Home Blog Page 4633

Watch: Stumbling wonder Rakesh Tikait suffers a mishap as stage collapses in Haryana

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Watch: Stumbling wonder Rakesh Tikait suffers a mishap as stage collapses in Haryana

‘Farmer leader’ Rakesh Tikait and other ‘farmer leaders’ suffered a mishap in Jind, Haryana where a Mahapanchayat was underway. They were standing on a stage amidst a significant crowd when the stage, unfortunately, collapsed.

During the video clip, Rakesh Tikait and another leader were on the screen when suddenly, they disappeared from it. As the video moves forward, we learn that it was the stage that collapsed. It is not yet clear if anyone was hurt in the incident.

Rakesh Tikait has been at the forefront of the ‘farmer protests’. Earlier, visuals of him crying profusely at the protest site and threatening suicide had gone viral on the internet. It was also reported that he had broken into tears after he was thrashed by Khalistanis.

The protests that started as a farmer rally has turned into a caste showdown as farmer leaders are trying to mobilize protestors on caste lines. Consequently, such ‘Mahapanchayats’ are being organised at various places.

Despite the protests losing credibility following the massive loss of face on Republic Day, Rakesh Tikait appears to have mastered the art of stumbling from one fumble to the next without any loss of enthusiasm, both literally and figuratively.

‘Twitter cannot assume the role of Court and justify non-compliance’: Exclusive details of Govt notice after platform unblocked genocide hashtag accounts

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Twitter cannot assume the role of Court and justify non-compliance’: Exclusive details of Govt notice after platform unblocked genocide hashtag accounts

The Indian Government has sent a notice to Twitter for violating Indian laws by unblocking the accounts and tweets that trended a controversial hashtag claiming that Prime Minister Modi was planning a ‘farmer genocide’ in the country.

The government has also threatened a 7 year jail term and fine.

The government stated that “Twitter Cannot Assume the Role of Court and Justify Non-Compliance.” According to Indian laws, “the intermediary is bound to comply with the order of the Designated Officer authorized by the Central Government, and in case of non-compliance, statutory consequences shall follow.”

The notice said that it was “astonishing” that Twitter was “commenting upon “significant issues relating to freedom of speech” relating to the power of the Central Government under section 69A of the Act and the constitutional desirability of the interim order dated 31.1.2021.”

“It may be noted that the impracticability or disproportionality of the said measure cannot be decided at the instance of twitter which is an intermediary bound by the orders of the Central Government,” the notice said.

The government notice also stated, “Having considered in totality, the contents of the interim order, the oral submissions of the advocate/representative of Twitter at the Committee meeting, and also the mail from Twitter expressing its disobedience of the legal blocking orders, the competent authority is satisfied that it is necessary and also expedient in the interest of public order and also for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to public order that Twitter, as an intermediary under section 2[1][w] of the act is once again directed to block for access by the public, the said Twitter handles and also the said hashtag with immediate effect.”

Around 250 tweets and accounts were withheld in India on the 1st of February after the controversial hashtag trended on the platform on the 30th of January. The accounts of The Caravan, Kisan Ekta Morcha, actor Sushant Singh were some of the most prominent to be withheld.

Sources told OpIndia that the decision was taken at the request of Ministry of Home Affairs and law enforcement agencies to prevent any escalation of law and order in view of the on-going farmer agitation. The accounts and tweets were ordered to be withheld after being perceived as incitement and a threat to public order.

However, within hours, the accounts were restored by Twitter. The social media giant said that it had held discussions with government officials and conveyed to them that spreading fake news that has the potential to unleash massive violence falls under the purview of freedom of speech. The Government of India has on Wednesday sent a notice to the platform for violating Indian laws.

The government has also warned Twitter of consequences for non-compliance of directions issued under section 69A of the IT Act.

Himanta Biswa Sharma slams ‘communal Miyas’ from Bangladesh, says they distort Assamese culture: Watch what he said

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Himanta Biswa Sharma slams ‘communal Miyas’ from Bangladesh, says they distort Assamese culture: Watch what he said

On Wednesday, Assam Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma slammed the illegal Bangladeshi immigrants who have infiltrated the State of Assam. While speaking to reporters, the BJP leader emphasised, “Assam Muslim population is divided into two streams; one who has come to Assam from Bangladesh & others who are indigenous.” He further added, “Some people who had come to Assam at different point of time have started to identify themselves as ‘Miya’ & they are very communal”

Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the ‘Miya’ Bangladeshis have been involved in the distortion of Assamese language and culture. “So, I don’t be MLA with their votes. My personal opinion is that the people who openly challenge Assamese culture, language & composite Indian culture shouldn’t vote for us,” the BJP leader concluded.

He had earlier emphasised that the ‘Miya Muslims’ do not vote for the saffron party. “Miya Muslims don’t vote for us. I’m saying this on the basis of experience,they didn’t vote us in Panchayat & 2014 Lok Sabha polls. BJP will not get votes in seats that are in their hands,while other seats are our,” Sarma reiterated.

Maulvi’s job to preach religion, students’ education is govt’s job

On January 25, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Health and Education Minister of Assam said that the recent step to close state-run madrasas was right. He was answering ABP News’s question on allegations made by All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) leader Badruddin Ajmal who alleged if the BJP government comes in power again, it will close down mosques and madrassas.

Sarma asserted that after being re-elected, the BJP government in Assam will work to bring education in madrasas at par with mainstream education in schools by introducing maths, computers and science. “Muslim clerics’ job is to go to the mosque to teach religion. It is the responsibility of the government to educate students, it is the job of education minister. We will fulfil our responsibility and they should fulfil their responsibility. Where is the dispute in this?” Sarma added.

Those participating in violent protest and blocking roads to not get govt jobs, Bihar Police issues directive

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Those participating in violent protest and blocking roads to not get govt jobs, Bihar Police issues directive

Bihar government has decided to clamp down on people indulging in violent protests by barring them from entering government services in the state. A circular was issued by the Bihar police DGP SK Singhal on Tuesday warning people against participating in violent protests or blocking roads. The circular said that such people would not get any kind of government job or government contract.

People indulging in violent protests to be barred from government service in the state

The circular reportedly said that if anyone took part in a protest that turn violent, the police can mention the same in his certificate of conduct or character certificate. The directive stated that police verification was required for applying for a state-owned liquor outlet, a government job, a license for a firearm and a passport.

“If a person is engaged in any criminal activity by involving in any law and order situation, protests, road blocks, etc. and is charged by the police by for this, then this should specifically and categorically mentioned in the character verification report of the individual by the police. Such people should be prepared for stern consequences as they won’t be able to get government jobs or state-owned liquor outlets”, the directive mentioned.

Opposition attacks Bihar government over the directive

The circular has attracted the outrage of the opposition, that targeted the Bihar government and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar comparing him dictators like Hitler and Mussolini.

Taking a dig at the Bihar Chief Minister, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav posted a tweet yesterday with an image of the said circular. Tejashwi Yadav wrote in his tweet that CM Nitish Kumar was challenging Hitler and Mussolini. “Nitish Kumar, who is challenging Mussolini and Hitler, says that if someone used his democratic right to protest against the power system, then you will not get a job. That means they will not even give jobs and will not let someone protest. Is the poor Chief Minister with 40 seats scared?”, he tweeted.

MEA issues statement after Rihanna and others extend support to so-called farmers, slams sensationalist social media comments: Read

OpIndia Staff
-
0
MEA issues statement after Rihanna and others extend support to so-called farmers, slams sensationalist social media comments: Read

After several international artists like Rihanna, pornstars like Mia Khalifa and climate activists like Greta Thunberg tweeted in support of the protest by so-called farmers, who had run amok in the capital on 26th January in a planned insurrection, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement. The MEA statement urges people to first research and understand the issue at hand before commenting on the same.

After the celebrities, politicians like pro-Khalistan Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh and US Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece Meena Harris, too, extended their support to the ‘farmer’ protests.

The MEA went on to say that “The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible”.

Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, said in the statement that the Parliament of India passed the Agriculture Laws after a full debate and discussion. These reforms will give expanded market access, provide greater flexibility to farmers and pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming.

“Respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives. Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, and eleven rounds of talks have already been held.” He added.

‘Vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests’, says MEA

Srivastava further said in the statement that it is unfortunate to see that groups with vested interests are trying to enforce their agenda on these protests and derail them.

He further talked about the Republic Day Riots. He said, “A cherished national commemoration, the anniversary of the inauguration of the Constitution of India, was besmirched, and violence and vandalism took place in the Indian capital. Some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India. Instigated by such fringe elements, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world.”

Police personnel were seriously injured

MEA pointed out the violence that erupted on Republic Day and said that hundreds of men and women serving in the police had been physically attacked and in some cases stabbed and seriously wounded. “We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity,” he added.

Full statement by MEA

The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector. These reforms give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming.

A very small section of farmers in parts of India has some reservations about these reforms. Respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives. Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, and eleven rounds of talks have already been held. The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold. an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India.

Yet, it is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests, and derail them. This was egregiously witnessed on January 26, India’s Republic Day. A cherished national commemoration, the anniversary of the inauguration of the Constitution of India, was besmirched, and violence and vandalism took place in the Indian capital.

Some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India. Instigated by such fringe elements, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world. This is extremely disturbing for India and for civilised society everywhere. Indian police forces have handled these protests with utmost restraint. It may be noted that hundreds of men and women serving in the police have been physically attacked, and in some cases stabbed and seriously wounded.

We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity and the efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse.

Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken. The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible.

#IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda

Foreign powers can exploit biometric info from covid tests: US Intelligence community raises alarm about China stealing DNA of citizens

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Foreign powers can exploit biometric info from covid tests: US Intelligence community raises alarm about China stealing DNA of citizens

As relations between Washington and Beijing continue to deteriorate, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) has issued a warning against the efforts undertaken by the Chinese Communist Party to get hold of US health data, especially DNA, through hacking has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For years, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has collected large healthcare data sets from the U.S. and nations around the globe, through both legal and illegal means, for purposes only it can control,” the NCSC wrote in a fact sheet as quoted by The Hill.

“The PRC’s collection of healthcare data from America poses equally serious risks, not only to the privacy of Americans but also to the economic and national security of the US,” the NCSC further added.

According to the US Intelligence Community, China has stepped up its efforts while the US was embroiled in dealing with an intractable contagion that had its origins in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. The report claims that Chinese biotech group BGI offering COVID-19 testing kits to a large number of countries and setting up 18 testing labs in the past six months alone, allegedly was a part of China’s efforts to obtain health data.

The NCSC pointed out that the US health data was an attractive target for the Chinese government as it offered a diversity of the population and because of the country’s relatively lenient safeguards on personal data.

“The PRC understands the collection and analysis of large genomic data sets from diverse populations helps foster new medical discoveries and cures that can have substantial commercial value and advance its Artificial Intelligence and precision medicine industries,” the agency wrote.

The NCSC on Monday cautioned that the Chinese government was using the US health data to outpace the American biotech industry, which would leave the US dependent on the Chinese innovation and drug development for its cures and cause grave damage to the US job market. The agency also voiced concerns over Chinese hackers trying to gain access to US health data and research.

“China’s access to US healthcare and genomic data poses serious privacy and national security risks to the US,” said the agency, adding, “Through its cyber intrusions in recent years, the PRC has already obtained the Personal Identifying Information (PII) of much of the US population.”

Former top US counterintelligence official says CCP has already stolen 80 per cent of Americans’ personal information

Bill Evanina, who recently stepped down as the top counterintelligence official in the U.S., a veteran of both the FBI and CIA, raised alarm over the BGI’s COVID testing proposals and expressed concerns over who would ultimately get the data. In a rare public warning, Bill said, “Foreign powers can collect, store and exploit biometric information from covid tests.”

“They are the ultimate company that shows connectivity to both the communist state as well as the military apparatus,” Evanina said while talking about the BGI’s link with the Chinese Communist Party and the PLA during an appearance on CBS News’s “60 Minutes”.

He further added that there have been about five to six Chinese companies in the last five years who have successfully penetrated, hacked and exfiltrated the US health system.

“As per latest estimates, 80 per cent of American adults have had all their personally identifiable information already stolen by the Communist Party of China,” Evanina said.

Days after Republic Day riots, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait threatens govt with nationwide ‘tractor rally’ after October 2021

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Days after Republic Day riots, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait threatens govt with nationwide ‘tractor rally’ after October 2021

Bharatiya Kisan Union’s Rakesh Tikait has given Central government time till October 2021. After that, a tractor rally with 40 lakh tractors across the country will take place, he threatened.

It is pertinent to note that the previous tractor rally that was held on Republic Day culminated into a violent riots where a mob of rioters desecrated the Red Fort when the official Republic Day parade was going on in Delhi just few kms away. Hundreds of Delhi Police cops were attacked by the rioters, some with swords while riding horses. Some even deliberately tried to mow down Delhi Police personnel with their tractors.

Eventually, the rioting mob took siege of the Red Fort and unfurled multiple flags, some saffron triangular flags and some yellow rectangular flags with holy Sikh symbol on the national monument.

Tikat said that the protests will not be ending any time soon and gave the central government an October 2021 deadline to accept the demands of the protestors. He threatened to take out a pan-India rally of 40 lakh tractors if the demands of the protestors are not accepted by the government within the given the deadline.

Kerala Congress leader inaugurates Ram Mandir fund collection drive, Communists see red

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Kerala Congress leader inaugurates Ram Mandir fund collection drive, Communists see red

A major political controversy has erupted in Kerala after a Congress leader from Alappuzha district launched a fund collection for the construction of the Lord Ram temple at Ayodhya.

According to the reports, Raghunathan Pillai, vice president of the Alappuzha District Congress Committee recently inaugurated the Ram temple fund collection drive at Kadavil Temple in Alappuzha.

The Congress leader also handed over an amount to the head priest of Kadavil Sree Mahalakshmi Temple in Pallipuram. The fund collection for Sri Ram temple construction began on January 30 and will go on till February 28.

However, his participation in the fund collection drive has now created a political storm after Communists in the state alleged that Congress party do not have right to speak about secularism after participating in the Ram Mandir donation rally.

CPI attacks Congress, question their ‘secularism’

CPM state secretary A Vijayaraghavan claimed that the Congress and the RSS-BJP have always worked together like Siamese twins in Kerala and said it was no surprise for the political workers of Kerala. Several Congress leaders have been doing the same always, and Congress does not have any right to speak about secularism after doing this, he added.

Reacting to the controversy, Pillai said that internal rivalry within the Congress party resulted in such controversy and added that he had inaugurated the programme as president of the Pallipuram Pattarya Samajam.

Defending Pillai, KPCC general secretary AA Shukoor said, “Pillai is a true believer, and he had inaugurated the function as president of the Samajam, and there is no need to rake up controversy on this. Raghunathan Pillai is a highly secular person and has always opposed the RSS. The controversy is unnecessary.”

Republic Day Riots: Delhi Police announces reward for information leading to arrest of Deep Sidhu, Lakha Sidana and others

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Republic Day Riots: Delhi Police announces reward for information leading to arrest of Deep Sidhu, Lakha Sidana and others

Delhi Police is putting more pressure on the main accused of Red Fort rioters, including Deep Sidhu, Jugraj and others. On February 3, Delhi Police announced a cash reward of Rs 1 Lakh each for information leading to the arrest of Deep Sidhu, Jugraj Singh, Gurjot Singh and Gurjant Singh. A cash reward of Rs 50,000 each for the arrest of Jajbir Singh, Buta Singh, Sukhdev Singh and Iqbal Singh was also announced.

As per reports, the Delhi Police crime branch has formed 13 teams under the leadership of joint commissioner BK Singh to investigate the case. DCP Joey Turki, DCP Bhishan Singh and DCP Monica Bhardwaj are also part of the investigating teams. So far, they have identified 50 rioters. The police have seized 14 tractors used in the violence. Deep Sidhu, Jugraj Singh and two others were involved in hoisting two flags with the holy Sikh symbol of Red Fort and inciting people to violence.

Delhi Police has started clamping down on Deep Sidhu, the mastermind of the violence that took place at Red Fort during the farmers’ tractor rally on January 26, i.e. Republic Day. Delhi Police has announced a reward of one lakh on four people, including Deep Sidhu, Jugraj Singh. These people were involved in hoisting the religious flag on the Red Fort and inciting people to violence.

Lookout notice against Deep Sidhu and others

The Delhi Police has issued a lookout notice against Deep Sidhu, Lakha Sidhana and Jugraj Singh as they were reported missing since January 26 incident at Red Fort. Though Deep Sidhu has been releasing videos on social media, his whereabouts are unknown to date. There are speculations that Sidhu is currently hiding in Bihar. Police have issued photographs of 12 people who also perpetrated the violence.

Shashi Tharoor, Rajdeep Sardesai, others move Supreme court after multiple FIRs are filed against them for peddling fake news

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Shashi Tharoor, Rajdeep Sardesai, others move Supreme court after multiple FIRs are filed against them for peddling fake news

Days after multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, ‘journalist’ Rajdeep Sardesai and others for spreading fake news during the Republic Day riots, they have now approached the Supreme Court seeking relief in the case.

As per reports, they were booked for spreading the fake news that one protestor was shot dead by Delhi Police during the tractor rally on Republic Day. However, in reality, the victim had died after his tractor overturned in an accident. Rajdeep Sardesai had tweeted the fake news on Twitter, and later had repeated the same on India Today, claiming that bullet injury was seen on the head of the deceased. Shashi Tharoor had also circulated the fake news, which had instigated the protestors to indulge in violence.

Besides Tharoor and Sardesai, cases were lodged against Congress mouthpiece National Herald’s Senior consulting editor Mrinal Pandey, Quami Awaz editor Zafar Agha, Caravan magazine’s editor and founder Paresh Nath, Caravan editor Anant Nath and its executive editor Vinod K Jose, and one unnamed person. Several charges were pressed against them under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153 (provocation to cause riot), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) and 505-1b (intent to cause fear to the public).

Multiple FIRs against Rajdeep Sardesai, Shashi Tharoor in UP, Delhi, MP

On Saturday, the Delhi Police filed a case against journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and 6 others in connection to the violence on the occasion of India’s 71st Republic Day. As per reports, the First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the IP Estate police station. While speaking about the case, DCP (Central Delhi) Jasmeet Singh said that the FIR was registered for creating disharmony and spreading false information on Republic Day about a farmer dying due to police firing.

The Madhya Pradesh Police, too, had filed an FIR against Tharoor and six others for fake news on the death of the rioter who died after his tractor turned turtle. UP Police has also lodged a similar FIR against the accused under sections 153(A), 153(B), 295(A), 298, 506, 505(2), 124(A)/34/120(B) of the Indian Penal Code, and under section 66 of the Information Technology act.

1...4,6324,6334,634...7,677Page 4,633 of 7,677