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Chinese President Xi Jinping fears the collapse of the Chinese Communist Party as 415 million people revoke affiliation with the party: Report

Chinese President Xi Jinping is losing sleep over his party, the Communist Party of China (CCP) losing ground, claims the Greek City Times. 415 million affiliates of the CCP around the world have withdrawn from the party, its regiments, teams, and other associated organisations since 1st July. This has got the Chinese premier concerned, according to a report by the publication.

The CCP leader has reportedly been consistently issuing warnings regarding the end of the party as it has been jolted by millions of exits this month. In 2022, Jinping in his speech to CCP’s young cadre training class, which was published recently in CCP journal “Seeking Truth”, addressed his concerns about the CCP’s collapse like that of the Soviet Communist Party.

According to the report, he has been repeatedly issuing warnings regarding the collapse of the CCP, which seems inevitable if it is not dealt with.

The highlights of the speech reportedly include Xi Jinping emphasising and stressing the importance of upholding the beliefs of Marxism and Communism under the banner of Chinese characteristics, which would otherwise lead to a disintegration like the Soviet Union.

The reported desertions come amid China’s souring global ties primarily with the United States which is attempting to bolster its global ties with alternative powers like India. On one hand, China’s aggressive expansionist policies, human rights violations, and reluctance towards Covid origin probe along with other combined factors are causing damage externally. On the other hand, its widening wealth gap, property and housing crisis, poor covid management, the crackdown on Big Tech, and combined with many such domestic issues are resulting in internal difficulties.

The above factors have reportedly cast doubt on the policy matters pursued by the CCP under Xi Jinping leading to massive criticism at home and abroad. Millions quitting the CCP has taken aback the party leadership hinting that it is losing influence, which is its trump card, among the Chinese people.

Massive crackdowns reportedly on Chinese oligarchs, common citizens, censoring internet criticism, and concentration of power at the hands of Xi Jinping have resulted in a more totalitarian CCP. The report says that the massive desertions is a sign of dissent against the CCP for its tactics to suppress people’s voices.

Xi has also reportedly “urged people to stick with the party for the sake of ideological cause.” But should defections hit the CCP, it will be far from surprising considering how the party mandates its members – young and old, ground-level and senior – to declare their loyalty to Xi Jinping, and imposes a tight restriction on dissent.

New twist in the Jyoti Maurya controversy, her sister-in-law accuses Alok Maurya’s brother of torture and harassment

In a new twist in the Jyoti Maurya controversy, Shubhra Maurya, Jyoti’s sister-in-law Shubhra Maurya has leveled serious allegations against her husband Vinod Maurya. Vinod is the elder brother of Jyoti’s husband Alok Maurya whose viral video accusing his wife of cheating and corruption brought the matter to public attention.

A teacher by profession, Shubhra Maurya has said that she will file a complaint against her husband’s family. 

Shubhra Maurya alleged that her husband is a drunkard adding that he tortured her. In an interview with AajTak published on Wednesday (July 19), Shubhra claimed to be a victim of her husband and in-laws’ harassment. 

Shubhra said that her husband currently works in the GST Department, however, prior to their marriage he claimed to be an Intelligence Bureau (IB) official. 

Shubhra Maurya also talked about Alok and Jyoti’s wedding card and said that Jyoti’s allegation that Alok lied about being a village development officer to Jyoti’s family before their marriage is true. She, however, declined to comment on Alok and Jyoti’s dispute. 

Shubhra states that Alok’s family is only drawn to money. She said that the reason for the harassment was the birth of two daughters. Jyoti Maurya’s sister-in-law stated that she filed a complaint about the torture that happened to her in 2018, but no action was taken.

Moreover, Shubhra said that her parents had bought a house in Prayagraj. After that, her in-laws were pressurising her to sell that house. She claimed that her husband threatened to commit suicide by jumping in front of a moving train in order to mentally torment her. Shubhra Maurya further said that she tried to file an FIR against her in-laws on July 10, however, she could not succeed in doing so for some reason. On July 15, she claimed that her in-laws and husband caused a ruckus and police had to intervene. She claimed that due to the alleged torture by her in-laws and her husband, it was impossible for her to live with them. 

Notably, the Alok-Jyoti controversy came to the fore when a video surfaced online in which a man in tears said that his wife abandoned him after she became a Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM). Alok Maurya, Jyoti’s husband had accused her of having an extra-marital affair with another civil servant. He also accused her of corruption and conspiring to get him killed. 

Surat Diamond Bourse snatches the crown from USA’s Pentagon as the largest office in the world

For 80 years, Pentagon remained the largest office in the world but no more. Gujarat’s diamond capital Surat now has the biggest office in the world in the form of Surat Diamond Bourse. The new building can accommodate 65,000 diamond professionals at a time.

The building spreads over 35 acres of land and has a 15-storey complex. It features a series of nine interconnected rectangular structures connected via a central “spine”. Covering over 7.1 million square feet of floor space, it is larger than the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the building later this year. As per an exclusive report by CNN, the first occupants will start using the building following the inauguration scheduled for November 2023. The project took four years to complete, including two years of delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lauding the building, PM Modi said, “Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the dynamism and growth of Surat’s diamond industry. It is also a testament to India’s entrepreneurial spirit. It will serve as a hub for trade, innovation and collaboration, further boosting our economy and creating employment opportunities.”

Notably, the surroundings of the building have low-rise buildings, but in future, it may change. Under the Dream City project, the government of Gujarat initiated a planning process for the realization of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City at Surat, which will cover 700 hectares adjacent to Khajod village, the Outer Ring Road and close to the Dumas airport.

Speaking to CNN, Mahesh Gadhavi, CEO of the project, said that it would save time and resources for the diamond professionals who travel to Mumbai daily for carrying operations. He added, “Some people have to spend up to four hours daily to come from their homes to their offices and back home again.” He said the idea behind the building was to relocate the office to Surat and deemed the city a “better option”.

New Delhi-based architectural firm Morphogenesis has designed the building. Gadhavi said initially, it was not planned as a building to surpass the Pentagon’s record of having the largest office space. He said, “The project’s size was dictated by demand.”

The building is designed in a way that it will consume up to 50 per cent less energy. That means it will qualify for a “platinum” rating from the Indian Green Building Council. The building has a “radiant cooling” system that circulates chilled water beneath the floors reducing the indoor temperature. Furthermore, solar energy-powered common areas within the building and interconnected offices through long central corridors make it a sustainable construction. The layout gives a feeling of being at an airport. The building has 4,700 offices, dining halls, retail, wellness centres, conference rooms and 131 elevators. The total cost of the project was Rs 32 billion.

The building is designed in such a way that it can host both small and large businesses. Describing it as a “democratic” design, Morphogenesis co-founder Sonali Rastogi said all occupants would have similar convenient access to amenities and facilities. From the building entry gates, every office will be accessible in seven minutes.

There will be a lottery to decide which occupant will get which office.

5 terror suspects arrested with explosives for planning bomb blasts in Bengaluru, were radicalised by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist in jail

On the 19th of July, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru Police arrested 5 terror suspects for planning to execute a large-scale terror attack within the city. The Intelligence Department jointly assisted the CCB in averting the major terror plot. The five accused were reportedly arrested from different areas of the city. They have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).  

(Image Credit – News9live)

After the arrests, Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B Dayananda addressed the media and gave important details about the terror plot.

According to the CCB officials, the five accused have been identified as Sayed Suhel, Umar, Junaid, Mudasir, and Jahid. They were also accused in a 2017 murder case and were lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The officials added that inside the jail the accused came in contact with terrorists and received training on weapons and handling explosives.

The CCB official said, “Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested 5 suspected terrorists. They have been identified as Syed Suhel, Umar, Janid, Mudasir, and Zahid. It is suspected that they had planned to carry out a blast in Bengaluru. All five were accused in a 2017 murder case and were in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail where they came in contact with the terrorists. CCB has also seized explosive materials.”

According to the media briefing, it was a 10-member terror module and five terror suspects are still at large. The Police have recovered a huge cache of weapons and bomb-making material in their possession. The Police also seized 12 mobiles phone for further investigation. As per reports, the accused confessed before the Police that they were planning bomb blasts in Bengaluru. 

These arrested accused were previously involved in a murder case, and they came into contact with terrorists having links with Laskar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Bengaluru Central jail. One terrorist T Nazeer, who was lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail, is said to be the mastermind of this plot. He was arrested in connection with the 2008 Bengaluru serial blast case.

Bengaluru Commissioner Dayananda stated that the serial blasts accused are linked to Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

While the five accused were in Bengaluru Central Jail, Nazeer radicalised and trained them in weapons and explosives. The CCB officials added that one of the accused, who is currently absconding, provided these weapons to those arrested to carry out certain subversive activities. Additionally, they received money through online payment portals. 

The official added, “The terror mastermind is hiding outside India and has been identified as T Naseer. The arrested terror suspects have been taken to 15 days of police custody. During the interrogation, it has been found that the terror suspects received money from abroad through a UPI platform.”

Rohingya detainees at Holding Center in Jammu and Kashmir attack police with stones, several injured

On Tuesday, July 19, some Rohingyas currently lodged at the Holding Center in Hiranagar town of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir attacked the police by pelting stones. Several people including the police officials suffered injuries in the violence that ensued. These illegal Rohingya infiltrators are lodged at the Holding Center for the last two years.

Senior police officials stated that clashes erupted after the police moved in to rescue the centre’s in-charge and two other staff members who were being held captive by the Rohingyas and that around six officers were hurt in stone pelting by the Rohingya detainees. Six Rohingyas were also reported to be injured in the violence.

The situation was brought under control by 11 a.m. when police and Central Reserve Police Force reinforcements dispatched to the centre used a lathi charge and fired teargas shells to disperse the irate crowd. According to officials, the officials of the Holding Center were rescued from Rohingya detainees who had even taken over their office room.

Reportedly, when the center workers who were opening the barracks in the morning were held captive by Rohingyas. As word spread, a police party from Hiranagar police station came to the scene. However, the Rohingya detainees pelted stones at them. According to an AajTak report, the detainees launched an attack on the police after the health of a Rohingya woman detained there deteriorated.

After taking stock of the situation, Kathua SSP Shiv Deep Singh Jamwal said that the situation is now under control.

Notably, the illegal Rohingya infiltrators lodged at the Holding Center have been protesting for the last one month for their immediate release. There are currently 271 Rohingya infiltrators, including 74 women and 70 children, of whom were reportedly born inside the centre are lodged.

The Hiranagar Holding Center was a sub-jail before the J&K government designated it as a ‘holding centre’ on March 5, 2021, for the purpose of detaining illegal immigrants from Myanmar as described in Section 2(b) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. A number of the prisoners have been there since March 6, 2021, when both the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration started sending the illegally residing Rohingya to the Hiranagar Holding Centre so as for them to be deported to Myanmar.

Their deportation, however, was halted due to an April 2021 Supreme Court judgement stating that people held in Jammu should not be deported without following the appropriate legal procedure.

Chennai: Two youths hurl bombs at their own houses in Perumbakkam after their fathers refused to give them money

A youth identified as 22-year-old R. Karthik hurled a bomb at his residence in protest after his father, R. Ramalingam, refused to give him money. The incident occurred in Perumbakkam in Chennai on the night of 18 July when the accused asked for funds from his parent, a daily wage labourer, to cover his expenditures.

The father revealed to the police that he had declined to provide the amount because to his son he lacked the finances. However, the furious son returned with a bomb (firecracker) he had purchased from a local store and flung it at the house’s front door.

The door and windowpanes were damaged when the explosive detonated. However, the blast did not injure the perpetrator’s parents. He fled the area after the instance. The police reported that they have filed a case and are looking for Karthik. They added that Karthik has a history of involvement in petty crimes and is a persistent offender.

Similar to the instance, on the evening of July 17, another man in Perumbakkam in Chennai threw country-made bombs at his home when his father refused to give him money. As a result, his sister Rekha and uncle Vetrivendhan both suffered minor leg injuries.

According to the police, Paneerselvam (60) a resident of Bharathiyar Nagar, recently sold a plot of land he possessed there. However, his son Arun desired a share of Rs 3 lakh from the proceeds. He left the house after a fierce altercation after the old man rejected his demand. However, he returned with his brother-in-law Praveen on the same night and launched bombs at the house.

The Perumbakkam police arrived at the scene shortly in response to a complaint. Four further devices that were concealed in the residence were found and seized by the bomb detection and disposal team.

Police have opened an investigation and are on the lookout for the offenders. They unveiled that the pair arrived on a bike, flung the bombs and then rode off. The CCTV footage is also being examined by the former.

These are the most recent in a string of instances where young individuals have thrown bombs at their houses. A 17-year-old teenager in Madurai exploded a bomb at his home in May after his parents baulked at buying him a phone. A 20-year-old youth in Tirunelveli blew a bomb at his place in June after his parents declined to give him money to buy alcohol.

According to police, these acts are a manifestation of rising discontent among young people. They suggested that the violence is a result of the latter’s frequent inability to express their rage in constructive ways.

‘We were working hard, they were busy in protests’: Wrestler Antim Panghal, Vishal Kaliraman question ‘trial-free entry’ in Asian Games for Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia

India’s ace wrestler Antim Panghal has objected to trial-free entry to Asian Games for Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. Her father has confirmed that they will approach Delhi High Court, challenging the ad-hoc panel’s decision on the grounds of discrimination and unfairness. Her father said that Antim only wants a fair trial without bias and prejudice. Wrestler Vishal Kaliraman also objected to Bajrang Punia’s direct entry.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Antim said, “The decision to give direct entry to Vinesh is unfair. I’ve been working hard for the past so many months for the Asian Games. We will speak to the officials of the ad-hoc panel; if they don’t agree to fair play, we might knock on the court’s doors or stage a dharna.”

Notably, Antim is India’s first wrestler to win the World U20 Gold Medal, which showcases her exemplary talent in her category. The verdict of the High Court will impact not only Antim but also the entire sport of wrestling in India, as it will set a precedent for the future selection process.

Antim has released a video statement. She said, “Vinesh (Phogat) has been given direct entry for Asian Games despite not practicing for the past year. I won the gold medal in the 2022 Junior World Championship. Even in the Commonwealth Games trial, I had a 3-3 bout with her. Then too, I was cheated. I let it go and thought I would compete in Asian Games, but now they say Vinesh has been selected for the tournament. Is this the right way?”

“They are saying whoever goes to Asian Games will go for World Championship, and those who win World Championship will go for the Olympics. We have been working hard for so many years. What about that? Should I quit wrestling? On what basis is she being sent without trial? Even Sakshi Malik has not been selected? What is special about Vinesh that she got selected? All I want is a fair trial. I’m not saying that only I can defeat her, many women wrestlers out there can do so. They are going for the tournament, but tell me can they win medals in the future?” she added.

In a video statement to ANI, Antim mentioned her family has sacrificed a lot to ensure she can practice well. Her parents have been living in Hisar with her to ensure her practice. She has been working hard for four years preparing for the Olympics. She broke down in the video and said, “I am requesting with folded hands, don’t do this to us.”

‘Other wrestlers in the category can go to Asian Games only if Bajrang Punia decides not to play’: Vishal Kaliraman questions ‘trial free entry’

Wrestler Vishal Kaliraman also came forward against the decision. Speaking to ANI, he said, “Even I play in the under 65kg category, and for the Asian Games, Bajrang Punia has been given direct entry without any trial. They have been staging a protest for a year now while we have been practicing. We appeal for a trial… We don’t want any favor or benefit. At least a trial should be conducted. Otherwise, we are ready to go the court…We will appeal before the court. We’ve been practicing for 15 years…If Bajrang Punia denies that he will not play in the Asian Games, only then will someone else get a chance.”

IOA ad-hoc Committee announced dates for Asian Games Wrestling trials

Recently, IOA ad-home Committee announced trial dates for wrestling. The trials have been planned for 22nd July for men’s Greco-Roman and women’s trials. On 23rd July, trials for the freestyle team will take place. The committee will conduct trials in 18 Olympic weight categories.

Notably, the circular issued by IOA noted they have already chosen wrestlers for the men’s freestyle 65 KG and women’s 53 KG categories. However, the remaining six weight categories across the three styles of wrestling will take place as scheduled. The circular did not mention the names of Vinesh and Bajrang, but speaking to PTI, member of the ad-hoc panel Ashok Garg confirmed that the two wrestlers had been exempted from the trials.

Due to the past year’s protests, both wrestlers stayed away from international tournaments. Furthermore, Vinesh failed to secure any medal in recent times, and it is unclear on what basis she was allowed to go to Asian Games without trials. Both Vinesh and Bajrang were actively involved in the protests against WFI’s former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

’35 videos totalling 8 hours’: Mumbai crime branch initiates probe into lewd videos purportedly of former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya

An investigation has been launched by the Mumbai crime branch into a viral video purportedly showing former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya in a compromised position. This comes after Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis ordered a high-level inquiry into 35 video clips running eight hours. The videos were broadcasted on a Marathi news channel.

“A thorough probe will be done. No one will be protected. The police will find out the identity of the (aggrieved) woman. Nothing will be brushed under the carpet,” Fadnavis said.

Questioning the authenticity of the video, Kirit Somaiya took to Twitter and said, “A video clip of me was shown on a news channel. Claimed that I have harassed many women & many such video clips available & complaints received against me. I have never abused any woman. Request @Dev_Fadnavis to investigate such allegations and verify the authenticity of Videos.” He also wrote a letter to the Dy CM demanding a probe.

The videos have led to a massive controversy in Maharashtra with the Opposition going all guns blazing on Somaiya and the BJP accusing the former of “immoral behaviour”.

Shiv Sena (UBT) staged protests against Somaiya in Thane which were led by MP Rajan Vichare. The protest was organised by the party’s women’s wing. The issue was raised in the Maharashtra legislative council by Leader of Opposition and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danave.

Danave reportedly said, “It was observed that Kirit Somaiya used to extort women officers and he even blackmailed them … by using a central agency — the Enforcement Directorate (ED) — as a threat. Somaiya earlier used to extort money by filing false cases and asking central agencies to probe.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) also demanded the withdrawal of CISF cover to Somaiya and alleged that the former MP had misused his security to threaten women and exploit them.

Now, the journey has turned from extortionist to sextornist. He has also used very bad words against the Marathi women in these videos. We want a high-level probe by a special investigations team.” Shiv Sena MLC Anil Parab reportedly said that Kirit Somaiya destroyed many families by using the central agency’s threat.

Meanwhile, the crime branch unit 10 will reportedly be taking the help of technical experts and cyber experts to investigate the case.

Delhi: Manzoor and his minor son arrested for murdering Salman over a love affair in Jafrabad, hunt on to capture the older son

A 25-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Northeast Delhi’s Jafrabad neighborhood by a man and his two sons on 17 July. Now, the accused identified as 45-year-old Manzoor and his 16-year-old son have been arrested whereas 21-year-old Mohsin is still absconding.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Joy Tirkey informed that an individual named Salman (25) was stabbed to death at around 5.15 p.m. in Gali Number 2 in Chauhan Banger in Jafrabad. The motive behind the murder was his relationship with the perpetrator’s 19-year-old daughter.

The senior officer informed that the victim had been friendly with the girl for the previous two years despite her family’s objection to their relationship. He stated, “Manzoor and his family were opposed to the relationship. Manzoor had spoken with Salman about a week ago and specifically told him not to pursue his daughter. On the fateful day, the trio attacked Salman with knives.”

“Manzoor and his minor son have been apprehended. Efforts are being made to trace Mohsin,” he added.

The authorities revealed the culprits attacked Salman with knives when he was riding his motorbike. Due to severe stab wounds and bleeding, Salman died on the spot. A video of the same reportedly surfaced on social media a day after the gruesome incident. According to reports, Salman was stopped two days before the murder by the minor offender and his companions, who took the two-wheeler’s keys from him as well.

In the obtained footage of the incident, Salman and two individuals were seen riding a bike when one of the perpetrators stopped them and began to assault Salman. It demonstrated the assailant taking out a sharp object and stabbing the latter. He is also seen getting attacked by two more persons. Meanwhile, the two additional riders attempted to flee the scene.

The police disclosed that the deceased suffered eight stab wounds to his neck and chest, based on the postmortem analysis of his body. Now, the search is still on to apprehend the third accused.

AAP trolls abuse and attack stand-up comedian Deepak Saini for his skits on Arvind Kejriwal, the comedian says he won’t be scared

Stand-up comedian and renowned poet, Deepak Saini, has recently found himself at the centre of a heated controversy as he accused social media trolls affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of relentless harassment and abuse. The reason behind the onslaught is Saini’s humorous skits focusing on Delhi’s Chief Minister and AAP convenor, Arvind Kejriwal. Despite facing intimidating threats, Saini remains unwavering, vowing to continue creating new and daring videos.

Taking to Twitter on 18th July 2023, Deepak Saini candidly expressed his thoughts on the situation, stating, “Because of making comedy videos on Kejriwal ji, they are trying to trouble me. Conspiracy is going on to get my Facebook page closed and to suppress it. But I am thinking of further speeding up the video-making. I will not be suppressed so easily by them. Jai Jai Shri Ram.”

Known for his unmatched talent in mimicking prominent politicians such as Yogi Adityanath, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, and Arvind Kejriwal, Deepak Saini has built a dedicated fan base through his captivating stand-up performances and evocative poetry. However, it is his recent videos satirising Kejriwal that have drawn the ire of certain AAP trolls, leading to a barrage of hateful responses.

In these controversial videos, Saini assumed the persona of “Kejri Bawal,” with “Bawal” meaning “controversy” in Hindi. Through his art of comedy, he voiced a range of pressing issues and controversies surrounding Arvind Kejriwal and his leadership in the Delhi government.

Addressing various matters, such as the poor conditions of schools in Delhi, recent flood situations, the Delhi liquor scam, and more, Saini employed Kejriwal’s signature accent and style to highlight the plight of the common Delhi resident. He humorously shed light on issues like waterlogging, inadequate school infrastructure, and the prevalence of illegal liquor licenses in the city. In addition, Saini didn’t shy away from making remarks about AAP ministers like Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain, who are currently facing corruption charges and are incarcerated.

Despite the hate and intimidation, he faces from AAP’s social media trolls, Deepak Saini, a Delhi citizen, is resolute in his decision to continue creating thought-provoking videos, shedding light on the failures of the Delhi government.