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Pakistan Army calls off military exercises because of fuel shortage: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan Army calls off military exercises because of fuel shortage: Reports

Pakistan is facing a massive financial crisis and mounting debt. As per recent intelligence reports obtained by EurAsian Times, the Pakistan Army has now called off all military exercises until December as it “ran out of fuel”.

The Director General of Military Training of Pakistan Army has sent a letter to all field formations and headquarters to suspend all war exercises and scheduled military drills until December citing ‘shortage of reserve fuel and essential lubricants’ as the primary reason.

The reserve fuel in military terms is not the war reserves. The reserve stores mean the fuel reserves armed forces have for internal military exercises and war drills. Contrary to these reserves, the war reserves mean weaponry and fuel reserves kept for a specific period of warfare.

Quoting Colonel Danvir Singh (Retired), an expert on Pakistan Army-related matters, EurAsian Times noted, “A Pakistani T-80 tank consumes two litres per kilometre. That is why Pakistan has suspended all the armoured and mechanized exercises.” He added, “It is the science of cost-economy which we as young army officers of the Indian Army had also felt during the early 90s when the Indian economy was in tatters and had to mortgage gold to revive the economy.”

While comparing the present state with the early 90s of the Indian Army, he said, “For about two years, we had trained without tanks and instead used one ton (truck) to simulate armoured columns. Soldiers were not allowed to fire ammunition during the practice sessions.”

Col Singh pointed out that one of the main reasons behind Pakistan going into a ceasefire agreement with India in 2021 was the financial crisis. He said, “Why do you think Pakistan Army agreed to the ceasefire agreement with India in February 2021? It was largely because of the financial cost, simple. An artillery shell costs around six lacs while ammunition of a .12 bore weapon costs no less than 500 bucks.”

Before the ceasefire, there were reports of bombing from the Indian side on Pakistani Army posts and terror launch pads along LoC with artillery, rockets, static tanks, mortars and ATGMs. Unable to retaliate, Pakistan Army had to show a ‘white flag’ requesting peace and to take away the dead bodies of the Pakistani soldiers, EurAsian Times reported.

The financial condition of the neighbouring country is so dire that despite getting off the FATF Grey List and securing a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan has failed to come out of the crisis. Furthermore, the political instability that got worse with the arrest of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on 9th May is proving a massive hurdle in improving the financial condition.

Following the arrest of Khan, Pakistan witnessed massive protests against high-ranking military officials. Army establishments including headquarters and cantonments were attacked by the people.

The fuel prices have reached PKR 262 per litre for petrol and diesel. One litre of kerosene oil has reached a record PKR 164. The Pakistani Army is reportedly finding it difficult to procure the required reserve fuel and lubricants essential for operating a large fleet of tanks, trucks, and armored vehicles. Earlier this year, Pakistan Army reportedly expressed concerns over the shortage of basic food items in all the messes.

The situation in the neighbouring country has kept getting worse with high inflation rates leading to a scarcity of items needed for daily needs. From high prices of flour to tomatoes, the price of everything has skyrocketed. Its impact was seen during the violent attack on military establishments and high-rank officials when the general public looted food items like Korma, strawberries and cold drinks from their houses.

Pakistan is on the path to becoming the fourth largest IMF borrower in the world after it received a nod for a fresh loan of USD 3 billion that the country would get in the next nine months.

Pakistan Army did cost-cutting in 2022

This is the second time the Pakistan Army had to restore to take measures to put the training of the soldiers online. In 2022, it announced a “dry day” every Friday. In those days, Army personnel were not allowed to use military vehicles apart from emergency services. The defense budget of the country was also reduced to 16% in FY 2022-23 compared to 20% in FY 2021-22. The Army officials had instructed to stop war drills in remote areas as a measure of cost-cutting.

NCP breaking up: Sharad Pawar leaves for Delhi to hold National Executive Meeting to assess the situation

OpIndia Staff
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NCP breaking up: Sharad Pawar leaves for Delhi to hold National Executive Meeting to assess the situation

In the ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar, the President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), called a national executive meeting in Delhi on Thursday, July 6, 2023. Setting out from his residence this morning, Pawar embarked on his journey to the national capital to attend the crucial gathering.

Since Sunday, the political landscape of Maharashtra has been embroiled in turmoil following the unexpected swearing-in of senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar as the state’s deputy chief minister. In a significant move, Ajit Pawar, accompanied by eight other MLAs, joined the Maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde, asserting his claim over the Nationalist Congress Party, and its election symbol.

The internal revolt within the NCP has sparked political upheaval in Maharashtra, drawing parallels to the events that unfolded with the Shiv Sena last year. The factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar have asserted their dominance over the party, triggering a fierce power struggle. In an attempt to showcase their respective strengths, both leaders organized separate meetings at different venues on Wednesday, 5th July 2023.

Sharad Pawar was joined by 13 MLAs and 3 MPs in the meeting. With a total of 53 MLAs in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, the NCP holds a substantial presence. To circumvent disqualification under the anti-defection law, Ajit Pawar, who currently faces a challenging situation, must secure the support of at least 36 MLAs. This requirement serves as a crucial threshold in navigating the intricate dynamics of the political landscape.

Ajit Pawar faction filed an affidavit with the Election Commission of India on Wednesday, 5th July 2023. The affidavit said, “A Resolution dated 30th June 2023 signed by the overwhelming majority of members of NCP, both from the legislative and organizational wing was passed thereby electing Ajit Anantrao Pawar as the President of NCP. Praful Patel was and continues to be one of the working presidents of NCP.”

It further said, “The NCP also decided to appoint Ajit Pawar as the leader of the NCP Legislative Party in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and the said decision was also ratified by the resolution passed by an overwhelming majority of NCP MLAs.”

Addressing the situation, Sharad Pawar countered by stating that the meeting held on June 30 cannot be considered a working committee meeting, as several key party leaders were not duly notified or informed about it. Pawar highlighted the significance of proper communication and the involvement of essential party members in such crucial meetings.

“PC Chacko, Jayant Patil, Supriya Sule, Fauzia Khan, and many of the members of the committee were not informed, no notice was issued for that meeting,” Sharad Pawar said.

Even three days after Ajit Pawar’s rebellion, no one made it clear how many MLAs are with him. Various claims were being made about this by the Ajit Pawar group. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar group spokesperson and MLC Amol Mitkari announced the exact number of MLAs who are with Ajit Pawar while interacting with media after the meeting of the Ajit Pawar faction on 5th July 2023.

Amol Mitkari said, “Today’s meeting discussed what will be the next strategy of the NCP. Ajit Pawar enquired about the problems in the constituencies of all the MLAs. Chhagan Bhujbal and Ajit Pawar guided us on this. It has been decided in today’s meeting that let’s take forward the work of the public welfare. A total of 34 MLAs of the Assembly were present in today’s meeting. A total of five MLAs of the Legislative Council were also present. A total of 39 MLAs are with us. Three to four more MLAs (from Sharad Pawar’s faction of NCP) have approached us.”

Ajit Pawar in his speech on 5th July 2023 leveled many allegations against his uncle Sharad Pawar. Reacting to this, Sharad Pawar said, “Ajit Pawar should have spoken to me if he had any problems. If he had something on his mind he could have approached me. We weren’t taken into confidence by the MLAs who decided to split. Ajit Pawar faction has not followed any procedure. The party symbol is with us, it is not going anywhere. The people and party workers who brought us to power are with us. I know they (Ajit Pawar) are using my photo. This is unacceptable to us. They are using my photo because they know they have no standing. We don’t have a hunger for power; we will keep working for the people.”

Ajit Pawar also raised the issue of the old age of Sharad Pawar and repeatedly asked him to retire. Replying to this, Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule said during the meeting of MLAs of Sharad Pawar’s faction of NCP, “Industrialist Ratan Tata works even at this age. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan appears in commercials and on the big screen at the age of 80. Serum Institute’s Cyrus Poonawalla is still working. These elderly people are contributing to the progress of the country. We, daughters, are better than sons who tell elders to stop.”

After 2 months, schools reopen in Manipur as the state tries to return to normalcy

OpIndia Staff
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After 2 months, schools reopen in Manipur as the state tries to return to normalcy

Early signs of normalcy could be seen in Manipur after 2 months of violence as schools have reopened in some parts of the state for Classes 1 to 8. Manipur CM N Biren Singh had announced on 4th July the reopening of schools from 5th July.

“We have decided to deploy state security forces and paramilitary forces in vulnerable areas. Deploy more security personnel in five particular districts. We have decided to reopen the schools for standards 1 to 8 from 5th July,” the Manipur CM had said.

96 schools, currently being used for relief efforts, have been exempted from reopening. These schools are located in the districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnnupr, Ukhrul, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur. As per government data, there are 4,670 government schools in the state for classes 1 to 8.

Wangkhei High School in Imphal East saw only 113 of the 829 students in attendance as tension continues to grip the citizens. More than 100 people have died in the clashes between Meiteis and Kukis in the state since the violence erupted in May this year.

Headmistress Ranjita Devi R K said, “The attendance today was lower than we expected. We have been getting calls from parents trying to confirm that the school is indeed open. Some are scared to send their wards, particularly those staying in the peripheral areas of Imphal. They feel the situation is unpredictable as there are still reports of violence, and authorities could lift curfew relaxation anytime.”

All the teaching and non-teaching staff were present on the first day at Wangkhei High School. Classes 9 to 12 will resume once the displaced people are relocated.

The schools have been shut ever since violence broke out in Manipur on 3rd May killing over 100 people and injuring many others. Several houses, temples, and churches were torched in clashes between the Kukis and Meiteis. About 40,000 people have been displaced as a result of the conflict.

Meanwhile, the internet ban in the state was extended yesterday till 10th July, and the curfew is still in force in some areas of the state. CM Biren Singh said all illegally-established bunkers across hill and valley areas will be pulled down to create security posts.

He said, “For the need to take up agricultural activities on time, around 2000 security personnel have been mobilised for additional deployment at adjoining hill areas, where agricultural works are being taken up. The security personnel deployed would guard and prevent disturbances caused to farmers of both communities by armed miscreants.”

Mass frisking will also be initiated across the state, particularly in sensitive areas following information about people with possession of illegal arms roaming around in both hill and valley districts.

The Chief Minister appealed to the public to return the snatched arms and ammunition before legal measures are pursued.

Meanwhile, news about incidents of violence continues to trickle in from the state. The house of an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel was set ablaze by a mob after the latter’s attempt to steal weapons was thwarted by the forces.

Meta officially launches Threads, an Instagram-linked, text-based social media App: All you need to know

Anurag
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Meta officially launches Threads, an Instagram-linked, text-based social media App: All you need to know

On 5th July (local time), Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, officially launched the Instagram-linked app Threads which is a Twitter rival. It is widely seen as the most significant competition to Elon Musk-owned social media platform that has seen an array of changes since the billionaire took over in 2022.

In an official announcement on Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg said, “Alright guys! big news today. We are launching threads, an open and friendly public space for conversations. It takes the best parts of the Instagram experience and creates a whole new app around text, ideas and sharing what’s on your mind. You just signup with your Instagram account. Your followers are already there. And you just get into it and get started. It is available on the App Store now. The people who have tried it so far, the reactions have been really great.”

Threads are linked to the Instagram of the users. It provides a real-time platform just like Twitter and allows users to post text-based posts up to 500 characters. As per the official announcement by Meta, everyone who is under 16 or 18 as per the location, will be defaulted into a private profile when they join Threads. Apart from the people users follow on Instagram, they can find more people to follow and communicate with on Threads.

Furthermore, apart from 500 characters, users can also add photos and videos for up to 5 minutes in the posts. There is an option to add Threads posts to Instagram stories and other social media platforms as well making it more interactive.

Meta has provided the option to control who can mention the users or reply to the Threads. There is an option to make the experience clean by filtering out words that users do not want to see in replies. Just like Instagram, users can unfollow, block, restrict, or report a profile, if needed. If a user has blocked an account on Instagram, it will be automatically blocked on Threads.

Meta further added that they are planning to make the platform compatible with ActivitiPub, the open social networking protocol that Mastodon and WordPress use. They said, “This would make Threads interoperable with other apps that also support the ActivityPub protocol, such as Mastodon and WordPress – allowing new types of connections that are simply not possible on most social apps today. Other platforms including Tumblr have shared plans to support the ActivityPub protocol in the future.”

Speaking to the Verge head of Instagram Adam Mosseri said that the “volatility and unpredictability” of Twitter has allowed Meta to compete with the platform. He also pointed out that Twitter has seen several outages and limits to the number of tweets people can view in a single day that was imposed recently. However, the restrictions are slowly being lifted as they were only a temporary measure to put a break of massive data scrapping that was being done by large companies including AI developers.

When you log in to your Threads account using the Instagram account, it will show the list of people you follow on Instagram. You can follow them immediately and whenever they join Threads, you will automatically start following them. For example, 1,000 followers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi join Threads and started following him but he does not have an official account yet. Whenever he joins, these 1,000 followers will automatically start following him.

The launch date of Threads was announced on 4th July. As of now, Threads is available in 100 countries and users can download it from App Store or Play Store depending on the operating system. The app is not available in European Union as of now owing to regulatory concerns.

Stones pelted on Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat Express, second such attack in a week

OpIndia Staff
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Stones pelted on Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat Express, second such attack in a week

On Wednesday, July 5, the Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat Express was attacked with stones in Karnataka. The railways’ authority said that stones were pelted around 8:40 AM after the train passed the Kadur station while running between the Kadur-Birur section. None of the passengers were reported to be injured. The attackers are yet to be identified and arrested.

According to the Railways officials, the outer glass of C5 coach seat numbers 43, 44, and EC-1 coach toilets were damaged.

“There is no breakthrough. RPF is investigating by analysing the CCTV footage. Site investigation is also underway,” a railway official said.

This is the second such attack in a week. Stones were thrown at the Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat train near Davangere Railway station on Saturday, July 1. One of the chair cars’ windowpanes was damaged on the outside during that attack. However, there were no reported injuries. The stone pelting took place between 3.30 and 4 PM on Saturday, July 1, soon after the train left Davangere. The train service was not disrupted even after the attack.

On Wednesday, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested two minor boys for pelting stones on the train during July 1 attack. The duo have been identified as the residents of Basha Nagar and SS Nagar in the Davangere district. Currently, they have been sent to an observation centre in Chitradurga. The offenders have been booked under Section 153 of the Railways Act, which may lead to five years imprisonment. 

The attacks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the exclusive ultra-luxury semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Dharwad on June 27.

Vande Bharat Express trains have been a target of miscreants and those opposed to India’s development. The train, manifesting the success of the Atmnirbhar Bharat initiative, has been attacked multiple times across the country since its first commercial run on February 17, 2019. 

West Bengal: Indian Secular Front MLA Naushad Siddiqui booked for raping a woman under the false promise of marriage

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Indian Secular Front MLA Naushad Siddiqui booked for raping a woman under the false promise of marriage

Naushad Siddiqui, the sole MLA representing the Indian Secular Front in the West Bengal assembly, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a woman after making a false promise of marriage. On Wednesday, 5th July 2023, the victim woman filed a complaint, based on which the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Siddiqui at Bowbazar police station in West Bengal.

The woman accused Naushad Siddiqui of allegedly “wrongfully restraining” her at his office in Kolkata a year and a half ago and engaging in sexual relations with her under the promise of marriage.

According to the allegations she made in her complaint, Naushad Siddiqui maintained a physical relationship with her but distanced himself when she began insisting on getting married. Furthermore, the woman claimed that Siddiqui, along with his associates, threatened and intimidated her.

Accompanied by TMC leader Sabyasachi Dutta, the woman filed her complaint at the New Town Police Station, emphasising that she hailed from a minority family. According to reports, the woman and her brother informed the ruling TMC and then they took a decision to file the complaint.

The complaint filed by the woman, accompanied by a forwarding letter from the DC, New Town Division, was received by the Bowbazar Police Station. The Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA has been charged with multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, such as wrongful confinement, rape, and other relevant offences.

A police officer said, “We have taken up the investigation against Naushad Siddiqui based on the complaint received from a woman. The woman has also alleged that Siddiqui continued to have sexual relations with her by making false marriage promises. Later, when the woman pressurised him for marriage, he started avoiding her. She has also alleged that Siddiqui and his associates started threatening her with dire consequences.”

Naushad Siddiqui holds the position of MLA for the Bhangar assembly constituency located in South 24 Parganas. This constituency has been marred by violence leading up to the upcoming panchayat election scheduled for July 8. The unrest surrounding the election has resulted in the loss of 10 lives and numerous injuries.

It is important to note that the Trinamool Congress party, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has faced criticism for its inability to maintain law and order in West Bengal. The government’s failure to effectively handle the situation has raised concerns about the overall stability and security of the state.

Delhi: 11,000 Women participate in a colourful Kalash Yatra to mark the beginning of Hanuman Katha by Baba Dhirendra Krishna Shastri

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: 11,000 Women participate in a colourful Kalash Yatra to mark the beginning of Hanuman Katha by Baba Dhirendra Krishna Shastri

The Hanuman Katha recitation by revered Baba Dhirendra Krishna Shastri (Bhagheswar Dham Maharaj) started in Delhi on Wednesday. The Katha is scheduled to be held from 5th to 8th July at Utsav Maidan, IP Extension, Delhi. 

On the first day of the scheduled program, around 11000 women participated in a Kalash Yatra. The Kalash yatra was organised by ‘Tinka Ek Sahara’.

The organisers of the Kalash Yatra, Rajat Rastogi, and Ravi Gupta, started the event. Lalit Goyal and Navin Kumar Jindal from the organising committee welcomed all the women who were participating in the yatra and carried the Kalash at the venue.

The Yatra started at around 4 PM from Engineers Apartment, Narwana Road, and it culminated at Utsav Ground I.P Extension, Delhi at around 8 pm. Flower petals were showered on the participants. 

The significant stops along the Yatra route included Engineers Apartment, P.S Madhu Vihar, Narwana Road (Paradise Apartment), Narwana Road (Pariwar Apartment), T/L Mandawali Main Road, T/R Shivalik Apartment, Road Number 57-A, T/R Victor Public School red light – IP Extension, and Utasav Ground.

The Kalash Yatra conducted today was a remarkable sight and the participants were filled with joy and celebration. As the Yatra passed through the streets, several households and bystanders showered flowers along the entire route.

The participation of 11,000 women dressed in colourful traditional attire, carrying kalash, added to the allure of the event. Despite the scorching heat, Baba Shri Dhirendra Shastri stood resilient in front of the enthusiastic crowd, uplifting the spirit of the people gathered there.

The Kalash Yatra also featured various kinds of tableaux which were a centre of attraction in itself. After the completion of the Yatra, Prasad was distributed among the people. 

Hanuman ji is believed to be the reincarnation of Bhagwan Shiv ji. For this reason, organising Hanuman ji Katha in the holy month of Savan holds great religious significance for devotees.   

The current session of Hanuman ji katha started with the blessings of the Bageshwar Dham Sarkar ji and the hard work of all the organising committee members. There is so much desire among the devotees to participate in Baba’s Hanuman Katha recitation that the devotees are already rushing to get a seat and ensure their place.

The Hanuman Katha recitation by Baba Dhirendra Krishna Shastri (Bageshwar Dham) will continue for the next three days from the 6 to the 8th of July at Utsav Ground in Delhi’s I.P Extension.

Shiva Mahapuran Katha in Geeta Bhawan, Indore 

On the 4th of July, the Khandelwal Smart Lady Social Group started a five-day event of Shri Shiv Mahapuran at Geeta Bhawan by participating in a Kalash Yatra. 

During the Yatra, women adorned themselves in traditional attire, chunri (veil), and yellow clothes. The Kalash Yatra concluded its journey at Geeta Bhavan, the very place from which it commenced. Throughout the Yatra, men, and women joyfully walked and danced to the melodious hymns. Around 200 women participated in the Yatra.

Following the Yatra, the sacred Shrimad Shivpuran was ceremoniously placed in the assembly hall. 

Following this, Dr. Shri Krishna Sharan Maharaj took his place on the podium and commenced narrating the profound tale of Shivpuran. He described Shiva’s significance as the fundamental essence of life. Maharajshree captivatingly unfolded the account of Shiva’s divine manifestation. During this enlightening discourse, Maharajshree emphasised that spiritual contentment is the key formula for leading a successful life.

The recitation of the Katha will continue daily from 3 pm to 6 pm until the 8th of July.

Rashmi Gupta, the president of the group, shared that the event’s hosts, Shraddha Puneet Kath, Chief Convenor Rashmi Shailendra Gupta, and Vandana Sunil Khandelwal, inaugurated the Shiv Mahapuran on the first day by formally establishing the Mandal and performing the Rudrabhishek ritual. 

Secretary Sheela Gupta, Treasurer Sunita Gupta, along with Manju Gupta, Meera Khandelwal, and Shivani Khandelwal, warmly welcomed the bhajan groups, including the participants of the Kalash Yatra. President Rashmi Gupta earnestly encouraged everyone to partake in the enlightening experience of listening to the revered Shri Shiv Mahapuran Katha.

Rs 15,000 crore tax evasion detected and over 4,900 fake GST registrations cancelled in an ongoing drive

OpIndia Staff
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Rs 15,000 crore tax evasion detected and over 4,900 fake GST registrations cancelled in an ongoing drive

On the 5th of July, a senior tax official stated that the GST authorities have cancelled over 4,900 fake GST registrations, since the 16th of May, 2023. Additionally, the authorities have also identified around 17,000 non-existent GSTINs in the ongoing pan-India drive against fake registrations. 

As per PTI, the official added that the authorities have also detected tax evasion of around Rs 15,000 crore during this process. 

Shashank Priya is a member of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). He stated that in the drive against fake registration, till July 4, over 69,600 GST Identification Numbers (GSTINs) have been selected for physical verification by field tax officers.

During this physical verification, around 59,000 GSTINs were verified by the field officers. However, the officers found that around 16,989 GSTINs were non-existent.

Taking action on these GSTINs, around 11,000 GSTINs have been suspended while the registration of 4,972 GSTINs has been cancelled.

Speaking at the ASSOCHAM’s National Conclave on GST, Priya said this involved tax evasion of over Rs 15,000 crore, blocking of input tax credit (ITC) was Rs 1,506 crore, and recovered taxes worth Rs 87 crore.

The two-month-long pan-India drive against fake GST registration began on the 16th of May and will end on the 15th of May. 

Fake registration poses a significant problem under the GST system. Fraudsters engage in this practice by issuing fake invoices to wrongfully claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), thereby defrauding the government’s revenue.

Earlier, on the 1st of July, CBIC chairman Vivek Johri said that GST officers have busted 304 syndicates involving 9,000 fake GSTINs and input tax credit (ITC) claims of Rs 25,000 crore in the ongoing drive against bogus firms.

The CBIC chief flagged that only 40 percent of the corporate income taxpayer base is registered under Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Currently, there are around 14 million businesses that are registered under the GST. This is nearly double the number of businesses that were earlier registered during the indirect tax regime, that is, before the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax which was implemented in India on the 1st of July, 2017.

Gujarat: Married Asim Shaikh arrested for raping a minor Hindu girl for 5 years, police call it a “love jihad” case

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Married Asim Shaikh arrested for raping a minor Hindu girl for 5 years, police call it a “love jihad” case

Navsari police in Gujarat have apprehended a Muslim man for raping and blackmailing a Hindu girl for nearly five years. The accused who is identified as 37-year-old Asim Nizam Shaikh, a resident of Khergam, was taken into custody on Tuesday in Vasai which is close to Mumbai in Maharashtra, “in a case of love jihad,” according to a statement from the police. Asim had forced the woman, who is 21 years old now, to get married to a friend of his, and was rapping him continuously for the last 5 years.

The Surat IG had formed an SIT to probe the case recently, after which the accused was caught.

Police reported that five years ago when the girl was 16 years old, he raped her for the first time and taped a video that he later used to blackmail the victim.

The perpetrator, who is already married and has kids, coerced the girl into marrying his companion Ronak Patel in order to avoid getting caught. Ronak Patel was recently released from prison after serving time for a murder case and has not yet been found.

On June 23, the Khergam police station filed a First Information Report against the pair under the Information Technology Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and sections 376(2)(n) and 506(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which address rape and criminal intimidation, in response to the female’s complaint.

Navsari district Superintendent of Police Rushikesh Upadhyay informed, “Shaikh and Patel went underground after the FIR was registered. We then learnt that Shaikh had reached Mumbai from Jaipur and was staying at a hotel in Vasai. We nabbed him from Vasai on Tuesday and brought him here. A POCSO court here remanded Shaikh in nine-day police custody.”

The official added that the offender used the videos he had shot to blackmail the girl and her family for five years. Furthermore, he ended her engagement by sending the videos to her fiancé.

Navsari police said in their statement that 18 cases related to prohibition, assault and illegal money-lending are registered against Nizam Shaikh. His father Nizam and three brothers also face criminal cases, said the statement.

Rajasthan school teacher Nida Bahlim who eloped with a minor Hindu girl found in Chennai

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan school teacher Nida Bahlim who eloped with a minor Hindu girl found in Chennai

Days after a female Muslim school teacher eloped with a 17-year-old Hindu girl in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, the duo have been found in Chennai. Meanwhile, the police have assured that both women will soon be brought back to Rajasthan.  

The family of the minor Hindu girl alleged that the accused teacher brainwashed her and lured her into running away with her. Following that, the two girls, Nida Bahlim and the minor girl, released a video in which they stated that they are lesbians in love with each other.

Bikaner Superintendent of Police, Tejaswini Gautam said that the girls in question were found in a joint effort by the Bikaner and Chennai Police. Although the Bikaner SP refused to give details regarding how and when the girls were nabbed, she confirmed that they are safe and will be taken back to Bikaner. 

As earlier reported by OpIndia, a complaint was filed by the minor student’s father, who also accused the school staff and the teacher’s brothers Nadim and Javed of being complicit in the crime.

The father of the minor girl also accused the administration of the A G Mission School in Sridungargarh town of being complicit in the conspiracy that led to his daughter’s disappearance. According to him, the school staff was aware of his daughter’s and Nida’s disappearance for a long time but remained silent about it. 

The police formed four teams to find the girls. The Hindu organisations on the other hand had alleged a love jihad attempt accusing the teacher of brainwashing the minor Hindu girl. 

On July 4, a video of Nida Bahlim and the minor girl emerged, in which they claimed to be happy together and apologised for troubling their families. The girls, who identified as lesbians, stated that they do not want to marry a man. Meanwhile, the Muslim teacher reportedly swore by Allah that she did not force the minor girl to elope with her. The minor girl also claimed that she ran away with the teacher on her own accord, requesting that no case be registered against Nida Bahlim. However, the family of the minor girl claims that their daughter was forced to say what she said in the video. 

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