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PAs of Lok Sabha MPs lose access to Digital Sansad login after Mahua Moitra controversy: Report

OpIndia Staff
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PAs of Lok Sabha MPs lose access to Digital Sansad login after Mahua Moitra controversy: Report

Ahead of the winter session of the Parliament, the Lok Sabha has reportedly made certain changes to its Digital Sansad portal’s login and passwords for the Members of Parliament. This comes after a huge controversy erupted over cash-for-query scam accused Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra allegedly sharing her parliamentary ID and password with Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani.

Notably, the restriction does not apply to MPs themselves, but rather to their secretaries and personal assistants. These applications, which were widely used by MPs for tasks such as question submission for parliamentary debates, email access, and Travel Allowance (TA) bill submission, will now not be accessible to the supporting staff and the MPs will have to manage their own digital parliamentary functions.

It is pertinent to note that the parliamentary authorities have not issued a statement or confirmation in this regard yet. Members of the Lok Sabha are now required to conduct their own digital parliamentary operations. However, given the time and skills limitations of many members, this could prove to be challenging.

“At best, the members can sit beside their assistants or secretaries, sharing the passwords and OTPs to get their work done. Most MPs are still using this ‘unofficial’ method to participate,” Times of India (TOI) quoted a source.

Since the launch of Digital Sansad on September 1, members have been able to authorise assistants or secretaries to access their accounts by giving the email addresses and phone numbers of their authorised staff to the Lok Sabha secretariat.

According to the Lok Sabha user manual, Members of Parliament are allowed to add details of their personal assistants or personal staff who they want to access their login to manage their parliamentary operations. The MPs are required to fill details of PA/PS including their names, email IDs and mobile number. The MPs are required to check and save the declaration “I hereby declare that the information is true as per my knowledge. I understand that the PA/PS will not get any rights for remuneration by the Parliament of India,” to make their parliamentary login accessible to their personal assistants.

Image via LS members’ login user manual

The development follows cash-for-query scam accused TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s admission that she handed her Parliament login ID and password to businessman and her friend, Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in order for someone in the latter’s office to put in the questions to be answered in the Lok Sabha. Hiranandani responded with an affidavit accusing her of collecting payments in cash and as gifts of luxury items to ask questions.

Hiranandani said in his affidavit that Moitra gave him her Parliament username and password so he could post questions on her behalf. As reported earlier,  the IT ministry had stated that it had sent a report to the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee confirming that the TMC leader’s parliamentary ID was accessed 49 times from Dubai.

Kapurthala, Punjab: Nihang Sikhs open fire at police officials on duty, kill one, injure six

OpIndia Staff
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Kapurthala, Punjab: Nihang Sikhs open fire at police officials on duty, kill one, injure six

On 22nd November, Nihang Sikhs opened fire at police officers in Sultanpur Lodhi of district Kapurthala, Punjab. One policeman was reportedly killed, while two were injured. The incident took place when police went to arrest some Nihang Sikhs at a Gurdwara. The police personnel were standing on the road when Nihangs opened fire at them.

The senior officials rushed to the spot after receiving the information. An additional police force was deployed to maintain law and order in the area.

As per police officials, there was a scuffle between two Nihang Sikh groups over ownership of Sri Akal Bunga Sahib Gurdwara. When the police reached the Gurdwara to detain Nihang Sikhs, who were accused of infringing on the premises, they opened fire. Hindustan report suggested that the police arrested ten Nihang Sikhs while around 30 were still lodged inside the Gurdwara premises.

The tension between the two factions was boiling for a few days, leading to police presence. The main aim was to avoid any clashes between the two groups. However, Nihang Sikhs opened fire at the police standing outside the Gurdwara on the road and killed one of them.

According to reports, Baba Budha Dal 96 Karori Sant Balbir Singh held Gurdwara Sri Akal Banga, opposite the historical Gurdwara Ber Sahib. Two of his associates, Nirvair Singh and Jagjit Singh, managed the Gurdwara. On 21st November, Sant Baba Man Singh forcibly entered the Gurdwara with his associates. They assaulted Jagjit and Nirvair and snatched their belongings, including weapons, money and phones. Sant Baba Man Singh’s group took over the Gurdwara following the scuffle. Jagjit Singh filed a case against Baba Man Singh at Sultanpur Lodhi Police Station.

On 22nd November, Baba Man Singh’s associates tried to take over the ‘Peer Geb’ near Busowal Roar. The police intervened and arrested the ten associates. Notably, the basis of the arrest was multiple cases, including murder and clashes, since 15th May 2020.

Speaking to media, Sultanpur Lodhi Police Station House Officer (SHO) Lakhwinder Singh said Constable Jaspal Singh lost his life while others sustained sword injuries. They were rushed to Civil Hospital for treatment.

Two dead in car explosion at US-Canada border near Niagara Falls, New York Governor denies terrorism angle as FBI terrorism task force investigates

OpIndia Staff
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Two dead in car explosion at US-Canada border near Niagara Falls, New York Governor denies terrorism angle as FBI terrorism task force investigates

On Wednesday, November 22, two people were killed in a “vehicle explosion ” at the US-Canada border crossing near Niagara Falls. Four US-Canada border crossings in the region have been closed as investigators respond to the situation.

A senior US law enforcement official told CBS News that the car was coming from the US side. It hit the customs station and following the collision, the vehicle was charred. A senior administration official described the incident to CBS News as “more than a freak accident, but we don’t yet have details.”

A Canadian visitor to New York said he was walking close by when the incident happened and he noticed the vehicle speeding in the direction of the border crossing. As seen in the video of the incident, the car travelled at a high speed and flew over a fence that was about 8ft high.

Meanwhile, the FBI Buffalo Field Office said in a statement that the incident is being investigated in coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

“The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the US and Canada in Niagara Falls. The FBI is coordinating with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very fluid, that’s all we can say at this time,” their official account posted on X.

The Rainbow Bridge, which links Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and Niagara Falls, New York, is a famous tourist destination. The Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, and the Peace Bridge are the other border crossings in the area.

Following the incident, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said,”At my direction, the New York State Police is actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York”.

In a statement, Governor Hochul said there was no sign of the incident being a terrorist attack. “At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” she said. “Let me repeat that: At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist-involved attack here at the Rainbow Bridge in Western New York,” Hochul said.

Taking to X, Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Just came from the scene of this horrible incident at the Rainbow Bridge. No evidence of terrorism indicated at this time. Grateful for our first responders keeping drivers and residents safe on this busy travel day. Will continue to update on any developments.”

The Rainbow Bridge crossing connecting the US and Canada near Niagara Falls has been shut as the federal authorities in Buffalo, New York, have said that an investigation is underway. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport has also been closed to international flights departing and arriving.

Geert Wilders, among rare public figures who supported Nupur Sharma against the ‘blasphemy’ allegations, wins massive victory in Dutch Parliament elections

OpIndia Staff
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Geert Wilders, among rare public figures who supported Nupur Sharma against the ‘blasphemy’ allegations, wins massive victory in Dutch Parliament elections

On 22nd November (local time), the exit polls in the Netherlands showed that Geert Wilders’ conservative Party for Freedom or Partij voor de Vrijheid (PVV) is set to become the largest party in the Dutch parliament. The results are surprising for the region as Wilders’ party is known for anti-Islamist views. The victory has the potential to have ripple effects across Europe. The party is expected to secure 35 seats, which will be more than double its 2021 tally. However, it is unclear if PVV will be able to form a coalition with a working majority to form a government.

Notably, PVV has called for a ban on mosques, the Quran and Islamic headscarves or Hijab in government buildings. The party is now on the path to becoming the largest party in the 150-seat parliament. Other Right Wing European leaders, including Viktor Orbán, Marine Le Pen, Matteo Salvini, and Germany’s AfD, have congratulated PVV on the win. However, the clouds over the government formation are yet to clear as the heads of the three major Dutch parties expressed unwillingness to join a PVV-led cabinet.

Interestingly, the formation of a government in the Netherlands may not happen before spring. Following the 2021 elections, the 4-party coalition took 271 days to come to an agreement. Experts believe that this time, it may take even longer to get a new Prime Minister for the country. Till that time, the incumbent, Mark Rutte, will act as caretaker PM. The previous coalition was dissolved due to disagreements over migration and other critical issues.

Who is Geert Wilders?

Geert Wilders is a Right Wing Dutch politician who is known for his anti-Islam stand. Wilders, who has been under police protection since 2004, has been surrounded by controversies for his statements like calling Moroccans “scum”.

Wilders has been active in Dutch politics for 25 years without holding any office. Born on 6th September 1963 in Venlo, Netherlands, he served as a member of the Dutch House of Representatives from 1998 and as a leader of the PVV from 2006.

Wilders was born into a middle-class family. He lived in Israel from 1981 to 1983 and travelled across the Middle East. During that period, he started to form anti-Islamist views that became the basis of his political career.

Wilders was convicted of discrimination against Moroccans over raising slogans during a campaign rally in 2014. In 2021, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands upheld his conviction. Wilders called it a “witch hunt” against him, resulting from a broken legal system.

Over the time, Wilders toned down some of his views. However, he continued with his strict anti-immigration, Dutch-first approach, which increased his popularity throughout the elections.

In October 2022, Wilders supported former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma after Islamists hounded her for her remarks during a debate on Times Now.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Nupur Sharma is a hero who spoke nothing but the truth. The whole world should be proud of her. She deserves the Nobel Prize. And India is a Hindu nation, the Indian government is obliged to strongly defend Hindus against Islamic hate and violence.” He also raised the matter of violence against Hindus and urged the Dutch government to clear its stand.

US shared info on nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, and terrorists with Indian govt, India looking into it: MEA

ANI
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US shared info on nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, and terrorists with Indian govt, India looking into it: MEA

India said on Wednesday that the US side shared some inputs pertaining to the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others during the course of recent discussions on India-US security cooperation and issues in the context are already being examined by relevant departments.

Responding to media queries on reports of discussions between India and the US on security matters, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on its own security interests as well. He said the inputs are the cause of concern for both countries and necessary follow-up action is being taken.

“During the course of recent discussions on India-US security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others. The inputs are a cause of concern for both countries and they decided to take necessary follow up action,” he said.

“On its part, India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on our own national security interests as well. Issues in the context of US inputs are already being examined by relevant departments,” he added.

US and India held the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on November 10. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took part in the dialogue along with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The UK-based Financial Times has published a report claiming that the US thwarted a plan to allegedly assassinate India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

According to the Financial Times report, which quoted people familiar with the matter, the US had informed India of concerns regarding the alleged plot to kill Pannun.

US had informed India of concerns regarding the alleged plot to kill Pannun, the Financial Times reported quoting people familiar with the matter. However, the news report fails to elaborate whether the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the US was involved in the thwarting of the plan nor does it mention the specific nature of the communication between the US and India.

The news report citing people familiar with the matter goes on to claim, that US federal prosecutors have filed a sealed indictment against at least one alleged perpetrator of the plot in a New York district court. However, the US Justice Department and the FBI have also not issued any formal statement on such claims. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

“Rajesh Pilot no more, Congress punishing his son”: PM Modi slams Gandhi family in Rajasthan over sidelining Sachin Pilot

Paurush Gupta
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“Rajesh Pilot no more, Congress punishing his son”: PM Modi slams Gandhi family in Rajasthan over sidelining Sachin Pilot

On 22nd November (Wednesday), Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress party and the Gandhi family over the treatment of Sachin Pilot by the party while addressing multiple election rallies in poll-bound Rajasthan. In a scathing attack on the Gandhi family, PM Modi asserted that those who challenge the family within the party, their career would be as good as finished. 

Addressing an election rally in Jahazpur in Bhilwara district, PM Modi said, “The Congress’s leaders from Delhi are challenging the young people here who have faith in Lord Devnarayan. They are saying that (Ashok) Gehlot will be chief minister again…look at the arrogance of the Congress leaders in Delhi… If anyone dares to speak the truth in Congress which is unpalatable to the family, then rest assured that person’s political career is over.” 

Notably, Lord Devnarayan is the clan deity of the Gurjar community and Sachin Pilot hails from the Gurjar community. The Gurjars predominantly voted for the Congress party in the last elections hoping that a leader from their community, Sachin Pilot would become the Chief Minister. However, after coming to power, Congress made him the deputy of Ashok Gehlot who later went on to make unsparing remarks against him. Additionally, their duel has been out in the open for more than three years. 

However, this is not the first time that PM Modi has taken a dig at the feud between Congress leaders Pilot and Gehlot. Earlier on 18th November, he slammed Congress for pretending that a truce was made after both leaders shook hands for a photo-op. He compared their recurrent reconciliation efforts with the unkept vows of chain smokers to quit smoking.  

Strikingly, the Gurjar community has a significant presence in the seven assembly constituencies in Bhilwara district.

During his rally, PM Modi cited the example of the late Rajesh Pilot and accused the Congress leader of meting out a vendetta against his son Sachin Pilot. He said, “Rajesh Pilot once challenged the Gandhi family for the benefit of the party…he later backed down but the family punished Rajesh Pilot and is also punishing his son… Rajesh Pilot passed away but the Congress party is taking out its anger against his son.”

The incident PM Modi was indicating took place in 1996 when Narasimha Rao resigned from the post of party president. Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot challenged Sitaram Kesri who had previously served as the party’s treasurer for nearly two decades. However, they lost the elections. Afterward, Sonia Gandhi became active within the party, and simultaneously, Rajesh Pilot lost favours with the party leadership. Later, he died in the year 2000. 

In his election rally, PM Modi asserted that the incumbent Congress Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot would never form the government in Rajasthan again.  

In Rajasthan’s Sagwada rally, he prophesied, “I am making a prediction from this sacred land of Mavji Maharaj who made accurate predictions. I am predicting that not only this time but never again will Ashok Gehlot form the government in Rajasthan. Wherever Congress people are going to seek votes, they are getting only one answer from children, elderly, women, and youth, ‘Gehlot ji, koni mile vote ji’.” 

Stressing that policymaking is crucial for development, PM Modi lambasted Congress, accusing it of having a policy to go soft on terrorists, rioters, and indulge in Corruption. 

He said, “But Congress is such a party that makes anti-people policies and takes anti-national decisions. Congress’s policy is to be soft on terrorists, rioters, and criminals and to indulge in corruption. These policies of Congress made Rajasthan top in crime in the country… Congress misrule did not even spare minor girls, the incident in Kotdi shamed the entire country.” 

The Kotdi incident PM Modi referred to in his rally relates to a minor who was reportedly gang raped and burnt alive in a kiln in Narsinhpur village in Kotdi sub-district in August this year.

Further in his election rally in Rajasthan, PM Modi said, “When ministers give clean chit to rapists in the Assembly, how can our mothers, sisters and daughters remain safe? Congress has left no stone unturned in looting Rajasthan in the last five years.”

Did you know: In 2002, 100 people were killed in Nigeria in riots between Muslim and Christian mobs sparked by a report over Miss World Pageant

OpIndia Staff
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Did you know: In 2002, 100 people were killed in Nigeria in riots between Muslim and Christian mobs sparked by a report over Miss World Pageant

On 22nd November 2002, religious and ethnic tensions erupted in Nigeria following an article published in ThisDay newspaper. The African nation became the centre of global attention as Muslims and Christians clashed over a newspaper article, leading to the death of 100 individuals. The report coincided with the hosting of the Miss World pageant in the country to which Muslims had objected.

Nigeria is known for its diverse population. It houses a significant Muslim and Christian community. Though they coexist peacefully, there have been historical incidents of tensions between the two fuelled by political complexities, religious differences and economic disparities.

In 2002, Nigeria decided to host the Miss World pageant. The decision was met with both excitement and apprehension. While the event promised to showcase the cultural richness of the country to the world, there were challenges posed by the conservative nature of some religious groups, especially the Muslim community. Conservative Muslim groups had alleged that the event promoted sexual promiscuity and indecency.

Amid the preparations for the event, ThisDay newspaper published an article that sparked a controversy. The report, authored by Isioma Daniel, suggested that the Prophet Muhammad might have chosen one of the Miss World contestants as his wife. It read, “What would (the Prophet) Muhammad think? In all honesty, he would probably have chosen a wife from among them (the contestants).” The provocative nature of the article angered the Muslim community, which considered it disrespectful to their faith.

The article was published in a Sunday edition. The next day, the newspaper ran a brief front-page apology. It was followed by a more lengthy retraction on Tuesday, suggesting the offending passage was published by mistake. However, it did not help in calming the situation.

Soon after the article was published, peaceful protests were organised by the Muslim groups demanding an apology from the newspaper. However, the situation escalated quickly, and violence erupted in the country, especially in the northern city of Kaduna. Christians and Muslims clashed, leading to significant loss of life and destruction of public and private property, leading to an atmosphere of fear and distrust. The riots that erupted are often called the “Miss World Riots of 2002”.

Reports suggest that the angry mobs across the city stabbed bystanders. The riots ran for at least three days, resulting in over 100 deaths and a long-lasting scar on the communal harmony in the country.

As the reports of violence reached the international community, there were concerns and condemnation. The Miss World Organisation prioritised the safety of the contestants and the organising team and shifted the venue from Nigeria to London. The step taken by the organisation underscored the sensitivity and severity of the situation on the ground.

Sharia Law in Nigeria

According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, out of 36 states, 12 have Sharia Law in Nigeria. In 1999, the country adopted a Constitution that outlined the federal system of government and the hybrid application of religious, customary and civil laws. However, within years, several states re-integrated the country’s Islamic criminal law or Sharia law.

There have been several instances where Sharia Law sentenced individuals to death for blasphemy. In December 2022, an Islamic cleric was sentenced to death by Sharia court for alleged blasphemy as he suggested the Shia sect was better than Sunni.

In August 2020, a Sharia court sentenced a Nigerian singer to death for alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.

There have been countless reports of Christians being lynched in the country over allegations of blasphemy by Muslim mobs. In May 2022, Muslim students in Sokoto stoned a Christian student to death and burned her corpse after accusing her of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammad.

‘How can you remain silent over atrocities by men shouting Allahu Akbar?’ European Parliament member slams ‘feminists’ for silence over Hamas attack

Shraddha Pandey
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‘How can you remain silent over atrocities by men shouting Allahu Akbar?’ European Parliament member slams ‘feminists’ for silence over Hamas attack

On Wednesday, November 22, Member of European Parliament (MEP) Assita Kanko lambasted Western ‘feminists’ over their deafening silence on the atrocities inflicted on Israeli women by Palestinian Islamic terrorist group Hamas on October 7.

During the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday, Assita Kanko said, “Today, I have a question. A pressing question. For some Western feminists. How can you remain silent, when women and girls are raped, tortured, their bodies carried around naked and spat on by bearded men shouting Allah Akbar? Then you can never call yourself a feminist again.”

The MEP asserted that the “hypocritical feminists” who remained silent on the atrocities the Jewish women were subjected to by Hamas terrorists should be ashamed.

“Every day, including today, some Western hypocritical feminists should be ashamed of their silence on the horror that Hamas men inflicted to women and girls on 7 October. And that includes big names we were once proud of. Why are their lips sealed and their hearts of stone when it comes to the excruciating pain of Jewish women?,” Kanko continued.

She further underscored that the Me-Too Movement and intersectional feminists do not care for and raise their voice for all women adding that their silence signifies that they have been lying about their commitment to women’s rights. Kanko added that the actions of such ‘feminists’ back the oppressor, in this case, Hamas, and not the victims. the Israeli women.

“The MeToo movement and so-called intersectional feminists do not care about all women. If they remain silent, it means they have lied to us about their commitment to women’s rights. Their actions support the oppressor, not the victims. Also, the EU money does. Indirectly,” Kanko said.

Furthermore, the Vice Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, stressed that the hypocritical feminists should not be standing in the European Parliament and ranting about selective human rights. She added that a ceasefire in its true sense would be when all the hostages are brought back home. Kanko asserted that when Hamas rapists will be brought to justice a true ceasefire will prevail.

“When you are under attack by terrorists, a cease-fire is like raising your hands when you are being shot at. Perhaps it is worth considering that a real lasting cease-fire will start with bringing back all the hostages to their homes and the rapists to justice,” Kanko said.

Right before Kanko addressed the plenary session of the European Parliament, MEP member for Ireland South, Grace O’Sullivan suggested some ‘measures’ to ensure ‘everlasting peace’ in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. Sullivan claiming that the Israel-Hamas war has taken 5000 children from their mothers and that Gaza is in ruins accused the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ‘far-right’ government of violating international laws. She asserted that the European Parliament has failed to call for a ceasefire. “You have failed to react to the breaches of international laws. Gaza is in ruins while the settlements in the West Bank continue to expand. Netanyahu and his far-right government are emboldened by your silence.”

After insinuating that it is Israel and its ‘far-right government’ alone that is responsible for the deplorable situation prevailing in Gaza and making no mention of Hamas terror, Sullivan said, “Here’s what you can do. Demand a permanent ceasefire now. End trade with settlements now. Recognise the Palestinian state now. The EU must be courageous, not complicit.”

Ironically, Palestine sympathising MEP’s courage vanished when Hamas slaughtered Israeli civilians and raped women.

Hamas atrocities on Israeli women and the feminist hypocrisy

It is pertinent to recall that Hamas terrorists launched coordinated attacks across the border, killing about 1,200 Israelis and injuring more in villages and farmland close to Gaza on 7 October which triggered the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, they kidnapped over 240 hostages.

The extent of hatred the Hamas terrorists have for non-Muslims particularly Jews can be measured by the horrific humiliation a 22-year-old German-Israeli citizen Shani Louk was subjected to. She was abducted to the Gaza Strip and paraded naked with Hamas terrorists shouting “Allahu Akbar” during Hamas’s 7th October terror attack, and was found dead in Gaza. In another such incident, a Hamas terrorist pulled 19-year-old Israeli soldier Na’ama Levy from the back of a jeep, her hands bound behind her back and copious blood spots between her legs, as Palestinian men mocked her. The videos of such horror unleashed upon Israeli women shook the conscience of the people across the world not blinded by hate for Jews, but the ‘feminists’ remained silent, they selectively began speaking up after Israel retaliated.

On Monday (November 20), Israel released security camera footage from October 7 which showed how an Israeli woman was executed at point-blank range by a Hamas terrorist in Kibbutz Alumim who crossed into Israel and chased people from an outdoor music festival.

According to a document released by Israel, the Hamas terrorists had systematically planned to rape the Israeli women. The document contained an Arabic-Hebrew glossary with sexual terminology including “take your pants off”.

The extent of the crimes committed by Hamas against Israeli women can be understood from the necessity to form a Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas Women to document the cases of using sexual violence as a weapon against Israel. As reported earlier, the Israeli authorities gathered over 60,000 video clips and over 1,000 statements about the assault including accounts from witnesses who claimed to have witnessed women raped

Not only the European Parliament but also UN Women, the United Nations body for gender equality and women’s empowerment, have refused to recognise, let alone condemn, the Oct. 7 assault and rape of Israeli women. Nonetheless, the UN Women website highlights its efforts to gather funds “to protect and support women and their families in the Gaza crisis.” On their homepage, there is no mention of Israeli women, however, “the conflict in Gaza” and “voice from Gaza” show up, and there is also no reference to Hamas’s crimes.

As stated by MEP Assita Kanko during a recent interview with Sky News, “Hamas is not only a threat to Israel, it’s also a threat to women. It’s a threat to all Jews worldwide because it’s based on radical Islam.”

I have come across some deepfake photos of me, fake accounts impersonating me on X: Sara Tendulkar asks social media platforms to take action

Rukma Rathore
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I have come across some deepfake photos of me, fake accounts impersonating me on X: Sara Tendulkar asks social media platforms to take action

Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar is the latest female to voice concerns over her deepfake photographs and inauthentic accounts on social media platforms. She took the matter after morphed photos showing her with cricket Shubman Gill had appeared on social media. She also said that several accounts impersonating her have appeared on social media platform X (Twitter).

Sara Tendulkar took to Instagram and posted, “Social media is a wonderful space for all of us to share our joys, sorrows and daily activities. However, it is disconcerting to see the misuse of technology as it takes away from the truth and authenticity of the internet. I have come across some deepfake photos of me which are far from reality,” in her story.

She hoped for action against such practices and mentioned, “A few accounts on X (formerly Twitter) have obviously been created with an intent to impersonate me and mislead people. I do not have an account on X, and I hope X looks into such accounts and suspends them.” The junior Tendulkar with almost six million followers on her official Instagram account added, “Entertainment should never come at the expense of the truth. Let’s encourage communication that’s based on trust and reality.”

Source: Instagram

A manipulated image of Sara Tendulkar with cricketer Shubman Gill was recently making the rounds on social media. She can be seen hugging India’s opening batsman in the morphed photo. The original snapshot, however, shows her along with her brother Arjun Tendulkar which was altered to replace the latter with Shubman Gill whose face is seamlessly superimposed onto her sibling’s body.

A fraudulent account which describes its owner as an “actor, living in dreams and parody” under the name of Sara Tendulkar with almost 75 thousand followers is currently operating on X.

A blue-ticked account with Sara Tendulkar’s name which is also written in the bio along with ‘model and parody’ with over a hundred followers and her official website link in the bio is present on X.

Other victims of deepfake videos and photos

Actress Rashmika Mandanna shared her ordeal and concerns over the misuse of technology, particularly regarding the deepfake video, a few days earlier. She highlighted that she felt really hurt to share this and had to talk about the deepfake video of her that was being spread online. The actress also stressed that the misuse of technology is extremely scary for everyone. 

The viral footage displayed a girl going inside an elevator with her face edited to look like Rashmika Mandanna. Deepfake technology was used to make the modified video which in reality had Instagram model Zara Patel in it who posted the original clip on 9 October which clearly showed her face. However, the edited video’s maker placed the face of the actress over the model’s body in order to trick people into believing that she is the ‘Puhspa’ actress.

An extensively circulated photo from actress Katrina Kaif’s most recent movie Tiger 3 was tweaked to appear explicit with the use of the same technology. Unfortunately, women are the most common victims of such perverse practices.

Deepfakes pose a serious threat to India, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who also stated that they have the potential to destabilise society. He also appealed to the media to inform the public about deepfakes. He revealed, “I recently saw a video in which I was seen singing a Garba song. There are many other such videos online,” to the journalists gathered to attend the Diwali Milan program at the Bharatiya Janata Party Headquarters.

What is deepfake

The term “deepfake” describes artificial intelligence techniques, including deep learning algorithms that are employed to create and modify movies, photos or audio recordings. Whilst deepfake is not a completely new technique, it was initially made available online a few years ago. Scammers and fraudsters are using it more often to alter images and videos. These videos and photos are frequently used to steal identities and often contain an extensive amount of sexually explicit content. It is crucial to remember that altering photos and videos whether with photoshop or deepfake is illegal.

Financial Times bats for Khalistani terrorist Pannun, claims US govt is worried ‘India-backed unknown gunmen’ might kill him, doesn’t say why US is harbouring terrorists

Paurush Gupta
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Financial Times bats for Khalistani terrorist Pannun, claims US govt is worried ‘India-backed unknown gunmen’ might kill him, doesn’t say why US is harbouring terrorists

US authorities allegedly foiled a conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, as claimed by the Financial Times on Wednesday (22nd November). The report citing unnamed officials has further claimed that US authorities have also issued a warning to the Indian government over concerns that “it was involved in the plot”. The report echoed the allegations made by Justin Trudeau govt in Canada, that India is targeting Khalistani leaders abroad.

As per the FT report, US authorities thwarted a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The newspaper describes Khalistani terrorist Pannun as an American and Canadian citizen who is a “general counsel” for Sikhs for Justice, a US-based group that is part of a “movement” pushing for an independent Sikh state called “Khalistan”. 

It is important to note that India has declared SFJ a terrorist organisation for carrying out armed secessionist movements and perpetrating communal activities against Hindus and a large majority of Sikhs who are against the Khalistani secessionist movement. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun keeps issuing threats of violence, and recently he threatened to blow up an Air India flight and disrupt the Cricket World Cup in India.

The FT report added that the anonymous officials didn’t elaborate whether the US “raising protest” to New Delhi led the “plotters” to abandon the alleged assassination plan, or whether the FBI intervened and foiled a scheme already in motion.

The report stated, “The people familiar with the case, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the intelligence that prompted the warning, did not say whether the protest to New Delhi led the plotters to abandon their plan, or whether the FBI intervened and foiled a scheme already in motion.” 

As per the Financial Times, the United States shared purported information about the ‘assassination plot’ with some of its allies after Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Khalistani terrorist was killed in Cnada’s Vancouver in June. 

Coincidentally, in September, an ally of the US in the Five Eyes Intelligence alliance, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that there were “credible allegations” that “agents of the government of India” assassinated Nijjar on Canadian soil. The allegations were outrightly rejected by the Indian government calling them “absurd” and “motivated”. More importantly, despite repeated public statements seeking further details and evidence, Canada has failed to show India or its general public evidence linking India’s involvement in the Nijjar’s killing. 

According to the Financial Times citing an unnamed official, the US raised a protest after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a high-profile state visit to Washington in June. 

The report further claims that the US federal prosecutors have allegedly filed a sealed indictment against at least one person who was involved in the assassination plot in a New York district court, as per people familiar with the case. However, the FT again refused to name the sources.

The report claims that the US Justice Department is contemplating whether to make the so-called indictment and allegations public or wait till Canada finishes its investigation into Nijjar’s killing. The so-called accused ‘indicted’ by the US federal prosecutors is believed to have left the US, as told to FT by unnamed officials. 

However, the US Justice Department and FBI have not validated any of these claims and have declined to comment. Similarly, the National Security Council said that the US does “not comment on ongoing law enforcement matters or private diplomatic discussions with our partners” but added, “Upholding the safety and security of US citizens is paramount”, the report added. 

Further, the US shared details of the so-called foiled assassination attempt on Pannun with a wider group of allies once Trudeau went publicly to allege India’s involvement in the Nijjar’s killing, as further claimed in the report. As per media reports, US President Joe Biden had raised the Canadian allegations over Nijjar’s killing with Modi at the G20 summit in India in September. However, the White House has declined to say whether Biden raised the Pannun case with Modi in September.

The mass hysteria of “unknown men” gunning down terrorists fret them that they could be next 

As per the media outlet, the two cases have sparked concern among the US and its Western allies that there could be a possible pattern of behaviour. Conspicuously, there has been mass hysteria and media coverage surrounding numerous instances across continents, where ‘unknown men’ have reportedly gunned down terrorists who had carried out plots in India, resulting in the deaths of countless innocent Indians.

Interestingly, in a convenient but lame and lazy effort to – appease the vote bank, in the case of the Khalistani-sympathising administration in Canada – or carry out a malignant smear campaign to paint India as a rogue nation carrying out extra-territorial killings of “innocents”, as is the case of Pakistan, attempts are being made to pin the blame of acts of “unknown men” snidely on Indian intelligence agencies.   

Speaking with Financial Times, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun declined to comment on whether US authorities had warned him about the so-called assassination plot against him. 

Apart from airing the allegations of a dreaded terrorist against a friendly nation India, the FT report also whitewashed all his violent threats to Hindus, patriotic Sikhs, and Indians as a whole. Pannun is notorious for making vile threats to Indians and the elected head of the largest democracy PM Modi. He recently made a violent threat to blow up an Air India Flight on 19th November like the infamous Kanishka bombing of 1985 which was also carried out by Khalistani terrorists. Here are a few examples of threats and calls for violence Pannun has given in recent times. Click here, to read more about his criminal antecedents and what has been his modus operandi to remain in the limelight and so that Indian agencies take his theatrics seriously. 

(Click here to read the full article)
(Click here to read the full article)

However, in a sympathetic way, the FT report described the incident as “Pannun angered Indian officials this month by issuing a video in which he warned Sikhs not to fly on Air India because it would be “life-threatening”. He told the FT he was not making a violent threat against the airline.” Financial Times does now analyse how saying that travelling by Air India would be “life-threatening” is not a violent threat.

Additionally, neither the unnamed officials nor the media report highlighted India’s repeated pleas to both the Western nations US and Canada to take action against anti-India elements including those who vouch for armed secession against India. Strikingly, Western media outlets and politicking administrations have also overlooked the grave criminal records of the concerned individuals in this case Khalistani terrorists Pannun and Nijjar, and why they have been given safe haven despite repeated appeals to extradite fugitive offenders.

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