Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST
20 April 2017: 22 Rajab 1438: Vol: 8, No:170
INDIA
Sloganeering, flag raising have become tests for nationalism: ex-Delhi HC chief justice AP Shah slams rising cult of nationalism
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/sloganeering-flag-raising-have-become-tests-for-nationalism-4620342/
New Delhi: In a critique of the present political scenario, former Delhi high court chief justice A P Shah has said that Indians are forced to stand up for the national anthem and told what they can or cannot eat, see or speak about. He added that dissent in thecountry’s universities is curbed and “sloganeering and flag raising have become tests for nationalism”.Speaking at the MN Roy memorial lecture in Delhi, Shah mentioned, without naming her, the online abuse Gurmehar Kaur faced for her views. He said that the country’s institutions of learning “are under attack” and there is a “concerted attempt to destroy any independent thought”. Shah added that in the present times “sadly if anyone holds any view that differs from the govt’s acceptable view, they are immediately dubbed as anti-national or desh-drohi’’. Shah said that these markers are used to intimidate and “browbeat voices of dissent and criticism, and more worryingly, can be used to slap criminal charges of sedition against them’’.He compared ideas of VD Savarkar with those of Rabindranath Tagore about nationalism and how they viewed India. Shah said that India being a diverse country, people must respect the diversity of ideas. “We must respect these differences, not silence those who hold a different view on nationalism and patriotism for the country.” He added that promoting just one perspective; “one that idolises the nation and staunchly rejects any internal or external criticism” will only polarise citizens against each other. indianexpress
Can enforced nationalism promote culture? Is being anti-national equal to being anti-govt? AP Shah
https://scroll.in/article/835118/is-being-anti-national-equal-to-being-anti-govt -can-enforced-nationalism-promote-culture
FULL TEXT: If you differ with govt, you're immediately called 'anti-national', says Justice AP Shah
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-full-text-if-you-differ-with-govt-you-re-immediately-called-anti-national-says-former-delhi-hc-chief-justice-ap-shah-2409028
Ex-Delhi CJ AP Shah slams rising cult of nationalism, bats for free speech
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ex-delhi-cj-ap-shah-slams-rising-cult-of-nationalism-bats-for-free-speech/articleshow/58271124.cms
After ED, now NIA issues non-bailable warrant against Zakir Naik for promoting enmity among communities
http://www.india.com/news/india/more-trouble-for-zakir-naik-nia-issues-non-bailable-warrant-against-preacher-for-promoting-enmity-among-communities-2048912/
Mumbai: NIA on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against televangelist Zakir Naik for promoting enmity between religious groups. Naik is already facing a case for money laundering by the Enforcement Directorate. A Mumbai court had already issued a non-bailable warrant which was opposed by his counsels, Taraq Sayyed and Mubin Solkar, on the ground that court had no jurisdiction over the case.However, the arguments were rejected by the counsel appearing for the Enforcement Directorate and submitted that Zakir Naik had not replied to the summons issued by the agency. Similarly, he has also not made his address public. india.com
NIA court issues non-bailable warrant against Zakir Naik
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nia-court-issues-non-bailable-warrant-against-zakir-naik/articleshow/58280709.cms
Gau rakshaks who allegedly killed Pehlu Khan equal to Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar, Krishna: Sadhvi Kamal
http://www.india.com/news/india/alwar-lynching-gau-rakshaks-who-allegedly-killed-pehlu-khan-are-equal-to-bhagat-singh-chandrashekhar-azad-and-lord-krishna-says-sadhvi-kamal-2048750/
New Delhi: Self proclaimed spiritual leader and head of a cow vigilante organisation, Sadhvi Kamal said that cow vigilantes, also known as Gau Rakshak, who allegedly lynched to death Pehlu Khan, a Muslim farmer in Alwar on April 1 are equal to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad. Kamal met up with Vipin Yadav, one of the person arrested in relation to the Alwar lynching case, and made these equation. Apart from that she is also seen making comparison between the killers and Krishna, the Indian god.This Sadhvi Kamal met accused Yadav when police were taking him to write his examination and said, “Lord Krishna also went to jail for the upliftment of people. Don’t sit idle at the jail. Teach all the inmates to chant Jai gau mata.”Drawing comparison between the cow vigilantes and the freedom fighters, she said, “When Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad and Sukhdev went to jail, then they were perceived as criminals and bad people but are now known as heroes. Similarly, people like Yadav will also be known as heroes in the future for protecting gau mata.”india.com
They (Alwar accused) are today’s Bhagat Singh: Sadhvi
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/they-alwar-accused-are-todays-bhagat-singh-said-sadhvi-kamal/
Justice for Pahlu Khan: Civil groups plan demonstration at Rajasthan Assembly
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/justice-for-pahlu-khan-civil-groups-plan-demonstration-at-rajasthan-assembly
Jaipur: In order to pressurize the Rajasthan BJP government for speedy justice in the Pahlu Khan lynching case, various civil rights groups and political parties have planned to stage demonstration for three consecutive days outside the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly here next week.At their joint meeting on Thursday, they made a national call for the protest demonstration here from 24-26 April.Through the protest demonstration, the Rajasthan civil groups will demand closure of all FIRs lodged against Pahlu Khan, his family members and his fellow travelers and compensation to Pahlu Khan' family and other victims.Among the main organizers of the protest are Rajasthan Nagrik Manch, PUCL, MKSS (Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan), Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Adhikar Manch, Ambedkar Vichar Manch, NFIW (National Federation of Indian Women), CPI(M), CPI, Samajwadi Party and JD(U). indiatomorrow
Alwar lynching: Pamphlets claim accused are social workers who help police
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-pamphlets-claims-accused-are-social-workers-who-help-police/story-ODZFcZdNQyc25Zogn4IWFN.html
Alwar lynching: call for united fight against fascism
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/alwar-lynching-call-for-united-fight-against-fascism/article18149983.ece
Pehlu Khan’s murder by gau rakshaks: 85-year-old mother protests; demands justice
http://www.oneindia.com/india/pehlu-khan-s-murder-gau-rakshaks-85-year-old-mother-protest-2410593.html
4 Hindus held for cattle smuggling in Bharatpur as Raj police step up vigilance: hindustantimes
http://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/four-hindus-held-for-cattle-smuggling-in-bharatpur-as-raj-police-step-up-vigilance/story-QA3PwnFNzM9uh0Bvl9BuYJ.html
Bharatpur: Under threat from vigilantes and police squads, cow smugglers in Rajasthan have begun transporting the animals to illegal slaughterhouses in Haryana through unused roads. Sikri police arrested a Hindu villager and three of his sons for trying to smuggle as many as 63 heads of cattle through Bharatpur in Rajasthan on Tuesday night. A police team led by Sikri station house officer Kesar Singh set up barricades along the dirt road on a tip-off, nabbing Bolkheda resident Gutti Gurjar and his sons Kanhiya Gurjar, Memal Gurjar and Nandram Gurjar.SP Kailash Chandra Bishnoi said the four were trying to transport cows from Kishangarh in Ajmer to a slaughterhouse in Haryana. accused have confessed to the crime, he said, adding that the animals have been sent to the Jay Shri cattle shelter.E MLA Jahur Khan said Meo community was infamous for smuggling cattle. “We urge Hindus to avoid selling their cows to Muslim cattle traders. A panchayat meet aimed at stopping cow slaughter will be held at Gulpada village on April 22,” he added.Khan said 30-40% of cow smugglers in the region belong to the Hindu community.
BABRI MASJID CASE
Babri demolition case: Muslim bodies welcome SC
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/200417/muslim-bodies-hail-babri-move.html
New Delhi: Muslim bodies welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to revive conspiracy charges against the BJP heavyweights ranging from the architect of Ram Janmabhoomi movement, LK Advani to saffron hawks like Uma Bharti and Viinay Katiyar.Khalid Rasheed Firangi, member of Muslim Personal Law Board on Wednesday said, “Faith of millions of Muslims has been restored in the judiciary by reviving the case against conspirators. We welcome the SC decision. We had been waiting for this for the last 25 years.”He said, “the manner in which BJP has been talking on issues like beef ban, triple talaq, azaan, I think the ruling has come at the right time.”He felt that the SC ruling has come “as a respite” for the minorities when the community was “feeling low and was under the impression that everything was going against them.”Dr SQR Ilyas, joint convenor of Babri Masjid committee, All India Muslim Personal Law Board said that the case was now reaching it’s logical conclusion.“It was a crime of national shame yet no action was taken against all those who were involved,” he said. Dr Ilyas hoped that the accused “will finally be convicted.”Welcoming the Supreme Court order, Zafaryab Jilani, convenor of All India Babri Masjid Action Committee and a lawyer for the Sunni Waqf Board in the Babri case, pointed out that the case was solely concerned with the conspiracy that led to the actual demolition and was far more serious than the title suit. “The SC’s verdict has strengthened secularism and I hope that the accused get the punishment they deserve”, he said.Zafaryab Jilani said that the case against the conspirators should be taken to its logical conclusion. D.Chronicle/AsianAge
‘Faith of millions of Muslims in judiciary restored’
http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/200417/faith-of-millions-of-muslims-in-judiciary-restored.html
Babri Masjid case: Lalu accuses PM Modi of 'crafting' Advani trial, Katiyar says 'may be his claim has truth'
http://zeenews.india.com/india/babri-masjid-case-lalu-accuses-pm-narendra-modi-of-crafting-lk-advani-trial-vinay-katiyar-says-may-be-his-claim-has-truth-1997776.html?pfrom=article-more-from-zee
New Delhi: BJP leader Vinay Katiyar has come out in support of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav after latter alleged that the Supreme Court order allowing trial of top BJP leaders in the Babri Masjid case was a "well-thought-out politics" of the PM Narendra Modi to remove BJP veteran LK Advani's name from the Presidential race."Maybe his statement has truth to it, don't know," Vinay Katiyar said on Lalu Yadav's remark 'Modi's conspiracy to remove Advani from Presidential race.
Has Advani, former future PM, just become the former future President of India?
https://in.news.yahoo.com/lk-advani-former-future-prime-010035016.html
SC invokes constitutional power to transfer Babri Masjid case
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-invokes-constitutional-power-to-transfer-babri-masjid-case/story-2zL7lpbv33c7EnJmRGxVpJ.html
New Delhi:“Let justice be done, though the heavens fall”, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday quoting a Latin phrase to invoke its extraordinary constitutional authority to transfer the trial of a case against the VVIP accused from Rae Bareli court to a Lucknow court for joint trial of two sets of cases arising out of the demolition of the Babri Masjid.The apex court brushed aside the contention of senior BJP leaders LK Advani and M M Joshi that invocation of Article 142 of the Constitution “to do complete justice” to the parties before it, would scuttle their fundamental rights.Top court said this power exists with it as the judgement delivered by it will finally end the litigation.A bench of Justices P C Ghose and RF Nariman said it was “without substance” the submission that exercise of Article 142 would scuttle the fundamental rights of the individuals.“Almost 25 years have gone and yet we are solemnly reminded that respondent nos. 4 and 5’s (Advani and Joshi) fundamental rights should not be curtailed by any order passed under Article 142,” the bench said.PTI
BJP UP unit says Babri mosque ruling ‘doesn’t make us convicts’, Centre cautious
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjp-up-unit-says-babri-mosque-ruling-doesn-t-make-us-convicts-lalu-smells-conspiracy-against-advani/story-GPNdI7zVKu6gljtNwfsxWM.html
New Delhi:Centre’s ruling BJP said on Wednesday it will study in detail the Supreme Court’s verdict allowing the trial of its top leaders for criminal conspiracy in Babri Masjid demolition before commenting on the case.Its senior leader and law minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, however, asserted that his party highly respects veteran leaders such as LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who will be tried following the apex court’s decision.Putting up a brave face, the UP unit of the BJP said it has full faith in the judiciary after the apex court allowed the CBI plea seeking trial of Advani, Joshi and Bharti, among others.“We will go to the trial court. This does not make us convicts,” state BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said.“We will present evidence before the trial court, where it will be examined and cross-examined,” he said.HT
Welfare Party welcomes SC’s verdict in Babri demolition, demands resignation
http://twocircles.net/2017apr19/408073.html
Bidar: WPI has extended welcome to the Supreme Court verdict to go ahead with criminal conspiracy charges against top BJP leaders LK Advani, MM Joshi (both parliament members) Uma Bharti, union minister and others in the 1992 Babri masjid demolition case.Party national General Secretary PC Hamza said those named in the case should voluntarily relinquish of their posts or they might be removed.“It is to be welcomed though after 25 years, the intervention of the apex court will pave the way to deliver justice. Those who are framed with serious charges like conspiracy should not hold any ministerial posts. Others in the case also must resign membership of the Lok Sabha. Likewise the President must intervene and ask Kalyan Singh to quit the post of Rajastan governorship,” he added.
Babri demolition case: BJP veterans’ trial may see Ram Temple return as poll issue in 2019
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/babri-mosque-bjp-veterans-trial-may-see-ram-temple-return-as-poll-issue-in-2019/story-ECHvceNcSwDTyImcdt1U0L.html
OTHERS
Kashmiri students ‘called stone-pelters’, beaten up in Rajasthan university
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kashmiri-students-called-stone-pelters-beaten-up-in-rajasthan-s/story-Uah6PNKfO0YEclrUq6dl8H.html
Jaipur: A group of Kashmiri students at a private university in Rajasthan were on Wednesday allegedly called terrorists and beaten up by locals, upset over soldiers being targeted by stone-throwers in the strife-torn border state.The assault is the latest incident of violence against Kashmiris studying at Chittorgarh’s Mewar University, which has around 500 students from Jammu and Kashmir.“6 of us were assaulted in three separate attacks that took place at the same time in the market. The attacks seemed coordinated,” said Bahar Ahmed Giri, a student of pharmacy.Though no one suffered serious injuries, students are upset with the university administration for failing to protect them and have demanded the arrest of the offenders.They were beaten up for no reason, Giri said. “They hurled abuses, called us terrorists and said we throw stones at the army. They told us to go back to Kashmir and threatened that they won’t let us study here,” he said.Police have registered an FIR against two unknown people for causing hurt but gave a different version of events. Hindustantimes
‘Islamic banking way forward for JK’s development’
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/business/story/247002.html
Rajouri:A panel of experts today said that Islamic banking has huge scope in J&K and it is the way forward for the state’s development, as the alternative banking will not only bring financial inclusion but provide equity based and interest less finances for businesses, institution building and entrepreneurs. The experts where speaking at 2-day international conference on “Islamic Banking and Finance: Way forward for inclusive and sustainable development”, which commenced today at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University campus here today. The conference is organized by Schools of Management Studies and Social Sciences of BGSBU and sponsored by Khyber Industries, Srinagar and J&K Bank Ltd, a varsity spokesperson said.“The objective of the seminar is to acquaint scholars from both academia and industry about the concept of Islamic Banking, opportunities and challenges for its future growth,” said the spokesperson. The event was inaugurated by VC of BGSBU Prof Javed Mussarat.Dr Shariq Nissar, a leading scholar in the field of Islamic banking and finance gave a detailed presentation regarding development on Islamic finance in Indian context and stressed upon the need of creating adequate manpower for delivering to the expectations of industry as for as the implementation of Islamic finance is considered. greaterkashmir
9 arrested ISIS suspects are self-taught radicals:UP Police
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/nine-arrested-isis-suspects-are-self-taught-radicals-says-up-police/1055181
Lucknow: UP Police on Thursday said the 9 arrested ISIS suspects from Jalandhar, Mumbai and Bijnor in a joint operation with the state ATS were ‘self radicalized’.ADG UP Police Daljit Chaudhary said, “The youth arrested are not in liaison with any group, they are self-motivated, self guided and self-radicalised.” The police have evidence against four held and others are being interrogated. “In the searches conducted, no incriminating evidence has been found as yet but it can be called a possible criminal conspiracy,” he added.Chaudhary further said that they are misguided youth and can be admitted to the mainstream after counselling.“Special Cell Delhi Police, CI cell Andhra,Maha ATS, Punjab and Bihar Police were involved in the operation,” it added. free press journal
Nationwide raids ; 6 ISIS suspects held in Delhi, Mumbai
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/nationwide-raids-carried-out-in-massive-crackdown-against-isis-6-suspects-held-in-delhi-mumbai/634996/
Govt has no info on death of Indians in Afghan bombing
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/govt-has-no-info-on-death-of-indians-in-afghan-bombing-4619967/
New Delhi:The govt has no information about the death of any Indian when the US dropped its most powerful non-nuclear bomb in an ISIS stronghold in Afghanistan. A top Home Ministry official said the central govt has received no information regarding death of any Indian when the ‘Mother Of All Bombs’ was dropped on an Islamic State tunnel complex in eastern Afghanistan, close to the Pakistani border on April 13.“We have no information about death of Indians in the bombing in Afghanistan,” the official said. There were media reports that 13 suspected Islamic State fighters from India were among the 96 militants killed when US military dropped the non-nuclear bomb.Kabul-based Pajhwok Afghan News agency quoted an unnamed security official as saying that “13 Indian Daesh militants were also among those killed”. PTI
Maharashtra govt to monetise Wakf lands
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-maharashtra-govt-to-monetise-wakf-lands-2408613
To generate revenues for the welfare of Muslim community, the state govt is planning to monetise the huge parcels of Wakf lands spread across Maharashtra.State govt statistics suggest that Maharashtra has around 93,418 acre of wakf land spread over about 23,566 registered properties, with the maximum in Aurangabad division, which was part of the dominion of the Nizam of Hyderabad. However, a task force under Principal Secretary (revenue) had pointed out that around 70% of these lands — most of which are prime properties — were under illegal occupation, encroached upon or transferred."Around 30% of these lands are unencumbered. There are legal provisions which allow these lands to be leased out for purposes like charity, commercial use, agriculture, and set up of schools, colleges, hospitals, and educational institutions. The govt is thinking on these lines," a senior state minority welfare department official told DNA. This will also prevent these parcels from being encroached upon. Instructions will be given to the Wakf board on the issue."It will generate revenues to the tune of crores, which can be used for the welfare of the community," he said, adding that the Wakf lands could also be used for setting up educational institutions, which in turn would help students from the minority community. Shabbir Ahmed Ansari of the Tehreek-e-Auqaf welcomed the move and pointed to how these lands could be used for farming, commercial use, etc. He added that the neighbouring state Karnataka, had established hospitals and nursing homes on Wakf lands, too.DNA
Maharashtra govt may lease out all encroached Wakf plots
http://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/maharashtra-govt-may-lease-out-all-encroached-wakf-plots/58272634
UP govt starts taking opinion on triple talaq
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/rita-meets-ngos-to-discuss-ways-to-gather-opinion-of-muslim-women-4620282/
Lucknow:A week after UP CM Yogi Adityanath asked women ministers of his govt to gather opinion of Muslim women on the issue of triple talaq through social organisations that would be placed before the apex court, the exercise formally began in Lucknow on Wednesday.Representatives of telecom companies were also called to the meeting to take their suggestions regarding use of technology for conducting the survey in this regard and more such meetings are expected before the questionnaire and survey is given final shape. The exercise should not be seen as an interference in personal law. We are addressing the issue of equal rights of women, assuring them that wherever their rights would be suppressed, we would stand by them,” said Rita Bahuguna Joshi, adding that women alleged that the 5 crore signatures being claimed by AIMPLB in support of non-interference into personal law were based on vague questions like whether one supports the Shariat law or not, and whether one supports the Muslim Personal Law Board or not. indianexpress
Bengali group on last minute signature collection drive against triple talaq: hindustantimes
http://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/bengali-muslim-intellectuals-on-last-minute-signature-collection-drive-against-triple-talaq/story-S59XO84ZTGF9ziLYlApMtM.html
Kolkata : A group of Bengali Muslim intellectuals has launched a last minute drive to collect 1 lakh signatures from Muslim women and men demanding abolition of triple talaq and polygamy with the objective of submitting them before the President and PM before the country’s apex court starts hearing on the legality of triple talaq, halala marriage and polygamy on May 11.“We have already collected about 55,000 signatures, most of them from Muslim women. We’ll submit the signatures by May 9 and on May 10 we’ll sit on a day-long dharna at Jantar Mantar. We want the centre to strongly advocate abolition of these practices during the hearing in the court,” said Osman Mallick, headmaster of a govt -run high school in West Bengal. He had also filed a petition in Supreme Court last Novr. hindustantimes
Why Did UP Information Commissioner Hafiz Usman Raise ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Slogans? thequint
https://www.thequint.com/news-videos/2017/04/19/why-did-hafiz-usman-state-information-commissioner-jai-shri-ram-slogan-moradabad-up
UP State Information Commissioner, Hafiz Usman’s speech at a RTI-related function at Panchayat Bhawan in Moaradabad on Tuesday evening has left many people confused. People are still wondering why he raised Hindu, nationalistic slogans like ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ etc.Hafiz Usman had been invited as the chief guest at the function. Apart from the DM, DIG, Commissioner etc, there were several senior officials present at the function.During his address, Usman became very agitated and began speaking very animatedly about the triple talaq issue. He reminded those present that the women who suffer due to the triple talaq are people too. He then added that if there is any country in the world where people are free, it is India. He compared India’s situation with tight censorship in Saudi Arabia.The Programme Coordinator tried to object to the religious overtones in his speech. thequint
MP: Man stabbed for supporting Sonu Nigam’s azaan tweet on Facebook
http://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/man-stabbed-for-supporting-sonu-nigam-s-azaan-tweet-on-facebook/story-oyOhsvIY7IeV60PYI7gtpM.html
Ujjain: 2 men stabbed a Gopalpura resident on Wednesday evening, after a disagreement on singer Sonu Nigam’s social media rant against the azaan turned violent.Sources said one of the victims, Shivam Rai, had spoken in favour of Nigam’s stand against the use of loudspeakers for the Muslim call for prayer in a Facebook post. This infuriated the accused, Mohammad Nagori and Faizan Khan, spurring them to threaten him over the phone.“Later, they asked me to meet them in Freeganj area. When I reached there with my friend, Ayush Shreewas, they attacked us with knives,” Rai told mediapersons. Shreewas, who sustained grave injuries in the attack, was admitted to the district hospital.Madhavnagar police station in-charge MS Parmar said a case of attempted murder has been registered against the accused under Section 307 of the IPC. They are yet to be arrested. hindustantimes
What Hindu neighbors of mosque say about Azaan and Muslim neighbors of temple about Aarti
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/what-hindu-neighbors-of-mosque-say-about-azaan-and-muslim-neighbors-of-temple-about-aarti
Publicity stunt or conspiracy: Bbc report exposes Sonu Nigam’s Azaan claim
http://www.siasat.com/news/publicity-stunt-conspiracy-bbc-report-exposes-sonu-nigams-azaan-claim-1172934/
Man who announced Rs 10 lakh for shaving Sonu Nigam’s head is no imam or maulana
http://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/man-who-announced-rs-10-lakh-for-shaving-sonu-nigam-s-head-is-no-imam-or-maulana/story-uR6tR5fbFJaz0ZlZ4vE3rI.html
You have no sense of responsibility, angry court tells Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/you-have-no-sense-of-responsibility-green-court-rebukes-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-1683702
New Delhi: The country's top environment court came down forcefully on spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, stating, "You have no sense of responsibility. Do you think you have the liberty to say whatever you want?"Yesterday, Sri Sri said that if any damage has been caused to the environment by the huge three-day cultural festival he held on the banks of River Yamuna in Delhi last year, it is the govt and the court who should take the blame, because they allowed the event. ndtv
Jharkhand tribal students protest ‘saffronisation’ of higher education
http://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/jharkhand-tribal-students-protest-saffronisation-of-higher-education/story-qVFzy3U01QtcOfm72cUsQJ.html
Ranchi:Hundreds of tribal students took out a ‘funeral procession’ of the BJP state govt on Tuesday, accusing it of saffronising higher education and ‘killing’ democracy to please the party’s ideological mentor, the RSS.The students took out the procession in the state capital after an uproar of over a month against the Raghubar Das govt rechristening Ranchi’s oldest college - Ranchi College as Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University.Mukherjee was the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangha, the forerunner to BJP. hindustantimes
States oppose 'imposition of Hindi' in schools
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/states-oppose-imposition-of-hindi/articleshow/58271492.cms
President's approval to make Hindi compulsory in CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalya has ruffled feathers with most non-Hindi speaking states accusing the Centre of suppressing other native languages.Deputy leader of Trinamool Saugata Roy alleged the move is meant to implement the BJP's majoritarian idea based on their slogan, 'Hindi, Hindu, and Hindustan'. "The Centre should have been more cautious before implementing the decision in non-Hindi speaking states." timesofindia
Adityanath bans liquor shops in places of worship
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-alcohol-in-ayodhya-deoband-yogi-adityanath-bans-liquor-shops-in-up-s-holy-towns/story-KLaBNgQ1ACk2G2wxGYlnqO.html
UP CM Yogi Adityanath ordered on Wednesday a ban on liquor shops in Hindu and Islamic religious places such as Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Deoband, Dewa Sharif, Misrikh-Naimisharanya, and Piran Kaliyar Sharif in the state.HT
EC to get 30,000 new VVPAT machines by July for Gujarat, Himachal polls
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/election-commission-to-get-new-vvpat-machines-by-july-for-gujarat-himachal-pradesh-polls/article18152395.ece
New Delhi: Election Commission of India will get 30,000 new paper trail machines in July, augmenting its present stock to a level where it can deploy these units in all polling stations during the Assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh later this year.“We have 53,500 VVPAT machines. In the next three months, we will get 30,000 new machines. Nearly 84,000 units are sufficient for use in all polling stations in Gujarat and Himachal,” a Commission official said.The poll watchdog will make a formal announcement that VVPAT machines will be used in all polling stations in the two States when the poll schedule are announced.While the term of the 182-member Gujarat Assembly is ending on Jan.2, 2018, the term of the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly will end on Jan.7.PTI
Nitish , Sonia explore possible national tie-up?
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nitish-kumar-sonia-gandhi-explore-possible-national-tie-up/articleshow/58280789.cms
New Delhi: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar met Congress head Sonia Gandhi on Thursday at her residence and is learnt to have discussed the current political situation in the country.Kumar has been calling for forging a grand alliance of secular parties at the national level on the lines of the 2015 electoral alliance or 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar to take on the BJP under PM Narendra Modi, and is learnt to have raised the issue with Gandhi. Congress is a partner in Bihar govt with Kumar's JD-U and Lalu Prasad's RJD, after the three parties contested and won the assembly elections as part of the grand alliance.PTI
Mayawati: BSP may join Congress,SP to forge anti-BJP front just ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls, not before
http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/mayawati-bsp-may-join-congress-samajwadi-party-to-forge-anti-bjp-front-just-ahead-of-2019-lok-sabha-polls-not-before/635183/
New Delhi : Mayawati, days after indicating that she was ready to join hands with rivals Samajwadi Party and the Congress to take on the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said that any such decision will be taken just before the general elections, a report by ‘The Indian Express’ has said. Making the remarks at BSP HQRS in Lucknow, she said that there was no need to enter the alliance “foolishly” and end up helping Congress and the Samajwadi Party.As per leaders present in the meeting, the party supremo is reported to have said. financialexpress
China has no right to rename Indian cities, Arunachal an integral part of country: Govt takes a firm stand
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/china-has-no-right-to-rename-indian-cities-arunachal-an-integral-part-of-india-govt-takes-a-firm-stand/story-6JHKOkNNQmRCYD8GOsSO4N.html
New Delhi: Union I&B minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Thursday no foreign country has the right to rename Indian cities, responding to the Chinese action of unilaterally changing the names of six places in Arunachal Pradesh.China renamed the places in Arunachal Pradesh in an apparent retaliation against the Dalai Lama’s visit last week to India’s easternmost state, which Beijing disputes as part of its territory.“Every inch of Arunachal Pradesh belongs to India ... let them rename. How does it matter? It’s like you renaming your neighbour. It does not change his name,” Naidu said in a tit-for-tat response to Beijing’s symbolic snub.
China may use old maps, or even force Google, to validate its claims over Arunachal. Here's how
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/58273736.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Hajj subsidy: panel set to make hajj affordable for Indians
http://www.siasat.com/news/hajj-subsidy-panel-set-make-hajj-affordable-indians-1172798/
Riyadh: The Indian govt is finding out ways through which Haj pilgrims can perform their rituals at an affordable cost, which also includes accommodation and travel to Saudi Arabia.The panel is headed by former bureaucrat, Afzal Amanullah. The study has been completed and the report will be submitted within a month to the govt , said Afzal. He said that travel cost is a major factor and constitutes lion share for the Haj trip. Amanullah ruled out the possibility to have an open bidding at international level for airlines to ferry pilgrims as a bilateral Haj agreement between Saudi Arabia and India. He also said that India is facing difficulties in securing accommodation on a long term in holy cities of Makkah and Madina.Amanullah and other members of the panel were in Saudi, who held talks with Haj operators and Indian officials with the regard to enhance the services for pilgrims.The govt has constituted the committee aftermath of Asaduddin Owaisi’s suggestion for removal of subsidy to the Haj pilgrims.The committee headed by ex- bureaucrat, Afzal Amanullah to review the Haj policy between 2013- 17 and asked to suggest frame work for Haj Policy for the next five years 2018-22. siasat
FLASH: NEWS & VIEWS
‘I Hope That I Will Get Justice’: Sacked BSF Tej Bahadur
https://www.thequint.com/news-videos/2017/04/20/bsf-jawan-tej-bahadur-dismissed
Babri demolition case: Blow to Advani, but BJP stands to gain from SC order: ANALYSIS by DK Singh
http://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/babri-demolition-case-modi-s-bjp-stands-only-to-gain-from-supreme-court-verdict/story-Q8zSeLoOzDJjdX0CL6YHDI.html
Modi's New Strategy For Making Inroads Among Muslims: ex BJP MP Chandan Mitra
http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/modis-new-strategy-for-making-inroads-among-muslims-1682969
No discrimination based on caste, religion, says Muslim principal of college set up by Yogi Adityanath
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-no-discrimination-based-on-caste-religion-muslim-principal-of-college-set-up-by-yogi-377747
WORLD
Panama Papers: Pakistan SC orders probe after split verdict, PM Sharif survives for now
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/panama-papers-pakistan-sc-orders-probe-after-split-verdict-pm-nawaz-sharif-survives-for-now/story-08IpA4fo1mlKrcymt6jqCN.html
Islamabad: PM Nawaz Sharif was given a 2-month reprieve on Thursday as Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered further investigations into corruption allegations against him, saying there wasn’t enough evidence to order his removal.Sharif had a narrow escape after a split decision by the 5-member bench of the Supreme Court, with 2 judges recommending that the premier be told to step down.The bench ordered the setting up of a joint investigation team (JIT) within a week to probe allegations linked to the Panama Papers leaks. Three judges ruled in favour of the JIT, which was directed to complete its probe in two months.The Supreme Court also ordered Sharif, 67, and his two sons, Hasan and Hussain, to appear before the JIT.“A thorough investigation is required,” Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said, announcing the highly anticipated ruling following a months-long hearing stemming from the Panama Papers leaks last year that linked Sharif’s family to offshore assets.The Supreme Court launched an investigation into the Sharif family’s offshore wealth last year after opposition parties threatened to launch street protests. The opposition accuses Sharif of failing to explain the source of money in offshore companies owned by his children and of lying to Parliament. The case was launched on Nov.3 and the court held 35 hearings before concluding proceedings on Feb.23. Details of the Sharif family’s offshore assets surfaced when papers from the Panama-based law firm of Mossack Fonseca were leaked last year. The assets, mostly in London, were managed through offshore companies owned by Sharif’s children.
Panama Papers Verdict: SC's split decision in favour of Nawaz Sharif will keep PM from being disqualified
http://www.firstpost.com/world/panama-papers-verdict-pakistan-scs-split-decision-in-favour-of-nawaz-sharif-will-keep-pm-from-being-disqualified-3394874.html
Siraj ul Haq joins calls for Pak PM’s resignation
https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/04/siraj-joins-calls-for-pms-resignation-ahead-of-jit-probe/
Islamabad: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan(JI) head Siraj ul Haq on Thursday joined calls from opposition parties for PM Nawaz Sharif’s resignation in order to make way for a transparent probe into the Panama papers as ordered by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its landmark judgement. “We had announced that our party would accept the Supreme Court’s verdict. But in opinion, this case is not over yet. It has entered the next stage,” Haq said.SAMAA
After SC verdict, Sharif now at 'mercy' of Pak Army
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/with-panamagate-verdict-sharif-now-at-mercy-of-pak-army-117042000838_1.html
Islamabad : Even though today's Panamagate verdict by the Pakistan Supreme Court neither gave a clean chit nor a disqualification to PM Nawaz Sharif, it essentially places the leader at the mercy of the Army. Sources say this verdict is a takeover of Sharif by the army.At least 8 offshore companies were found to have links to the Sharif family in the documents that were leaked following which the case was filed by various petitioners - PTI chief Imran Khan, Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq - seeking disqualification of PM Sharif over his alleged misstatement in his address to the nation on April 5 and his speech before the National Assembly on May 16, 2016. ANI
Pakistan National assembly passes bill on compulsory teaching of Quran in schools
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-assembly-passes-bill-on-compulsory-teaching-of-quran-in-schools/story-C3MkY8Q4GPQaEAMStK5y2N.html
Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a bill endorsing compulsory Quran education for all Muslim students studying in govt schools from class 1 to 12, a move apparently aimed at weaning away children from religious seminaries. The ‘Compulsory Teaching of the Holy Quran Bill 2017’ was tabled before the house by state minister for federal education and professional training Balighur Rehman.The bill provides that students from class 1 to 5 will learn to read the Arabic text of the holy book, while students from class 6 to 12 will also learn to read the Arabic text with simple Urdu translation.The minister clarified that this piece of legislation is only meant for the Muslim students.The bill will need President Mamnoon Hussain’s signature to become law.The law will be applicable to all federal educational institutions in the country but it will be mandatory for Muslim students. The provinces can separately legislate on teaching of the Quran.HT
Israel approves construction of 212 new settlement units in Jerusalem
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170420-israel-approves-construction-of-212-new-settlement-units-in-jerusalem/
Israeli Planning and Construction Committee has approved the construction of 212 new settlement units in Pisgat Ze’ev and Ramat Shlomo settlements in the occupied city of Jerusalem. Israeli army radio said the project is part of a “large settlement plan to be implemented during the new US admin era”. Last month, Israel’s cabinet approved the establishment of a new settlement in the West Bank for settlers evicted from Amona outpost and confiscated hundreds of dunums of Palestinian private lands in Ramallah for that purpose.
UN: Gazans should not ‘held hostage’ over power crisis
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170420-un-gazans-should-not-held-hostage-over-power-crisis/
UN’ Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov said on Wednesday that residents of Gaza should not be held as “hostages” during an ongoing energy crisis that he blamed both Palestinian-controlled institutions for as well as Israel.Commenting on the electricity crisis in Gaza, Mladenov said in a statement: “I am following with great concern the tense situation in Gaza, where a new energy crisis is now unfolding.”Mladenov blamed the electricity crisis on the need to reform Gaza Electricity Distribution Company, noting it is “essential to improve revenue collection and transparency in line with international standards.” The UN official also blamed the Israeli occupation for the crisis, saying:
Chairman of Egypt’s leading newspaper resigns
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170420-chairman-of-egypts-leading-newspaper-resigns/
Chairman of Egypt’s biggest-selling state-owned paper, Al-Ahram, resigned after protesting about interference in the running of the publication.Ahmed El-Sayed Al-Naggar had been among prominent journalists who criticised govt ’s transfer of 2 Red Sea islands to Saudi in April last year.
Iran accused of manipulating Palestinian cause while hiding its colonialism against Ahwazi Arabs: middleeastmonitor
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170419-iran-accused-of-manipulating-the-palestinian-cause-while-hiding-its-colonialism-against-ahwazi-arabs/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:11 PM)
