*28 OCT. PRIME TIME NEWS*

 *INDIA-NEWS*

 'Crackdown On Human Rights Defenders': NGOs, Journalists, Politicians Slams NIA raids multiple locations in Kashmir, including ‘Greater Kashmir’ office

NIA on Wednesday raided 10 locations in Kashmir Valley and one in Bangalore in connection with a case related to NGOs and trusts diverting funds meant for charitable activities to secessionist and separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Premises searched include Khurram Parvez (coordinator of J&K Coalition of Civil Society), AFP journalist Parvez Ahmad Bukhari, Parvez Ahmad Matta and Bangalore-based Swati Sheshadri as well as Parveena Ahanger, chairperson of Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), offices of NGO Athrout and Greater Kashmir Trust.NIA’s statement said it had seized several incriminating documents and electronic devices, but APDP, one of the places raided, called it “a premeditated and planned assault.”A statement released by ADPD said: “This is a clear case of reprisal and crackdown on human rights defenders (HRDs) in Kashmir. Our voices are being brutally crushed. Our demand for justice is being criminalized.”“It is important to note that APDP, led by Parveena Ahangar, has been supported since the last 9 years by UN funds from UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT). In July 2020, APDP had received an emergency grant from UNVFVT. In Sept, APDP had submitted almost 40 testimonies of victims who were subjected to arbitrary detention and torture by security forces in Kashmir to Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture,” it said.PDP president Mehbooba Mufti condemned the raids. “NIA raids on human rights activist Parvez and the Greater Kashmir office in Srinagar is yet another example of the Government of India’s vicious crackdown on freedom of expression and dissent. Sadly, NIA has become BJP’s pet agency to intimidate and browbeat those who refuse to fall in line,” Mufti tweeted.Kashmir Times editor Anuradha Bhasin said the raids on the Greater Kashmir office and  Parvez’s house “are attempts to impose silence even on our whispers”.

https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/nia-raid-greater-kashmir-trust-athrout-adpd_in_5f995bbbc5b6a4a2dc81038f

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nia-searches-trust-ngos-in-srinagar-in-terror-funding-case/article32961040.ece?homepage=true

 

PDP, JKNPP stage anti-BJP protests over new land laws in J&K

PDP and National Panthers Party (NPP) on Wednesday staged separate protests in Jammu, demanding repeal of the new land laws which have paved the way for people from outside Jammu and Kashmir to buy land in the Union Territory.Led by General Secretary and former legislator Surinder Choudhary, PDP activists holding the tricolour as well as the party flag assembled at the PDP headquarters at Gandhi Nagar and staged a rally to lodge their resentment against the BJP-led central government over the new land law.However, the protesters were stopped by police from marching on the main road and later dispersed peacefully.PTI

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/pdp-jknpp-stage-anti-bjp-protests-over-new-land-laws-in-jandk

 

Congress rejects notification of new land laws in J&K: JKPCC chief

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Wednesday said his party rejects the new land laws notified by the Centre for the Union territory."The new land law is another gift of BJP to people of J&K. Congress party rejects the new land laws and vows to fight for protection of rights," said addressing a public gathering in Gurez area of Bandipora district.PTI

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/congress-rejects-notification-of-new-land-laws-in-jandk-jkpcc-chief

 

 People of J&K will defeat Central govt’s designs of settling outsiders in J&K: Former Union Minister Soz

Former Union Minister Prof. Saifuddin Soz has said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will defeat the Central govt’s designs of settling outsiders in J&K. “If India’s national Opposition does not intervene in Jammu and Kashmir, the people will be forced to raise their voice for intervention by the international community to correct the social and political malaise created by the Central govt,” he added.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/people-of-jammu-and-kashmir-will-defeat-central-governments-designs-of-settling-outsiders-in-jandk-soz

 

'Saudi removes Pak-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan from Pakistan's map'India: ANI

London: Saudi Arabia has removed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from Pakistan's map, said PoK activist Amjad Ayub Mirza on Wednesday."Saudi Arab removes Pakistani occupied Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from Pakistan's map!!!!," he tweeted.He also tweeted a picture that was captioned, "Saudi Arabia's Diwali gift to India-- removes Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from Pakistan's map," the picture's text read.According to media reports, Saudi Arabia released a 20 Riyal banknote to commemorate its presidency of organising the G-20 Summit on November 21-22. It was further reported that the world map displayed on the banknote does not show Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Kashmir as parts of Pakistan.

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/saudi-arabia-removes-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-gilgit-baltistan-from-pakistans-map/673921

 

Imran Khan fears India may use Afghan soil to target Pak: IANS

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed fears that India may use Afghan soil to destabilize and target Islamabad. Pakistan fears India will use Afghanistan to destabilize us,” he said addressing the inaugural ceremony of the two-day Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Forum in Islamabad.“We tried to be friends with India but could not succeed. We realize that India is ideologically against Pakistan”, he added.The premier said that the Narendra Modi-led government in India was not only against Pakistan as a country but was also against its own Muslim population.“The treatment of Muslims in India today has never happened before. Minorities in India have been under continuous suppression,” he said.Talking about the decisions being taken by the Indian government in Kashmir, Khan said that it was bent upon inflicting atrocities on innocent Kashmiris.“Lockdown in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is the worst example of suppression and barbarity,” he said.While Khan’s government is feeling the pressure and criticism of not raising the Kashmir issue at global platforms, the premier said that his government has always raised the issue at every regional and international forum, vowing to continue until the resolution of the Kashmir dispute as per the UN Security Council resolutions is implemented.

https://indiatribune.com/imran-fears-india-may-use-afghan-soil-to-target-pak/

 

 China says border dispute with India bilateral issue, urges US to stop Indo-Pacific strategy

Beijing: China on Wednesday said its border standoff with India in eastern Ladakh is a bilateral issue, and asked the US to “stop” its Indo-Pacific strategy, terming it as an attempt to impose American hegemony in the region.The remarks by the Chinese Foreign Ministry came a day after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured India that the US stands firmly with it to confront threats to its sovereignty. Pompeo’s remarks came after the third edition of the Indo-US dialogue in New Delhi during which the two sides deliberated prominently upon the Sino-India border row and situation in the Indo-Pacific region.Reacting to US push for closer defence ties with India, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing here on Wednesday that “the border affairs between China and India are matters between the two countries.”“Now the situation across the border is generally stable and the two sides are in resolving relevant issues through consultations and negotiations, he said, in apparent reference to the military and diplomatic level talks between India and China to resolve the standoff.Wang sharply criticised US’ Indo-Pacific concept, saying “Indo-Pacific strategy proposed by US is preaching outdated Cold War mentality and preaching confrontation and geopolitical game. It is aimed to uphold the hegemony of the US. This runs counter to the common interest for the region and we urge the US to stop this.”“In the meantime, any concept for regional development should be in line with the trend of the times for the peaceful development and win-win cooperation, he said.PTI

https://theprint.in/diplomacy/china-says-border-dispute-with-india-bilateral-issue-urges-us-to-stop-indo-pacific-strategy/532703/

 

Twitter’s explanation on showing Ladakh as part of China inadequate: Joint parliamentary panel chairperson

Microblogging site Twitter’s explanations to a parliamentary panel on showing Ladakh as part of China are inadequate and the act amounts to criminal offence attracting imprisonment of 7 years, committee chairman Meenakshi Lekhi said on Wednesday.Representatives of Twitter appeared before the joint committee of parliament on Data Protection Bill, 2019 and were questioned by the members on showing Ladakh as part of China, Ms. Lekhi said.“The committee was unanimous in its opinion that Twitter’s explanation on showing Ladakh as part of China was inadequate,” Ms. Lekhi told PTI.However, representatives of Twitter told the panel that the social media company respects the sensitivities of India, she said.PTI

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/twitters-explanation-on-showing-ladakh-as-part-of-china-inadequate-joint-parliamtary-panel-chairperson/article32962240.ece?homepage=true

 

 China lacks ‘honest intent’, be prepared for any eventuality, Rajnath Singh tells Army

New Delhi: Stating that China isn’t showing “honest intent” in the ongoing talks over the tense six-month long stand-off at LAC in Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday asked top Army Commanders to be prepared for any eventuality.The minister was addressing the biannual Army Commanders Conference being held in the national capital. “Batcheet imandari se hona chaiye par imandhari se ho nahi rahi (Talks should happen with an honest intent but honesty is missing from the talks),” sources in the defence and security establishment quoted him as telling the senior officers.There has been a trust deficit and China’s intent has been questionable, the minister said, adding that the Army should remain “prepared for any eventuality”.

https://theprint.in/defence/china-lacks-honest-intent-be-prepared-for-any-eventuality-rajnath-singh-tells-army/532757/

 

 Delhi Riots: Anti-CAA stir meant to provoke disaffection against India says court when rejecting Asif Iqbal Tanha’s bail even as police changes version of key event in chargesheet

NEW DELHI:A Delhi court has refused bail to a 27-year-old university student, saying “vociferous agitation in the guise of CAA coupled with other activities of violence would show it was meant to cause or intended to cause disaffection against India”. Police have accused Asif Iqbal Tanhaof, a student of Jamia Millia Islamia conspiring with JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam to “overthrow the Govt” by setting up a chakka jam in Muslim-dominated areas. When Tanha’s lawyer Sidharth Aggarwal argued that organisations such as Jamia Coordination Committee or Students’ Islamic Organisation were not terrorist organisations under UAPA, Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat said: “Acts which threaten unity and integrity of India, …causing social disharmony and creating terror in any section of people, by making them feel surrounded resulting in violence, is also a terrorist act.”Rawat agreed that these groups were not proscribed under UAPA, but said, “we have to understand terrorist activity” as per Section 15 (“Terrorist Act”) of the Act.Even as Tanha’s lawyer argued that Delhi Police had presented 2 different versions of where a key conspiratorial meeting allegedly took place on 22 Feb, Judge Rawat denied bail to him. While almost all bail pleas have been rejected in FIR 59 of Crime Branch since it was registered on 6 March, this rejection is significant because it comes after Judge Rawat has read 17,000 page chargesheet that Delhi Police filed in his court in Karkardooma district court on 16 Sept.  Rawat said that meeting of two or more minds for doing an illegal activity constituted a conspiracy, it was not necessary for each conspirator to have known or participated in each and every conspiratorial act, “agreement among the conspiracy can be inferred by necessary implication,” and a conspiracy was proved by “circumstantial evidence as conspiracy is seldom and an open affair.” At least 21 people have been arrested in FIR 59, Delhi Police case that pins the blame for Delhi Riots on students and activists that organized the protests against CAA in Dec and Jan. Defense lawyers have said that statements attributed to their clients have been coerced. Tanha’s lawyer, said that in reply to his client’s first bail plea dated 24 July, Delhi Police had said that he was part of a meeting at Jafrabad metro station on 22 Feb.planning the riots and a roadblock in the area. But when Tanha replied that he had never been to Northeast Delhi, the Police said the meeting was held at Jamia Millia —“a clear false afterthought,” his lawyer said. 

https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/delhi-riots-delhi-police-asif-iqbal-tanha-bail_in_5f98db4cc5b61d63241d928e?utm_hp_ref=in-politics

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/anti-caa-stir-meant-to-provoke-disaffection-against-india-delhi-court-6906190/

 

Delhi riots: Court grants bail to man in 4 cases

NEW DELHI: A court here has granted bail to a man in 4 separate cases related to communal violence in Delhi, saying there were no independent witnesses, CCTV footage or video-recording to show his involvement in rioting and chanting slogans against a community.Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav granted the relief to Neeraj on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with a surety in each of the cases of alleged torching, looting and vandalising shops in the Bhajanpura area during the riots.The court, in its order passed on Monday, said Neeraj's identification as an accused in the cases by beat constables was doubtful since it was done after the lapse of a considerable time.Special Public Prosecutor appearing for the police, opposed the bail pleas, saying the accused was allegedly involved in 10 cases of rioting and being a previous convict, he was a "bad character" of the area.PTI

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/oct/27/delhi-riots-court-grants-bail-to-man-in-fourcases-2215715.html

 

SC Dismisses Delhi Police Plea Against Bail Granted To Pinjra Tod Activist in Riots Case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the Delhi police’s appeal against the bail granted to Pinjra Tod activist Devangana Kalita in a case related to riots in the north-east part of the national capital during anti-CAA protest .A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan dismissed the plea saying that being an influential person cannot be grounds for denying bail.Additional solicitor general S.V. Raju, appearing for the Delhi police, said Kalita is a very influential person and the high court has stated that there were only police witnesses in the case.He said there are also some protected witnesses.PTI

https://thewire.in/law/sc-dismisses-delhi-police-plea-against-bail-granted-to-pinjra-tod-activist-in-riots-case

 

 

Sunni Waqf Board seeks implementation of Place of Worship Act amid calls to reclaim Kashi, Mathura

AYODHYA:Expressing concern over Kashi and Mathura temples being dragged into legal dispute a year after the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict, the Sunni Central Waqf Board has sought strict implementation of the Places of Worship Act. Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 provides for maintaining the “religious character” of holy structures as it existed on August 15, 1947.A plea filed by a Hindu organisation in June had challenged Section 4 of the law in a bid to open the litigation route to reclaim disputed religious sites other than Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. Vishwa Bhadra Pujari Purohit Mahasangh’s plea assumes significance in the case of Kashi and Mathura where two disputed mosques stand.Chairman of Sunni Central Waqf Board, Zufar Farooqui, said, “The Places of Worship Act clearly prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and maintain its religious character as it existed on 15 August, 1947.”“The Supreme Court’s verdict which had cleared the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya where the demolished Babri Masjid once stood has also reiterated the places of worship act,” he added.A museum, hospital and research centre which will also be built inside the complex.PTI

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sunni-waqf-board-seeks-implementation-of-place-of-worship-act-amid-calls-to-reclaim-kashi-mathura/article32962262.ece?homepage=true

 

 

11 Indian Digital Media Publications Come Together to 'Build a Digital News Ecology'

New Delhi: 11 Indian digital news organisations have joined hands to “represent, amplify and evolve best practices to build a robust digital news ecology”. The umbrella group – DIGIPUB News India Foundation – comprises Alt News, Article 14, Boomlive, Cobrapost, HW News, Newsclick, Newslaundry, Scroll.in, News Minute, The Quint and The Wire. The Foundation’s first chairperson is Dhanya Rajendran of the News Minute, vice-chairperson is Prabir Purkayastha of Newsclick and general secretaries are Ritu Kapur of The Quint and Abhinandan Sekhri of Newslaundry.According to a press release published by the group on Tuesday, “DIGIPUB News India Foundation has been created to represent, amplify and evolve best practices to build a robust digital news ecology that is truly world-class, independent and upholds the highest standards of journalism.”“One of the key defining aspects of the Foundation is to underline the fact that pursuits and interests of legacy media may not always be the same as that of digital media – especially in regards to regulation, business models, technology and structures,” it continued.

https://thewire.in/media/digipub-digital-media-publications

 

 

TRP ‘scamster’ says he was paid by Republic TV: Mumbai police

MUMBAI: Mumbai police on Tuesday said in a press release that one of the arrested suspects in the TRP manipulation scam has confessed he has been accepting money from Republic TV and News Nation to distribute among households which were asked to keep certain channels on.The accused, Abhishek Kolwade, who runs a marketing firm named Max Media, was the 10th person arrested in the case. The release said, “The tenth person arrested is a resident of Thane. During the course of the investigation, he has confessed that he has been accepting money from at least two news channels (Republic and News Nation) and used to pay certain households through his associates.” Two of his associates were arrested earlier, the release said. Three other channels — Box Cinema, Fakt Marathi and Maha Movie — are also being probed for inflating viewership figures.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/trp-scamster-says-he-was-paid-by-republic-tv-mumbai-police/articleshow/78903196.cms

 

After Sudarshan TV show on Tanishq ad, PIL before Delhi High Court to prevent news channels from preaching communal disharmony

A petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking directions to the Central Government to ensure that news channels do not preach communal disharmony and hate speech. (Asghar Khan vs UOI). The petition, which is in the form of a public interest litigation, has been preferred by Advocate Asghar Khan. It is the Petitioner's case that the edifice of a stable democratic society is based on the co-existence of communities and any attempt to vilify such co-existence must be viewed with disfavour.The Petitioner informs that the Central Government and other authorities have, from time to time, issued directions and advisories to all private satellite TV channels, asking them to refrain from broadcasting content that may incite violence, threaten national integrity and violate the Programme Code. However, Sudarshan TV has not followed any of such advisories and has come up with broadcasts and printed blogs that target the sentiments of a particular community, the Petitioner states.

https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/pil-delhi-hc-news-channels-communal-disharmony-hate-speech

 

 

 

RTI activist Gokhale moves HC for removal of Rekha Sharma as Chairperson of NCW for promoting anti-Muslim theory love jihad

Activist Saket S Gokhale has filed a civil writ petition before the Bombay High Court praying for directions to Ministry of Women & Child Development to remove Rekha Sharma as its Chairperson for promoting anti-Muslim theory "love jihad".The petition has been filed in the backdrop of a recent tweet by Sharma, whereby she claims to have met with the Governor of Maharashtra to discuss issues related to women safety and rise in love jihad cases.Objecting to the last part of the tweet that refers to "love jihad", Gokhale submitted that Ms. Sharma has engaged in a "blatantly communal and divisive discourse" which casts aspersions on her ability to act in a non-partisan secular manner."The invocation of "rising cases of love jihad" by the Chairperson of Respondent No. 2 when no such cases even exist points to a communal dog whistle policy which is intended to target the Muslim community, vilify inter-faith couples, and create discord in society," he submitted.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/rti-activist-saket-gokhale-moves-bombay-hc-for-removal-of-rekha-sharma-as-chairperson-of-ncw

 

Faridabad murder: Accused a relative of Congress leaders, alleges Anil Vij

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij Wednesday alleged that the youth who killed his former classmate in Ballabhgarh is a relative of Congress leaders and they were responsible for dropping an FIR against him in 2018.Tauseef, 21, was arrested on Tuesday along with his friend for allegedly killing his former classmate Nikita Tomar in broad daylight. Tomar’s family alleged Tauseef had been pressuring her to marry him and had kidnapped her two years ago. The police said an FIR was registered against Tauseef, but was later canceled after Nikita’s father submitted he did not want any further investigation.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ballabhgarh-woman-killed-accused-a-relative-of-congress-leaders-anil-vij-6907115/

 

 

"BJP IT cell gave communal colour to my tweet", Deepika Rajawat in anticipatory bail plea filed before Jammu court

Seeking anticipatory bail before a Jammu court, Advocate Deepika Rajawat has submitted that BJP IT cell gave "communal colour" to her tweet which recently sparked a furore across social media. She has stated that the tweet in question aimed to highlight increasing number of rapes in the country.The application filed by Advocates Alok Bambroo and Jahanzaib A Hamal states that Deepika Rajawat faces an FIR. This, after a "false and frivolous complaint" was filed by one Rakesh Bajrangi, who "extended death threats" to Rajawat.The bail plea states that the "ruling BJP IT Cell gave a communal colour to the tweet" and started an online campaign against her on social media demanding her arrest using #arrestdeepikasinghrajawat.Furthermore, the application states that on October 19 itself, the Bajrang Dal protested outside her residence, and extended death threats. Rajawat claims that they chanted the following slogan:

https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/bjp-it-cell-gave-communal-colour-to-my-tweet-deepika-rajawat

 

Bihar polls: Muslim organisations urge political parties to ‘guarantee citizenship rights for Muslims’

Bihar: In view of the upcoming Bihar elections, 7 Muslim religious and social organizations have issued a public manifesto for the Bihar Assembly Election.These organizations include Bihar units of Jamiat e Ulema e Hind, Jamaat e Islami Hind and Amarat-e-Shariah, Bihar, Edara-e-Shariah (Bihar), Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadees, Muslim Majlis-e-Mashawrat and Majlise Ulema wa Khutab wa Imamiya, Bihar.The public manifesto states that Muslims constitute 17 per cent of the total population of Bihar and in Seemanchal region (which borders with West Bengal), Muslims constitute up to 70 per cent of the population.Though Muslims take a keen interest in Parliamentary and Assembly elections they are still considered backwards, says the manifesto.There were only 24 Muslim candidates out of 243 seats who won in the last Assembly election of 2015.The Muslim organizations said that Muslims are kept engrossed in different issues like encroachment of Qabristan and Masjid’s land.“The ever-recurring communal tension and forced social alienation also make their life miserable,” states the manifesto.Two Circles.net

http://twocircles.net/2020oct27/439629.html

 

Bihar Assembly elections live | 53.54% turnout till 6 pm in Phase I

Patna - The first phase of the Bihar Assembly poll began on Wednesday in 71 seats across 16 districts amid reports of EVMs not working properly at some polling booths in some constituencies. Following this, Election Commission of India said in a statement that replacements have been made to the faulty voting equipments. Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar H.R. Sriniwas said that polling percentage is nearly 7% in two hours of polling. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, polling is taking place for the first time in a State.The first phase of Bihar election has seen a voter turnout of 53.54%, according to data available at 6 p.m. Of the 243 constituencies in the State, a total of 71 Assembly segments went to the polls in the first phase.

https://www.thehindu.com/elections/bihar-assembly/polls-open-in-first-phase-of-bihar-elections/article32959884.ece?homepage=true

 

Bihar elections | In poll rallies, Modi invokes Ram temple construction

PATNA:When polling for 71 seats was on in Bihar on Wednesday, at three public meetings for the second phase of elections on November 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Ram temple construction in Ayodhya and attacked RJD leader and chief minister face of the ‘mahagathbandan’ Tejashwi Yadav by calling him indirectly “jungle raj ka yuvraj [crown prince of of the rule of lawlessness]”.At a public meeting in Darbhanga, Mr. Modi said, “This is the land of maa Janki [mother Sita] and after decades of struggle, Ram temple construction has started in Ayodhya now… those political people who were earlier asking for dates [of temple construction] too are now applauding the construction”, he said. “BJP ki pehchan hai..jo kehte hai, karte hain [BJP is known to fulfil what it says]”.

https://www.thehindu.com/elections/bihar-assembly/bihar-assembly-elections-modi-highlights-construction-of-ram-temple/article32961880.ece?homepage=true

 

Women raise alarm in Gaya, allege being pressurised to vote for BJP

Several women created a ruckus at a booth at Swarajpuri Road in Gaya Urban Assembly constituency.They alleged that some people were pressurising them to vote for BJP. After this, the women got into an argument with the polling workers present at the booth.BJP leader and State Agriculture Minister Dr Prem Kumar is the candidate from Gaya Urban Assembly seat. Akhuri Onkar Nath from Congress is in the fray here.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/women-raise-alarm-in-gaya-allege-being-pressurised-to-vote-for-bjp

 

UP: Five BSP MLAs Withdraw Support for Party's Rajya Sabha Nominee

Lucknow In an apparent U-turn, five of the ten BSP MLAs who had proposed Ramji Gautam as the party candidate for the Rajya Sabha withdrew their support on Wednesday, claiming that their signatures were forged.5 BSP MLAs have given in writing that their signatures on the senior leader’s nomination papers were forged, Vidhan Sabha secretariat’s sources said. The five MLAs are Aslam Raini, Aslam Chaudhary, Mujtaba Siddiqui, Hakim Lal Bind and Hargovind Bhargava.PTI

https://thewire.in/politics/up-five-bsp-mlas-withdraw-support-for-partys-rajya-sabha-nominee

 

Mayawati’s ‘secret deal’ with BJP led to revolt within BSP

BSP supremo Mayawati's ‘secret deal’ with BJP has caused an unprecedented revolt in the party of Dalits, say observers.BSP, which tasted power in UP by stitching an alliance with the SP in 1993 and then with the saffron party in 1995, has faced many defections in the past but an open revolt by 5 MLAs against its official Rajya Sabha nominee of the party signifies that Mayawati’s clutch over the BSP is weakening and she does not command moral authority over her MLAs or leaders and Dalits may drift away from BSP in search of an alternative. Observers believe that seeds of the revolt were sown on the day when Mayawati announced candidates for seven seats in UP, where bypolls are due on November 3, in lieu of a seat in Rajya Sabha.“BSP does not fight bypolls but when Mayawati announced candidates for seven assembly seats in UP, even her own party men were surprised. Power corridors in Lucknow were abuzz about the deal forquite some time…Mayawati announced the candidates in bypolls first and then candidates for the Rajya Sabha were announced. Connect the dots, you will get the picture,” said a Lucknow watcher.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/mayawatis-secret-deal-with-bjp-leads-to-revolt-within-bsp

 

BJP pushed economy from slowdown to lockdown:KTR

TRS working president and IT Minister, K.T. Rama Rao attacked BJP at the centre stating it has successfully brought down the Indian economy from slowdown to lockdown mode.In an informal interaction with reporters here, he said the projected 0% growth rate was entirely due to the BJP’s failure to manage the economy. “For the last eight quarters Indian economy saw the slowdown and this was much before Coronavirus came into the picture. You have hit the growing economy of India with your inability and also let down the people of India,” Mr. KTR said.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/bjp-pushed-economy-from-slowdown-to-lockdown-ktr/article32962916.ece?homepage=true

 

ABVP president, accused of harassing woman, appointed to AIIMS board

Chennai :ABVP national president DR Subbiah Shanmugam has been appointed as a board member of AIIMS project at Thoppur in Madurai, triggering angry responses from the Opposition.In July this year, a 62-year-old woman living alone in the same building as Subbiah had accused him of harassment, including urinating and throwing used surgical masks at her doorstep. The incident reportedly followed a disagreement over parking slots at the housing society. The woman demanded payment for his use of a parking slot owned by her.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/abvp-aiims-harassment-shanmugam-subbaih-rss-balaji-vijayaraghavan-6907012/

 

 

ED arrests Sivasankar soon after Kerala HC rejects his anticipatory bail plea

Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday detained former Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, M Sivasankar, for questioning in connection with the money laundering angle of UAE consulate-linked gold smuggling case. 2 ED officials arrived at the private Ayurveda hospital where Sivasankar was undergoing treatment for chronic back pain and served him a summons for further interrogation at the agency's office in Kochi.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/gold-smuggling-case-suspended-ias-officer-m-sivasankar-taken-into-ed-custody/article32961380.ece?homepage=true

CJM grants bail to Jaleel, Jayarajan

Chief Judicial Magistrate, Thiruvananthapuram, R. Jayakrishnan on Wednesday granted bail to two Ministers alleged to be among the six Left Democratic Front (LDF) legislators responsible for the vandalism in the Legislative Assembly on March 13, 2015.The police had arraigned Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan and Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel as accused in the offence which had occurred when they were in the opposition. LDF legislators had disrupted the Assembly to prevent the then Finance Minister K.M. Mani from delivering his budget speech on the ground that he had accepted a bribe from the Kerala Bar Hotel Association (KBHA) to revoke cancelled liquor permits.Mr. Jayakrishnan ordered the Ministers, who presented themselves in his court, to post ₹ 35,000 each as bail amount.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/cjm-grants-bail-to-jaleel-jayarajan/article32962786.ece?homepage=true

 

Complaining Mistreatment, 76 Foreign Inmates at Delhi’s Detention Centre Go on Hunger Strike

NEW DELHI – 76foreigners lodged at a detention centre in the capital have gone on indefinite hunger strike from Tuesday morning in protest against alleged inhuman conditions in which they are forced to live, says a press release issued by People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).Inmates of the detention centre located in Beggars’ Home, Lampur, Narela, have informed PUCL that the food served to them is not worth eating. They complained that their daily meal consists of boiled vegetables saturated with tasteless water and breads that remain half-cooked. There is no provision for drinking water and inmates are forced to buy the same from outside. There is no cleanliness in spite of the much propagated ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ (Cleanliness Drive) of the government. The lavatories and bathrooms are dirty and repulsive to use and items like toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps, winter shoes etc. are in short supply.Clarion India

https://clarionindia.net/complaining-mistreatment-76-foreign-inmates-at-delhis-detention-centre-go-on-hunger-strike/

 

 

WPI for 5 % quota for Muslims in govt jobs in Maharashtra

Maharashtra unit of the Welfare Party of India has demanded that Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray give 5 per cent reservation to Muslims in government jobs with a view to improving their representation in government departments and uplifting their socio-economic conditions.WPI(Maharashtra) president Sheikh Saleem has written a letter to Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik, drawing his attention towards this issue.India Tomorrow

https://indiatomorrow.net/2020/10/27/wpi-for-5-quota-for-muslims-in-govt-jobs-in-maharashtra/

 

 Post floods, doctors in Hyderabad see spike in waterborne diseases

Water-borne diseases are being reported at medical camps in flood-affected localities in Hyderabad. Doctors at the camps say that fever and skin diseases due to prolonged exposure to water are being reported from among the flood victims. They also say that the threat of COVID-19 cases also looms large among the community.Most medical camps for the flood-affected people are being run by non-profit organisations and volunteer-based doctors’ associations. “Today also we held a camp at Tolichowki Nadeem colony,” says Mohammad Rashaduddin, City president, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Hyderabad. “We are in touch with several doctor groups and are running these camps since the last one week,” he added. r Atif Ismail, a pulmonologist, is working with Doctors Association for Relief and Education (DARE) in association with Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. “The people who have been badly affected by the floods are coming with fever, body pain, general weakness, diarrhoea, abdominal pains. There are chances for fungal infections in the lower limbs because of prolonged exposure to water,” he said, adding that the spread of COVID-19 also poses a threat to the people. “We don't know what will be the consequences, but there is a looming threat.”

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/post-floods-doctors-hyderabad-see-spike-waterborne-diseases-136297

 

1640 Students of Shaheen Qualify NEET-2020, Institution Announces Rs 5 Cr Scholarship for Meritorious Poor Students

New Delhi:In extraordinary performance by any institution in India’s toughest medical entrance examination, 1640 students of Shaheen Group of Institutions have qualified NEET-2020 and more than 400 of them are expected to get free government medical seats.Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday along with his two top rankers – Karthik Reddy who got Karnataka State Rank 1st and All India NEET Rank 9th,  and Arbaaz Ahmed who got Karnataka State Rank 3rd and All India Rank 85th – Shaheen Group’s chairman Dr Abdul Qadeer announced to give scholarships worth Rs 5 crore to meritorious poor students who could not get good rank in NEET and want to reappear in it.Inclusive India

https://www.inclusiveindia.net/education/1640-students-of-shaheen-qualify-neet-2020-institution-announces-rs-5-cr-scholarship-for-meritorious-poor-students/

 

 

*CORONA*

 

India Covid-19 death toll crosses 1.2 lakh, case tally nears 8 million-mark

With coronavirus cases in India nearing the 80-lakh mark, the death toll from the virus reached 1,20,010 on Wednesday.On Wednesday, India's Covid-19 caseload mounted to 79,90,322, with 43,893 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 1,20,010 with 508 new fatalities, the ministry data showed.A total of 508 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours in the country. Of these, nearly 79 per cent are concentrated in 10 states and UTs, it said. However, despite the rising death toll, India has sustained its global position of recording one of the lowest Covid-19 cases as well as deaths per million population.India Today

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-covid-19-death-toll-crosses-1-2-lakh-case-tally-nears-8-million-mark-1735950-2020-10-28

 

 

Schools to remain close in Delhi till further orders: Sisodia

In view of Coronavirus situations in Delhi, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia today announced that the schools will remain close in the national capital. In an online press conference, he said that parents are not in favour of schools reopening. The Delhi government had earlier announced that the schools will remain closed till October 31.He tweeted, “Due to Corona in Delhi, all schools will remain closed till further orders. Currently, online, semi-online studies will continue.” Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal earlier also ruled out reopening of schools in the state.

https://indianexpress.com/article/education/schools-to-remain-close-in-delhi-for-now-sisodia-6906780/

 

 

DGCA extends suspension of scheduled international passenger flights till Nov 30

The suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till November 30 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Wednesday.“However, the international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis,” the Indian aviation regulator said in a circular.The scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic. But special international flights have been operating under Vande Bharat Mission since May and under the bilateral ‘air bubble’ arrangements with selected countries since July.PTI

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dgca-extends-suspension-of-scheduled-international-passenger-flights-till-nov-30-6906966/

 

 

 

Govt gets notice after saying it has no information on Aarogya Setu creator

Central Information Commission (CIC) on Wednesday issued a notice to the government for providing an evasive response to an RTI application related to Aarogya Setu, the contact tracing app that has crores of users' data.The show-cause notices were issued to Central Public Information Officers of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), National Informatics Centre (NIC) and National E-Governance Division (NeGD) after the agencies failed to give information on the process of creating the Aarogya Setu app, files relating to the creation, and audit measures to check for misuse of personal data of users.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/govt-gets-notice-after-saying-it-has-no-information-on-aarogya-setu-creator/article32963829.ece?homepage=true

 

                                                                            *WORLD NEWS*

 

Erdoğan: Macron targets our values, wants to launch crusade against Islam

After all these years they want to relaunch a crusade against Islam, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Wednesday regarding the latest Islamophobic moves in European countries, particularly France."I don’t even need to say anything about these ‘dishonorable’ people who dare to mock our prophet through so-called caricatures," the president said during the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) parliamentary group meeting in Ankara."We are a nation that respects not only our own religion but also the values of other religions as well. It is our values that are being targeted," he added.Erdoğan highlighted that freedom of speech has nothing to do with insulting the Prophet Muhammad. "No matter what they do, we will not give up on defending the rightful cause," he continued.The president emphasized that Europe's latest moves go against the values they claim to purport."European countries do not even feel the need to cover up their hatred toward Islam anymore," he added."France and Europe, in general, do not deserve the vicious, provocative, hateful policies of (French President Emmanuel) Macron and those who follow the same mentality," Erdoğan continued.

https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/eu-affairs/erdogan-macron-targets-our-values-wants-to-launch-crusade-against-islam

Erdogan: It is a matter of honor for us to stand sincerely against the attacks on our prophet

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/vg/video-gallery/erdogan-it-is-a-matter-of-honor-for-us-to-stand-sincerely-against-the-attacks-on-our-prophet/0

 

Turkey condemns Charlie Hebdo over Erdogan cartoon: Live news

The rift between Muslim nations and France is growing after French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier this month that Islam was a religion in “crisis”. Tensions heated further on Wednesday after the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published a new caricature depicting Erdogan. In response the Turkish president has threatened to sue the magazine.Attacks from Turkish officials on French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, which had published a caricature of President Erdogan are “hateful”, French government spokesman Gabriel Attal told reporters at a briefing.The cartoon on the cover of Charlie Hebdo showed Erdogan sitting in a white T-shirt and underpants, holding a canned drink along with a woman wearing an Islamic hijab. Turkish officials described it as a “disgusting effort”.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/28/turkey-condemns-charlie-hebdo-over-erdogan-cartoon-live-news

 

Malaysia strongly condemns French anti-Islam cartoons

Malaysia has strongly condemned the re-publication of caricatures insulting Prophet Muhammad by French magazine Charlie Hebdo.“We strongly condemn any inflammatory rhetoric and provocative acts that seek to defame the religion of Islam as the world has recently witnessed in the form of populist speeches and publication of blasphemous caricatures depicting the Holy Prophet Muhammad,” said Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein in a statement.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/28/turkey-condemns-charlie-hebdo-over-erdogan-cartoon-live-news

 

 

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemns Islamophobic actions in France

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has condemned the Islamophobic actions and statements of the government of France in the past few weeks. The JIH  President Syed Sadatullah Hussaini said, “French President Emmanuel Macron is openly exhibiting Islamophobia. One of the reasons for which is the failure of his government on various fronts. For the last few years, one can observe a fair degree of extremism in the far-right political and non-political groups. It appears as if Macron is resorting to Islamophobia to discredit these organizations. The French economy is not doing well, unemployment is growing, questions are being raised on the high death toll due to the Covid-19 pandemic and corruption has increased. One of his cabinet members is facing allegations of rape. Amidst dwindling political fortunes, Macron is not displaying intellect and maturity. His emotional outbursts, baseless anti-Islamic allegations and Islamophobic statements have hurt Muslims and justice-loving people, all over the world.” Mr. Hussaini said, “We demand that the French government put an end to its anti-Islamic actions. The actions of Charlie Hebdo are crude exploitation of freedom of expression. Islam does not oppose freedom of speech and opinion. However, it should not be denigrating but should be in the form of serious argument and debate. The approach adopted by the French President is extremely abusive and confrontational, which is unacceptable and condemnable in the eyes of all who value civility and courtesy. The French government should objectively evaluate the issue of teacher Samuel Patty, the act by the Chechen student and its aftermath in the context of politics, sociology and psychology. France should not lose its standing in the global arena by becoming emotional and falling prey to political expediency. The government should not create a rift within the French society.” he JIH President added: “Indian Muslims are also deeply hurt by the actions and statements of the French President.” He has also called on the government of India to put pressure on the French government to refrain from Islamophobic behaviours.INDIAN AWAAZ

https://theindianawaaz.com/jamaat-e-islami-hind-condemns-islamophobic-actions-in-france/

 

 

Egypt’s Al-Azharlaunches global platform about Prophet Muhammad

CAIRO: Egypt’s Al-Azhar, the highest seat of Sunni Muslim learning, announced the launch of a multilingual platform about the Prophet Muhammad on Wednesday, amid a global anger over French caricatures lampooning the Prophet.“Al-Azhar launches a global platform to introduce the Prophet of Mercy and Messenger of humanity in many languages to the world,” Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, said at a ceremony marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.“There will also be an international competition about the morals of Prophet Muhammad,” he said, adding that the prophet used to forgive those who did harm to him during his lifetime.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/azhar-launches-global-platform-about-prophet-muhammad/2022368

 

Kuwaitis campaign to replace French goods with Turkish

Kuwaitis have launched a campaign to buy Turkish products instead of French commodities, as part of a protest against French insults against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.Twitter users in Gulf state launched hashtags to encourage customers to replace French goods with Turkish ones. Activists also posted photos of French commodities for customers to boycott.According to social media users, main shops in Kuwait have responded to the boycott campaign and removed French products from the shelves.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/kuwaitis-campaign-to-replace-french-goods-with-turkish/2022426

 

Erdogan files complaint against Dutch far-right politician

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lodged a criminal complaint against Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders over a series of insulting tweets.Wilders shared a cartoon picture of Erdogan wearing a bomb-resembling hat on his head with the caption “terrorist” on Saturday. On Monday, he posted an image of a sinking ship with a Turkish flag on it. “Bye bye @RTErdogan. Kick Turkey out of NATO,” he said under the photo.Erdogan’s lawyer Huseyin Aydin submitted the complaint to Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s office for “insulting the president” – a crime in Turkey punishable by up to four years in prison.“Suspect Wilders, in his content targeting our first [directly] elected [by public] president, used expressions insulting the honour and dignity of our president, and committed the crime publicly by targeting his personality, dignity and reputation,” state-run Anadolu news agency quoted the complaint as saying on Tuesday.aljazeera

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/27/erdogan-filed-complaint-against-dutch-far-right-politician

 

Rouhani: ‘Insulting the Prophet is insulting all Muslims’

 Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has denounced France’s treatment of Islam, adding that Western support for cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad is unethical and insulting to Muslims.In a televised cabinet meeting , the president said freedom must be accompanied by a respect for values and consideration of ethics.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/28/insult-to-all-muslims-irans-rouhani-denounces-western-stance

 

Bangladesh: Thousands protest anti-Islam acts of France

DHAKA: Tens of thousands of Muslims gathered in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Tuesday, with a call to cut diplomatic ties with France and boycott its goods in protest against the acts of republication of caricatures of Prophet Muhammad in France.The rally was held in front of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka where tens of thousands joined.They chanted in the rally calling for "global Muslims unity", "[French President Emmanuel] Macron will pay high price", "Stop Islamophobia", while a group leader supported Turkish President on his remarks, saying: "Macron needs mental treatment".Speakers called on the UN and world community for immediate action to hold peace among religious groups and prevent the French from doing those activities.Islami Andolan Bangladesh, one of the largest Islamic political parties in South Asian country, arranged the event as parts of its series of protests against French government's recent move which the protesters claimed was an Islamophobic act.Chairman of Islamic party Mufti Sayed Faizul Karim addressed the event as the chief guest.Meanwhile, university students outside Dhaka, and another large Islamic party, Bangladesh Jamaat Islami, among others, held rallies including in Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram as well as other parts of the country protesting the hate campaign carried out by France.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/bangladesh-thousands-protest-anti-islam-acts-of-france/2021183

 

Saudi condemns French cartoons abusive to Muslims, but does not support boycott

Saudi Arabia has condemned the French cartoons abusing Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but has not supported the campaign to boycott French products, Reuters reported.Saudi officials said in a statement that the kingdom condemns all acts of terrorism, referring, according to Reuters, to the beheading of French teacher who displayed insulting cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to his students.The statement reads: “Freedom of expression and culture should be a beacon of respect, tolerance and peace that rejects practices and acts which generate hatred, violence and extremism and are contrary to coexistence.”The cartoons have since been displaced on government buildings in apparent solidarity with the teacher. This has led to a global call for Muslims to boycott French companies and products.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201028-saudi-condemns-french-cartoons-abusive-to-muslims-but-does-not-support-boycott/

 

Russian strike on Syria’s Idlib fighters a ‘message’ to Turkey

Russia and Turkey are two sides of the same coin. They are both heavily involved in some of the world’s most significant ongoing conflicts including in Libya, the Caucasus and Syria.They remain at loggerheads, supporting opposing sides with both hoping to expand their military presence and political reach in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.Though both countries are also waging proxy battles, it is rare to see them come head-to-head.But a deadly Russian air strike that took out dozens of Turkish-backed rebel fighters in northwest Syria on Monday has marked a significant escalation.Observers say the attack in the Jabal al-Dweila area, which targeted a military training camp for Failaq al-Sham, one of the largest Turkey-backed armed groups in the area, was a “message” to Ankara.As Turkey’s closest proxy in Idlib province, this “wasn’t a Russian attack on the Syrian opposition as much as it was a direct hit against – and message to – Turkey”, Charles Lister, director of the US-based Middle East Institute, told Al Jazeera.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/27/russian-strike-in-syrias-idlib-a-message-to-ankara

 

Armenia's rocket attack on Azerbaijan's Barda kills at least 21 civilians

Armenian forces on Wednesday hit the city center of Azerbaijan's Barda with missiles, setting multiple shops and vehicles on fire. At least 21 civilians were killed and more than 40 injured in the attack.It would be the deadliest reported attack on civilians since new fighting over the occupied region of Nagorno-Karabakh broke out a month ago.This follows Tuesday's attacks that killed at least four civilians, including a toddler, in an Armenian missile strike on a village in Barda.Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said on Twitter that his country will seek revenge for the Barda attack on the battlefield and added that 13 more villages have been liberated from Armenian occupation.DAILY SABAH

https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/armenias-rocket-attack-on-azerbaijans-barda-kills-at-least-21-civilians/news

 

 

‘Not safe to go back’: Sudanese in Israel fear deportation

Sudanese asylum seekers in Israel are worried they will be kicked out once the normalisation agreement between the two countries is signed, though some hope their presence will be seen as an advantage.Technically at war with Israel for decades, Sudan, last Friday, became the third Arab country this year to announce it is normalising ties with Israel, following the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.While the agreement still needs approval from Sudan’s yet-to-be formed legislative council, it was not welcomed by Sudanese political parties.Sudan’s former Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi slammed the announcement, also opposed by the Sudanese Baath Party and the Popular Congress Party which said the country’s transitional government is not elected and therefore not authorised to normalise relations with Israel.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/28/sudenese-in-israel-fear-deportation-after-normalisation

 

Israel: bill to revoke Arab prisoners’ citizenship if they receive PA aid

Members of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, have proposed a bill which would revoke Israeli citizenship for Arab prisoners who receive financial aid from the Palestinian Authority, Anadolu Agency has reported. While Palestinian Arabs who live in Israel have citizenship of the state, those who live in occupied Jerusalem, claimed by Israel as its capital, are provided with residence permits.Eighteen members of the Knesset signed the bill, representing the Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu, Shas, Yesh Atid and Blue and White parties. The bill was initiated by Likud’s Avi Dichter MK.If passed into law, this would empower the Israeli interior minister to revoke the citizenship or cancel the residence permit of any Arab Israeli prisoner held on security-related charges if they agree to receive financial aid from the PA, whether directly or indirectly. The PA provides prisoners and their families with monthly stipends.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201028-israel-bill-to-revoke-arab-prisoners-citizenship-if-they-receive-pa-aid/

 

 

US, Israel extends scientific cooperation deals to West Bank, Golan Heights

Israel and US today signed an agreement that extended scientific cooperation to the occupied Palestinian West Bank and occupied Syrian Golan Heights, Israeli media and news agencies reported.The agreement removed all the previous geographic restrictions related to scientific cooperation, the Times of Israel reported, noting that some view the move as the first step toward American recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank.According to the Israeli daily, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman signed the protocol that amended three 1970s agreements on scientific cooperation.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201028-us-israel-extends-scientific-cooperation-deals-to-west-bank-golan-heights/

 

 

Netanyahu prays for pro-Israel Saudi blogger with Covid-19

A pro-Israel Saudi blogger and his father have been infected with Covid-19, prompting a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that he will pray for him.Mohammed Al-Saud rose to prominence on social media last year when footage of him being kicked out of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Palestinian worshippers went viral. He announced on Twitter yesterday that he and his father have the coronavirus.“Tough days,” wrote Al-Saud in English and Hebrew. “My dad is in critical condition from cancer and corona together, I am now infected with corona and am at home, depressing.”

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201028-netanyahu-prays-for-pro-israel-saudi-blogger-with-covid-19/

 

 

US: Arab Peace Initiative is no longer necessary

US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft told the UN Security Council on Monday that Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 “is no longer needed”, Al-Watan Voice reported.Kraft said: “[US President Donald] Trump’s experience has led to peace, our vision is possible, and we have done a lot of work to present the peace plan and it is full of details.”She added: “The Arab initiative of 2002 is no longer needed. The deal of the century opened new horizons for the Palestinians.”“We encourage our regional partners and the members of this body to thoughtfully consider the United States Vision for Peace and to play a constructive role in encouraging direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians on its basis.”

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201028-us-arab-peace-initiative-is-no-longer-necessary/

Saudi plans to abolish kafala system

Saudi Arabia is considering plans to cancel the much derided foreign worker sponsorship system, known as kafala and replace it with a new form of contract between employers and employees.More than ten million foreign workers are said to be living in Saudi Arabia under the decade old kafala system, which rights groups say leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation. Kafala requires them to be sponsored by a Saudi employer and be issued an exit/re-entry visa whenever they want to leave the country.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201028-saudi-plans-to-abolish-kafala-system/

 

 

 

*OPINIONS-EDITORIALS*

 

Who Will Muslim Americans Vote for in the US Elections?Mehmet Ozalp

https://www.thequint.com/news/world/muslim-american-votes-us-election-2020-biden-trump

 

BECA — and importance of 3 foundational pacts of India-US military cooperation:Shubhajit Roy

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/beca-india-us-trade-agreements-rajnath-singh-mike-pompeo-6906637/

 

indian express Explained: Muslim-Hindu demography of J&K; what Census numbers show:ZEESHAN SHAIKH

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/jammu-and-kashmir-muslim-hindu-demography-census-6906950/

 

Group of covid patients in Delhi transcend climate of hatred, hostility:Maseeh Rahman

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus-secularism-mulsims-india-my-covid-19-family-6906101/

 

indian express Explained: Why BJP is cashing in on the Manusmriti controversy in Tamil Nadu?Arun Janardhanan

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/thirumavalavan-tamil-nadu-bjp-manusmriti-controversy-6907121/

 

Emmanuel Macron’s remarks on Islam have put France’s global reputation at stake:PANKAJ MISHRA

https://theprint.in/opinion/emmanuel-macrons-remarks-on-islam-have-put-frances-global-reputation-at-stake/532423/

 

Why I am not excited about Bihar election: Yogendra Yadav:YOGENDRA YADAV

https://theprint.in/opinion/why-i-am-not-excited-about-bihar-election-yogendra-yadav/532384/

 

ANALYSIS - France in midst of hysteria: From Islamophobia to social hostility:Orkun Elmacigil 

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/analysis/analysis-france-in-midst-of-hysteria-from-islamophobia-to-social-hostility/2022298

 

Modi Govt’s New Land Policy for J&K Overturns 7 Decades of Land Reform:Shakir Mir

https://thewire.in/government/jammu-and-kashmir-land-policy-reform

 

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