On Monday (16th October), the Consul General of Israel to India, Kobbi Shoshani called out Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair for spreading fake news and hatred against Israel amid the ongoing disturbances between Israel and Palestine. “Mr Zubair, stop spreading fake news and hatred about Israel.
“If you REALLY consider yourself a fact-checker, go to Israel,” the Consul General posted on X.
Mr. @zoo_bear Stop spreading fake news & hatred about Israel.
The Consul General’s tweet comes in the wake of attempts made by pro-Hamas elements to peddle propaganda against Israeli retaliation to the terror attacks. Earlier, the propaganda pushers tried to discredit the cold-blooded murder of Israeli children, including babies, toddlers, and infants, only to be debunked by the Israeli PMO and other authoritative sources, which released evidence to prove the barbarity, underscoring the depravity of Hamas terrorists and ‘fact-checkers’ providing them with cover fire.
Earlier today, Foreign investigative journalist and founder of RAIR Foundation USA, Amy Mek, alerted Indians about the fake news peddling site Alt News and its co-founder Mohammed Zubair. She pointed out that just like in the case of Former BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma, Alt News’ co-founder Mohammed Zubair has been painting a target on her back for exposing the crimes of Islamist terror outfits like Hamas.
Taking to X, American Woman journalist Mek asserted that a ‘Jihadi’ named Mohammed Zubair, operating a left-wing disinformation portal Alt News, has been carrying out a smear campaign against her and others who are exposing the propaganda of the terrorist organisation Hamas. (Archived)
Regarding the genesis of the controversy revolving around Sharma, she highlighted, “This was simply because she (Nupur Sharma) reported factual information about Prophet Muhammad and the age of one of his wives, Aisha. She noted that Aisha was 6 years old when married and 9 when the marriage was consummated.”
Further in her post, Mek highlighted that Zubair has been under the scanner of Indian agencies and was once arrested (for hurting religious sentiments).
She noted that Zubair seems to be a dangerous individual who dog-whistles and encourages his followers to harass people. She said, “I also heard that he was arrested in India and seems to be a dangerous individual who encourages his followers to harass people.”
Zubair spreading fake news
Mohammed Zubair has a history of peddling fake news and dog whistling to specifically target leading powerful Hindu personalities by sharing edited videos. There are umpteen incidents when Zubair has been caught peddling lies. An indicative, and not exhaustive, list of instances when Zubair was called out for spreading fake news can be read here.
Earlier last year, Zubair dog whistled against Nupur by sharing a clipped video of her debate from Times Now. He cunningly edited out the part where a Muslim speaker had used derogatory language for Shivling. The clip that garnered death calls against Sharma from all over the global Islamist community started with Nupur warning him to stop abusing the Hindu religion and its Gods. However, Zubair, in his tweet, insinuated to make it look like only Nupur had used derogatory remarks.
On Monday (16th October), Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, informed that a question asked by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on the floor of the House mirrored the talking points of a company, which was lobbying for data localisation.
Citing media reports, he said that the question asked by the politician might have been influenced by the company. “I have learnt from news reports that this Parliamentary Question (PQ) was likely asked by an MP at the behest of a Data centre company,” Rajeev Chandrasekhar pointed out.
Without taking names, he added, “If true this is indeed shocking and shameful…It is true that this company was actively and aggressively lobbying for Data Localization.”
I hv learnt from news reports that this Parliamentary Question was likely asked by a MP at the behest of a Data center company.
If true this is indeed shocking and shameful ??
It is true that this company was actively and aggressively lobbying for Data Localization.… pic.twitter.com/slrtrNLNSy
“The language used in PQ is very similar (linking the need for data localization to data breaches) to that used when the head of this company met me,” the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology emphasised.
He further added, “I am not aware or privy to the full facts or background on this – but if it is true then it’s a terrible travesty and misuse of PQs.”
The Background of the Controversy
On 22nd March last year, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moutra asked a question (with six sub-parts) regarding data breaches and the need for data localisation.
Will the Minister for Electronics and Information Technology be pleased to state – (a) whether the Government has banned 54 apps in order to protect our citizens, (b) if so, the details thereof (c) whether app leakages and data leakages of Indian citizens may happen from other countries (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) whether the Government enact data localization requirements for all sensitive personal data while the Data Protection Act is under consideration; and (f) if so, the details thereof?
At that time, Rajeev Chandrashekhar had responded, “In line with the objective of the Government to ensure an Open, Safe & Trusted and Accountable Internet for all its users and based on the requests received through designated nodal officers from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has blocked 54 mobile applications under the provision of section A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information for Public) Rules, 2009. These mobile applications were blocked in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India and security of the State. As per the information made available by MHA, these apps were collecting various user data and transmitting it in an unauthorized manner to servers abroad for profiling.”
“It is technically possible that the breach of data privacy of Indian citizens may happen from other countries. Any such cyber security incident for Indian citizens” data is expected to be reported to Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) as per the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and Manner of Performing Functions and Duties) Rules, 2013″, he further added.
“At present Section 43A and section 72A of the IT Act, 2000 enable privacy and security of sensitive personal data in digital form. The Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information), Rules, 2011, provides reasonable security practices and procedures by the body corporate. In financial sector, RBI has mandated that all payment system providers shall ensure that the entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India. For the foreign leg of the transaction, if any, data can also be stored in the foreign country, if required,” the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology added.
Mahua Moitra under scanner
On Monday (15th October), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha (MP) Nishikant Dubey levelled serious allegations against Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, saying she took cash and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask specific questions in the Parliament. MP Dubey has submitted a formal complaint to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking an inquiry against Moitra and urged the Speaker for her immediate suspension.
In his letter, he raised alarming allegations of corruption and misconduct against Moitra. He pointed out alleged bribery between Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani, where cash and gifts were purportedly exchanged for asking questions in Parliament that favoured Hiranandani’s business interests. Dubey raised the allegations based on a letter written to him by advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai.
He added that 50 out of 61 questions raised by Moitra were allegedly aimed to protect and promote Hiranandani’s company that, often focused on rival business conglomerates like the Adani Group. He contended that the alleged conspiracy went unnoticed as Moitra, an opposition leader, openly criticised the government, linking it to business houses while covertly serving her agenda.
He added that the alleged misconduct of Moitra in the Parliament was similar to the infamous “cash for query” episode of December 2005. He further contended the alleged actions of Moitra were to be considered a breach of privilege, contempt of the House and a violation of Section 120-A of the Indian Penal Code.
Dubey stated that Mahua Moitra‘s quid pro quo arrangement with a businessman, which was recently disclosed, revealed her public image of morality to be a deceptive facade. He described it as a “Machiavellian Camouflage” that she used to conceal her criminal activities while projecting the persona of a “firebrand Member of Parliament.”
Retaliating to the allegations, Moitra said she would welcome ED and CBI for enquiry into her alleged money laundering “right after they finish investigating Adani’s offshore money trail, over invocing, benami accounts”. She urged ED to first file FIR against Adani and raised allegations of coal scam against Adani group.
Darshan Hiranandani is the CEO of real estate giant Hiranandani Group based in Mumbai. The group has diversified into health, education, energy, hospitality, data centres, and has recently started a technology-led consumer services business under Tez Platforms.
Hitting out at Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha’s remarks that BJP has been inspired by the welfare schemes of her party, Telangana BJP Mahila Morcha chief Geetha Murthy on Monday alleged that while PM Modi an international leader who works 18 hours daily, the Telangana Chief Minister has no time for people.
K Kavitha is the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister and BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR).
“Her father (KCR) is always drinking and sleeping. What should Modi learn from him? PM Modi is an international leader now. He works for 18 hours a day. Does KCR work for 18 hours?” Geetha Murthy said.
She further said Kavitha should talk about the atrocities in Telangana rather than talking against the BJP.
“PM Modi keeps thinking about the development of the country. Kavitha keeps talking like this. She should talk about what is happening in Telangana. She never talked about Pravallika nor met her family…She never talks about the atrocities here. Her father has trained her to talk against the BJP,” Murthy said.
Kavitha had earlier said that the BJP has learnt from welfare schemes implemented by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi government in Telangana.
“It is the BJP who has learnt from us. Our schemes have inspired Prime Minister Narendra Modi and now he’s implementing these schemes across the nation. BJP as a party if you have any commitment, please do that for the state but do not create unnecessary hurdles. You lost deposits last time, this time we will make sure you lose deposits in all 119 seats,” Kavitha had told ANI.
“So BJP has zero stakes. We don’t have to take that party seriously in Telangana. Congress might put up a fight but can never be a competition to the BRS party,” she added.
Political heat is rising in Telangana ahead of assembly polls on November 30.
Telangana is set to witness a triangular contest between the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi, the Congress and the BJP in the assembly election.
In the previous Assembly election held in 2018, BRS won 88 out of 119 seats with a vote share of 47.4 per cent. Congress came at a distant second with 19 seats. Its vote share was 28.7 per cent.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On Monday, October 16, an Uttar Pradesh cop Suhail Ansari was suspended over his social media post where he expressed his support for Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist terror group that launched an unprecedented terror attack against Israel on October 7, and since killed hundreds of Israeli civilians, including children and the elderly, military personnel, and foreign nationals.
Moreover, a departmental enquiry has been initiated against him for allegedly sharing a post and asking for donations in the name of supporting Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
In Uttar Pradesh, India, a police officer named Suhail Ansari has been suspended for a Facebook post in which he expressed support for Palestine. In the post, Ansari shared his views and solidarity with Palestine.
Ansari is a resident of Bareilly and was posted in the Lakhimpur Kheri district for the past few months. He had reportedly shared a post on his Facebook profile which asked for donations to save Palestine, claiming the amount received would be sent directly to the Islamist terror organisation Hamas. The post went viral in the last two to three days.
A person named Chandan Sharma was the first to take note of the post. He posted a screenshot of Sohail Ansari’s Facebook post on social media and wrote, “This is Mohammad Sohail Ansari, constable in Uttar Pradesh Police.
Kheri DSP Sandeep Singh, who is posted as circle officer (city) there, informed that the superintendent of police took notice of the matter, conducted a probe, and subsequently, Ansari was suspended on Monday.
Constable Sohail Ansari had posted a poster expressing support for Palestine and demanding donating one dollar each for Palestine through his Facebook account. Sohail Ansari’s post on Facebook read, “Help Save Palestine. I Repost=$1 All Donation Are Directly Sent To….Add To Story To Help Save Palestine.” The post further read that Rs 8,261,324.12 had already been raised to support Hamas.
SS of UP cop Suhail Ansari’s Facebook profile (L), the post he shared (R)
Further investigations are ongoing, and if the constable is found guilty in the future, stringent action will be taken against him, added the circle officer.
What the UP cop did was typically in line with several Indian politicians, as well as the usual coterie of Indian left-liberals and Islamists, who have been extending their unabashed support to Palestine even as Hamas beheads and rapes Israelis and calls on Muslims across the world to commit Jihad.
Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organisation, killed over 1,200 Israelis, including 150+ soldiers, women, elderly and children on a Jewish holiday. Several foreign nationals were killed or abducted by Hamas terrorists. Israeli forces are still discovering bodies, some of them were charred to death. Burnt houses, dead families and ruined villages show how horrendous the attack was.
India has strongly condemned the Hamas attack on Israel, with PM Narendra Modi calling it a terror attack.
Despite this, prominent Indian Muslim groups and individuals have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas. Congress has gone as far astrying to instigate Muslim countries against India for its stand against Hamas terror attack on Israel.
Ruling in favour of pro-life, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a woman’s plea, seeking medical termination of 26 weeks of pregnancy.
A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra passed the order observing that there are no threats to the mother, not a case of foetal abnormality and doctors will face a viable foetus.
The court directed the government to bear all medical costs and the delivery to be conducted by AIMS at the appropriate time.
SC clarified the choice to give the child up for adoption depending on the parents.
The court noted that pregnancy has crossed over 24 weeks and termination of a 26-week pregnancy can not be allowed as it would violate the provisions under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.
All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) on Monday apprised the Supreme Court that no abnormality has been detected in the foetus of a woman who had petitioned to seek the medical termination of her 26-week pregnancy and that with proper care and treatment under appropriate medical supervision, the mother and baby can be managed well during pregnancy and postpartum psychosis.
“It is felt that with proper care and treatment under appropriate medical supervision, the mother and baby can be managed well during pregnancy and postpartum as has been previously evidenced by her response to medications. In case of worsening of symptoms she may be admitted and treated,” AIIMS report said.
The hospital’s report was filed after the apex court directed it to do so in an order on October 13.
A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra said that it will try and pass the order on the petition post lunch today.
The woman has sought the termination of her 26-week pregnancy whereas the Centre has filed an application seeking a recalling of the top court’s order by which the woman’s petition has been allowed.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted the AIIMS report that stated that the woman has a past history of postpartum psychosis, currently controlled on medications.
AIIMS report also said that as per the assessment by ultrasonography and fetal Echo, the foetus did not present any structural anomaly.
AIIMS also said that the continuation of pregnancy to full term while the woman is on the revised medications is not likely to significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes for the mother and foetus as compared to other pregnant women. The court also took the note of AIIMS report.
ASG Bhati, appearing for the Centre, apprised the court about the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 and said that it is a liberal and pro-choice legislation, aimed at giving absolute primacy to the reproductive autonomy and health of the woman while balancing the rights of a viable unborn child.
She further added that now it is not a matter of choice but a choice between pre-term delivery and full-term delivery.
She assured the court that the government would assist her and her husband with everything including medical counselling.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves apprised the court on the issue related to the unborn and said that in international law today there is no right to the unborn child and the right of the woman is absolute.
But the court remarked with a question whether the woman should be allowed to abort even at 33 weeks of pregnancy in those cases where the foetus is not abnormal.
The court also said that the challenge to be law should be dealt with in some other proceedings as now the matter is limited to the woman and the state.
The matter was referred to a three-judge bench after a two-judge bench on October 11 gave a split order on the married woman’s plea seeking termination of a 26-week pregnancy.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave a split order on the married woman’s plea seeking termination of a 26-week pregnancy as one of the judges ruled against the termination while the other judge expressed disagreement and said that the woman’s decision must be respected to undergo the procedure of termination of her pregnancy.
A two-judge bench of Justices Hima Kohli and BV Nagarathna gave the split decision while hearing the Centre’s plea seeking the recalling of its earlier order allowing the woman to undergo the procedure of termination of her pregnancy.
Justice Hima Kohli said that her judicial conscience does not allow her to permit termination. Expressing disagreement, Justice BV Nagarathna said that the woman’s decision to undergo termination of her pregnancy must be respected.
The woman has submitted an affidavit stating she does not wish to carry out her pregnancy due to her mental condition and ailments.
On October 9, a bench of justices Hima Kohli and BV Nagarathna directed the woman to visit the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, AIIMS, New Delhi on October 10.
The court had also directed the AIIMS to admit the petitioner for her to undergo the procedure of termination of her pregnancy at the earliest with follow-up as may be advised by the treating doctors.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On 15th October (Sunday), the Sharad Navratri Puja was performed at the newly constructed Sharda Temple which is located in the Teetwal border region of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, near the Line of Control (LoC). Devotees in large numbers from far-flung areas attended the Navratri Puja as it was for the first time after partition that the Navratri Pujas were held in the Sharda Temple in Kashmir.
Taking to X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the development has a profound spiritual significance noting that the puja rituals were held for the first time since 1947 in the Sharda Temple in Kashmir. He noted that he was fortunate to inaugurate Mata Sharda Temple in March 2023.
Home Minister Shah tweeted, “It is a matter of profound spiritual significance that for the first time since 1947, the Navratri pujas have been held in the historic Sharda Temple in Kashmir this year. Earlier in the year the Chaitra Navratri Puja was observed and now the mantras of the Shardiya Navratri puja resound in the shrine. I was fortunate to reopen the temple on 23rd March 2023 after restoration.”
It is a matter of profound spiritual significance that for the first time since 1947, the Navratri pujas have been held in the historic Sharda Temple in Kashmir this year. Earlier in the year the Chaitra Navratri Puja was observed and now the mantras of the Shardiya Navratri puja… pic.twitter.com/xWzEfagvPx
He also pointed out that this historic development signifies the return of peace in the valley along with spiritual and cultural progress in Kashmir under PM Modi’s leadership.
He added, “This not only signifies the return of peace in the valley but also marks the rekindling of our nation’s spiritual and cultural flame under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi.”
Swami Govindananda Saraswati of Hampi was also present during the historic Puja ceremony. He had reached the Sharda Mata Mandir along with his followers on Rath Yatra from Kishkinda – the birthplace of Lord Hanuman in Karnataka.
Several prominent Kashmiri Pandit pilgrims, including AK Raina, a renowned theatre personality who had acted in the acclaimed film “The Kashmir Files” were also part of the ritual ceremony.
Notably, the Teetwal area originally had Sharda Mata Mandir and Gurudwara but they were destroyed during the tribal raids of 1947. Recently, a new Mandir and Gurudwara were constructed in the same architectural style and on the same sacred land. It was later inaugurated on March 23 of this year by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Subsequently, the doors of the Mata Sharda Devi Mandir were opened for devotees on the first day of Chaitra Navratri, this year.
Regarding this, the Head of Save Sharda Committee Kashmir, Ravinder Pandita said, “It was yet again a historical moment to perform Navratri puja at Sharda temple LoC, for the first time after partition. The temple and Gurudwara that used to exist here were burnt down in tribal raids in 1947 and a new temple and gurudwara has come up on the same piece of land on the same pattern, that was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 23 March, this year.”
The day was 12th July, 2006. Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based Islamic terror outfit, launched an unprovoked attack on Israel. The terrorists fired artillery rockets and mortal shells in the towns of Shlomi and Zar’it in Northern Israel, injuring five civilians.
They also targeted military outposts and infiltrated into the Israeli territory from the Lebanese side of the border. At about 9 o’clock in the morning on 12th July 2006, two armoured jeeps, carrying reserved Israeli soldiers, were ambushed between Moshav Zar’it and Moshav Shtula by Hezbollah.
The convoy was attacked with anti-tank missiles and explosives. Three soldiers were killed instantly while three others were severely injured. The Hezbollah terrorists also abducted two Israeli soldiers named Ehud (Udi) Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.
They managed to flee using an escape vehicle, which was waiting on the other side of the fence. The attack was so abrupt that the Israeli soldiers could not even fire a single shot.
IDF soldiers carrying a wounded personnel during the Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006, image via Haim Azoulay/ Flash 90
It was only 45 minutes after the attack that a contingent of 8 soldiers and officers arrived at the scene and gauged the severity of the situation. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) swung into action and conducted aerial surveillance.
A helicopter and an Israeli armoured personnel carrier were also dispatched to Lebanon to trace the abducted soldiers. While travelling close to a Hezbollah terror camp, the ‘Merkava Mk III’ tank was attacked by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), laden with 200-300 kg of explosives.
Four Israeli soldiers onboard the armoured personnel carrier was killed. Another IDF personnel was killed by mortar fire while trying to recover the bodies of the fallen soldiers. In total, 8 soldiers were killed while two remained in captivity of Hezbollah by the end of 12th July, 2006.
Israel declares war against Hezbollah
The then Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, described the actions of Hezbollah as an ‘act of war.’ He had said, “These are difficult days for the state of Israel and its citizens…There are people…who are trying to test our resolve. They will fail, and they will pay a heavy price for their actions.”
And then began a 34-day-long military excursion by Israel against Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes and destroyed transport routes to prevent the terrorists from taking the abducted Israeli soldiers further away from the border.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) wiped out 59 Iranian Missile Launchers, which were in possession of Hezbollah, on the 2nd day of conflict. This averted a possible strike on Tel Aviv by the Islamist terror outfit.
On July 16, 2006, the Israeli Cabinet declared [pdf], “Israel is not fighting Lebanon but the terrorist element there, led by Nasrallah and his cohorts, who have made Lebanon a hostage and created Syrian- and Iranian-sponsored terrorist enclaves of murder.”
Over the following days, Israel clamped down on Hezbollah terrorists. Lebanon’s infrastructure, including bridges, buildings, vital facilities, transport hubs, and industrial structures were decimated to the ground.
Bombing by Israel in Lebanon, image via Sadikgulec/Dreamstime.com
The Jewish State also deployed up to 7,000 troops into Lebanon, intensifying their ground offensive against the Hezbollah terrorists. The operation was backed by air support, tanks, and armoured bulldozers, targeting multiple areas along the border.
Israeli forces moved up to four and a half miles inside Lebanon, engaging Hezbollah terrorists and dismantling their outposts and infrastructure. Numerous airstrikes were conducted in support of ground operations.
The targets included Hezbollah terrorists , missile launchers, launching sites, and routes used to transport weapons from Syria. Additionally, suspected trucks carrying weapons near the Syrian border were targeted, intensifying the air campaign.
House-to-house battles ensued between Israeli forces and hundreds of Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanese towns and villages near the border. Israel faced the loss of 43 civilians, mainly due to indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hezbollah. About 117 Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were martyred in the conflict.
The two kidnapped soldiers, Ehud (Udi) Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, had also succumbed to their injuries. Hezbollah terrorist Khalid Bazzi, who orchestrated the terror attack on Israel, was neutralised in an air strike during the 34-day war.
Besides, 150-170 Hezbollah terrorists and 43 Lebanese security force personnel were also executed. A cease-fire agreement was eventually reached between the two sides on August 14, 2006.
A lesson learnt by Hezbollah
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak (199-2001) had warned the Islamist terror group, shortly after its misadventure in Northern Israel.
“You think you can just do crazy stuff like kidnap our people and we will treat this as a little border dispute. We may look Western, but the modern Jewish state has survived as ‘a villa in the jungle’ because if push comes to shove, we are willing to play by the local rules. Have no illusions about that. You will not outcrazy us out of this neighbourhood,” he had said.
Hezbollah evidently miscalculated the response from the Israeli side after it killed 8 of their soldiers and abducted 2 of them (who eventually died). The pounding of Hezbollah targets by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was so ferocious that Hezbollah supremo Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah regretted attacking the Jewish State.
While speaking to Lebanon-based New TV, the Hezbollah terrorist lamented, “We did not think, even one per cent, that the capture would lead to a war at this time and of this magnitude. You ask me, if I had known on July 11 … that the operation would lead to such a war, would I do it? I say no, absolutely not”
Hamas paying the price for terror attack on Israel
While Hezbollah was quick to learn its lesson in 2006, Gaza-based Hamas terrorists are yet to learn their lesson.
On 7th October, hundreds of Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel through various means, overwhelming the Iron Dome with 5,000 rockets in a few minutes. They also abducted hostages and took them to Gaza.
In a counterattack on Hamas by Israeli forces, more than 1,500 Hamas terrorists have been reportedly killed amid the Israel-Hamas war. While hunting for the Hamas terrorists, IDF said it had been actively looking for the hostages.
The death toll in Israel from the Hamas attack has now surpassed 1,300, with over 3,300 injured, primarily civilians. Israel launched a major offensive against Hamas in Gaza, restricting power and water supply and blocking essential goods from entering the region.
On 14th October, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it was completing preparations for “significant ground operations” in the Gaza Strip.
According to IDF, they are preparing to “expand the offensive” by putting in place a “wide range of offensive operational plans” that would include “joint and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land,” reported Times of Israel.
An important message for the world to hear from the IDF International Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht. pic.twitter.com/e9rmcgLgex
IDF International Spokesperson Lt Col Richard Hecht issued a video statement that urged civilians from the Gaza Strip to evacuate immediately.
He emphasised that the objective of IDF is to protect the people of Israel from the ongoing attacks of the terrorist organisation Hamas, which had initiated the war with a brutal massacre.
Hamas possibly did not anticipate such a strong counter-reaction from the State of Israel. With the Jewish State now determined to crush the terror outfit completely, Hamas terrorists are running for cover.
On 15th October, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey leveled serious allegations of bribery against Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, based on details provided by advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai. In his complaints, Advocate Dehadrai alleged that Moitra was paid in cash and gifts for asking questions in Parliament that favored tycoon Darshan Hiranandani’s business interests.
OpIndia accessed a copy of the complaint filed by Adv Dehadrai that contained a list of items that Moitra allegedly got in exchange for asking questions in the Parliament. Upon research, here is what we found about the products and their costs.
The first item mentioned in the list was iPhones. In one of the recent photographs on Mahua Moitra’s Facebook page, she can be seen holding an iPhone resembling its 14 Pro model.
Source: Mahua Moitra/Facebook
The phone is listed at a price of Rs 1,39,900 on Amazon.
Source: Amazon
The second item mentioned in the list is scarves from Hermes. While Hermes’ US website lists the scarves at USD 510 a piece, according to Luxepolis website, these are available in India at Rs 30,000 to Rs 38,000 a piece. Advocate Dehadrai did not mention the number of scarves.
Source: Hermes/Luxepolis
The third item mentioned in the list was scarves from Louis Vuitton. The scarves by Louis Vuitton can vary anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 4,95,000 as per the company’s official website’s India store.
Source: louisvuitton
The next item on the list is 35 pairs of shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo. These shoes are available on multiple luxury brand websites, such as Fashiola. The price range of these shoes varies between Rs 70,000 to Rs 1,10,000. Considering the average price of Rs 80,000 per pair, the combined worth of the shoes alone would be Rs 28 lakhs.
Source: fashiola
The next item on the list was expensive wines from France and Italy that may cost anywhere between Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 a bottle.
Source: thewinepark
The next item on the list was Bags from Gucci. The bags from Gucci may cost up to Rs 2,00,000 easily in India.
Source: haute24
Furthermore, Advocate Dehadrai claimed she received a crocodile leather bag from Berluti. The alligator leather bag by Berluti costs USD 14,500, that is over 12 lakhs Rs.
Source: Berluti
Moitra is known for carrying luxury items to the Parliament. She sparked controversy as she was caught on camera hiding her Louis Vuitton bag worth Rs 1.6 lakh during a price rise debate in parliament.
Apart from luxury items, Advocate Dehadrai claimed Moitra received regular packets of cash in Indian Rupees and Pound Sterling. He further claimed to have seen her counting 20,000 pounds sterling at her residence.
On 16th October (Monday), Foreign investigative journalist and founder of RAIR Foundation USA, Amy Mek, alerted Indians about the fake news peddling site Alt News and its co-founder Mohammed Zubair. She pointed out that just like in the case of Former BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma, Alt News’ co-founder Mohammed Zubair has been painting a target on her back for exposing the crimes of Islamist terror outfits like Hamas.
Taking to X, American Woman journalist Mek asserted that a ‘Jihadi’ named Mohammed Zubair, operating a left-wing disinformation portal Alt News, has been carrying out a smear campaign against her and others who are exposing the propaganda of the terrorist organisation Hamas. (Archived)
ALERT: To my followers in India…
There seems to be a Jihadi named Mohammad Zubair who operates a left-wing disinformation site called Alt News. He is attempting to smear me and other conservatives for exposing Hamas' propaganda.
In her post, she inquired whether Mohammed Zubair was the same guy who endangered the life of Nupur Sharma for quoting references from the Islamic holy scriptures.
She asked, “Is this the same antisemitic/hinduphobic individual who targeted Nupur Sharma and endangered her life?”
Regarding the genesis of the controversy revolving around Sharma, she highlighted, “This was simply because she (Nupur Sharma) reported factual information about Prophet Muhammad and the age of one of his wives, Aisha. She noted that Aisha was 6 years old when married and 9 when the marriage was consummated.”
Notably, on 26th May 2022, former spokesperson of BJP Nupur Sharma participated in a debate on the Gyanvapi disputed structure case on Times Now, where the other panellist from the Muslim community repeatedly abused Bhagwan Shiv. In response, Sharma remarked on Prophet Muhammad by narrating what has been written in Islamic holy scriptures. What she said has often been cited by various Islamic scholars, including hate preacher Zakir Naik.
AltNews’ Mohammed Zubair’s role in the controversy
Fake news peddling portal AltNews’ co-founder Mohammed Zubair exploited the debate by cleverly trimming the video clip of the debate to target Nupur Sharma. Little after the debate, he published a tweet and said, “Prime Time debates in India have become a platform to encourage hate mongers to speak ill about other religions. Times Now’s Anchor Navika Kumar is encouraging a rabid communal hatemonger & a BJP Spokesperson to speak rubbish that can incite riots. Shame on you, Vineet Jain.”
It is notable that Zubair cleverly snapped the part where a Muslim speaker had used derogatory language for Shivling. The clip starts with Nupur warning him to stop abusing the Hindu religion and its Gods. However, Zubair, in his tweet, insinuated to make it look like only Nupur had used derogatory remarks.
Soon several media houses, including international media, picked it up to attack India. British online paper Independent also noted in a report that it was Zubair who initiated the first attack on Nupur.
Zubair posted the tweet at 11:31 AM on May 27. In less than an hour, at 12:08 PM, Sharma confronted him and asked him not to put up fake videos. She asked him to check the complete video to get the context. By that time, Nupur had already started getting rape and death threats. She published some screenshots of the comments she had received.
Zubair is a dangerous individual, Mek notes
Further in her post, Mek highlighted that Zubair has been under the scanner of Indian agencies and was once arrested (for hurting religious sentiments).
She noted that Zubair seems to be a dangerous individual who dog-whistles and encourages his followers to harass people. She said, “I also heard that he was arrested in India and seems to be a dangerous individual who encourages his followers to harass people.”
She further asked if is it true that Zubair has received money from George Soros’s Open Society Foundations (OSF), which supports anti-India elements operating within India.
The so-called ‘fact-checker’ Zubair has been notorious for leaking sensitive private (doxxing) information of persons to paint a target on them and has been endangering their lives. Pointing towards this aspect, Mek asked, “Is it true that he (Zubair) has doxxed people as well?”
Mek concluded by asking Indians to share more information about Zubair.
Cricket will be a part of the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 and will make its return after 128 years to the multi-sport extravaganza, announced the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday.
The 2028 event will also include sports like baseball/softball, lacrosse, squash and flag football. The proposal from Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 to include these games in the programme was accepted at the ongoing 141st IOC session being held at Mumbai.
Cricket made its sole appearance at the 1900 Paris Olympics in which Great Britain defeated France in the final. But it is played in Commonwealth Games and Asian Games as well. Two IOC members opposed the proposal and one abstained from voting.
“The proposal from the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (@LA28 to include five new sports in the programme has been accepted by the IOC Session. Baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash will be in the programme at LA28. #IOCMumbai2023,” tweeted IOC Media.
The inclusion of Cricket at the Olympics was welcomed by Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance foundation and IOC board member.
“As an IOC member, a proud Indian, and an ardent cricket fan, I am delighted that IOC members have voted to include Cricket as an Olympic Sport in the LA Summer Olympics 2028! Cricket is one of the most loved sports globally, and the second most watched. For 1.4 billion Indians, cricket is not just a sport, it’s a religion! So I’m delighted that this historic resolution was passed at the 141st IOC Session taking place right here in our country in Mumbai” Nita Ambani said.
“The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics will create deeper engagement for the Olympic Movement in newer geographies. And at the same time, provides a boost to cricket’s growing international popularity. I thank and congratulate the IOC and the LA Organizing Committee for their support to this landmark decision. It’s truly a day of great joy and jubilation!” Nita Ambani added.
The IOC session in Mumbai was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. The session serves as a key meeting of the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Important decisions regarding the future of the Olympic games are made at the IOC Sessions. India is hosting the IOC session for the second time and after a gap of about 40 years. The IOC’s 86th session was held in New Delhi in 1983.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
