with the Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and trying to have electoral adjustments with the terrorist organizations."Congress is holding discussions with the Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, immediately after the visit of Rahul Gandhi (to Kerala) and trying to have electoral adjustments with the terrorist organizations and organisations which are out to establish a Muslim nation," the minister told reporters here."Congress should clarify whether this is their official stand. This is appeasement and the vote bank politics. For sake of votes, you are even ready to put to peril the safety, security and unity of the country. I deplore such moves by Congress," said Muraleedharan, who is Minister of State for External Affairs.

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/congress-holding-discussions-with-jamaat-e-islami-leaders-v-muraleedharan20201025001841/

 

Congress has no connection with Welfare Party: Congress leader

Kerala: Congress leader Mullappally Ramachandran has said that Congress does not have any connection with Welfare Party."Why don't you see the statement made by me in Kannur, Kasargode, Kozhikode and Ernakulam? I made it clear that Congress does not have any connection with the Welfare Party. Jammat-e-Islami has no links with Congress," Ramachandran said."Our understanding is with our coalition parties of Kerala. I cannot say anything about the rest of the things," he added.ANI

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/congress-has-no-connection-with-jamaat-e-islamis-political-outfit-welfare-party-congress-leader20201024180332/

 

UP: Muslim cop, who was suspended over a beard, reinstated after shaving it off

Sub-inspector in Uttar Pradesh Police, Intesar Ali, was suspended on Thursday and sent to the police lines for keeping a beard without permission "despite repeated warnings". Two days later, he has now been reinstated in service after the policeman shaved his beard off.Notably, reports stated that Ali had been warned thrice to shave off his beard or seek requisite permission for the same. However, the policeman did not seek permission and continued to keep the beard.SP Baghpat Abhishek Singh had said that as per the police manual only Sikhs are allowed to keep a beard while all other policemen have to remain clean-shaven.Ali told reporters that he had applied permission to keep a beard but got no response.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-muslim-cop-who-was-suspended-over-a-beard-reinstated-after-shaving-it-off

 

UP Police Arrests Inter-Faith Couple from Rajasthan After Hindutva Activists’ Vandalism

BAREILLY – Four days after Hindu activists vandalised the Quila police station in Bareilly, protesting against an inter-faith marriage, the police have taken the couple into custody from Rajasthan and brought them back here in Uttar Pradesh.The boy has been charged with robbery, as well as forgery, for allegedly faking their Aadhaar cards to hide their identities. He was presented in the court of a magistrate and sent to judicial custody.The couple was brought back to Bareilly on Saturday.The girl was sent for a medical examination and later to a shelter home.The girl said she was not a minor and wanted to live with her partner who belonged to a minority community. She also produced identity cards that showed her age to be 19 years.The police said the girl had eloped with Rs 5 lakh in cash from her home of which Rs 3 lakh were recovered from the couple’s hotel room in Rajasthan.

https://clarionindia.net/up-police-arrests-inter-faith-couple-from-rajasthan-after-hindutva-activists-vandalism/

 

With 200 million jobs lost, it doesn’t matter if fiscal deficit exceeds even 50 percent: Prof Arun Kumar 

The new book authored by Economist Arun Kumar and being published by Penguin deals with the impact of the pandemic on the Indian economy, especially the consequences of the severe lockdown India has had to go through for several weeks. In this second part of the interview, he tells Nalini Ranjan Mohanty that even if fiscal deficit exceeds 50 percent, it should not deter the Government from spending.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/interview/with-200-million-jobs-lost-it-doesnt-matter-if-fiscal-deficit-exceeds-even-50-percent-prof-arun-kumar

 

101 Students of Jamia’s Coaching Centre Clear UPSC Civil Services Prelims

 NEW DELHI – As many as 101 students of Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), Centre for Coaching and Career Planning (CCCP), have cleared UPSC’s Civil Services Prelims Exam 2020.JMI, a central university, claims that this is the highest number of qualified candidates from any public coaching centre.Among the qualified candidates are 16 girls and 85 boys. A total number of 283 candidates received coaching and training at the RCA from various states of the country.UPSC on Friday announced results of prelims exam which was held on October 4. Candidates qualified in the first stage can appear for the Mains examination scheduled from 8 January next year.“These students are residing in various hostels of RCA. The qualified candidates will be appearing in Mains Examination beginning 8 January 2020”, said the university.However, as per the information received from PRO Ahmad Azeem, the number may increase from 101 as contact numbers of 29 students who are presently at their homes are not reachable.Clarion India

https://clarionindia.net/101-students-of-jamias-coaching-centre-clear-upsc-civil-services-prelims/

 

  

 

*CORONA*

SMS, digital certificate, schools as booths in blueprint for Covid vaccine drive next year

An SMS delivered to the beneficiary days before vaccination, detailing the time and place; a QR code certificate, generated after each dose; and, health facilities involving the large network of schools, on the line of elections, in the immunisation drive to ensure speedy access to the vaccine.These are among the key features discussed in detail by an expert group, currently developing the blueprint for conducting the country’s largest immunisation drive against Covid-19 early next year, The Sunday Express has learnt.Sources told The Sunday Express that the vaccination drive will not be confined to existing health facilities, but will also be extended to schools, on the lines of election booths.The deliberations by the high-level National Expert Vaccine Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 are significant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a review meeting last week, had underlined the geographical span of the country, and suggested that the delivery system learn from the successful conduct of elections to ensure speedy access to the vaccine.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sms-digital-certificate-schools-as-booths-in-blueprint-for-covid-vaccine-drive-next-yr-6873317/

 

 Coronavirus | Recovery rate touches 90%, only 8.5% of total caseload active in India

With a total of 70,78,123 people having recuperated from COVID-19, the national recovery rate for the disease has touched 90%, while 62,077 people have recovered in a span of 24 hours as against 50,129 new cases of the infection reported in the same period, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.This achievement is matched by the downward spiral fall in the number of active COVID-19 cases, which was maintained below the seven-lakh mark for the third successive day, it added.“The total recoveries exceed active cases by 64,09,969 as on date,” it said.PTI

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-recovery-rate-touches-90-only-85-of-total-caseload-active-in-india/article32940467.ece?homepage=true

 

 RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das tests positive for Covid-19

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday. Requesting people who have recently come in contact with him to get tested or check their health, Das said he will isolate himself and will continue work. Day-to-day functioning of RBI will go on normally and the Governor is in touch with deputy governors and other officers through video conferencing and telephone. Giving update about his health, he said he is feeling fine and doesn’t have any major symptom.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rbi-governor-haktikanta-das-tests-positive-for-covid-19/story-vB4S0eaelQkqUvBb6rTROO.html

 

Spain Declares Nationwide State Of Emergency Over Coronavirus

Madrid, Spain: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared a national state of emergency Sunday, and a curfew covering all of Spain except the Canary Islands, in a bid to curb a second wave of coronavirus cases.The new state of emergency will last until the beginning of May, Sanchez added. "The situation we are going through is extreme," he said in a televised address following a cabinet meeting convened to discuss the crisis.AFP

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/spain-declares-nationwide-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus-2315566?pfrom=home-topstories

 

 

                                                             *WORLD NEWS*

‘Boycott French products’ launched over Macron’s Islam comments

Several Arab trade associations have announced the boycott of French products, protesting the recent comments made by President Emmanuel Macron on Islam. Earlier this month, Macron pledged to fight “Islamist separatism”, which he said was threatening to take control in some Muslim communities around France.He also described Islam as a religion “in crisis” worldwide and said the government would present a bill in December to strengthen a 1905 law that officially separated church and state in France.Hashtags such as the #BoycottFrenchProducts in English and the Arabic #ExceptGodsMessenger trended across countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.In Kuwait, the chairman and members of the board of directors of the Al-Naeem Cooperative Society decided to boycott all French products and to remove them from supermarket shelves.The Dahiyat al-Thuhr association took the same step, saying: “Based on the position of French President Emmanuel Macron and his support for the offensive cartoons against our beloved prophet, we decided to remove all French products from the market and branches until further notice.”In Qatar, the Wajbah Dairy company announced a boycott of French products and pledged to provide alternatives, according to their Twitter account.Qatar University also joined the campaign. Its administration has postponed a French Cultural Week event indefinitely, citing the “deliberate abuse of Islam and its symbols”.The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) described Macron’s statements as “irresponsible”, and said they are aimed at spreading a culture of hatred among peoples.In a statement, Kuwait’s foreign ministry warned against the support of abuses and discriminatory policies that link Islam to terrorism, saying it “represents a falsification of reality, insults the teachings of Islam, and offends the feelings of Muslims around the world”.On Friday, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned what it said was France’s continued attack against Muslims by insulting religious symbols.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/25/social-meboycott-french-products-online-against-macrons-islam

 

 Erdogan says Macron 'needs treatment' over attitude to Muslims; France recalls envoy

France recalled its ambassador on Saturday after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said his counterpart Emmanuel Macron needed mental help over his attitude towards Muslims.“Outrage and insult are not a method,” Macron’s office said.The French leader this month declared war on “Islamist separatism”, which he believes is taking over some Muslim communities in France.“What is the problem of this person called Macron with Muslims and Islam? Macron needs treatment on a mental level,” Erdogan said in a speech in the central Turkish city of Kayseri.“What else can be said to a head of state who does not understand freedom of belief and who behaves in this way to millions of people living in his country who are members of a different faith?” Erdogan added.

https://in.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-france-macron/turkeys-erdogan-says-macron-needs-treatment-over-attitude-to-muslims-idUSKBN2790JY

 

Hamas: French cartoons provocative to Islam, beliefs

Hamas on Saturday slammed France for publishing cartoons that degrade Islamic symbols, Anadolu reports.“[French President Emmanuel] Macron’s encouragement to publish insulting cartoons of the Prophet [Muhammad], peace be upon him, is an attempt to revive the Crusades where France was the source of its debut,” said Sami Abu Zuhri, senior spokesman for the Palestinian group.Abu Zuhri said publishing the cartoons was “provocative to the feelings of the [Islamic] Nation and an aggression on its religion and beliefs.”

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201025-hamas-french-cartoons-provocative-to-islam-beliefs/

 

Turkey tried to open a back door for Pakistan at FATF, China bailed out: HT report

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Turkey, the only country to back Pakistan at the plenary meeting of the global anti-money laundering watchdog, had proposed a special visit to Islamabad to make an onsite assessment of the Imran Khan government’s implementation to plug holes in its legal framework to curb terror financing.The suggestion at the plenary last week before Feb.2021 was seen as an effort to let Pakistan off the hook for now and immediately place it on the white list but was not supported by any other country including ‘all-weather ally’ China and Malaysia. Turkey, Pakistan and Malaysia have been trying to emerge as a new radical Islamic axis to upstage the established order led by Saudi Arabia.The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) eventually decided to retain Pakistan on its grey list, comprising countries whose controls over terror financing are deemed inadequate and are placed “under increased monitoring”. It was also handed out a sharp warning by FATF president Marcus Pleyer, who told Islamabad that it couldn’t take forever to deliver.“It does appear that Pakistan’s efforts to exit the grey list have reached a dead end, not unless it takes substantive and not cosmetic steps to tighten control over terror financing over the next four months,” a top counter-terror official in New Delhi said. Global dirty money watchdog FATF is scheduled to review Pakistan’s status again in 4 months.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-is-trying-to-eject-from-fatf-grey-list-could-run-into-a-dead-end/story-bdbLLJX1mL6B8Ol2K8BC8H.html

 

US Elections: Indian-Americans are grappling with the racial system like never before

“We didn’t see ourselves as part of the Black movements or the problem. But we have actually been in the bubble that created it.” These words from my mother came on the heels of the largest race-related protests in the US neither of us had seen in our lives here. Her exposure to America’s race conversation, from when she immigrated in the 1970s, has been vastly different from mine – raised and born in this country. After years of trying to convince her that Indian Americans are a part of a racial equation in the US that they might not always see, I had suddenly heard a moment of unexpected recognition.This watershed moment is a microcosm of this year’s intergenerational conversations in the Indian-American community, reckoning with their place in America’s racial system.

https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/bringing-race-home-us-presidential-election-racial-system-6868519/

 

Memories still fresh from the George Floyd protests (the death of a 46-year-old African American man in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in May had sparked off massive protests across the country), Americans are awaiting the Presidential election next week (November 3). Even though this year may see the largest shift in the community towards the Republican Party, this summer also saw a surge of South-Asian solidarity events, marches and talks in religious circles, classical music groups, student associations, and Bhangra teams. Social media was replete with posters describing “How to talk to your Papa about Black Lives Matter for Father’s Day” and “How to make old folks listen”.

 

 

Israeli govt submits peace deal with Bahrain to parliament for approval

Israeli government on Sunday sent the deal on the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bahrain to the parliament for approval."The Cabinet, today,... approved submitting 'The Establishment of Diplomatic, Peaceful and Friendly Relations between the State of Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain' for Knesset approval," Sputnik quoted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.ANI

https://www.aninews.in/news/world/middle-east/israeli-government-submits-peace-deal-with-bahrain-to-parliament-for-approval20201025191416/

 

Israeli media: Normalisation deal with Oman ‘soon’

Oman will be the next Arab country to normalize relations with Israel, according to Israeli media on Sunday, Anadolu reports.Israeli officials believe that Oman will soon sign a normalisation deal with Israel under US sponsorship, Israeli Channel 12 reported.The channel, however, said that the normalisation of the Israeli-Omani relations would likely take place after the US election.Muscat so far has not commented on the Israeli media report.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201025-israeli-media-normalisation-deal-with-oman-soon/

 

 

Palestinian teen dies after being ‘beaten by Israeli soldiers’

A Palestinian teenager has died of his injuries after being beaten by Israeli forces near the town of Turmus-Ayya northeast of Ramallah, according to several Palestinian news outlets.Palestinian health ministry said that Amer Abedalrahim Snobar arrived at the hospital after being “severely beaten on the neck”.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/25/palestinian-teen-dies-after-assault-by-israeli-soldiers

 

Archbishop Pizzaballa appointed Jerusalem Patriarch

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Vatican’s apostolic administrator in the Holy Land, has been named as the new Patriarch of Jerusalem by Pope Francis, Reuters reports.Pizzaballa, 55, a Franciscan friar, has served as the acting Patriarch for four years and has steered the diocese through a financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, when the churches at the birthplace of Christianity were closed throughout its holiest season, Easter.In ordinary years, the Holy Land would be preparing for an influx of pilgrims over Christmas – but the outbreak has dealt a heavy blow to tourism in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth, home to some of its most famous churches.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201025-archbishop-pizzaballa-appointed-jerusalem-patriarch/

 

Nagorno-Karabakh: Fighting continues, Baku issues Russia warning

Fighting has continued on Sunday between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh with both sides blaming each other for blocking a peaceful settlement to the conflict.Armenia accused Azerbaijani forces of shelling civilian settlements on Sunday, a claim that Baku denied.Azerbaijan said it was ready to implement a ceasefire provided Armenia withdrew its forces.The clashes yesterday and today in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a part of Azerbaijan populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians, came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted foreign ministers of both countries in a new peace push on Friday.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/25/new-nagorno-karabakh-fighting-as-baku-issues-warning-to-russia

 

 

 

 

*OPINIONS-EDITORIALS*

 

Hypocrisy, like hate, knows no national boundary as a WhatsApp forward from US confirms:Samir Nazareth

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/hypocrisy-like-hate-knows-no-national-boundary-as-a-whatsapp-forward-from-us-confirms

 

India does have a jihadist movement that must be confronted as French President has done:Tavleen Singh , indianexpress

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/france-teacher-killing-islamism-tavleen-singh-6873382/

 

Bihar polls: Jobs for unemployed youth emerging as major agenda, not caste equation:Arun Srivastava/IPA

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/bihar-polls-jobs-for-unemployed-youth-emerging-as-major-agenda-not-caste-equation

 

Diversity in Nation Building: Contributes or Hinders?Ram Puniyani | Clarion India

https://clarionindia.net/diversity-in-nation-building-contributes-or-hinders/

 

thewire Exclusive: Under Fadnavis's Watch, a Vyapam-Like Scam Flourished in Maharashtra: Sukanya Shantha

https://thewire.in/government/maharashtra-recruitment-scam-fadnavis-mahait-ust-global-vyapam

 

Belated FIRs, planted witnesses — a look at Justice Kait’s bail orders in Delhi riots cases:BHADRA SINHA

https://theprint.in/judiciary/belated-firs-planted-witnesses-a-look-at-justice-kaits-bail-orders-in-delhi-riots-cases/530556/

 

When It Comes To UAPA Arrests, Kashmir Leads The Way:Intifada P Basheer

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-when-it-comes-to-uapa-arrests-kashmir-leads-the-way/362961

 

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