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AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi attends annual conference of Hamas-linked Islamic association, claims RSS was inspired by Nazis

OpIndia Staff
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AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi attends annual conference of Hamas-linked Islamic association, claims RSS was inspired by Nazis

Controversial Muslim leader and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi accused Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Modi government of being part of a larger movement known as Hindutva and claimed that the founders of the Hindutva movement were inspired by the ideas of fatherland and racial supremacy espoused by the Nazis and fascists in Europe at the time, reports Sunday Guardian.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), one of the largest and most influential Islamist and Muslim Brotherhood front groups in the United States which has links to the Islamic terror organisation HAMAS, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that the BJP has run on a majoritarian Hindu nationalist plank that seeks to turn India from a secular constitutional republic to a Hindu Rashtra.

Owaisi said that BJP’s Hindutva was rabidly anti-Muslim and the party has repeatedly mobilized public opinion against Muslim citizens. These allegations were made at the annual conference of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) held virtually on 5-6 September.

Echoing similar allegations as Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Owaisi reportedly said that RSS was inspired by the fascist dictators Hitler and Mussolini and believed in the racial supremacy of the Hindu civilization and the ethnic cleansing of Muslims from India. In 2019 ISNA convention, Imran Khan had reportedly made similar remarks targeting the Hindu nationalist organisation RSS.

The ISNA, which was founded in 1981 by US-based members of the Muslim Brotherhood, has been included on a list of unindicted co-conspirators in the Hamas-financing prosecution of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development (HLF). Hamas is a US-designated terrorist group that has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and Israelis.

ISNA is listed among the members of the US Muslim Brotherhood, who are found guilty in a trial in 2018. ISNA’s conventions attended by tens of thousands of people have featured rhetoric in support of terrorist groups and other radicalism. ISNA’s magazine, Islamic Horizons, publishes pro-jihadist literature and has long championed the terrorist group Hamas.

At the IMRC session on 6 September, Owaisi alleged that Indian Muslims faced “systemic and structural discrimination” and “are the poorest religious group and their poverty has only increased with each generation”. He also criticized the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), claiming that it “explicitly excludes Muslims from becoming citizens.”

The IMRC – Indian Muslim Relief & Charities, which claims to be having a mission is to “help India’s Muslims & minorities achieve security, freedom and equality—Their rights as citizens of India”, hosts its Annual Benefit Luncheon every year at the ISNA convention.

“The ruling party incited a full-blown massacre against Muslims in the capital city of New Delhi,” Owaisi said in his speech claiming that the message was to teach Muslims a lesson.

In his speech, Owaisi also attacked the government for deploying “the largest troop presence in erstwhile state Jammu and Kashmir and claimed that “severe restrictions” are being faced by the Kashmiri people over the past year.

Sudarshan News refers to programs on ‘Hindu Terror’ and ‘saffron terror’ by NDTV in its affidavit on ‘UPSC Jihad’ submitted at Supreme Court

OpIndia Staff
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Sudarshan News refers to programs on ‘Hindu Terror’ and ‘saffron terror’ by NDTV in its affidavit on ‘UPSC Jihad’ submitted at Supreme Court

In an affidavit Sudarshan News submitted in the Supreme Court on Sunday, the channel said it would strictly comply with the laws while broadcasting the remaining episodes of the “UPSC Jihad” programme on its “Bindas Bol” show. It also stated that it would follow the Programme Code as prescribed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The affidavit was submitted on the directions of the Supreme Court.

Along with that, Sudarshan News also mentioned programs aired by NDTV on ‘Hindu Terror’. The channel pointed out how NDTV had used the imagery of Hindu saints in their programs, perhaps referring to the Supreme Court objecting to use of images of Muslims on the Sudarshan News program.

Sudarshan TV mentions NDTV’s program on ‘Hindu Terror’

NDTV broadcasted two programs on ‘Hindu Terror’ in 2008 and 2010. Sudarshan News cited those programs in the affidavit and said they went unnoticed by the authorities and the Supreme Court. The affidavit had the links to the two programs and raised objections on how the channel showed the Hindu symbols and saints in the stories. Barkha Dutt hosted both the programs.

The affidavit said, “The deponent was shocked and pained when on 17.09.2008 NDTV had broadcast a program anchored by Ms. Barkha Dutt titled as ‘Hindu Terror: Myth or fact?’ In this program, just adjacent to the program caption, a Hindu Saint was shown with ‘Tilak’ and ‘Chillam’ and also a ‘Trishul’ one of [the] most sacred symbols for Hindus and associated with [the] most revered deity of the Hindus, Lord Shiva.”

The affidavit further mentioned another program that NDTV had broadcasted on August 26, 2010. The program hosted by Barkha Dutt was titled as “Is ‘Saffron Terror’ real?”. Sudarshan News informed that a Hindu cultural gathering was shown in Saffron colour clothes in the said NDTV program.

The mention of the NDTV’s programs is important as the Supreme Court had objected to the usage of green t-shirt, skull cap, and a beard to depict Muslims in the previous hearing. The court said that the channel is trying to stereotype an entire community. The court also objected to the use of flames in the background of Muslim characters while showing stats or infographics. The bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud had questioned Chavhanke about the changes he was going to make sure the depiction does not attack one particular community.

Aspirants from all communities are welcomed

In its affidavit, the channel again mentioned that it is not against any community. The channel does not oppose the entry of any deserving candidate from any community in the civil services. The court had issued an injunction order and barred the channel from broadcasting the remaining episodes till the hearing concludes. Chavhanke, in his affidavit, requested the court to allow them to air the remaining episodes on his assurance to comply with all the norms. The hearing in the case will continue on 21st September, Monday.

Shiv Sena, NCP dismisses CBDT investigation against Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Supriya Sule, calls it a ‘routine exercise’

OpIndia Staff
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Shiv Sena, NCP dismisses CBDT investigation against Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Supriya Sule, calls it a ‘routine exercise’

A day after the Election Commission asked the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to probe allegations of ‘fake poll affidavits’ against NCP leader Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray, the parties have now responded to the development.

Shiv Sena and NCP responds to the CBDT investigation

Shiv Sena Minister Anil Parab stated, “It is a routine process to cross-check the information given in an affidavit with the income tax authority. Election Commission and Income Tax Department normally share the information, so there is nothing new in the issue.” He had prepared the election affidavits of both Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik too was not surprised with the development. Hailing it as a ‘routine exercise’, he stated that it was common for the central agency to verify information filed in the affidavit to the income tax returns of a candidate. Malik emphasised, “If there is a specific query, we will reply to it.”

Change in policies of the Election Commission

In 2013, the Election Commission informed that assets and liabilities of candidates would be verified by CBDT. As a part of his administrative powers, the Election Commission had stated on June 16 that it would take cognisance of complaints against candidates for irregularities, misinformation, and omissions in election affidavits pertaining to educational qualifications, assets, criminal history, and liabilities. It marked a start change in the stance of the election body in dealing with such complaints.

Earlier, it would urge complainants to approach the Courts under Section 125A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The said law penalises elected representatives with a fine or 6 months imprisonment or both if found guilty of filing false information in poll affidavits. However, it cannot lead to disqualification of the candidate as the jail term is shorter than 2 years, which is mandated by Section 8A of the election law.

Election Commission takes cognisance

Times Now had earlier reported that that the relevant complaints, filed by an RTI activist, cite material in support of the claim about the details furnished by the Thackerays and Supriya Sule in their affidavit not being true: a possible reason why the poll panel found it appropriate to refer them to the CBDT.

One such major discrepancy which has come to the forth is the missing bank account detail in Aaditya’s election affidavit, that was mentioned in Uddhav’s affidavit. Uddhav’s affidavit shows wife Rashmi and son Aaditya as having a joint account in Bank of Maharashtra having Rs 9,52,568 lakh deposits. However, Aaditya’s affidavit submitted during Assembly elections did not mention the account. The activist also alleged that both the Thackerays had different dates for holding shares under the HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) category.

India-China standoff: Indian Army makes a major breakthrough, occupies 6 strategic heights along LAC

OpIndia Staff
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India-China standoff: Indian Army makes a major breakthrough, occupies 6 strategic heights along LAC

In a major development, the Indian Army has occupied six new heights in the Eastern Ladakh sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), amidst the border standoff with China.

Speaking on this remarkable feat, a government source informed news agency ANI that the Indian army occupied the new heights within just three weeks between August 29 and mid-September. The new heights include Recehen La, Rezang La, Mokhpari, Gurung Hill, Magar Hill, and one near Finger 4. This has put the Indian Army in a stronger position than its Chinese counterpart in the difficult mountainous terrain.

The Indian Bravehearts had also foiled the plan of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to occupy the dominating heights and gain an edge over India. This however led to air-firing by the Chinese troops on three occasions from the Southern to the Northern bank of Pangong Tso lake. Reportedly, the heights occupied by India are on the Indian side of the LAC and not the Chinese side. To counter India’s strategic position, the Chinese regime has deployed 3000 army personnel, including infantry and armoured troops, near Rechen la and Rezang La heights.

As per reports, the operations of the Chinese forces are being closely monitored by Army Chief General Manoj Mukund,National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.

Chinese rattled after the Indian Army made ‘readjustments’ along the LAC

Ever since the Indian Army outwitted the PLA in the Chushul and Pangong Tso Lake region, occupying the strategic heights, the Chinese have been thoroughly rattled by the daring audacity of the Indian forces. The Chinese military first tried to militarily cow the Indians by swiftly moving in tanks and infantry combat vehicles. However, the Indian forces made it clear that there would be retaliation if the Chinese cross the line on either bank of the Pangong Tso lake.

Chinese had however tried to carry out provocative military movements to alter the status quo in the intervening night of August 29 and 30, but the Indian Armed Forces personnel thwarted their nefarious intentions by pre-empting their movements on the Southern Bank of the Pangong Tso lake and strengthening their positions to stop the unilateral Chinese expansionism.

Is Govt doing away with MSP? PM Modi fact-checks Rahul Gandhi as he spreads misinformation and panic over agriculture Bills

OpIndia Staff
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Is Govt doing away with MSP? PM Modi fact-checks Rahul Gandhi as he spreads misinformation and panic over agriculture Bills

After the Rajya Sabha passed various agriculture Bills, Congress and other opposition parties took to social media to spread misinformation and spread panic. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is skipping the Monsoon session of the Parliament along with his mother Rae Bareli MP and Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, took to Twitter to attack the government and spread misinformation.

Accusing the government of being ‘anti-farmer’, Rahul Gandhi questioned that if APMC markets are removed, how will the farmers get the MSP (minimum support price). He questioned why the government is not giving guarantee of MSP.

Prime Minister Modi as well as other ministers took to social media to put out the facts and bust the misinformation being spread.

“I have said it before, I’m saying it again. MSP system will continue. Government will continue to procure agriculture produce. We are here to serve our farmers. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure a better life for their coming generations,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

PM Modi said that with changing times, farmers also need technology to make their lives better. “For decades, the Indian farmer was bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen. The bills passed by Parliament liberate the farmers from such adversities. These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double income of farmers and ensure greater prosperity for them,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

Agriculture Bills passed in Rajya Sabha as Opposition MPs created ruckus

Opposition MPs today created a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha and even broke the mic of the Deputy Chairman as they attacked him when the Bill was presented on the table. Derek O’Brien on Sunday, entered the well and climbed the dais of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman in an attempt to halt the proceedings of the house. The Trinamool MP also tried to tear the rule book of the house on the floor of Rajya Sabha.

The dramatic scenes occurred in the house after Rajya Sabha discussed and debated the farm bills – Farmers’ and Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, that was earlier introduced by the Modi government in both the house of the parliament. The bills were already passed by the Lok Sabha.

Union Home Ministry tables FCRA amendment bill at the Lok Sabha, proposes to bring more transparency and accountability in the functioning of NGOs

OpIndia Staff
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Union Home Ministry tables FCRA amendment bill at the Lok Sabha, proposes to bring more transparency and accountability in the functioning of NGOs

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed amendments to the Foreign Contributions (Amendments) Act, 2010. The bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha today afternoon by the union home minister Amit Shah.

Objectives behind the proposed amendment

The government has observed that several NGOs have not utilised the funds as declared, even though the foreign funds have doubled between 2010 and 2019. The Home Ministry has therefore cancelled the licences of over 19000 organisations and initiated criminal probe against dozens of such associations for financial impropriety. The proposed amendment is set to enhance transparency, accountability, and strengthen compliance mechanism. The amendment seeks to help genuine NGOs to work for the welfare of society.

Public servants barred from receiving foreign contributions

The proposed amendment will prevent public servants, as defined under Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), from receiving foreign donations. Moreover, the NGOs registered under FRCA cannot use more than 20% of their foreign contribution to meeting administrative expenses. As per current provisions, NGOs can use up to 50% of their foreign donations for meeting administrative expenses.

Aadhar card essential for registration/ renewal of FCRA certificate

The new amendment proposes that NGOs and individuals seeking registration or renewal of their licence will now have to mandatorily provide the Aadhar number of all directors, office bearers, or primary functionaries. If the individuals happen to be a foreigner, then, they will have to provide a copy of the passport or an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. The proposed amendment will allow an NGO to surrender its FRCA certificate, following an inquiry and clearance from the Centre.

Designated SBI account for receiving foreign donations

The new amendment also requires NGOs to receive foreign contributions in a designated FCRA bank account in the State Bank of India at the National Capital. The associations, registered with the government, can also open multiple accounts in other banks for transferring or utilising funds from the FCRA account in SBI. The said SBI branch will report to the Union Home Ministry directly about the source of funds, manner of reception, and the permitted limit of foreign remittance.

Home Ministry cancels FCRA licences of evangelist organisations

In a fresh crackdown on Christian evangelical organisations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licences of four Christian associations this year. As per a report in The Hindu, the four organisations whose licences were suspended are Ecreosoculis North Western Gossner Evangelical (Jharkhand), Evangelical Churches Association (Manipur), Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church (Jharkhand), and New Life Fellowship Association (Mumbai).

Union Ministry of Home Affairs has suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA) licences of 13 NGOs after allegations were raised against them for indulging in forced religious conversions of tribals to Christianity in tribal-dominated areas. The MHA had also frozen the bank accounts of these NGOs after intelligence inputs pointed out their conversion-related activities targeting the tribal areas of several states, including Jharkhand.

China invades Nepal, constructs eight buildings in Nepalese territory: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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China invades Nepal, constructs eight buildings in Nepalese territory: Reports

With expansionist policies in place, China has continued to invade Nepal inch by inch and constructing buildings on the captured lands. As per a report by Khabarhub, the recent images from the Lapcha-Limi region of Humla, China has built eight buildings so far in the area. However, Nepali Prime Minister Oli, who has been vocal on capturing Indian land claiming it to be part of Nepal, is silent on Chinese invasion.

PLA troops are harassing locals

Humla’s Assistant Chief District Officer Dalbanhadu Hamal was reportedly shocked to see the recent images of the area and launched an investigation into the matter. Local Nepali people have also complained about the harassment they have to face in the hands of the Chinese military. The Nepali District Officials inspected the area from 30th August to 9th September.

As per IFE News Network’s sources, the district administration alarmed PM Oli, but no reply has been received so far. The locals are fearful that the Nepali administration has made some secret deal with the Chinese military to allow them in the area. The reports suggest that the buildings are visible from a distance. However, the district officials could not get a closer look due to the heavy presence of PLA troops.

The media reports in Nepal suggest that after learning about the incident, Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has forwarded the case to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Khabarhub quoted a member of the monitoring team saying, “We could see the buildings from a distance. We had heard rumors about a building being constructed by China there but found eight more in our visit.” To investigate the case further, a team comprising of CDO Chiranjeevi Giri, along with heads of all four security bodies, are visiting Lapcha for a week.

Nepal raised claims on Indian land

While China’s PLA is invading Nepal, the government of Nepal under the leadership of Communist leader KP Oli is busy in making bizarre claims on Indian land. So far, Nepal has said in official statements that Indian territories including Nainital, Dehradun, Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal. In June there were reports that China has taken over 10 locations in Nepal.

“Rajeev Sharma was always referred to as either a ‘scamster’ or ‘scumbag’ by people who dealt with him,” alleges Journalist Rakesh Krishnan Simha

OpIndia Staff
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“Rajeev Sharma was always referred to as either a ‘scamster’ or ‘scumbag’ by people who dealt with him,” alleges Journalist Rakesh Krishnan Simha

Rakesh Krishnan Simha, a New Zealand-based journalist for Russia Beyond the Headlines, has posted a series of tweets narrating his views on Rajeev Sharma, the freelance journalist who was arrested on the charges of passing on secret documents to China.

Simha started writing as a defence journalist for Russia Beyond in 2011. His stories got a lot of traction from the Lutyens media, but he was happy as readers loved his defence stories. He alleged that several Lutyens journalists begged RBTH for a regular column. As he was in good rapport with Russian editors, they kept informing him about the Lutyens journalists who tried to steal his job.

Simha said that some of the Lutyens journalists even alleged they have personal connections with Sonia Gandhi, defence secretary, or IAF chief and they can provide exclusives, etc. One such journalist was Rajeev Sharma. Simha, in his Twitter thread, said that the Russian editors described him as one of the shadiest writers they have ever dealt with. Sharma claimed that he had connections in the Defence Ministry. On the guarantee of four articles a month, he promised “Pulitzer stuff.”

RBTH decided to test him, and as expected, his stories were not worth it. He wrote every story based on the quotes given by a “senior defence minister bureaucrat.” When Simha inquired why RBTH allowed Sharma to write, he was informed that there was one editor who allowed such Lutyens journalists to write for the paper.

Sharma sailed in two boats

Rajeev Sharma was writing for Russian media and Chinese media at the same time. He would write a story in Russian media and then spin it for the Chinese media to match their narrative. For instance, he wrote in favour of India-Russia defence deals in RBTH but later spun the narrative to show it negatively for Global Times.

When Simha informed RBTH about his actions, the agency fired Sharma. Later, Sharma started writing for another Russian agency RT where he wrote stories again based on fake quotes. This time he used MEA’s name in place of Defence Ministry with his quotes. Simha was informed by his editor that the Russian embassy would talk to RT about Sharma.

Sharma was often called a “scamster” or “scumbag.”

Simha, in his tweets, alleged that whoever had dealt with Rajeev mentioned him as a scamster or a scumbag. Somehow Rajeev kept on writing for several media outlets, including First Post, DailyO, The Quint, and several others. This might be the reason Chinese government intelligence agencies approached him. Though his contacts in MEA or Defence Ministry were weak, they had access to classified documents of their higher-ups.

Simha alleged that it is common for the top bureaucrats to leave classified documents on their desks while going for lunch or a meeting. Their peons often have full access to such documents in their absence. Sharma was likely in contact with a few such contacts to gain access to secret documents.

Rajeev Sharma is just the tip of the iceberg

Simha said that though Rajeev had access to secret documents, he is most likely a bottom feeder. People like Shekhar Gupta, N.Ram, Sitaram Yechury, Brinda Karat, and Rahul Gandhi are more dangerous as they have greater access to official secrets. Rakesh pointed out the Rafale document that The Hindu procured and published. He said, “It had markings and notes by a hierarchy of senior bureaucrats. You can imagine why former KGB general Oleg Kalugin once said, “India leaked like a sieve. The entire country was up for sale.””

Rakesh Simha urged to sentence spies like Rajeev Sharma for life without parole and not for 6-8 years with parole in 3 years. He said, “Like termites, traitors destroy the country from within. They pose a greater threat than external enemy.”

Arrest of Rajeev Sharma

On 14th September Rajeev Sharma, a freelance journalist, was arrested by Delhi for allegedly sharing sensitive information about Army deployment to the Chinese intelligence agencies. Sharma had written for several media outlets including DailyO, Global Times, The Quint, First Post and others. During the interrogation, police found that China paid him for the documents via shell companies. Two days later, one Chinese woman and her Nepalese associate were arrested who were working with Sharma.

Opposition parties break Deputy Chairman’s mic, disrupts audio system of Rajya Sabha, in an attempt to stop farm reform bills

OpIndia Staff
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Opposition parties break Deputy Chairman’s mic, disrupts audio system of Rajya Sabha, in an attempt to stop farm reform bills

On Sunday, the Upper House of the Parliament, Rajya Sabha witnessed violent scenes during the passage of the two farm bills after members from opposition parties resorted to intense disruptions and heckling of Deputy Chairman of the house Harivansh Narayan Singh.

In a shocking act, the members of the opposition parties snatched and threw papers from the table and even broke the chairman’s microphone which led to the disruption in the audio system of the Upper House of the Parliament.

The opposition parties were protesting against the passage of two historic farm reform bill inside the house on Sunday, The contention of the opposition MPs was that the bills be sent to a Select Committee. As the presiding officer of the House refused to send it to a select committee, the opposition parties created ruckus and stormed into the well of the House.

The opposition members demanded that the House be adjourned as per the scheduled time and not continue with the passage of the bill. As the presiding house continued with the proceedings of the House, the angry members stormed into the well and began to shout, heckle Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh.

The violent opposition MPs even attempted to climb on the dais of the Deputy Speaker and broke the microphone of the presiding officer.

Here is a video of the unruly behaviour of the opposition MPs, who not only tore the rule book of the House but also broke the microphone of the Deputy Speaker resulting in the audio disruption.

Following the ruckus by the opposition parties, the audio system in the house was damaged resulting in the house being adjourned for a few minutes to bring back the audio system live.

The dramatic scenes occurred in the house after Rajya Sabha discussed and debated the farm bills – Farmers’ and Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, that was earlier introduced by the Modi government in both the house of the parliament. The bills were already passed by the Lok Sabha.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien tears rule book, heckles Deputy Chairman

In a shocking act, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien brazenly attempted to heckle the Deputy Chairman of the Upper House of Parliament Harivansh Narayan Singh on the floor of the Parliament during the discussion.

Derek O’Brien on Sunday entered the well and climbed the dais of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman in an attempt to halt the proceedings of the house. The Trinamool MP also tried to tear the rule book of the house on the floor of Rajya Sabha.

Derek O’Brien, who was sitting in the front row of the Rajya Sabha, protested against the passing of the two historic bills and soon stormed into the well of the house. He started showing the rule book to the Deputy Chairman. As Harivansh Singh continued with the proceedings of the house, an angry Derek O’Brien lost his cool and attempted to climb the dais to heckle the Deputy Chairman.

The Marshals of the house stopped the aggressive Trinamool MP, who kept on storming into the well and shouting against the Deputy Chairman.

HW News Network: The digital news outfit facing I-T probe with expenses eleven times the revenue and mysterious source of fund

OpIndia Staff
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HW News Network: The digital news outfit facing I-T probe with expenses eleven times the revenue and mysterious source of fund

On 16th September, the offices of Theo Connect private limited, that owns the NW News Network, were raided by the Income Tax department. According to HW News, the raid went on for more than 50 hours, and mobile phones of the journalists were seized by the officials. HW News is a little-known digital news outfit, most known for employing Vinod Dua, the controversial pro-Congress journalist who is accused of stalking and sexually harassing filmmaker Nishtha Jain.

The exact reasons for the raid, and its outcome, are not known at present. But a cursory study on the financials of Theo Connect do raise doubts about its state of affairs. The company is not performing very well, but it still seems to able raise funds with ease. The paid-up capital of the company is Rs 5 lakhs, and its directors are Ganesh Jagtap and Siddhant Jagtap. Sujit Nair is the managing director of the company, who originally owned it, but later sold it to Ganesh Jagtap. Vinod Dua is the consulting editor of the digital news network, and he runs a program called the ‘The Vinod Dua Show’ on the network.

According to the financial statement of the company accessed by OpIndia, its revenue in the financial year 2017-18 was Rs 54 lakh, which nosedived to Rs 28 lakh in the year 2018-19. The company suffered a loss of Rs 2.95 crore in that year, up from a loss of Rs 1.98 crore the previous year.

While the company’s revenue was just Rs 28 lakh in the year 2018-19, its expenses were Rs 3.23 crores. It means the expenses were more than eleven times the revenue, clearly a vey bad position. Even if one considers that revenues can’t match expenses for start-ups during initial years, the worrying fact is that the major source of fund for Theo Connect seems to be debt, not equity.

Finances of Theo Connect (amounts in Rs)

In the year 2018-19, the company managed unsecured loans amounting to Rs 3.09 crore. With the existing loans of Rs 1.87 crores, the company’s total loans at the end of the year stood at Rs 4.96 crore, a very high amount for revenue of just Rs 28 lakh.

It makes little sense as to how the company with such poor financial performance manages expenses of more than ₹3 crore, and even manages to raise funds in the form of unsecured loans. It seems the entire expense of the company is paid by raising unsecured loans, as the company earned a very meagre revenue.

Another interesting fact is that a bulk this unsecured loan of Rs 3.09 crore came from a company called Dream TAG Realty Private Limited, a company with the same directors as Theo Connect. The revenue of Dream TAG was just Rs 94 thousand in the year 2018-19, down from Rs 34.85 lakh. It reported a loss of Rs 35.78 lakh in that year. Therefore, it is a mystery how the company managed to give crores in unsecured loans when its financials are not that healthy.

Ganesh Jagtap was a was a bureaucrat from Maharashtra, and has been a Press Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister of the State. His other company Dream Tag Realty is a Mumbai based Project Management, Real Estate and Infrastructure Company.

Therefore, it is a mystery how HW News Network is operating with expenses that is almost six times its revenues. Further, it manages unsecured loans from entities with similar financial positions. With the raids by Income Tax department in its offices, it is expected that the source of its dubious funds will be known.

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