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Twitter erupts with laughter after Rahul Gandhi hugged PM Modi and followed it with a wink

OpIndia Staff
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Twitter erupts with laughter after Rahul Gandhi hugged PM Modi and followed it with a wink

The debate on the no-confidence motion in Parliament took an unexpected and almost comical turn after Congress President Rahul Gandhi, following his speech proceeded to walk over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and gave him a hug:


As seen in the above video, PM Modi who was shocked at this “gesture” by Rahul, called him back and amicably shook his hand while having a jovial chat with the Congress President.

As reported by ANI, Rahul had hugged PM Modi after making a statement that, “you all have a lot of hatred against me, if you want you can call me Pappu or abuse me you can, but I don’t have any hatred against you.

Predictably this act by Rahul resulted in a frenzy of twitter reactions:


Incidentally, Rahul seems to have taken the matter to almost cringe-worthy levels after he was also caught on camera winking after his hug:


This too resulted in a lot of “pondering” on Twitter:


What to catch up with more such drama? You can follow minute by minute updates of the no-confidence motion on our live blog. 

Jignesh Mevani’s disruptive politics: Children made to take pledge against BJP in the name of caste

Jhankar Mohta
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Jignesh Mevani’s disruptive politics: Children made to take pledge against BJP in the name of caste

Popular for rehearsing antagonizing politics, the so-called Dalit protagonist, Rahul Gandhi’s abettor and now Gujrat MLA, Jignesh Mevani, was disgracefully captured on video asking children to take an oath against voting for the BJP in the upcoming assembly polls while addressing the public in the Baran district of Rajasthan, reports Republic TV.

In the video, linked above for reference, Mevani and his aides can be seen delivering anti-BJP slogans and asking people and children to repeat the same. Spewing caste venom he and his aides are heard saying,

“In the name of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, we take a pledge that to this anti-democratic, anti-constitutional, anti-Dalit, anti-tribal, anti-farmer, and anti-labourer government, we won’t give even a single vote. Jai Bhim”

Mevani’s supporters fanning its anti-Modi, anti-BJP discourse, are seen making dialects laced with caste references, and a number of the people in the gathered crowd included children, who despite not being of the age to vote have been roped into caste politics.

Adding to the jargon, Mevani asserted that the ruling government defrauded the citizens by not keeping up with its promise, to provide government jobs to the unemployed youth. “If they had lived up to their promise, nine to 10 crore unemployed youth would have had jobs by now,” he said:

“Like those in other states, like youngsters across India, everyone was hopeful that when Modi becomes Prime Minister, the unemployed youth will get employment, they will get government jobs. They promised (unclear) but we were cheated. They resorted to corruption. Every year 2 crore (unclear) was supposed to be given. If they lived up to their promise then now 9-10 crore unemployed youngsters would be employed, but not one per cent of this promise was fulfilled.”

Parliament affairs minister of Rajasthan, Rajendra Rathore lambasted at Mevani and his aides saying that this kind of attempt would bring disharmony in the society and they should restrain themselves from doing so.

Vadgam MLA and divisive ‘caste activist’ Jignesh Mevani have developed a penchant for rabble-rousing and instigating violence to meet his political ends. In early April this year, TimesNow had caught him on video instigating the crowd ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Karnataka rally ahead of Karnataka elections. In the video, Jignesh Mevani is heard saying that the youth should play an important role in disrupting the Prime Minister’s rally in Bangalore by throwing chairs and asking him as to what happened to the two crore jobs that he had promised.

Jignesh Mevani and controversy go hand in hand, caught frequently making such crass comments. Not too long ago, Jignesh Mevani on RepublicTV had asked the PM to “go to the Himalayas and melt his bones“. He was also caught on tape inciting people right before violence erupted in the Bhima-Koregaon incident. Not just the PM, Jignesh Mevani was also caught on tape abusing policemen after which, he had proceeded to play the victim.

It remains to be seen if the Congress party supremo who supported a leader who is reviving violent caste-based politics’, at least this time comes out in open to condemns this shameful alienating politics which is being openly played by his patron.

After not paying monthly rent of Rs 35 for decades, Congress faces eviction from its Allahabad office

OpIndia Staff
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After not paying monthly rent of Rs 35 for decades, Congress faces eviction from its Allahabad office

The Congress party faces eviction from its Allahabad office after it continually failed to pay its monthly rent amounting to just Rs 35, as a result of which, the total unpaid rent has accumulated to more than Rs 50,000, Hindustan Times has reported.

As reported, the Congress party has occupied the 34 Jawahar Square office in the Chowk locality for decades but for some reason decided not to pay the rent. As a result the building’s owner – Raj Kumar Saraswat has served them multiple notices for eviction, including one sent earlier this year. Now Saraswat has given the party time to pay the rent till July end, failing which they have to evict the premises.

The Allahabad office is said to have a special significance for the Congress party as iconic party leaders like PD Tandon, Kamla Nehru and Indira Gandhi have held several meetings  there.

Now in order to prevent their eviction, the Congress workers have written to Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh’s party chief Raj Babbar explaining to them about the office’s “glorious heritage”.

According to Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) spokesperson – Kishore Varshney, they are trying to collect the amount by seeking donations from about 250 office bearers and activists in the city.

According to a Times of India report, the Congress workers have now started to collect funds to pay off their outstanding rent and they are also hoping for assistance from the Congress high command.

The General Secretary of UPCC – Mukund Tiwari has claimed that they failed to pay the rent owing to a dispute with the landlord over the rent amount.

Rajiv Shukla’s aide Akram Saifi accused of demanding ‘cash and prostitutes’ for selection in UP cricket team

OpIndia Staff
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Rajiv Shukla’s aide Akram Saifi accused of demanding ‘cash and prostitutes’ for selection in UP cricket team

A close aide of Congress member and IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla, Akram Saifi has been accused of involvement in ‘Sex-for-selection’ scandal and was forced to resign after he was caught in a sting operation.

In a sting operation, Saifi is alleged to have sought for bribes and asked for players to arrange for prostitutes to facilitate their selection into the Uttar Pradesh team.

The sting telecast by media showed Akram Saifi, who is also executive assistant to Rajeev Shukla demanding favours in “cash and kind” from another cricketer Rahul Sharma, to ensure that he is selected into the state team. Rajeev Shukla is currently a Director of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA).


The BCCI immediately reacted and decided to investigate the matter as per its guidelines. The BCCI is seeking an explanation from Akram Saifi regarding the allegations made against him. It is reported that BCCI will also seek Rajeev Shukla’s view regarding this issue. “Saifi has tendered his resignation. When Mr Shukla’s view was sought on this, he said that it should be accepted with immediate effect,” a top BCCI official told PTI.

Reportedly, BCCI will appoint a commissioner under their regulations to seek an explanation from Akram Saifi regarding the allegations made against him. The commissioner is mandated to submit his findings within 15 days, which will then be passed on to the BCCI’s disciplinary committee.

Rahul Sharma, a player who has accused Saifi of corruption has not been part of Indian team or the state team. He has alleged that the Saifi sought bribes and other favours to ensure his selection in the team. He has also accused Saifi of issuing fake age certificates.

The Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit has requested all the audio tapes from the channel for investigation. “We have taken note of the sting and will examine the entire matter. Until we speak to the people involved, it is difficult to say anything as of now,” Ajit Singh, the chief of corruption unit said.

However, the UPCA has rejected all the charges of corruption against the board. Yadhveer Singh, secretary of the UPCA said, “We are open to any inquiry. We follow a very transparent selection process at the UPCA. I can’t comment on the conversation between the two as it is their personal matter,”

He also questioned the credibility of the player who has made the allegation. “I have checked about Rahul Sharma and found out that he has never even been a part of the state probables. He has no credibility,” he added.


Former India player and UP captain Mohammad Kaif said that the allegations have shocked him and demanded a probe into the matter. Kaif captained the Uttar Pradesh team to its maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2005-06.

Live updates: Noes: 325, Ayes: 126, Abstain: 00, Total: 451. No Confidence Motion stands defeated decisively

OpIndia Staff
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Live updates: Noes: 325, Ayes: 126, Abstain: 00, Total: 451. No Confidence Motion stands defeated decisively

The opposition has brought a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi led NDA government in the Lok Sabha, the debate on which begins on Friday 20 July 2018.

Noes : 325

Ayes : 126

Abstain : 00

Total : 451

No Confidence Motion stands defeated. The house stands adjourned

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Islamist organisation which supported Hadiya, accused of giving death threat to another inter-faith couple

OpIndia Staff
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Islamist organisation which supported Hadiya, accused of giving death threat to another inter-faith couple

Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political wing of the Muslim extremist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI), which has been accused of spreading Islamist terror, has now been accused of sending death threats to Kerala based inter-faith couple Harrison, a Christian and Shahana. Fearing Kevin-like fate, where a ‘Dalit Christian’ Kevin Joseph was allegedly killed by his wife’s family, Harrison and Shahana took to Facebook to express the harassment they have been facing since their marriage. In the video, the couple has accused the SDPI of threatening to kill them and their families.

Harrison, a Christian, married Shahana a few days ago and as soon as they posted their pictures on social media website, Facebook, things got worse. Shahana has alleged that the SDPI has offered money to get them killed. In the video, Shahana then appeals to her parents to not try and contact them as she has gone with Harrison on her own free will. She questions her parents what they will gain on killing them.

Earlier this year, Islamist outfit Popular Front of India had claimed that they spent Rs 1 crore in pursuing the case of Hadiya, formerly known as Akhila Asokan in the Supreme Court. PFI had come out in support of Hadiya when the Supreme Court of India had upheld the marriage of Hadiya with Shafeen Jahan which was annulled by the Kerala High Court last year. Hadiya had also met the PFI chief after her marriage was upheld by the SC.

PFI is allegedly involved in hypnotic counselling of Hindu girls in order to convert them in their religious centres as per NIA investigations. A religious facilitation centre managed by PFI called ‘Sathyasarini/Markaz Hidaya Da’wa Institute’ in Manjeri, Kerala is allegedly connected with 9 out of 11 cases of ‘Love-Jihad’ investigated by NIA. ‘Love Jihad’ is a term known in the mainstream media for the modus operandi of Islamists to lure Hindu women into marrying them, with the ulterior motive of converting their religion to Islam.

The institute is allegedly targeting the subconscious of the inmates to convert them. In addition to this, NIA has claimed that the organisation is also using allurement, confinement and coercion as part of their tactics. In response to these allegations, the public relations director of PFI had told TOI that the NIA was wilfully maligning PFI.

Ironically, the political wing of PFI, SDPI, is now accused by Shahana of issuing death threats and a bounty on their heads for marrying a Muslim.

CBI names Congressman and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram as a co-accused in Aircel-Maxis case

Jhankar Mohta
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CBI names Congressman and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram as a co-accused in Aircel-Maxis case

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram’s ill-timed affirmations made on Twitter a short while ago, saying that “In the Aircel-Maxis case, there is no FIR mentioning a scheduled offence and no public servant has been named. ED is on a witch-hunt and the allegations will be answered in Court,” has fallen flat as recent media reports confirm that the former finance minister and a Congressmen is now an accused in the Aircel-Maxis case.


The senior Congress leader, his son Karti and 16 others have been charged by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the probe into suspected criminal misconduct related to approvals of investment deals.

This news comes as a big jolt to the Congress a day before the Lok-Sabha will witness a no-confidence vote against a ruling dispensation in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, as the name of the Congress Veteran and his son Karti Chidambaram, appear in the fresh chargesheet related to the Aircel-Maxis case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate are investigating the foreign investment clearance granted in 2006 for the Aircel-Maxis deal when Chidambaram was the Finance Minister in the Congress-led UPA government at the centre.

According to the CBI, Mauritius-based Global Communication Services Holdings – a subsidiary of Maxis – sought approval for an investment of 800 million dollars in telecom carrier Aircel. The approval was expected to come from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs or CCEA, headed by the Prime Minister. But it came from the then finance ministry, which only has the power to approve investments of smaller sums, up to Rs. 600 crore.

The agency alleged that after the approval was received, Aircel Televentures Limited paid a sum of 26 lakh to a company linked to Karti Chidambaram.

Subramanian Swamy, the anti-corruption crusader, and Rajya Sabha MP who has been very vocal slamming the Chidambaram’s for the fraudulence and had openly posted his reactions to the CBI raids, saying that Chidambaram indeed gave illegal FIPB clearances during his tenure as the finance minister and used his office to help promote his son Karti’s dubious business interests, exhibited extreme delight, as this news surfaced during the day.


Last month the enforcement directorate had filed a charge sheet against Chidambaram’s son Karti Chidambaram at Delhi’s Patiala House Court. According to reports, four other associates in his different business ventures are also charged under section 4 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Until this day though P Chidambaram’s name had appeared in various instances, he had not been named as an accused yet. Though the ED had specifically stated then that it might file a supplementary charge sheet in the case too.

The scam-ridden former Union Minister P. Chidambaram had moved an anticipatory bail plea at Patiala House Court in the Aircel-Maxis case at the end of May 2018. Following that, Delhi’s Patiala House Court has sought a reply from Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the anticipatory bail plea. Court had also given time to the ED to reply till 5th June and no coercive action could be taken against Chidambaram till then.

This year has not started well for the Chidambaram’s, with the father-son duo landing themselves in a catch-22 situation, with crises not seeming to seize for them and their family members. In the month of May, the Income Tax Department had filed four prosecution complaints against Karti Chidambaram, his mother Nalini and wife Srinidhi in a Chennai court. According to reports, the cases were filed under the Black Money Act.

The Chennai and Delhi homes of former Union minister P Chidambaram were raided by a team of Enforcement Directorate earlier this year in connection with the money laundering investigation in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case.

Interestingly, with the departments, probing the Aircel-Maxis case, including P Chidambaram in the list of accused, it so seems that the father-son duo is giving tough competition to each other with Karti already facing probe and currently on bail in the INX Media case and also under probe in the Aircel-Maxis case.

Telecast of Islamic channels including Zakir Naik’s Peace TV banned in Jammu and Kashmir

OpIndia Staff
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Telecast of Islamic channels including Zakir Naik’s Peace TV banned in Jammu and Kashmir

Thirty television channels which carry Islamic and Pakistani content have been banned in Jammu and Kashmir, following the issuance of an order by the Additional District Commissioner of Srinagar, The Hindu has reported.

As per the report, the J&K government’s Home Department had issued a directive dated 2 July which stated that, “it has become necessary and expedient in the larger interest of public and maintenance of peace and tranquillity to prohibit transmitting TV channels which are not permitted by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting“.

Thus a list of 30 channels to be banned was drawn up, which include – Zakir Naik’s Peace TV, Pakistani channels like – Geo TV, Hum TV, ARY Zindagi, Hum Sitaray, ARY Musik and Islamic channels namely – ARY, QTV, Madni Channel, Noor TV and Hadi TV.

Following this directive, an order was issued by Srinagar’s Additional District Commissioner on 12 July, which resulted in television operators being asked to stop the telecast of banned private channels within Srinagar district. This order was implemented from Wednesday.

The order though seems to be applicable throughout Jammu and Kashmir as according to a Times of India report, the state Home Department has sent the directive via a letter to all the District Magistrates in the state on Tuesday. The letter as per the report described that the banned channels have the potential to “encourage violence and disturb the law and order situation”.

It has been claimed that the Jammu and Kashmir establishment swung into action in this regard after a prodding by the Information and Broadcasting ministry.

As per a New Indian Express report, this order has been opposed by independent MLA Engineer Rashid who has called it an attack on freedom of expression. He has also been quoted as asking that – if the government is concerned about curbing hatred, then why is it not banning national TV channels which “spread venom” against the Kashmiris.

Engineer Rashid had been in the news previously after he was questioned by NIA in connection with its terror funding probe.

Mangal Pandey: An embodiment of patriotism and courage

Rohan
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Mangal Pandey: An embodiment of patriotism and courage

A hundred and ninety-one years ago, on this exact day on 19 July 1827, India’s first freedom fighter was born. He was the same person, who evoked resentment on a national level, by leading Indians against the British in what was our First War of Independence.

Born in Nagwa district, Uttar Pradesh, Mangal Pandey’s childhood could be described as mediocre at best, mainly because his Brahmin family was far from affluent- contrary to popular perception of ‘Brahminism’ in today’s discourse.

As a result of his socioeconomic status, he was compelled to join the British East India Company at the age of 22 as a sepoy in the 34th Regiment of the Bengal Native Infantry (BNI).

By that point, it must be remembered that the British had subjugated Indians: farmers lost their land to taxes, artisans were left poverty-stricken after the emergence of British factories, commoner were left to starve. The British hegemony over Indians had become a reality by then. And so, there was an inherent danger in the people of India.

Having reluctantly served the British for some years, Mangal Pandey was left very upset with the arrival of a new type of bullet cartridge used in the Enfield P-53 rifle. The cause for his anger was driven by the ongoing word that the cartridge was greased with animal fat and especially those of pig and cow, which neither Hindus nor Muslims consumed.

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-18 at 6.36.54 PM.jpg

 

For the cover to be removed, the cartridges had to be removed and it was abhorred by both the Hindu and Muslim soldiers in the army. The general word about the British intentionally doing it, evoked even more anger in Pandey. What peaked the discontent was that the Commandant of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry was a well known Christian preacher, who would often put down other faiths in the attempt to convert people of those religions. This added to the larger question regarding the British’s attempts to undermine the traditional Indian society.

While many did tell him that a gradual attack on the British after consolidation would make sense, Pandey felt the need to act immediately. On the 29th of March 1857, he led the fight against the British by doing his best to motivate every person involved. He went on to dominate one officer after another- right from Hughson to Baugh.

“It is for our religion. From biting these (greased) cartridges we will lose our religion”, he told the soldiers.

It is worth noting that despite the known oppression that took place, the compulsion to bite something that (he believed) contained beef, was what triggered his anger. That fact on its own would imply that he placed his Hindu belief system on the highest pedestal, and that is what translated to become the love for his country.

However, before the nation could display its appreciation for the cause, he was betrayed by a compatriot named Shaikh Paltu, who posed himself to be on the same side as Pandey since they lay on the same battalion. Mistaking Paltu’s identity, Pandey had let him get closer, only to find himself being pulled from the back.

Being flanked by Paltu was a challenge for Pandey because even though he was able to drive him away, he was left very tired when faced with a fresh battalion of soldiers, by noon. As a result of there being no room to fight, Pandey felt the need to shoot himself in the chest.

He soon found himself in the military hospital and was killed by the British 10 days before his hanging was sentenced by the military court. Thus, ended the life of whom we call ‘Amar Shaheed Mangal Pandey’.

The word about the rebellion spread everywhere and inspired millions to fight against the British- ranging across different places including Agra, Ambala, Meerut, Delhi. It was the precise uniting factor India had needed in motivation for independence. Many patriots were ignited by Pandey’s sacrifice and love for his country, which was triggered by the regard for his Hindu Dharma and went on to strive for the freedom of their countrymen.

On this Jayanti of his, let us remember the phenomenal values of selflessness and patriotism that Mangal Pandey epitomised.

Source: Here

Fact check: has government banned manufacturing of Oxytocin?

OpIndia Staff
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Fact check: has government banned manufacturing of Oxytocin?

Recently, through a notification, the government of India restricted production of Oxytocin formulations for domestic use to public sector only. The original notification states that with effect from 1st July, 2018, only Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (KAPL), a public sector company, would be allowed to manufacture the drug and will be supplied by the manufacturer (KAPL) to registered hospitals and clinics in public and private sectors directly. However, as per new circular, the same has been deferred to 1st September.

The drug, which was earlier available at retail outlets, on prescription, will now have to be obtained by clinics directly from KAPL.

Oxytocin is a naturally-occurring hormone that causes uterine contractions during labour and helps new mothers lactate. However, the drug is also prone to misuse as the same is used in cattle industry to increase milk production. Last week on 11th July, two people were arrested with 1,500 bottles of Oxytocin. While Oxytocin helps cattle produce more milk, it has harmful effect on the health of the animals as well as on humans who consume milk that comes from them.

Twitter user and doctor, Aakash Raj Razdan, listed out where all the drug is grossly misused in India.


The drug is also injected in fruits and vegetables like cucumber, bottle gourd, etc. He further explained how the same has been done in a systematic manner, to curb illegal use of the drug outside of obstetrics. In April this year, India banned import of the hormone in order to stop misuse in the livestock industry. This restriction of manufacturing by private players will come in force from September onward.

So, to conclude, no, the government isn’t ‘banning’ Oxytocin manufacturing, but it is restricting it to try and curb misuse of the hormone. Limiting the pilferage and diversion at the source, i.e. having single source of manufacturing, is one of the ways to try and limit the many misuses of Oxytocin.

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