*03 NOV. PRIME TIME NEWS*

 

*INDIA-NEWS*

 

‘Karnataka to bring law banning religious conversions for marriage’: Minister CT Ravi

Days after BJP-ruled states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana announced their intention of bringing a legislation to deal with cases of “love jihad”, Karnataka Tourism Minister and BJP national general secretary CT Ravi on Tuesday said a law banning religious conversions for the sake of marriage would be enacted in the state. Ravi said the govt would not remain silent when “jihadis strip the dignity of women” in the state. “On the lines of Allahabad High Court’s order, Karnataka will enact a law banning religious conversions for the sake of marriage. We will not remain silent when Jihadis strip the dignity of our sisters,” Ravi tweeted. He said any one involved in any act of conversion would face severe and swift punishment.The statement comes days after Allahabad High Court held that conversion of religion for the purpose of marriage was illegal. The court made the remark while dismissing a plea by a newly married couple in Uttar Pradesh that had approached it to direct police and the woman’s father not to disturb their marital life.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/karnataka-to-enact-law-banning-religious-conversions-for-marriage-says-minister-6923558/

 

After UP, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh mulls law against interfaith marriages

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that a law would be enacted to curb interfaith marriages, if required.The CM made the remark on the eve of MP assembly bypolls in reply to questions from media persons on Monday evening.Chouhan said, “There will be no jihad in the name of love. If anyone indulges in such a practice, he will be taught a lesson and for this a law will be enacted.” BJP-ruled UP and Haryana are also considering to introduce a law against interfaith marriages.In reply to another question on a protest organised in Bhopal last Thursday against French President Emmanuel Macron on the latter’s stand on a raging cartoon row the CM said, “No demonstration will be allowed in MP without permission. A demonstration was held without permission following which action was taken. Nobody will be allowed to disturb peace in the state.” Hindustan Times

https://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/after-up-haryana-madhya-pradesh-also-mulls-law-against-love-jihad/story-KSMaSZTbgCDglZGX5YqDRO.html

 

Hathras case: Allahabad HC expresses concern over no action being taken against DM Pravin Kumar

Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Monday reserved its order in the Hathras case, while expressing concern over the Uttar Pradesh government not taking any action against District Magistrate Pravin Kumar for fairness of the probe, legal news website LiveLaw.in has reported.The state government, however, assured the court of a decision in this regard by November 25, the next date of hearing in the case.A bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Rajan Roy was hearing a PIL which the court had earlier registered suo motu in the case.The bench also directed the CBI, which is probing the case, to lay before it the status of investigation in the matter on the next date of hearing.A 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped by four upper-caste men in Hathras on Sept.14. She died on September 29 at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital during treatment.DM Pravin Kumar came under attack after the cremation of the victim in the dead of the night near her home on September 30, with her family members alleging that they were not allowed to bring the body home one last time.During the in-camera proceedings, the bench asked the state government as to what decision was taken regarding Kumar's action in the case.At this, the government defended DM, saying he did not do any wrong. SP too was suspended owing to lack of proper handling of the probe in the alleged gang-rape case and not in (cremation issue), the government counsel said.The bench noted that it had asked the state if it was right to retain Kumar in Hathras for maintaining impartiality and transparency, adding that the state had assured the court to do the needful in the matter.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/hathras-case-allahabad-hc-expresses-concern-over-no-action-being-taken-against-dm-pravin-kumar

 

Kerala Public Service Commission to provide 10% job quota for economically weaker sections

Public Service Commission has decided to provide a 10% reservation in government jobs for the economically weaker sections in the general category for all job notifications active on Oct.23, The Hindu reported. The Cabinet approved the proposal for the quota on Oct.23.The last date for applications for the jobs has been extended to November 14, from the previous deadline of November 4.In Jan.2019, Centre had decided to provide the 10% reservation based on the 103rd Amendment of the Constitution, without affecting 50% reservation being provided to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward communities.Applicants from families with an annual income under Rs 4 lakh will be eligible for this reservation.The move came amid political opposition ahead of the Assembly elections in the state in 2021. Indian Union Muslim League, the Welfare Party of India and the Social Democratic Party of India and the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana had voiced their objections against the reservation, according to The Hindu.Congress and the Nair Service Society have also claimed that there are flaws in the implementation of the system.

https://scroll.in/latest/977553/kerala-public-service-commission-to-provide-10-job-quota-for-economically-weaker-sections

 

 

Delhi HC sets aside bail to Rajdhani school owner Faisal Farooq  in riots case

New Delhi:Allowing a petition of Delhi Police against the grant of bail to Rajdhani Public School owner Faisal Farooq in a Delhi riots case, Delhi High Court Monday said the entire country is “aggrieved” by the “action of such offenders”, who “tarnish the basic secular fabric of the nation”, and observed that they need to be punished severely. “Personal liberty of an individual, though precious, is of little value if the larger interest of the people and nation are at stake,” said Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, while setting aside the trial court order by which Farooq was granted bail. Though Farooq was granted bail by the lower court on June 20, the same was stayed by the HC on June 22 in a petition filed by Delhi Police against it. When the stay order was vacated by the HC on July 2, Farooq’s release was again stayed by the Supreme Court. He continues to remain in judicial custody since March 9. Farooq argued he was not at the school at the time of violence and left an hour before 3 pm — the violence is said to have taken place much after that. He had called six times to police for help and made complaints about the damage caused to his school, as per his counsel.On perusal of the record, Justice Kait in the order said there is “evidence” the “rioters entered the school” on Feb.24 in the afternoon and continued “unabated” till Feb.25.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-hc-sets-aside-bail-to-rajdhani-school-owner-in-ne-riots-case-6915575/

 

Delhi Police to seek funds to distribute hard copy of 17,000-page riots charge sheet to 15 accused

Delhi Police has told a local court that it will have to get funds sanctioned from the Delhi government to supply the hard copies of 17,000-page charge sheet to the 15 accused in the Delhi riots conspiracy case. The police submission came after the court ordered the investigating agency to supply the hard copy of the charge sheet to all accused. Additional sessions judge Amitabh Rawat said once the charge sheet has been filed by the investigating agency, as voluminous as it is, then with some alacrity, a hard copy has to be provided to every accused. It said that the agency might require sanction of funds for the purpose, however, they were supposed to act promptly.“In these circumstances, the court directs that the investigating agency shall provide the physical copy of the charge sheet and the accompanying documents to every accused person by next date, without fail. On the next date of hearing, DCP, Special Cell, shall also be present in the court,” the judge said in its order dated October 21.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/police-to-seek-funds-to-distribute-hard-copy-of-17-000-page-riots-charge-sheet-to-15-accused/story-HByM0aDCtBPLDbf4liOgMI.html

 

Delhi Riots: Probe Panel of Ex Judges, Senior IAS-IPS Officers Issues Call for Information

New Delhi: Citizens Committee on the Delhi Riots, an independent probe panel set up by the Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG), has asked all those who have information and material to reach out to the members, in confidence.The CCG is a collective of former civil servants who worked with the Central government as well as different state governments. The Delhi riots probe panels comprises former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur, former Chief Justice of the Madras and Delhi high courts and former chairman, Law Commission Justice A.P. Shah, former judge of the Delhi high court Justice R.S. Sodhi, former judge of the Patna high court Justice Anjana Prakash, former Union home secretary G.K. Pillai, and former director-general of Bureau of Police Research and Development Meeran Chadha Borwankar. In a public notice, members have asked all those “who have information and material pertaining to Delhi riots to send such information and material, in as much detail as possible, to the Committee. Based on a perusal of this information, the Committee may invite persons for further interactions, keeping their identity confidential.” Submissions are to be made here.

https://thewire.in/rights/delhi-riots-probe-panel-of-ex-judges-senior-ias-ips-issues-call-for-information

 

Delhi Riots a Ploy to Push Back Muslims In All Ways, Says Jamiat Chief Arshad Madani

NEW DELHI: Maulana Arshad Madani, President, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, has described the riots in the northeast Delhi as a ploy to push back Muslims economically, educationally, socially and politically.While handing over a renovated mosque and 45 rebuilt houses damaged during the violence on Monday, he said that the riots were horrific and planned, and the role of the police and the administration in it had been dubious as proved by several videos that had gone viral.“That is why the number of people from the minority community among the victims is much higher than we estimated. The loss of life and property was one-sided, but the way religious places of worship were targeted and houses were burnt is enough to show that the riots did not happen suddenly but It was pre-planned,” the Maulana said.The Allahwali Mosque in Karaval Nagar, which was set ablaze by miscreants who had also hung a saffron flag on its minaret, was renovated and repaired by Jamiat and was thrown open for the faithfuls on Monday. Madani also handed over 45 repaired and rebuilt houses to their owners. Earlier, 55 houses and two mosques—where regular congregational prayers have already started–were rebuilt and handed over to the riot victims. Clarion India

https://clarionindia.net/delhi-riots-a-ploy-to-push-back-muslims-in-all-ways-says-jamiat-chief-arshad-madani/

 

 

Months After Delhi Riots, Many Victims Still Have Memories of Collective Horror

“Should we remake our broken homes now, pay higher rent or manage to get food? Either one would be dead doing all this, or be dead from another mob attack,” says a sobbing Pari, sitting on the debris of her broken home that was burnt down by a violent mob on Feb.24. Pari’s is one of the many families who lost their homes in the targeted violence against Muslim households across the narrow lanes of Shiv Vihar, Bhajanpura, Jaffarabad and other parts of Delhi. 8 months since the violence wreaked havoc on their lives and destroyed their means of subsistence, we spoke to members of grieving families who returned to their homes after escaping. Stories of women like Pari, Rukhsar, Haya and the condition of their families continue to reflect a sense of utter helplessness, and a life that is marked by a constant state of fear and communal tension. Many people we spoke to still don’t understand what happened or triggered the violence. Asiff, a man in his 50s who lives with his only daughter in Shiv Vihar, says:“I have been living here for more than 35 years and I have never seen anything like this before. There was communal harmony between Hindu-Muslim households always and there was never any animosity between the neighbours too, irrespective of their caste or religion.”Breaking down while speaking, Asiff adds, “Within no time, our entire area was engulfed in a thick fire and dense black smoke that made it impossible for anyone to breathe…The smoke stayed in the air for weeks after the violence ended.

https://thewire.in/rights/delhi-violence-riots-muslim-victims-horror-memories

 

Govt defence of land laws a bundle of lies: JK partlies' Gupkar alliance

SRINAGAR: People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of around 6 parties in Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday disputed the defence of the administration on the newly introduced land laws and described it as “a bundle of lies” and “an attempt to change demography”.“PAGD rejects the statement of the official spokesman [of November 2] as a bizarre attempt to distort facts, weave lies and mislead people”, a spokesman of the Gupkar alliance said in a statement.Disputing the remarks made by government spokesman Rohit Kansal that the previous laws were “archaic and regressive”, the alliance spokesman said the land laws regime of Jammu and Kashmir was “most progressive, pro-people and pro-former in the entire Indian subcontinent”.“The real object to repeal the basic land laws and to make massive amendments to the other laws is to push in and implement the agenda of effecting demographic change and disempowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir”. The previous laws ended the exploitative practice of “absentee landlordism”, he stated.“Whosoever calls it archaic would be guilty of ignorance of the history of J&K. It is because of the timely land reforms that there are no starvation deaths in J&K and no farmer suicides”, he asserted. Describing the new laws as undemocratic, unconstitutional and backward looking, he said, “The recently introduced land laws ‘now allows’ the land to be transferred to non-state subjects, denuding the residents of J&K of their most precious rights”.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-defence-of-land-laws-a-bundle-of-lies-gupkar-alliance/article33011372.ece?homepage=true

 

Our Present Battle is for Restoration of Jammu & Kashmir's Special Status: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said she would go to any extent to safeguard the future of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir by striving for the restoration of the erstwhile state's special status. "We have lived our lives…. Now we have to think about the youth and their children. We can go to any extent to safeguard the future of our youth," Mehbooba told reporters after a convention organised by the PDP's youth wing here.

https://www.news18.com/news/india/our-present-battle-is-for-restoration-of-jammu-kashmirs-special-status-mehbooba-mufti-3038450.html

 

Afraid of being dispossessed, Kashmiris question Centre's motives on new land laws, say can't trust the govt

On 30 October, Kashmir Valley observed a shutdown against the recently introduced land laws, which make every Indian eligible to buy land in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.Shops and business establishments were shut while public transport remained off the roads. The separatists, who had called for the shutdown, urged people “to show their resentment towards the new (land) laws". This was the first time that a widespread shutdown was observed in Kashmir on the call of separatist leaders after August 2019, when the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its special status (Article 370), divided into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and placed under communication blackout for months along with restrictions on the movement of people across the region.Most of the mainstream parties in Kashmir, who opposed the Centre's August 2019 decision and whose leaders were put under detention for months, have now come together under a single banner called the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration. Leaders of these parties too have opposed these new land laws.Like the politicians, ordinary Kashmiris, who are, in fact, yet to understand the new land laws in detail, are threatened. The reaction on the streets of Kashmir is that these laws will dispossess locals of their land and property.25-year-old Musaib Ahmad, who started a manufacturing unit of modular kitchens in 2018 at Lassipora Pulwama in southern Kashmir after taking financial help from his parents, fears that the new land laws would put small businesses like his at risk.

https://www.firstpost.com/india/afraid-of-being-dispossessed-kashmiris-question-centres-motives-on-new-land-laws-say-cant-trust-the-govt-8978851.html

 

There are some who want to block deepening of democracy in J&K, it will not be allowed to happen:Lieutenant-Governor

Three months into his appointment, Lieutenant-Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha says political parties are free to engage in political activity. Sinha speaks about the land amendments in J&K, the Gupkar declaration and the Shopian encounter. Sinha said, "The polls will be notified in a day or 2 and some forces want to disrupt these processes. We are trying to ensure security for all. The situation is pretty much under control. There are some who want to block deepening of democracy, it will not be allowed to happen." He added,"If some people want to misguide people, they can say what they want. The truth is that 90% of land in J&K is agricultural and no one from outside can buy it. The amendments did away with some older laws, some [that were] mutually contradictory, that had become redundant. For example, in an earlier law, a ceiling of 182 kanals had been fixed for private holding, after that it was amended to 100 kanals, [and] in 1976, these two provisions existed together. Secondly, there was an unfortunate law that required government’s permission to plant orchards and harvest the fruit, now we have freed that. These were old agrarian laws, and to make a shift to a modern economy, we made some changes. We have selected 6,000 acres of land for an industrial park and other industry will also be facilitated. We want private enterprise and industry for creating more jobs for the youth in J&K. We are expecting at least ₹25,000-30,000 crore worth of investment after our new industrial policy is cleared by the Union Cabinet. The false propaganda being spread about these amendments need to be seen in the context of the J&K High Court order in the Roshni Act case where, out of 3,48,000 kanal land, 3,40,000 kanal land was given away for free in questionable circumstances. The honourable High Court said that the government was only a trustee of the land and had no rights to give such land away for free. I am telling you with great responsibility that these amendments are on the lines of the laws in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in terms of protection of land and rights of the local population."

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/there-are-some-who-want-to-block-deepening-of-democracy-in-jk-it-will-not-be-allowed-to-happen-says-manoj-sinha/article33014597.ece?homepage=true

 

 

Pakistan security division says Imran’s Gilgit-Baltistan move could hurt ‘Kashmir movement’

New Delhi: An agency within the Pakistan government has warned that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision, granting provisional provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), could be used to accuse the country of “abandoning Kashmir”, which will also adversely affect the “Kashmir freedom movement”.An internal assessment conducted by the National Security Division (NSD), which works under the Pakistan PMO, also says that India could use the announcement to justify its actions of 5 August 2019, when it stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.  The assessment has been accessed by ThePrint through sources in the Indian security establishment. NSD assessment also says that the Imran Khan government would face resistance from the political leadership in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, especially in the run-up to the PoK Legislative Assembly election scheduled in 2021 and can lead to a wedge between G-B and PoK.

https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-security-division-says-imrans-gilgit-baltistan-move-could-hurt-kashmir-movement/535830/

 

In Germany, foreign secy raises LAC stand-off, terrorism

With an eye on China and Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Monday talked to his German interlocutors about the multiple challenges India is facing due to the pandemic, “tensions on our northern border” and the “ever-present menace of terrorism on our western border”, sources said on Monday. Shringla, who is on a visit to Germany as part of his Europe tour, discussed the standoff along India-China LAC, it is learnt. In Berlin, he met German Federal Foreign Office’s minister of state Niels Annen on Monday and Jan Hecker, the Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-germany-foreign-secy-raises-lac-stand-off-terrorism-6915550/

 

UK daily says China annexed over 150 hectares of Nepal’s territory; Beijing dismisses it as ‘rumour’

China has annexed over 150 hectares of Nepal’s territory, according to a leading British daily whose report was rejected by Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday as a “completely unfounded rumour.”Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin’s remarks came after The Telegraph quoting Nepalese politicians reported that China has annexed more than 150 hectares of land in five areas near the border, including by diverting the flow of a river to claim the previously submerged land. Reacting to the news report, Wang said: “I want to point out that the report is a completely unfounded rumour.”Pressed further to provide evidence to back his denial, Wang said, “as this is a rumour, those who have compiled this report should come up with their evidence first”.PTI

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/uk-daily-says-china-annexed-over-150-hectares-of-nepals-territory-beijing-dismisses-it-as-rumour-6926029/

 

 

China shops for graphene clothes for PLA soldiers at Ladakh border, flaunts it

China has shortlisted nearly two dozen private companies to supply advanced unmanned weaponry and graphene clothing to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) regiments deployed along the long high-altitude border areas with India, state media reports said.PLA’s wish list includes “smart warm clothing made of graphene”, a revolutionary form of carbon, the discovery of which led physicists Andra Geim and Konstantine Novoselov to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010.Chinese armed forces are also looking for advanced logistics support equipment like portable solar chargers, portable oxygenators and a multifunctional dining vehicle.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/chinese-military-to-buy-graphene-clothing-chopper-drones-from-pvt-cos-for-india-border/story-Ddrzp2oFawwBxIwrMsFjoJ.html

 

 

India, US, Japan And Australia Start Naval War Games In Bay Of Bengal

New Delhi: US embassy in India today tweeted to announce the beginning of the four-nation naval war games "Malabar 2020" in the Bay of Bengal as its "commitment to stronger defence cooperation in the Indo Pacific".India, the US, Japan and Australia began their largest joint naval exercises in over a decade today, seen as part of efforts to balance China's military and economic reach in the region. The annual "Malabar" wargames that India holds with the US and Japan have been expanded to include Australia this year to cover all members of the Quad, an informal group of the four largest democracies in the Indo-Pacific.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/malabar-2020-navies-of-india-us-japan-and-australia-start-war-games-in-bay-of-bengal-2320011?pfrom=home-topstories

 

 

Bengal: NIA arrests madrassa teacher for Qaeda links

NEW DELHI: NIA on Sunday arrested a madrasa teacher from Murshidabad who was allegedly part of an al-Qaeda module based in West Bengal and Kerala. Abdul Momin Mondal, aged 32 years and a resident of village Nazrana in Murshidabad, was arrested as part of NIA probe into the al-Qaeda case. The case, in which 11 accused have been arrested so far from Kerala and West Bengal. NIA on Monday said its investigation had revealed that accused Abdul Momin Mondal was working as a teacher in Raipur Darur Huda Islamia Madrassa in Murshidabad.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bengal-nia-arrests-madrassa-teacher-for-qaeda-links-terror-plot/articleshow/79005109.cms

 

Bihar Election: Over 53% voter turnout till 6 pm

Over 53 per cent of the total 2.85 crore electors in 94 constituencies of Bihar exercised their franchise till 5 pm in the second phase of voting on Tuesday, according to Election Commission data. The estimated overall turnout at 6 PM is 53.51 per cent (provisional), the poll panel data said. Prominent personalities including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi, Tejashwi Yadav, and LJP president Chirag Paswan cast their votes in their respective polling booths in the morning.  Polling began at 7 am, but the time for its conclusion has been extended by one hour till 6 pm to facilitate COVID-19 patients and those with symptoms of the disease to exercise their franchise during the final hour. The process, however, concluded early in Maoist-hit areas.A voter turnout of 55.69% was recorded in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls held on October 28.

 https://indianexpress.com/elections/bihar-election-second-phase-voting-live-updates-6914590/

 

 

Punish Leaders Who Forbid 'Bharat Mata' Chants, PM Modi Asks Bihar; But Ally Nitish Faces Onion Attack

Hitting out at his political rivals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that they do not want to hear slogans hailing Mother India and Lord Ram. He warned the people of Bihar to be wary of them.“Those who have tied up with the Jungle Raj people, you know what they want,” Modi asked the crowd in a rally he addressed in Bihar’s Saharsa. “They do not want you to chant Bharat Mata ki jai. There are such people who develop fever every time they hear this slogan,” Modi said.He added that such people “do not also want that you chant Jai Shri Ram slogans. There is a group which forbids the chanting of this slogan. The other develops headache on hearing such slogans. If such people have problem with Mother India, then the people of Bihar have problem with them,” Modi said.The Prime Minister said that “such people” needed to be taught a lesson which could happen when people of Bihar voted and defeated “such people” with record margins. NDA’s other tall leader, CM Nitish Kumar, also held multiple rallies in Bihar on Tuesday where he also asked his supporters to ensure that NDA’s candidates win with record numbers. In a rally he addressed in Harlakhi, onions were thrown at Nitish Kumar while he was talking about his plans to create jobs versus those of RJD. Unfazed, Nitish Kumar said that his government had provided over 6 lakh jobs as opposed to 95,000 jobs that were provided during 15 years of Lalu Rabri rule. He said that “some people who do not even know the alphabet are talking about providing government jobs…Whereas we are talking about providing jobs by opening up industries and introducing the latest technology.”

https://www.news18.com/news/politics/teach-lesson-to-leaders-who-forbid-bharat-mata-chants-pm-modi-asks-bihar-but-ally-nitish-faces-onion-attack-3038360.html

 

Youths Know PM Modi Nitish Looted Bihar, Have Made up Their Minds for Change: Rahul Gandhi

Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged they have "looted" Bihar, and claimed that people have decided to vote them out of power. Addressing a poll rally here, the former Congress president criticised NDA government over demonetisation, migrant crisis, GST, handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the three new farm laws.He said neither Modi nor Kumar did anything to help migrant labourers when they were walking thousands of kilometres to return homes during the coronavirus lockdown. "The Congress had arranged buses for the movement of migrant workers. We are not in power so we could not do it for millions, but we helped as many people as we could," he said.

https://www.news18.com/news/politics/youths-know-pm-modi-nitish-kumar-looted-bihar-have-made-up-their-minds-for-change-rahul-gandhi-3038093.html

 

Horse trading: ‘Amit Shah paid 10 crores’ accepts Congress turncoat on camera, Congress demands probe:nationalheraldindia

Ahead of crucial Gujarat by-polls for 8 seats on Nov 3, former Congress MLA Soma Bhai Patel was caught on camera accepting that union home minister Amit Shah paid him nearly 10 crores to switch sides.Patel had quit the Congress ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls held early this year.Gujarat Congress chief Amit Chavad released a video on Sunday in which Patel can be seen saying that Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani and Gujarat BJP president CR Patil are trying to strike a deal with the leaders from the opposition camp.In the video, which BJP alleged was fabricated, Patel can be heard saying that not only him, but other leaders were also given around rupees 10 crores each.Chavda claimed the ruling BJP was indulging in horse-trading by using money collected through corrupt means.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/horse-trading-amit-shah-paid-10-crores-accepts-congress-turncoat-on-camera-congress-demands-probe

 

Would rather retire than join hands with ‘communal’ BJP, clarifies Mayawati

BSP supremo Mayawati has said that her party BSP would never enter into an alliance with the BJP for elections and she would rather prefer to retire from politics as ideologies of the 2 parties are "opposite". Mayawati also referred to BJP as “communal and casteist”.Mayawati’s clarification comes amid speculation over her statement last week in which she had said BSP would vote for the BJP or any other party's candidate to defeat of Samajwadi Party contenders in future elections.Mayawati has now said that Samajwadi Party and Congress were misusing her recent statements so that the Muslim community distances itself from BSP."The alliance of BJP with BSP is not possible in any polls in the future. BSP cannot contest with the communal party," she said in a media briefing."Our ideology is of 'sarvajan sarva dharma hitay' (benefit of everyone and all religions)' and is opposite to the BJP's ideology," she said. "BSP cannot enter into an alliance with those having communal, casteist and capitalist ideology."

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mayawati-on-bsp-alliance-with-bjp-1737263-2020-11-02

 

Bye-polls: MP records 56.79% turnout till 3 pm; voting under way for 54 seats across 10 states

Voting for bye-elections in 54 Assembly constituencies across 10 states has been on since Tuesday morning. Polling is being held for 28 seats in Madhya Pradesh, eight in Gujarat, seven in Uttar Pradesh, two each in Odisha, Nagaland, Karnataka and Jharkhand; and one seat each in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Haryana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens of all states to cast their ballot in large numbers and “strengthen the festival of democracy”.A voter turnout of 56.79% was recorded in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm, according to the Election Commission of India. Chattisgarh clocked a turnout of 59.05%, while in Gujarat the figure was 47.98%. Jharkhand registered a voter percentage of 57.55, Karnataka of 41.86% and Odisha 55.04%.In Nagaland, an 81.93% turnout was recorded till 3 pm. Uttar Pradesh and Telangana registered a voter turnout of 41.05% and 71.10%, respectively. A 46.23% turnout was recorded in Haryana.

https://scroll.in/latest/977519/bye-polls-voting-begins-for-54-seats-across-10-states-in-mp-kamal-nath-scindia-in-fray

 

 

NDA closer to majority in Rajya Sabha as BJP gets stronger, Congress at its weakest

 Rajya Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have propelled the BJP to a position of strength in the upper house of Parliament. BJP-led NDA is just shy of majority in the Rajya Sabha. On the other hand, the Congress has reached its lowest strength in the Rajya Sabha.Eleven seats in Uttar Pradesh and one in Uttarakhand went to the polls. All 12 nominees were elected unopposed. With this the BJP has got 92 MPs in the Rajya Sabha -- a gain of 6.  Congress, on the other hand, has reached its lowest number (38) in the Rajya Sabha, the house it dominated for decades in the past. This means the NDA government will have fewer problems -- unlike seen recently over the three farm bills -- in the Rajya Sabha in getting a bill passed.NDA constituent AIADMK has nine MPs while the JDU has five seats in the Rajya Sabha. Other NDA constituents -- RPI-Athawale, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Mizo National Front (MNF), National People's Party (NPP), Naga People's Front (NPF), Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) -- have seven MPs in the upper house.

https://www.indiatoday.in/news-analysis/story/nda-closer-to-majority-in-rajya-sabha-as-bjp-gets-stronger-congress-at-its-weakest-1737588-2020-11-03

 

 

Ahead of US election results, Hindu Sena offers prayers in Delhi to ensure victory for Donald Trump

With few hours left for US election results to come out and with Donald Trump’s fate hanging in the balance, his supporters in Delhi offered special prayers to ensure victory for Trump.Workers and supporters of fringe outfit Hindu Sena carried out special prayers at a temple in Delhi on Tuesday. Prayers were conducted at a temple in East Delhi in the presence of a priest. A 30-minute special prayer with Hindu rituals was performed by the Hindu Sena in which they sought blessings for Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election in the US presidential elections.Chanting of special mantras and a havan was seen at the special pooja ceremony in Delhi. The priest who performed the ceremony, Ved Shastri, told India Today TV that Donald Trump has been vocal against Islamic radicals and it is time for the world to support him in the US presidential elections.Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta told India Today TV, "Even for his last election we sought blessings for his victory. indiatoday

https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/hindu-sena-prayers-pooja-in-delhi-for-trump-victory-1737620-2020-11-03

 

 

Activist Faisal Khan Arrested For Offering 'Namaz' In Mathura Temple for communal harmony, sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody

Mathura (UP): Faisal Khan, one of the 4 persons who allegedly offered 'Namaz' inside the Nanda Bhavan Temple complex in Mathura, was on Tuesday sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court.Khan, who was arrested from Delhi yesterday, was later handed over to Uttar Pradesh Police for questioning in the matter.UP Police had on Sunday registered an FIR against four persons -- Faisal Khan, Chand Mohammad, Alok Ratan, and Nilesh Gupta -- at Barsana Police Station for allegedly offering 'namaz' in the Mathura temple.According to the FIR, while two of them offered 'namaz' in the courtyard of the temple on October 29, the other two recorded the incident, and the video was posted on social media.FIR was registered on the complaint filed by Nandbaba temple priest Kanha Goswami under several sections of IPC including charges of promoting enmity, injuring or defiling a place of worship and public mischief among others. Khan, who was arrested from Delhi’s Jamia Nagar area, is the national convenor of Khudai Khidmatgar, founded by freedom fighter Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan – popularly known as Frontier Gandhi.A priest at the temple, Kanha Goswami, filed the complaint against Khan. He said that Khan met him after offering namaz. “When I reacted against his action, he also offered prayers before the Hindu gods and recited aloud many couplets from the Ramayan and other Hindu scriptures,” he told The Telegraph. “I didn’t like them making viral videos of the namaz. Had they also posted the videos of their prayers before the Hindu gods, I wouldn’t have registered a complaint.”Goswami said that the four told him they were on a tour, and wanted to perform parikarma (circumambulation) of the temple. The temple will be “purified” after the incident, said a priest.“We strongly oppose all the allegations which are put on Faisal Khan, his associates Chand Mohd., Nilesh Gupta and Sagar Ratna,” the organisation said in its statement. “Khudai Khidmatgar believe in Peace, Love and Communal Harmony. Faisal Khan as an individual is working from last three decades on these issues and the objective of Khudai Khidmatgar is also the same. We focus to counter the any forms of religious extremism in this society.”ANI/ The Telegraph/scroll

http://www.businessworld.in/article/Man-arrested-for-offering-Namaz-in-Mathura-temple-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody/03-11-2020-338940/

 

FIR against Amitabh Bachchan, KBC makers over question on Manusmriti

Kaun Banega Crorepati 12 has landed itself in a controversy. An FIR has been registered against the makers of the show and the host Amitabh Bachchan for a question regarding Manusmriti. Many on social media have claimed that it hurt Hindu sentiments.The said question was featured in the Karamveer episode on October 30, which had social activist Bezwada Wilson and actor Anup Soni as guests. The question worth Rs 6.40 lakh was: On 25th Dec.1927, Dr BR Ambedkar and his followers burned copies of which scripture? The options were: (A) Vishnu Purana (B) Bhagavad Gita, (C) Rigved and (D) Manusmriti.Amitabh said, “In 1927, Ambedkar condemned the ancient Hindu text Manusmriti to ideologically justify caste discrimination and untouchability and burned its copies.” This did not go down well with many people.Abhimanyu Pawar, BJP MLA from Ausa in Latur district, sought action against Amitabh Bachchan and Sony Entertainment TV. He stated in his police complaint, “All the four options pertained to Hindu religion. It is clear that the motive behind this question was to hurt the sentiments of Hindus.”

https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/fir-against-amitabh-bachchan-kbc-makers-over-question-on-manusmriti-1737603-2020-11-03

 

 

Mukhtar Ansari’s wife writes to President, fears threat to don’s life

Jailed mafia don and BSP MLA Mukhtar Ansari's wife, Afsha Ansari, has written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind, apprehending a threat to her husband's life and urging him to ensure that his trial is conducted via video conferencing.In her letter to the President, Afsha said Mukhtar hails from the family of former vice-president Hamid Ansari, Brig. Mohammad Usman and freedom fighter Shaukatullah. She alleged that action was being taken against her family due to political vendetta and shared details of how Mukhtar has been targeted by his arch rival and mafia don, MLC Brijesh Singh.IANS

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/mukhtar-ansaris-wife-writes-to-president-fears-threat-to-dons-life

 

 

2 cops suspended for Sardhana blast, police probe ‘explosive cache’

Meerut SSP Ajay Sahni on Monday said that he has suspended two policemen – Sardhana police post in-charge and a constable – over last Thursday’s explosion at an illegal firecracker unit that left 2 dead and seven others injured. SSP also ordered a probe, saying that “a large quantity of explosives” was recovered from the blast site.The decision to suspend two policemen came a day after local BJP MLA Sangeet SOM demanded a high-level probe into the explosion. Two persons – Asif (38) and Asim (32) – were killed in the explosion that took place in a house in Peerjadagan locality on October 29. A team, led by ADGP Rajiv Sabharwal, on Sunday recovered around 300 kg of unexploded explosives from the debris, police said.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/two-cops-suspended-for-sardhana-blast-police-probe-explosive-cache-6918640/

 

 

SP leader held for ‘threatening’ woman over property dispute

Lucknow :Samajwadi Party’s Farrukhabad district president has been arrested for brandishing weapons to intimidate and attempt to kill an elderly woman over a property-related dispute, police said on Monday. According to them, the incident occurred in the district’s Shamshabad police station area on Sunday.In her complaint, the woman said Nadeem Ahmad Farooqui and his associate Shamim own a plot of land just behind her house. They allegedly wanted to demolish her house to build a road to their land. When the woman objected, nine people, including Farooqui, allegedly entered her house and beat her up.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sp-leader-held-for-threatening-woman-over-property-dispute-6918601/

 

Noida: Popular YouTuber Nizamul khan held for killing girlfriend's brother who 'came in the way'

AYouTuber with over 9 lakh subscribers to his channel has been arrested for allegedly murdering his girlfriend's brother who opposed to their relationship. The victim, Kamal Sharma, a resident of Nithari, was shot dead on October 28 while he was returning home from work.The main accused has been identified as Nizamul Khan, a YouTuber who is popular for his videos of him performing bike stunts. Nizamul was allegedly in a relationship with Kamal's sister, which did not go down well with Kamal.In fact, Kamal had earlier snatched his sister's mobile and beaten up Nizamul, after which the YouTuber decided to kill him.Two of his aides, one whom is a smack addict, have also been arrested.Nizamul earns Rs 70-80,000 per month through his videos on YouTube.

https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/noida/story/youtuber-held-arrested-murder-girlfriends-brother-noida-nithari-1737663-2020-11-03

 

 

Goa law college stands by professor, tells ABVP teacher will not be sacked

Panaji :Following an inquiry into a complaint by the ABVP against a political science teacher of a law college in Panaji, the college has sent a written response to the students’ outfit, stating that it does not have a “locus standi” to raise such objections, and that no termination order will be issued against the teacher concerned.Prof Shabir Ali, principal of VM Salgaocar College of Law in Panaji, said the response was mailed through a registered post on Saturday.“This is a law college. We have the responsibility to ensure that we follow rules. Legally, too, it is not possible to accept their representation,” he said.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/goa-law-college-stands-by-professor-tells-abvp-teacher-will-not-be-sacked-6915657/

 

 

Modi govt hands over Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh airport to Adani group on lease for 50 years

Named after former Prime Minister and legendary farmer leader Chaudhary Charan Singh, the Lucknow international airport has been handed over to a firm owned by industrialist Gautam Adani on lease for 50 years.National Herald had earlier reported how the Modi government had flouted rules and favoured Adani Enterprises which went on to win the bids to run profit-making airports.After Mangaluru, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is the second airport that has been handed over to Adani Enterprises recently.Apart from Lucknow and Menguluru, Adani had won the bid for the privatization of four profit making airports - Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati.“Shri A.K Sharma, APD (Airport Director), Lucknow exchanged symbolic keys in accordance with concession agreement & future development,” tweeted AAI.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/modi-govt-hands-over-lucknows-chaudhary-charan-singh-airport-to-adani-group-on-lease-for-50-years

 

 

India’s exports dip 5.4% in October to $24.82 billion: Government data

India’s exports declined 5.4 per cent to USD 24.82 billion in October due to fall in shipments of sectors like petroleum products, gems and jewellery, and leather, according to government data released on Tuesday.Exports during April-October 2020-21 stood at USD 150.07 billion, registering a decline of 19.05 per cent over the same period last year.“India’s merchandise exports in October 2020 were USD 24.82 billion, as compared to USD 26.23 billion in October 2019, showing a fall of 5.4 per cent,” the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a statement.PTI

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/indias-exports-dip-54-in-october-to-2482-billion-government-data/article33013579.ece?homepage=true

 

 

Selfless Muslim NGOs in Forefront of Flood Relief Mission in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: In the aftermath of heavy rains, many areas of Hyderabad have been extensively struck by floods, adversely affecting thousands of families. It has caused loss of human life, damage to property and loss of livestock, etc. what with low-lying localities and colonies that were built on the lake beds were submerged in no time.In times of pandemic, a flood which also leads to many water-borne diseases has played havoc with the people. Some 70 people have lost their lives to the torrential rains that lashed the city for days. Disaster does not differentiate people on their socio-economic status; even the rich people were suffering for basic needs like food and water. After severe flooding, it is imperative for every conscientious person to reach out to the victims in whichever way possible. Food, relief material, temporary shelter, and medical camps are the essential immediate needs for the victims.However, many Muslim organisations have risen to the occasion and have been at the forefront of providing relief to the needy. The Jamat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) of India, the Helping Hands Foundation, the Safa Baitul Maal, the Tablighi Jamat and the Amoomat society were a few among these golden-hearted groups.

https://clarionindia.net/selfless-muslim-ngos-in-forefront-of-flood-relief-mission-in-hyderabad/

 

 

With Aim to Nurture Students on Strong Foundations, Shaheen Group Arrives in North

NEW DELHI:30 winters ago, a young civil engineer, in his mid-twenties, leaves a lucrative job in an MNC and starts a nursery school with only 17 kids, mostly of his family and friends, in a rented room of an under-construction building in a bylane of his hometown Bidar of Karnataka.In three decades now, that nursery school has become the Shaheen Group of Institutions with 17,000 students enrolled in different programmes–from kindergarten to college degree courses. Here is the inspiring story of civil engineer Dr. Abdul Qadeer whose initiative has produced hundreds of engineers and doctors so far.Around 400 students from Shaheen Group of Institutions have cleared NEET-2020 and are set to get free government medical seats.In an exclusive interview with Clarion India, Dr Abdul Qadeer, Chairman of Shaheen Group of Institutions, talks about how a personal incident pushed him to open the nursery school, how tough were early days, when did success start coming and what his vision and plan are for North India. Clarion India

https://clarionindia.net/with-aim-to-nurture-students-on-strong-foundations-shaheen-group-arrives-in-the-north/

 

‘Muslims, Pets Not Allowed’ in Many Mumbai Neighbourhoods

MUMBAI – As India’s financial and commercial capital, with citizens from across the country living in one geographically small city, Mumbai was always seen as home for people from all communities, religions and classes.Most people living in chawls (the erstwhile unique system of pre-apartment-era homes) would share balconies, toilets and other common features with neighbours. And most people did not even worry as to which caste, community or religion the neighbour belonged – they were all part of the same society. Of course, many often struggled to build their lives, ensure education for their children and hope for a better future.But as chawls got replaced with high-rise structures and exclusive housing societies, the barriers started building. Those eating non-vegetarian food were frowned upon in many housing complexes, and soon a person’s religion and social background also mattered a lot. Those managing housing societies surreptitiously told agents and others involved in selling flats to not entertain people of a certain religion or caste. They were all in whispers, and not many dared to spell out the name of the religion or caste.Clarion India

https://clarionindia.net/muslims-pets-not-allowed-in-many-mumbai-neighbourhoods/

 

Aurangabad Urologist Altaf Shaikh Offers Free Treatment to Poor Mother of Martyred Soldier

MUMBAI – A Maharashtra-based Muslim urologist has been winning encomiums from netizens for offering free treatment to the poverty-stricken mother of a martyred soldier. The heart-warming video of the bearded Dr Altaf Shaikh hugging the wheel-bound elderly woman has gone viral on social media.Maharashtra PWD Minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan called up the doctor living in Aurangabad district and appreciated his kind gesture.“Dr Altaf from Aurangabad was treating an old lady. As he understood that she is the mother of a martyr, he waived the fee. Seeing this humble gesture, I personally called the Dr to thank him for his service & sensitivity towards the heroes who have served our nation,” Chavan said along with the viral video.Clarion India

https://clarionindia.net/aurangabad-urologist-altaf-shaikh-offers-free-treatment-to-poor-mother-of-martyred-soldier/

 

 

 

 

 

*CORONA*

 

Amid Covid, Some Countries Still Restricting Entry To Indians: Aviation Minister

New Delhi: Some countries have still not removed restrictions on the entry of Indian nationals and the central government is ready to fly passengers to these countries whenever they ease their limits, said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday.Saudi Arabia is one such country that does not allow airlines to bring passengers from India currently amid the coronavirus pandemic."We are operating international flights under VBM (Vande Bharat Mission) since May 6, 2020. However, some countries, including some in the Gulf region, have still not removed restrictions on the entry of Indian nationals," Puri said on Twitter."We are ready to fly passengers to these countries whenever they ease restrictions," he added.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amid-covid-some-countries-still-restricting-entry-to-indians-aviation-minister-2320033?pfrom=home-topscroll

 

COVID deaths dip below 500/day as India’s tally at 82.7 lakh

With a fresh spike of 38,310 coronavirus infections and 490 deaths in 24 hours, India's tally on Tuesday rose to 82,67,623, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.Out of the total COVID-19 cases, 5,41,405 are currently active, 76,03,121 have been discharged, while 1,23,097 lost the battle against the pandemic.While the recovery rate stands at 91.68 per cent, the fatality rate is 1.49 per cent, the data from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare showed.Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit with a total of 16,87,784 cases, including 44,128 deaths; followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, UP and Delhi.IANS

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/covid-deaths-dip-below-500day-as-indias-tally-at-827-lakh

 

Coronavirus: Centre stresses on ‘test-track-trace and treat’ strategy amid festival season

Centre on Tuesday advised states to proactively pursue “test-track-trace and treat” strategy as the festival season in India poses additional challenges. It said Manipur, Delhi, Kerala and West Bengal are among the states showing a rise in active cases in India.

https://scroll.in/latest/977520/coronavirus-with-38310-new-infections-indias-case-count-rises-to-82-67-lakh

 

UAE PM Sheikh Mohammed receives dose of Chinese Covid-19 vaccine

New Delhi: Prime Minister and Vice-President of UAE, as well as the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday.Sheikh Mohammed took to Twitter to share the news along with a photo of him getting a shot of the Covid-19 vaccine. "While receiving the Covid-19 vaccine today. We wish everyone safety and great health, and we are proud of our teams who have worked relentlessly to make the vaccine available in the UAE. The future will always be better in UAE," he wrote in his post. According to an Al Jazeera report, Sheikh Mohammed received a shot of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Chinese state pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm.India Today

https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/uae-pm-sheikh-mohammed-receives-dose-of-chinese-covid-19-vaccine-1737668-2020-11-03

 

‘Critical moment’ as Europe, N Africa see COVID-19 surge: WHO

Governments face another “critical moment for action” as coronavirus cases surge in parts of Europe and North Africa, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of WHO, said in his latest briefing on the pandemic.Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom are among countries in Europe turning, once again, to lockdowns to try and get the disease under control, while the health crisis in the United States is also deepening.Nearly 47 million people around the world have been diagnosed with the coronavirus around the world and 1.2 million people have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/3/critical-moment-as-europe-n-africa-see-covid-19-surge-who

 

 

 

                                                                            *WORLD NEWS*

 

 

 

 

 

 

US Election Day Begins As Polls Open In New York, New Jersey, Virginia

New York: US started voting Tuesday in an election amounting to a referendum on Donald Trump's uniquely brash and bruising presidency, which Democratic opponent and frontrunner Joe Biden urged Americans to end to restore "our democracy."The country is more divided and angry than at any time since the Vietnam War era of the 1970s -- and fears that Trump could dispute the result of the election are only fueling those tensions.Despite an often startlingly laid-back campaign, Biden, 77, leads in almost every opinion poll, buoyed by his consistent message that America needs to restore its "soul" and get new leadership in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 231,000 people.While Tuesday is formally Election Day, in reality Americans have been voting for weeks.With a huge expansion in mail-in voting to safeguard against Covid-19 pandemic, nearly 100 million people have already made their choice.Biden has the wind in his sails after indications that Democratic enthusiasm in the early voting may be matching the more visible energy at Trump's impressive rallies.AFP

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-election-day-begins-as-polls-open-in-new-york-new-jersey-virginia-2320027

 

 

Biden has slim edge in Pennsylvania but Trump can’t be ruled out

Malvern, Pennsylvania –  It is an election year when United States voters have been dealing with a once-in-a-century pandemic and its economic fallout as well as a national debate over racial justice. Amid all of this, voters in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania seem to be split on whether to give Donald Trump another term as president or to replace him with former Vice President Joe Biden.Biden has a slim lead in Pennsylvania polls but experts say that doesn’t mean Trump can’t win the likely tipping-point state. Trump won the state by only 44,292 votes in 2016, turning it red for the first time since 1988.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/2/biden-has-slim-edge-in-pennsylvania-but-trump-cant-be-counted-ou

 

 

Shocked students say Kabul University attack blow to peace

Kabul: Rahimullah Sahi was in class at Kabul University’s Islamic Studies department on Monday when he heard the sounds of gunfire from the distance. He and the other students assumed the sound was echoing from an incident near the university’s sprawling campus, but the soon realised the elite institution itself was under attack.“Suddenly we saw people running and screaming,” says 22-year-old, who narrowly escaped the deadliest attack on the university, which left at least 22 people dead and dozens more injured.But fleeing the chaotic scene was not easy as the gunmen rampaged through the campus, firing indiscriminately at their targets.For 20 minutes, Sahi and hundreds of other students sought cover from the sounds of gunfire, which they described coming in a steady stream from every direction.The Taliban, whose representatives are currently in Doha for peace talks with an Afghan government delegation, were quick to disavow and denounce the attack.“Certainly, such attacks are carried out by evil elements that were defeated in Nangarhar and Jowzjan provinces,” their spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a statement that alluded to their rival force, ISIL.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/3/afghan-attack-follow-up

 

 

French minister’s comments on ‘separatism law’ spark backlash

On October 2, French President Emmanuel Macron made a keenly awaited speech laying out plans to address what he called “Islamist separatism”.He announced several measures that will form a bill and go to parliament, such as improving the oversight of mosque financing, and scrutinising schools and associations serving religious communities.During the speech, he said Islam was a religion “in crisis” globally – a statement which is now among the reasons why Muslims across the world are protesting against him.On Sunday, his interior minister Gerald Darmanin, in an interview with the Lille-based newspaper La Voix du Nord, said France was “waging a war against radical Islam” as he gave further details of the bill.In comments that have angered activists and France’s Muslim minority, the largest in Europe, Darmanin said that anyone seeking medical care “who refuses to be treated by a woman” could face up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.While vague, the details provoked a backlash on social media, with many arguing against prison sentences and large fines for refusing a doctor or nurse of the opposite sex.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/2/france-announces-new-measures-to-combat-separatism

 

Gunmen at large, Indian embassy in Austria issues caution following Vienna terror attack

Indian embassy in Austria has issued caution for the Indian community in Vienna following the terror attack in the city in which 5 people were killed by gunmen. While authorities killed one of the attackers, others may still be at large.The Indian embassy has posted on Twitter, “Embassy would like to assure the Indian community in Vienna that we are in touch with authorities for your safety. All are advised to exercise caution since terrorists may still be at large.”Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure following the Vienna terror attack, the Austrian embassy in New Delhi shut down for the public till November 11. The Austrian embassy said, “We ask for your understanding.”India Today

https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/vienna-terror-attack-indian-embassy-issues-caution-1737582-2020-11-03

 

 

Qatar to hold Shura Council elections next year: Emir

Qatar’s emir has said the Gulf state would hold elections for its advisory Shura Council in October 2021, without giving further details.“This is an important step towards strengthening Qatari advisory traditions and developing the legislative process with wider citizen participation,” Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said while addressing the opening of the Shura Council on Tuesday.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/3/qatar-to-hold-shura-council-elections-next-year-emir

 

Abu Sayyaf fighters killed in clash with Philippine army in Sulu

About 7 suspected members of Philippine armed group Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have been killed following an encounter at sea with the military in the country’s southern province of Sulu.The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command said an “all-out offensive” was launched early on Tuesday against the group of fighters near Sulare Island, which lies west of the ASG’s stronghold on Jolo.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/3/seven-abu-sayyaf-members-killed-in-clash-with-military-in-sulu

 

 

*OPINIONS-EDITORIALS*

 

Nobody knows how many Indians die in custody because official figures vary wildly :MY Siddiqui

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/nobody-knows-how-many-indians-die-in-custody-because-official-figures-vary-wildly

Does Imran Khan’s Gilgit-Baltistan vow mean Pakistan has accepted India’s Article 370 move?JYOTI MALHOTRA

https://theprint.in/opinion/global-print/does-imran-khan-gilgit-baltistan-vow-mean-pakistan-has-accepted-india-370-move/536146/

 

The fall and fall of the United States of America:Jagdish Rattanani

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/the-fall-and-fall-of-the-united-states-of-america

 

 

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