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Delhi High Court stays telecast of Sudarshan News program alleging conspiracy of Muslim infiltration in govt services

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi High Court stays telecast of Sudarshan News program alleging conspiracy of Muslim infiltration in govt services

The Delhi High Court has stayed a program on Sudarshan News that was scheduled to be aired at 8 PM today, on a petition filed by Jamia Millia Islamia students. It has been alleged that the program may incite hatred against Muslims, as it alleges conspiracy to induct more Muslims in the civil and police services through UPSC examinations.

The stay order stopping the broadcast of the show was passed by Justice Navin Chavla after an urgent hearing. The petition was filed by advocate Shadan Farasat on behalf of current and former students of Jamia.

The petitioners said that they have seen the trailer of the show posted on social media on 25th August, where editor of the channel Suresh Chavhank allegedly engaged in hate speech and defamation against students of Jamia Milia Islamia and the Muslim community. The show claims that the success of Jamia students in the UPSC exmas is a “conspiracy to infiltrate the civil service by Muslims”, the petition stated.

The petitioners added that Suresh Chavhank has “openly incited his target non-Muslim audience by fear-mongering that “jihadis” or terrorists from Jamia Milia Islamia would soon hold positions of authority and power like that of Collector and Secretary”. They contended that the program violates the programme code determined under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act along with the Cable Television Networks Rules 1994.
Sudarshan News chief editor Suresh Chavhanke had posted a video of the program to be aired on 28th August, where he had informed that the channel is analysing what they claim is the sudden increase in the number of Muslims selected in various posts in administrative and police services in the country, along with an increase in marks obtained by Muslim candidates in compared with others.

He had announced that it will be the channel’s big campaign against the ‘bureaucracy jihad’ and ‘UPSC Jihad’. ‘imagine jihadis from Jamia becoming your district commissioner and secretaries in every ministry’ he warned in the dramatic video.

After the controversial video was posted, it attacked criticism from various sides, notably from left-liberals and Islamists. It was alleged that Suresh Chavhanke is spreading hate against Muslims, and several petitions were filed against the channel. PS Association and Indian Police Foundation also condemned the program. .

Following the criticism, Suresh Chavhanke responded by saying that the program is about “Sudden spike in no of people of certain category selected in UPSC Civils in the last few years”. He had also claimed that terror leader Zakir Naik is also involved in the alleged conspiracy.

The case will be heard next on September 7.

Jamia riot was a well-planned conspiracy, police action was proportionate to the violence: ASG Aman Lekhi tells Delhi High Court

OpIndia Staff
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Jamia riot was a well-planned conspiracy, police action was proportionate to the violence: ASG Aman Lekhi tells Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court heard petitions on the Jamia violence that took place in the University campus on 15th December last year. Additional Solicitor General Aman Lekhi made submissions on behalf of the Delhi police in front of a division bench comprising Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan.

During the hearing conducted through video conferencing, senior advocate Aman Lekhi strongly defended the action of Delhi police, saying that the action taken by police was necessary and proportionate to the violence unleashed the mob during the anti-CAA protests.

Narrating the events that led to the police entering the campus of the university to flush out rioters hiding inside, he said that more than two thousand people had gathered near the gate number 1 of the university, when the area was cordoned off. He said that although the protest started peacefully, gradually it started turning violent.

The ASG told the court that leaders and politicians were provoking the protesters by making objectionable and insightful slogans. He said that such speeches can’t get the protection of freedom of speech. The mob was armed with lathis, petrol bombs etc, and the police had to take action as it had turned violent. Moreover, the  congregation of protesters at the site was declared unlawful by the administration because they indulged in arson and violent, and became unmanageable. The ASG said that police took action against mob because they had started rioting, not because they were protesting against the CAA.

Advocate Lekhi said that by the actions, the protesters can’t be called students, they were a mob. He said that the mob had entered residential houses, blocked roads, burnt vehicles. Police have visuals of the mob taking out petrol from motorcycles for use in arson, and buses, cars and other vehicles were set ablaze by them. Passengers sitting in the buses had narrowly escaped being trapped in fire, he said.

The ASG said that it was not spontaneous violence, but a well-planned, as the mob entered the university campus and started heavy stone-pelting from inside on the police force. He said that a senior police officer like the Joint Commissioner of Police was present at the site and he had appealed the mob to stop violence, but they didn’t listen. Such was the gravity of the situation that even senior police officers were attacked.

Therefore, the police had to use moderate force in the form of tear gas shelling and lathi-charge to control the mob. Lekhi said that the stone-pelting went on for one and a half hours from the university campus. ‘University is a place of learning and not for violence. How there were weapons inside the campus’, the senior advocate questioned.

During the hearing, Justice Prateek Jalan intervened and asked if the force used by police was proportionate to the violence done by the mob. The court also asked whether it was as per the ethical standards of policing. To this, Aman Lekhi said that police took proportional action as he has already explained how grave the situation was. He said that it was a gathering of the criminal mob with the intent to commit crime, and the police action was appropriate for the situation. Policing is prevention and detection of crime, and that was what the police was doing, he added.

Aman Lekhi pointed out that even the NHRC report agrees with the charges made in the police chargesheet, and petitioners themselves have use the same report. He said that it was attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and police had to take action accordingly.

The ASG quoted various sections of the IPC and other relevant laws to explain the charges made against the rioters. He said, I have not imagined these offences or conducted an academic exercise, these events had actually happened on that day. Police took action as a last resort as the mob didn’t listen to the call to end violence, he said.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing from the petitioners, said that he wants insection of CCTV footage given by Delhi Police, and copies all charge sheets mentioned in the hearing. To this Lekhi said that he didn’t quote from any charge sheet, and only referred to charge sheets to mention the charges. He said that no copy can be given to third parties.

After that, the court adjourned the hearing, the next date for the hearing will take place on 18th September.

Several petitions have filed at the Delhi High Court accusing police brutality at the Jamia Milia Islamia University on 15th December during anti-ACC protests. Police had entered the campus after several rioters had taken shelter there after attacking police, a charge the university students deny. The portioners are seeking an independent inquiry into the matter. The first hearing took place on 4th August.

Bollywood is now all set to make a movie based on Sushant Singh Rajput’s life

OpIndia Staff
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Bollywood is now all set to make a movie based on Sushant Singh Rajput’s life

The untimely death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput and the controversies that followed his death has now become a plot for a Bollywood movie.

According to movie critic Komal Nahta, a movie titled “Shashank” is on the cards, which revolves around the late actor Sushant and issue of nepotism and favouritism in the movie industry, especially Bollywood.

The movie “Shashank” will reportedly portray the story of a struggling actor who comes from a small town. The movie is produced by Marut Singh and directed by Sanoj Mishra.

The film also features Aarya Babbar who portrays the role of a producer. The film also stars another actor named Rajveer Singh. The shooting will be in done Patna, Lucknow and Mumbai.

Speaking to the media, the director Mishra said, “We do not want to name a famous producer, but in Bollywood popular producers and studios are running the mafia network and nepotism. They do not allow outsider actors and directors to come forward and make a career in Bollywood. The film ‘Shashank’ will feature this dark side of the Bollywood”.

Pakistani accounts trying to create trouble with NEET and JEE exams by tweeting COVID positive medical report? Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistani accounts trying to create trouble with NEET and JEE exams by tweeting COVID positive medical report? Here is what happened

Amidst the controversy surrounding the firm resolve of the Central government to hold competitive exams such as JEE and NEET, netizens woke up to a shocker on Saturday morning. A Twitter account (@HIGHOnN20) had shared a tweet narrating about the ordeal of writing the JEE exam at a time when his father had supposedly been infected with the Wuhan Coronavirus.

The tweet read, “Today my father has been tested positive for Corona, my jee exam is on 03/09/2020 and I have no idea how I am going to give exam in such condition. Maybe I have to stay in quarantine. I beg all Minister please please postpone exam.”

The user had uploaded the test results that supposedly belonged to his father. The tweet, which now stands deleted, had 2403 likes and 3,118 replies and retweets.

Screengrab of the tweet (Image Courtesy: Twitter/ ProfYogendra)

Netizens question Pakistani link with JEE-NEET controversy

However, a closer look at the test report by the ‘Punjab Forensic Science Agency’ shows that the address of the patient reads, ‘Lahore’. Besides, the date of the test result is clearly mentioned as April 17, 2020. As such, the claim that the Twitter user’s father recently fell ill can be ruled out.

If one is to assume that the information provided by the Twitter user is correct, it raises an important question – How can a student from Pakistan write the JEE exam? Or is a ploy of Pakistani security forces to take advantage of a raging controversy to destabilise the country?

Screengrab of the tweet (Image Courtesy: Twitter/ ProfYogendra)

Dubious credentials of the Twitter account

The said Twitter account (@HIGHOnN20) had 6 followers and was created in April 2020. After the tweet went viral, social media was rife with speculations of Pakistani interference in India’s internal affairs.

Screengrab of the tweet (Image Courtesy: Twitter/ ProfYogendra)

Coronavirus test report belongs to extradited Pakistani national

A simple Google reverse image search revealed the source of the said Coronavirus test report. On April 17, journalist, Aditya Raj Kaul, had tweeted images of test reports of two Pakistani citizens who were extradited from India via Attari border on a formal request from Pakistani authorities. The two Pakistani nationals were among 41 people who were extradited from India to Pakistan.

The Twitter user (@HIGHOnN20) had used the Coronavirus test report belonging to extradited Pakistani nationals and tried to pass it off as his father. The sentiment against conducting JEE and NEET exams had gained traction so much so that people shared the tweet without verifying the facts of the case. While a Pakistan-based testing agency indeed prepared the test report for a Pakistani national, it is unclear whether the said Twitter user is a Pakistani.

Congress IT cell resorts to fear mongering

Having said that, several fake accounts have come to light in recent times, following the controversy surrounding the JEE and NEET exams. Earlier, fake videos and pictures of students allegedly traumatised and distressed by the government’s decision to continue with the examinations are being shared by the members of the Congress IT cell.

A Twitter user who went by the handle @AnanyaS06358832, with the date of joining Twitter in August 2020, shared an image of a slit wrist to allude that she is committing suicide against the government’s decision to persist with the examinations as per schedule. However, on reverse searching the image, one finds that the picture has been on the Internet since aeons and it has been shared multiple times on Twitter itself. When several Twitter users pointed out that the image has been lifted from Google, the Twitter user promptly deleted the tweet.

Bloomsbury now accused of leaking manuscript of the book that they refused to publish after giving into ‘liberal’ threats: Read details

OpIndia Staff
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Bloomsbury now accused of leaking manuscript of the book that they refused to publish after giving into ‘liberal’ threats: Read details

Only a week ago, Bloomsbury India decided to withdraw the publication of the book ‘Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story’ by authors of Monika Arora, Sonali Chitalkar and Prerna Malhotra. In a statement, the publication house cited a ‘virtual pre-publication launch organised without our knowledge by the authors’ as one of the reasons for its decision. Bloomsbury India said that they had planned to release the book, a factual account based on investigation and interviews conducted by the authors, in September 2020 but they have rescinded their decision.

Essentially, the publication house gave in to ‘liberal’ bullying and decided to withdraw the book which was about to go in to publication and was due to be released in September 2020.

Now, the publication is being accused of something far serious.

A manuscript of the book that was dropped by Bloomsbury has been doing the rounds on WhatsApp. Several netizens raised questions as to how the entire manuscript was illegally released and was not being circulated freely.

A perusal of the manuscript did indicate that it was the copy that was with Bloomsbury that was being freely and illegally circulated on WhatsApp.

The second page of the manuscript clearly says that it is a copy that is being published by Bloomsbury.

Second page of the leaked copy of Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story manuscript

Interestingly, other than the authors, the publishing house and the editor, this manuscript in this form would not be available with anyone else. It is obvious that the authors would have no interest in leaking the manuscript thereby hurting the sales of the book which is now being published by Garuda Prakashan.

Thus, it does raise the question whether it is the publishing house that leaked the copy of the manuscript.

Interestingly, before the manuscript was circulated on WhatsApp, one of the first portals to access the manuscript was Left portal, TheQuint.com.

In its report that shoddily tried to ‘fact-check’ the book, The Quint clearly mentions that the manuscript of the book has been accessed by them.

Excerpt from TheQuint report

TheQuint, in fact, specifically mentions that they have accessed and scanned the “Bloomsbury draft” of the book.

The question thus arises that how was TheQuint managed to access a confidential book manuscript in the first place when access to the manuscript was limited to the authors and the publication house. Even more curiously, the draft of this book was accessed by TheQuint after the book had gone into publication with Garuda Prakashan and the authors had served a legal notice to the publication house.

The needle of suspicion, according to many, obviously points towards Bloomsbury, the publication house that bent over to liberal pressure and dropped the book in breach of the contract it had signed with the authors.

It is pertinent to note that the ‘Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story’ book has been pre-ordered over 15,000 times after Gaurda Prakashan opened the booking platform.

Read the full text of the letter written by dissenting Congress leaders demanding sweeping changes within the Congress party

OpIndia Staff
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Read the full text of the letter written by dissenting Congress leaders demanding sweeping changes within the Congress party

A year after its defeat in the 2019 General elections and its steady decline, 23 senior Congress leaders, including 5 former Chief Ministers, many Congress Working Committee members, incumbent MPs, and several former Union Ministers, have written a letter to interim Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi, calling for a complete overhaul of the party, from top to bottom.

On the expected lines, the rebellious letter sparked a furore within the Congress party, with the former Congress president Rahul Gandhi allegedly accusing the signatories of the letter of colluding with the BJP, an allegation that was later denied. Kapil Sibal, one of the signatories of the letter, reacted to Rahul Gandhi’s purported allegations, tweeted that he had never expected of being accused of conniving with the BJP. However, shortly thereafter he withdrew the tweet, claiming Rahul Gandhi had personally clarified with him.

Here’s the verbatim reproduction of the letter that was written by the rebel Congress leaders to the interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi, as shared by Akhilesh Mishra:-

Dear Hon. Congress President,

We the undersigned, most of whom have spent a lifetime in the Congress, take this opportunity to convey our concerns over the prevailing political atmosphere and views on the organisational affairs of the Congress Party.

India is, today facing the gravest Political, Social and Economic challenges in its history since independence. The core values of our Constitution are under a sustained assault. The communal and divisive agenda of BJP and its affiliates are dominating the political narrative. It is in conflict with the very idea of inclusive India bequeathed to us by Mahatma Gandhi and the founding fathers of the Republic.

An environment of fear and insecurity has engulfed the country. Congress has a duty to rise to the challenge. It must reassure the people that, it will defend and secure their fundamental rights.
This can be done only by a revitalised and resolute Congress Party, that unites the progressive and democratic forces.

The country is also facing a serious Social and Economic crisis. Massive youth unemployment, farmers distress and economic recession have pushed a large number of our citizens to the margins. These challenges have been aggravated by the “Corona Pandemic” leading to economic shut down with millions of workers across sectors, losing jobs, wages and incomes. The distress of the poor and vulnerable, especially the migrant labour, needs urgent redressal.

The Congress Party is required to deliberate on these challenges and come up with a comprehensive response outlining its vision and policy recommendations.

The situation on the borders in India’s neighbourhood and military standoff with China, is a matter of grave concern. The drift in India’s Foreign Policy, straining of relations with neighbouring countries with whom we have historically shared goodwill and friendly relations, needs a serious reflection and course correction.

As the oldest Political Party of the country that led the freedom movement, laid the foundations of India’s development and building of a modern nation-State, the Congress Party must take an informed position on Foreign Policy, Defence and National Security matters.

We have witnessed a steady decline of the Congress Party reflected in successive electoral verdicts in States and General Elections in 2014 and 2019. Reasons are manifold and need to be immediately identified. Otherwise, the Congress Party will find itself marginalized, both in the States, which is already apparent, as well as at the national level.

The erosion of support base and, in particular, losing the confidence of the youth, is a matter of serious concern. In the last two national elections, India had added 18.7 crores 1s’ time voters – 10.15 crores in 2014 and 8.55 crores in 2019. The youth voted overwhelmingly for Modi and the BJP. The vote share of the BJP sharply increased from 7.84 crores in 2009 to 17.6 crores in 2014 and to 22.9 crores in 2019. In contrast, Congress lost its share of 1.23 crore of the votes polled in 2009. We have marginally crossed the 2009 numbers in the last LokSabha elections.

Even after 14 months of the 2019 electoral verdict, the Congress Party has not undertaken any honest introspection to analyse the reasons for its continued decline.

In order to stem the decline, we have taken upon ourselves to be open and frank so that the Congress Party’s future, which presently is at stake, is not jeopardized any further.

The uncertainty over the leadership and the drift have demoralised the Congress workers and further weakened the Party. There has been an erosion of the support base with leaders and functionaries leaving the Party in a number of States.

The CWC is not effectively guiding the Party to mobilise public opinion against the divisive agenda and anti-people politics of the BJP Government. At present, its meetings are merely episodic and reactive to contemporary developments instead of being a deliberative body for setting the national agenda and for policy initiatives.

The meetings of the CPP over the years have been reduced to the customary address of CPP leader and obituary references. The past practice of discussion on issues has been discontinued. That is required especially now when the Party is in Opposition.

We have also seen, over the past many years, that the appointments of PCC Presidents and office bearers and DCC Presidents are unduly delayed. Leaders who command respect and acceptability in the State are not appointed in time and when appointed as PCC Chiefs are not given the freedom to make organizational decisions.

PCCs and the District Level Committees, are not inclusive and representative of the demographics of the State. The PCCs are not given any functional autonomy. There is also very little accountability when leadership fails.

YOUTH AND STUDENTS

Congress Party has historically nurtured Leadership and encouraged infusion of fresh blood. Younger leaders had risen from the ranks coming from the NSUI and Youth Congress. These leaders had ideological clarity and commitment. A blend of experience of seniors and energy of youth made the Congress strong and vibrant.

In recent years, the institutional process of merit-based and consensus backed selection has been disrupted. Introduction of elections in the cadre feeding organisations NSUI and IYC has created conflict and division. Resource-rich individuals or those backed by powerful patrons captured these organisations. This blocked the progress of younger leaders from an ordinary background with an ideological commitment to the Party of their services, resulting in the weakening of the Frontal Organisations.

Congress Party is no more nurturing leadership at the State and National level, which it had traditionally done. There are no regular deliberations at the AICC as well as the PCC sessions, which deal with policies and programmes addressing societal concerns of a diverse nation.

To revitalise the Party and to give millions of workers a sense of purpose, we suggest the following –

  • Full time and effective leadership active in the field and visible, and available at AICC and PCC Headquarters.
  • PCC’s and District Committees should be inclusive and representative. The PCC’s be given functional autonomy for institutional accountability.
  • Given the geographical spread and diversity of India, over-centralisation of the organisation and micro-management has always proven to be counterproductive. Therefore, the practice of appointing DCC Presidents / Office Bearers of Department and Cells from the AICC should be stopped henceforth. DCC Presidents should be appointed from the State Capital by Incharge General Secretary in coordination with PCC Presidents.
  • The Central Parliamentary Board (CPB) be urgently constituted for collective thinking and decision making on organizational matters, policies and programmes.
  • A nationwide membership drive should be undertaken and the enrolment drive should be launched on a priority basis.
  • Elections of Block, PCC delegates and AICC Members in a transparent manner.
  • Election of CWC Members in accordance with the Constitution of the Congress Party.
  • Central Election Committee (CEC) be reconstituted comprising of leaders with organisational background and active field knowledge and experience.
  • The Screening Committee for empanelling parliament and assembly candidates should consist of leaders with long years of organizational and I or electoral experience.
  • An Independent Election Authority comprising of Senior Leaders of Standing and credibility be established to ensure that elections are free, fair and democratic.
  • In view of the gravity of challenges facing the Party, it is now, an imperative to urgently establish an “Institutional leadership mechanism” to collectively guide the Party’s revival.

We deeply appreciate the leadership provided by you as Congress President in difficult times and also recognize the commendable efforts of Ex-CP Sh. Rahul Gandhi during his tenure as Congress President.

Congress Party will always remember with pride and gratitude the work and sacrifices of Smt. Indira Gandhi and Shri Rajiv Gandhi.

We acknowledge the resolute struggle, visionary leadership and notable contribution of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. His enduring legacy will always remain a source of guidance and inspiration for us. The Nehru-Gandhi family will always remain an integral part of the collective leadership of the Congress Party.

Congress must be prepared to convert the present challenge into an opportunity to lead the fight back. Time has come to build a narrative that resonates with the youth, women, students, farmers, minorities, dalits and factory workers.

Congress must take the initiative for creating a national coalition of democratic and secular forces to confront and defeat the BJP agenda. For this, a sincere effort should be made to bring on one platform leaders of political parties, who were once part of the Congress.

In view of the unprecedented challenges, the revival of Congress is a national imperative. We, therefore, urge you to take into consideration these proposals for the purpose of implementation, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Indian National Congress in the interest of the Party and the future of Indian democracy.

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

The said letter had reportedly created a storm in the CWC meeting. Though the meeting could not decide on the most critical issue of party presidentship and ended up declaring that Sonia Gandhi will continue to remain the ‘interim president’, the internal feud was out in the open.

Many senior leaders, including Ahmed Patel, had criticised the signatories of the letter. Kapil Sibal and Ghulam Nabi Azad also faced a lot of open criticism from fellow party leaders over the letter. Sonia, in her concluding remarks, reportedly said that she is hurt (over the letter) but she bears no ill will against the party leaders who wrote it.

JNU scientists Dr Anand Ranganathan and Shailaja Singh make a pioneering discovery for malaria treatment

OpIndia Staff
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JNU scientists Dr Anand Ranganathan and Shailaja Singh make a pioneering discovery for malaria treatment

Pioneering the fight against Malaria, biologists from Jawaharlal Nehru University have broken new ground in crushing the malaria parasite before it can take refuge in red blood cells for its inexorable reproduction, says a report published in Deccan Herald.

The novel method to stop the malaria parasite in its track is discovered by the team of Dr Anand Ranganathan, in collaboration with another group headed by Shailaja Singh and Nishant Joshi at Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida.

The strategy devised by these professionals entails blocking the route that the Plasmodium falciparum (the parasite that causes cerebral malaria) takes to attack the red blood cells(RBCs). Though the discovery is in its embryonic stage, it offers options to improve the effectiveness of existing medicines such as chloroquine and artemisinin as the parasites are building resistance to these drugs. India had reported the first case of artemisinin resistance in 2018.

Scientists discover molecule that prevents parasite from invading Red Blood Cells

As per the report in Deccan Herald, from thousands of synthetic molecules, researchers were able to home in on that one molecule that prevented interaction between two crucial proteins which the parasite leveraged to invade the blood cells. The proteins are identified as Myosin A and its interacting partner, MTIP (Myosin A Tail Interacting Protein). The synthetic molecule which sticks to the Myson-MTIP complex is called ZA1.

According to Dr Anand Ranganathan, the plan was to interrupt the cycle of the parasite at the very first step when it tries to invade the RBCs. The binding of Myosin A to its interacting partner (MTIP) is critical to the generation of the force for parasite’s motility, said JNU scientist Anand Ranganathan.

Zill e Anam, the lead author of the study, said, “We discovered a very strong interaction between ZA1 and Myosin A. The interaction prevents Plasmodium’s motor machinery to function in its normal way.”

The researchers have also been successful in trimming the molecule further to create a smaller unit(named ZA1s) that cripples the parasite even more effectively.

Drug development will commence once crystal structure is understood: Dr Anand Ranganathan

Talking about the path ahead, Dr Ranganathan said in an interview to DH that the process of drug development would commence once the crystal structure of the molecule is understood.

Shailja Singh, who is another corresponding author of the paper that has been published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, added that one of the bigger challenges currently facing the fight against malaria is the parasite’s growing non-responsiveness to artemisinin and chloroquine.

The discovery could be significant for the country’s battle against malaria, which remains the only nation outside Africa to contribute about 80% of the global malaria burden and death.

Netizens question Amazon Prime’s creative head’s bias, wonder if shows like “Patal lok” are approved because of it

OpIndia Staff
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Netizens question Amazon Prime’s creative head’s bias, wonder if shows like “Patal lok” are approved because of it

Lately, there has been a growing outrage against the movie industry and the online OTT platforms for their blatant act of pushing Hinduphobic contents under the guise of creative art.

For a very long time now, several social media users have been pointing out how several platforms have been subtly pushing their preconceived agenda through movies, web series, etc. One such platform that has also been under fire recently is Amazon Prime, which according to several viewers, have been aggressively pushing contents that are offensive to Hindus religious beliefs.

The netizens have time-and-again have also pointed out how Amazon India has been giving space for ultra-left radicals and Islamist elements, who are known for their anti-Hindu agenda. A series of social media outrage had erupted in the past against Amazon for making Hinduphobic web series such as ‘Paatal Lok‘ and also for featuring ultra-left wing activists such as Swara Bhasker and Islamists like Ali Fazal in one of their shows.

Various social media users have been expressing their disappointment against online platforms such as Amazon India for deliberately disrespecting the sentiments of the common masses of the country by continuing to produce such vile contents.

However, despite all the outrage, Amazon seems to have turned a blind eye as they keep pushing controversial content that is mostly derogatory to Hindu religious beliefs.

According to several OTT platform enthusiasts and critics, the anti-Hindu narratives often pushed by these OTT platforms stems from the fact that the promoters and the people responsible for airing such contents themselves carry their own biases. These set of promoters and people responsible for content are happy to provide space for pushing derogatory contents under the guise of creating valuable content.

One such stakeholder who has the ability to push all sorts of agenda through online streaming platforms is Aparna Purohit. Aparna Purohit is the head of Amazon India’s creative development team and also the in-charge of platform’s original web series.

A social media user on Thursday pointed out how Aparna Purohit, the creative head of the Amazon Prime, had a known left-wing bias, who has often expressed her hatred against the ruling dispensation. According to the images shared by entertainment industry follower Sharanya Shettyy, Aparna Purohit has also pushed various anti-Hindu propaganda on social media platforms.

Aparna Purohit, a former Jamia alumnus with known anti-Hindu bias

Interestingly, Aparna Purohit, the person responsible for commissioning all such derogatory contents on the Amazon Prime Video, is the alumnus of the infamous Jamia Millia University. Purohit, who claims to have experience in making movies for over 15 years, has been open about her ideological position, which has time-and-again reflected in the work that she does for Amazon.

If one takes a closer look at the posts put up by Aparna Purohit on social media platforms, the allegations of ideological prejudice made against Purohit by social media users find resonance as most of her recent posts have either political or ideological undertones to it.

Here are few images posted by social media users, in which one be clearly seen her ideological prejudices of Aparna Purohit.

In one of the Facebook posts, Aparna Purohit had posted an image, which not only disrespected a duly elected Prime Minister but also insinuated that he was some sort of a ‘criminal’.

The below image posted by Aparna Purohit on January 6, 2020, perhaps, was in connection with the brutal attack that took place in JNU attacks unleashed by the left-wing mobs against students of the university. It was reported that some left students along with a few other students had covered their faces to attack students and vandalise the office spaces in the JNU.

However, Aparna Purohit, who is accused of having an ultra-left bias, has indirectly blamed Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and also portrayed them as the culprits responsible for the JNU attacks.

Image Source: Maya

Not only that, but her hatred for BJP was also yet again reflected in another post in which she was caught sharing propaganda articles published by far-left anti-India fake news portals such as ‘The Wire’. In one of her post, Aparna Purohit held BJP responsible for the anti-Hindu riots that were unleashed by the Muslim mobs in the national capital in the last week of May.

Sharing a propaganda piece, Aparna Purohit compared the Anti-Hindu riots in Delhi to 2002-Gujarat incident and had claimed that the Modi government has brought Gujarat model to Delhi.

Image Source: Aparna Purohit

In one of the most bizarre Facebook post, Purohit had promoted the rabid anti-India hatred of known Naxal sympathiser Arundhati Roy. Opposing the historical Citizenship Amendment Act, a law that guarantees Indian citizenship to the persecuted minorities from three neighbouring Islamic countries, Purohit had claimed that India would cease to exist if they accepted a law that was legitimately passed by the parliament.

Image Source: Aparna Purohit

In one of her post, Aparna Purohit was also seen expressing her admiration and fascination towards another ultra-left-activist and Bollywood entertainer Swara Bhasker. Bhasker, a known anti-Hindu propagandist has been constantly promoted by Amazon India’s Purohit.

Here is a post by Aparna Purohit, where she was seen defending the likes of Swara Bhasker. The controversial activist is alleged to be one of the enablers of the ant-CAA and anti-Hindu riots in the national capital. The social media users also pointed out that the left-ideological leanings of Aparna Purohit was the reason why the likes of Swara Bhasker gets an opportunity to act in shows that are produced by Amazon Prime Video.

Last year in May, Aparna Purohit had taken to Facebook to share another article of ‘The Wire’, which was written in the wake of revoking of Article 370 in erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Image Source: Aparna Purohit

Aparna Purohit also is not new to sharing fake news on social media platforms. Last year in December, Purohit had taken to Facebook to share a series of videos of the anti-CAA riots that took place in Jamia Millia University.

Sharing a series of videos of rioters of Jamia Millia University, Aparna Purohit had tried to pass off videos that claimed that Delhi police were firing against inside students’ library.

With one of its creative heads now openly caught propagating hatred, perhaps Amazon India owes a clarification to people of this country.

Journalist Navika Kumar hints at quid pro quo, says Rhea Chakraborty’s team had sent her a ‘feeler’, urged to be ‘fair’ to her in exchange for an interview

OpIndia Staff
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Journalist Navika Kumar hints at quid pro quo, says Rhea Chakraborty’s team had sent her a ‘feeler’, urged to be ‘fair’ to her in exchange for an interview

A day after Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, the prime accused in the suicide case of Sushant Singh Rajput was provided with a ‘platform’ by India Today ‘journalist’ Rajdeep Sardesai, senior journalist Navika Kumar from Times Now has now made a sensational disclosure saying that someone claiming to be in touch with Rhea Chakraborty’s team had sent a ‘feeler’ seeking an interview in exchange for ‘fair’ coverage.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Times Now editor Navika Kumar revealed that she got a feeler from someone claiming to be in touch with Rhea Chakraborty’s team, who requested them to be ‘fair’ in Rhea’s coverage in return for arranging an interview with Rhea. It is pertinent to note that Times Now has been forefront at carrying out continuous coverage in the Sushant Singh Rajput’s case.

Tweet by Times Now senior journalist Navika Kumar

Navika Kumar’s disclosure comes at the backdrop of a recent interview of Rhea Chakraborty, who after a stoic silence, had decided to give an interview to India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai. In the interview, Rhea Chakraborty presented her ‘side of the story’ in the Sushant Singh suicide case, which, however, did not receive a good response from the viewers.

Following the controversial interview, netizens had not only pointed several discrepancies in her statements but also pointed the hypocrisy of ‘journalist’ Rajdeep Sardesai for trying to whitewash the allegations against Rhea by carrying out an interview with an accused in the case. Navika Kumar in her tweet had also mentioned that “name of the anchor who has now done the interview” was mentioned and the person said that he was also in talks for an interview.

Interestingly, following the interview by Rajdeep Sardesai, several other channels also aired their own interviews with Rhea Chakraborty. Among those who aired the interview were CNN-News18 and NDTV.

Interestingly, while Ravish Kumar had been raving and whining about how channels like Times Now and Republic TV were obsessed over Sushant Singh Rajput, NDTV got obsessed with Rhea Chakraborty, flooding their YouTube channel with her clips. Similarly, Rajdeep Sardesai, who had whined about how the media is covering the Sushant Singh Rajput case instead of “real issues”, had also jumped at the opportunity to interview Rhea Chakraborty after the “deal” that Navika has alluded to.

Perhaps, Navika Kumar in her sensational disclosure was referring to such an agreement between the news network and Rhea’s team where she could be allowed to get away with charges in exchange for a ‘fair’ interview. Navika Kumar also hinted at some kind of a bargain allegedly offered by Rhea’s side in exchange for toning down the coverage by Times Now against Rhea Chakraborty.

Since last few days, Times Now has upped the ante with regards to Sushant Singh Rajput’s case and had put sensational disclosures regarding the alleged Whatsapp chat between Rhea and a purported drug dealer.

Addition to that, on Thursday, Times Now had also accessed reports that suggested that the first set images of the mortal remains of the actor which went viral immediately after Sushant’s death may have been morphed to push the ‘suicide theory’.

‘This appeal is devoid of merits,’ Bombay High Court rejects bail plea by Elgar Parishad accused Sudha Bharadwaj

OpIndia Staff
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‘This appeal is devoid of merits,’ Bombay High Court rejects bail plea by Elgar Parishad accused Sudha Bharadwaj

The Bombay High Court has on Friday rejected a bail plea filed by ‘Urban Naxal’ Sidha Bharadwaj, arrested in connection with the violence that broke out at Elgar Parishad in January 2018. The accused in the Bhima Koregaon case had sought bail on grounds of health in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. However, the Court did not see merit in her application. The plea was filed against denial of bail after an NIA Court rejected her medical bail.

Dismissing the bail plea, the Court noted, “In our view, no case is made out for grant of bail. This appeal is devoid of merits.” The Court mandated that Sudha Bharadwaj will continue to be provided medical aid at the Byculla Women’s Jail in Mumbai where she is currently lodged at. Advocate Ragini Ahuja had contended that there were discrepancies in the medical reports filed by authorities on the 23rd of July and the 21st of August.

“The two reports are contrary to each other and the report dated August 21 might be bogus. How can a person recover completely of a heart condition in just four weeks,” Ahuja told the Court. However, the Court observed that the latest medical report concerned itself with Bharadwaj’s vital parameters with respect to COVID-19 and the submissions made by Sudha Bharadwaj in the Court had no substance on inconsistencies in the medical report.

NIA opposed bail plea by Sudha Bharadwaj

The NIA had opposed the bail plea by Sudha Bharadwaj and told the Court that she was being provided proper health facilities and her health was monitored regularly. Additional Solicitor General of Maharashtra and Goa, Anil Singh, who served as the NIA’s counsel in the matter, said, “NIA strongly opposes the plea. She has been taken care in the jail and her bail has been previously rejected on merits because of her involvement in anti-terrorist and anti-national activities.”

What is the Bhima Koregaon Violence Case?

The event by the name of “Elgar Parishad” was organised to commemorate the Battle of Bhima Koregaon of 1818, wherein the Peshwas fought against the between East India Company. In the war, an army of Dalit soldiers had fought under the British forces against the Peshwa, the reason for the celebration by Dalits. In 2018, it was the 200 year anniversary of the war and extreme violence erupted over the matter.

Soon after, the case was transferred to the NIA. The Pune police had arrested a total of nine supposed “intellectuals” such as Sudha Bharadwaj, Rona Wilson, Surendra Gadling, Mahesh Raut, Shoma Sen, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, and Varavara Rao for inciteful speeches.

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