Home Blog Page 2071

Man converts to Islam in the presence of Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in USA, organised by Islamic group linked to Rahul Gandhi’s US event

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Man converts to Islam in the presence of Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in USA, organised by Islamic group linked to Rahul Gandhi’s US event

A video has surfaced online where a man was converted to Islam in the USA in the presence of Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The event was the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Convention 2023, which took place from May 27 to May 29 in Baltimore. The video was shared by a vlogger named Moheeb Asif, who uploaded it on May 28 on YouTube, and it went viral on social media after a YouTube channel, Cric Den, shared it.

Both Pakistani cricketers also addressed the people who attended the event, which can be seen on ICNA’s YouTube channel here and here. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are in the USA to attend an executive Business program at the Harvard Business School. At the end of the event, the two cricketers offered prayers along with others present.

Notably, ICNA, a radical Islamist organisation, was one of the organisers that were behind Rahul Gandhi’s June 4 event in New York. Before the event, a registration form went viral on social media that sought registrations from Muslims for the event. That particular form was not available on the official website of Rahul Gandhi’s US visit but was shared separately on social media and messaging services.

Two of the contact persons listed on that form were Tazeem Ansari and Niaz Khan of Masjid Al-WALI/MCNJ North Edison Woodbridge TWP NJ. MCNJ is led by Imaam Jawad Ahmed, Project Director of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), who is of Pakistani origin.

According to DisInfo Lab, ICNA has connections established links with Pakistan-based terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-e-Islami. They have glorified Islamic terrorists, including Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin for his views on separating Kashmir from India. Not to forget, his sons were removed from government offices in 2021. Furthermore, his son Syed Shakeel Yousuf was arrested by the security agencies in India in a terror funding case in 2018. Salahuddin also had links with Mehraj-ud-Din, a suspect in the Kandahar plane hijack in 1999.

ICNA is linked to Indian American Muslim Council, a propaganda organisation that is heavily indulged in anti-India activities. IAMC founder Shaik Ubaid and member Abdul Malik Mujahid have headed ICNA. Notably, IAMC was also one of the signatories of the letter written to President Joe Biden against the State Dinner for PM Modi.

Gauhati High Court stays July 11 Wrestling Federation of India elections on the plea of Assam Wrestling Federation

ANI
-
0
Gauhati High Court stays July 11 Wrestling Federation of India elections on the plea of Assam Wrestling Federation

Gauhati High Court on Sunday stayed the Wrestling Federation of India elections, which were scheduled to be held on July 11.

The ruling came on a plea filed by the Assam Wrestling Federation, seeking a stay on the WFI elections. The elections, which were initially scheduled to be held on July 6, were pushed back to July 11 earlier. The polling was to be conducted from 11 am to 1.20 pm.

The counting of votes was to start from 1.30 pm and the results were to be declared on the same day — July 11.

The polls were scheduled amid a protest by several prominent wrestlers, including Olympians Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, seeking the arrest and removal of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment.

The protest was launched near the iconic Jantar Mantar in the national capital at the start of this year.

Earlier, on June 13, the newly-appointed returning officer for WFI elections, Mahesh Mittal Kumar, released a statement announcing July 6 as the date for holding the polls to the country’s top wrestling body.

The process of filing nominations was to start from June 19.

“Whereas, the undersigned has been appointed as the Returning Officer by the Indian Olympic Association vide its letter No. IOA/I-28/2023/1350 dated 12th June 2023 for the purpose of conducting the election of the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India(WFI), which is an affiliate member of the Indian Olympic Association(IOA),” the statement by the office of the returning officer read.

The Indian Olympics Association (IOA) organised a three-member ad hoc committee in April as mandated by the Sports Ministry, and two members were named to oversee WFI’s day-to-day activities and pick wrestlers for international events in the interim.

Earlier, after a meeting with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia said he was assured that the probe by Delhi Police into the allegations against the WFI chief would be completed by June 15.

Delhi Police subsequently filed a chargesheet against the WFI chief, while recommending cancellation of the complaint filed by a minor wrestler, alleging sexual harassment. They sought a withdrawal of the case after the minor and her father retracted their earlier statements. 

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

Pakistan: Islamabad police attempt to arrest Maulana Abdul Aziz, gets assaulted by burqa-clad female students of madarsa

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Pakistan: Islamabad police attempt to arrest Maulana Abdul Aziz, gets assaulted by burqa-clad female students of madarsa

Pakistan once again found itself in the spotlight due to an unusual incident. This time, the Islamabad police set out to apprehend a radical Islamist Maulana Abdul Aziz but encountered a rather unexpected turn of events. To their surprise, the police were met with resistance and physically assaulted by Maulana’s wife and a group of students, all clad in burqas. This clever disguise made it challenging to identify the assailants. In response to the escalating situation, the Pakistani police decided to file a terrorism case against Maulana’s wife. According to reports, she managed to prevent her husband’s arrest by inciting the students to turn against the police.

Upon reaching the gates of Lal Masjid to apprehend the Maulana on 21st June 2023, the police were confronted by a formidable sight—hordes of madrasa girls. Under the leadership of Maulana’s wife, approximately 200 girls formed an aggressive front and launched an attack on the police. Armed with sticks, they created chaos on the streets of the nation’s capital in broad daylight. The audacious act resulted in the injury of several policemen, including female officers who were mercilessly beaten.

The situation further escalated as some students resorted to pelting stones, while others even fired bullets at the police. The combined assault and ensuing mayhem prevented the police from successfully arresting the Maulana. Additionally, the incident led to the blockage of several important roads in Islamabad, causing significant disruption for several hours.

Following his successful escape from the clutches of the police, the Maulana took to video to recount the entire incident, providing his version of events. In his narrative, he revealed that the police had fired upon his vehicle, posing a grave threat to his life. Fortunately, he had a security guard’s firearm at his disposal and, in self-defence, returned fire.

The retaliatory exchange of gunfire drew the attention of more of his supporters, who swiftly gathered around the scene. Utilizing this opportune moment, the Maulana managed to make his escape. Later examination of Maulana’s abandoned car revealed multiple bullet marks, clearly indicating the intensity of the gunfire exchange that had taken place.

Maulana Abdul Aziz, an Islamist leader in Pakistan, has consistently been promoting extremist ideologies and has faced numerous accusations related to terrorism. His intention is to establish the ‘Lal Masjid’ in the heart of Islamabad as a centre for his radical activities to reflect his extremist aspirations. During the police’s attempt to arrest him, Maulana’s wife mobilized a group of madrasa girls, who vehemently attacked the police, ultimately facilitating Maulana’s escape. This incident underscores Maulana Abdul Aziz’s persistent efforts to propagate and strengthen Islamist ideals within the country.

Delhi: Two drunk robbers try to rob a couple, gives them ₹100 instead after finding they had only ₹20 and fake jewellery, arrested

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Delhi: Two drunk robbers try to rob a couple, gives them ₹100 instead after finding they had only ₹20 and fake jewellery, arrested

Two robbers, who were caught on CCTV cameras, have been arrested by the Delhi police, even though didn’t rob their targets and instead gave them money from their pockets. The attempted robbery occurred on the night of June 21, 2023, when the robbers threatened a couple with guns. However, upon finding only Rs 20 in their victims’ pockets, the robbers surprisingly handed over Rs 100 from their side before making their escape. Later the police successfully apprehended the two robbers in the Shahdara district of Delhi.

DCP Shahdara, Rohit Meena said, “Both the robbers had consumed a lot of alcohol at the time of the incident. After examining the CCTV footage, it was found that these robbers had created panic in many areas. We have recovered the pistol.”

The DCP further said, “Apart from this, the scooter used in the crime and 30 mobile phones have also been recovered from them. We have registered a case against them and further investigation is underway.”

Sharing details of the incident, Rohit Meena said that on June 21, a series of three consecutive phone calls alerted the police about criminal activities. The first call reported an attempted jewellery snatching from a couple, followed by the second call reporting an attempted mobile phone snatching. The third call informed the police about an attempted robbery by threatening with a pistol. Notably, all three calls were made by different individuals. Acting swiftly, the Station House Officer (SHO) arrived at the scene and discovered that one of the suspects was armed with a pistol.

When the robbers were trying to rob the couple, they tried to steal the young woman’s jewellery. But they realized it was fake, and then found that the couple had only Rs 20 on them. This discovery led the robbers to humiliate and insult the couple. As they departed, they surprisingly handed over Rs 100 to the couple as well.

Due to the sensitive nature of the case, the police embarked on a thorough investigation. The dedicated police team meticulously reviewed approximately 200 CCTV footage and commenced tracking the movements of the criminals. Their extensive analysis revealed a series of additional robberies committed by the same culprits. Armed with this crucial information, the police proceeded to Jagatpuri in order to locate and apprehend the first accused, Harsh Rajput, aged 31.

According to the police, Harsh, who was employed at a mobile repair shop, had a history of involvement in criminal activities. Following interrogation, it was disclosed that the second accused, 31 years old Dev Verma, hails from Burari. Dev Verma was found to have strong ties to the Neeraj Bawania gang, which significantly influenced his criminal behaviour. During the investigation, the police successfully recovered a pistol, scooter, mobile phone, and the attire worn by Dev Verma during the incident. Furthermore, the ongoing interrogation has resulted in the revelation of four previous cases involving the accused individuals.

Homemaker wives are entitled to an equal share in their husband’s property as they contribute by household work: Madras High Court

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Homemaker wives are entitled to an equal share in their husband’s property as they contribute by household work: Madras High Court

On Saturday, June 24, Madras High Court said that a woman who is a homemaker is entitled to an equal share of her husband’s property. The court said that a homemaker woman’s contribution in acquiring family assets cannot be deemed valueless as she performs the household chores round-the-clock. 

According to Justice Krishnan Ramasamy, a husband could not have done his job and earned money without his wife’s assistance in looking after his family.

Justice Krishnan Ramasamy noted that, while there was no legislation in place at this point, the court could surely recognise the wife’s contribution. The Court went on to say that the law does not preclude a Judge from recognising the contributions.

“The contributions which wives make towards acquisition of the family assets by performing their domestic chores, thereby releasing their husbands for gainful employment, would be a factor which this Court would take into account while deciding the right in the properties the either the title stands in the name of the husband or wife and certainly, the spouse who looks after the home and cares for family for decades, entitled to share in the property,” Justice Ramasamy said.

“No law prevents the Judges from recognizing the contributions made by a wife facilitating her husband to purchase the property. In my view, if assets are acquired through the joint contribution (direct or indirect) of both spouses for the welfare of the family, both are entitled to an equal share.”

According to the judge’s order, a woman homemaker performs multiple tasks similar to a manager with managerial skills, such as planning, organising, budgeting, running errands, and so on. She also prepares food, designs menus, and manages kitchen inventory like a chef.

She also looks after the health of the family members, acting as a home doctor by taking precautions and administering homemade medicine. The judge also mentioned that a homemaker woman is a home economist.

Moreover, Justice Ramasamy added that a wife’s skills enable her to make her home feel like a comfortable environment. It’s a 24-hour job with no holidays, which cannot be less than an earning husband’s job of eight hours.

While hearing a 2016 case filed by an estranged husband and wife who married in 1965, the court determined that the wife was entitled to half of the assets acquired by the husband. The husband who died, worked in the Middle East between 1983 and 1994. He had accused his wife of usurping property and of having an extramarital affair.

Meanwhile, the woman claimed that she had sold her ancestral properties and used the proceeds to fund her husband’s foreign trip and that she had also earned money by tailoring and giving tuition classes, from which she had purchased some of the suit properties. Following her husband’s death, her children filed a case in 2016 in which the court ruled that homemakers are entitled to an equal share of the property.

Guddu Muslim had feelings for Atiq Ahmed’s wife Shaista Parveen, claims Guddu’s stepson during interrogation, police say both absconding together

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Guddu Muslim had feelings for Atiq Ahmed’s wife Shaista Parveen, claims Guddu’s stepson during interrogation, police say both absconding together

The police have been presented with shocking information regarding Guddu Bambaz, who has gained notoriety following the Umesh Pal murder case. Guddu Bambaz, also known as Gudu Muslim, was captured on CCTV footage throwing bombs during Umesh Pal’s murder. Until now, the police had only known that Guddu secured bail with the support of slain mafia Atiq Ahmed around 10 or 12 years ago, leading to Guddu residing with Atiq. However, this is not all and the reality of the situation is slightly different.

It has now emerged that Guddu Muslim had a longstanding association with Atiq, with the main catalyst for their closeness being Shaista Parveen, Atiq Ahmed’s wife. Guddu Muslim had harboured feelings for Shaista from the beginning, yet he had never confessed them. This revelation came to light during police questioning following the arrest of Guddu Muslim’s stepson, Abid.

According to information revealed in the interrogation, Guddu Muslim had developed an affection for Shaista Parveen, although it remained unrequited as she did not reciprocate his feelings. As a result, Guddu decided to leave Allahabad city and disappeared for several years. However, in 2012, he reappeared in Allahabad and settled down with a woman named Chandni in Chak Nirtul, Chakia. It is noteworthy that Atiq Ahmed provided Guddu with the land in Chak Nirtul, where Guddu constructed a three-story house on the property.

Following Atiq Ahmed’s incarceration in 2017, Guddu Muslim’s visits to Shaista Parveen’s residence became increasingly frequent. With utmost sincerity, Guddu began assisting Shaista in managing Atiq’s illicit business and extortion activities. However, the Umesh Pal murder case presented Guddu Muslim with an opportunity to draw closer to Shaista, ultimately leading them to live together while evading authorities. In a significant development, the police recently discovered compelling evidence affirming their relationship.

According to police sources, Guddu Muslim’s visits to Shaista Parveen’s residence created discord between him and his girlfriend, Chandni. Shaista’s presence in Guddu’s life led to instances where he physically assaulted Chandni on multiple occasions, causing a strain in their relationship. As a result, they began living separately for an extended period of time. This rift also played a role in fueling animosity between Guddu and Chandni’s son, Abid.

Abid’s anger towards Guddu reached such an extent that, had Umesh Pal not been murdered, Abid might have killed Guddu Muslim. During police interrogation, Abid openly admitted that given an opportunity, he would detonate a bomb and eliminate Guddu. This deep-rooted animosity stemmed from the fact that Guddu’s involvement with Shaista led to Chandni’s betrayal, leaving both mother and son in a state of distress and turmoil.

Following the heinous murder of Umesh Pal, Guddu Muslim temporarily halted in Kaushambi before proceeding to Kanpur. During this time, Shaista Parveen remained in Prayagraj. However, when Shaista Parveen’s name emerged in connection with the conspiracy surrounding Umesh Pal’s murder, she urgently contacted an individual who had aided Guddu’s escape. Shaista sought information about Guddu’s whereabouts, and their paths eventually converged in Meerut. From there, they embarked on their onward journey together.

Initially, Shaista was with Sabir, while absconding. However, it was later discovered that Guddu and Shaista had fled together, remaining in each other’s company up to the present time. Reportedly, Guddu has taken Shaista to an undisclosed location, where she is observing the period of iddat which is a customary practice in Islam following the demise of a husband.

Based on the information provided by the police, the Special Task Force (STF) successfully tracked down Guddu and Shaista after receiving credible leads about their association, according to the reports. In their efforts to apprehend Shaista and Guddu, the police have initiated surveillance on the mobile numbers of numerous relatives residing in Chakia, Kasari Masari, and Damopur Hatwa.

Authorities suspect that the couple may be currently facing financial difficulties, prompting them to potentially reach out to Shaista’s relatives or individuals closely associated with Atiq in search of assistance. In order to capitalize on this lead, the police have stationed a team from the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) to monitor the activities surrounding the residences of Atiq Ahmed’s close acquaintances, ensuring a vigilant watch on any potential movements.

Impersonation, identity fraud, and anti-India terror activities: The curious case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and ‘Ravi Sharma’

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Impersonation, identity fraud, and anti-India terror activities: The curious case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and ‘Ravi Sharma’

On February 10, 1997, one Ravi Sharma fled India and arrived in Toronto. Global News managed to get its hands on his immigration records. But why was the portal seeking Sharma’s immigration records? It turns out Ravi Sharma was a fraudulent alias used by none other than Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was recently assassinated by unknown assailants in Canada.

As per Global News, Nijjar used fake identity as he “feared” persecution in India for his association with “a particular social group, namely, individuals associated with Sikh militants.” Nijjar was linked to a Khalistani terrorist organisation, and in the 1990s, a full-fledged operation was ongoing in Punjab against Khalistani groups.

Nijjar, the head of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib, was shot dead in Surrey by two unidentified assailants on June 18 this year. He was a wanted terrorist by the Indian Government. The 46-year-old hailed from the village Bhar Singhpura of Jalandhar.

Najjar lied to immigration officials in Canada

The Global News report suggested that Nijjar told immigration officials that his troubles began in 1990 when police started a crackdown on insurgency in the Indian state of Punjab. The Punjab Police arrested his brother and father. Initially, his brother Jatinder was picked up by the police, and later, his father was also arrested. Nijjar claimed both of them were tortured.

In a sworn affidavit, Nijjar told the immigration officials that he was picked by Punjab Police in 1995 and was tortured to find the whereabouts of his brother and father. Nijjar further claimed he bribed police with Rs 50,000 and cut his hair to change his appearance. Till 1996, he stayed away from the public eye at a relative’s house in UP. When police reached the relative’s house, Nijjar was not there, and his uncle was arrested.

He claimed in the affidavit that he submitted to the immigration officials in June 1998 that his life was in grave danger in India. However, immigration officials did not believe him and said the letter submitted by Nijjar was fabricated. The information provided by a physician who claimed to have treated Nijjar after his release from police custody had spelling mistakes that raised a red flag. His immigration request was dismissed as unreliable, the report noted. The panel categorically said they did not believe Nijjar was ever arrested and tortured by the police.

Just eleven days after immigration officials refused his claims, he married a woman from British Columbia who sponsored him to immigrate as her spouse. In his application form, he refused to associate with any group that advocated “armed struggle or violence to reach political, religious or social objectives.” His application was, however, again rejected by the officials, saying it was a “marriage of convenience”. His supposed wife was sponsored by a “different” husband in 1997 when she arrived in Canada. Nijjar appealed in court against the decision but lost in 2001.

During his stay in Canada, he kept calling himself a citizen of Canada, which has now been clouded by the report of Global Times.

Nijjar’s anti-India activities and cases against him

Nijjar travelled to Geneva in 2013 and asked UN Human Rights Council to recognise the anti-Sikh violence of 1984 as genocide. He also lobbied for a referendum for Khalistan at the UN headquarters in New York in June 2014.

In November 2014, an arrest warrant was issued through Interpol’s National Central Bureau in New Delhi, in which he was described as a mastermind/active member of the Khalistani terrorist organisation Khalistan Tiger Force. He was accused of having involvement in the 2997 Srinagar Cinema bombing in Punjab in 2007. Another notice was issued by Interpol against him in 2016 in which he was accused of being a mastermind and key conspirator of several terrorist activities in India.

In 2018 he took charge of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Canada as President. In March 2019, he was charged with assault, but the case was stayed in December 2019. He was also accused of not returning a printing machine to Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted of alleged involvement in the 1985 Air India bombing. A case was filed by Malik against Nijjar, saying he handed over the printing press to Nijjar in November 2020 for safekeeping, but Nijjar refused to return it. Malik was murdered in July 2022. In February 2023, a lawsuit was filed for the return of the machine.

Nijjar was an associate of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist by the Government of India under the UAPA Act. Pannu runs a terrorist organisation Sikhs For Justice, that is behind the Referendum 2020. Nijjar was working on organising the so-called referendum scheduled for September 18 this year. In a statement to Global News, Pannu claimed National Investigation Agency (NIA) placed a bounty of 1 million (CAD 16,000) on Nijjar.

Fraudulent documents to get immigration in Canada

In March 2023, OpIndia published a detailed report on how Sangrur MP Simranjit Singh Mann admitted in a June 2022 interview that he gave letters to asylum seekers for permanent residency in other countries. He claimed to have issued 50,000 such letters for approx Rs 35,000 per letter.

Recently, around 700 students were found to have presented fraudulent documents in Canada and faced possible deportation. The fraudulent documents were given to the students by immigration agents in India. The politics around the matter is still on while the future of these students hangs mid-air.

Telangana: Case lodged against private school for objecting to students wearing hijab in classrooms, violating uniform norms

ANI
-
0
Telangana: Case lodged against private school for objecting to students wearing hijab in classrooms, violating uniform norms

A case was filed against a private school at Hayathnagar in Telangana after the Principal allegedly objected to two students wearing ‘hijab’ (head scarves worn by Muslim women).

Police said the students filed a complaint in connection with the incident and an investigation was underway. “The incident was reported at a private school in Hayathnagar. A Class 10 student, who happens to be the daughter of a judge, and another girl, who studies in the same class, came to the school on June 22 wearing hijabs. However, the Principal and some staff members objected to the same, saying, initially, they could not wear it in school. They later said that they couldn’t wear headscarves inside the classroom and could only do so on the school premises. The Principal also demanded that the students bring consent letters from their parents,” Surya, sub-inspector, Hayathnagar police station, said.

“The next day, on June 23, the students allegedly came wearing headscarves just like the previous day. Their class teacher spotted this and asked them to step outside the classroom. The teacher demanded an explanation on why the students came to school wearing hijabs when the Principal had issued clear instructions not to do so, the previous day. At this, there was an argument between the students and the teacher. While the school authorities did not report the incident to their parents, the students, after reaching home, briefed their guardians on what happened,” the sub-inspector said, adding, “On the advice of her parents, one of the students lodged a complaint. A case has been registered against the Principal and some members of the teaching staff. Further investigation is underway.”

The incident on Saturday served as a reminder of a similar incident at a college in Karnataka, where some Muslim students were allegedly asked to remove their hijabs before attending classes. The alleged diktat was issued following a protest by a section of students demanding uniform rules.

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

A day after the opposition’s “unity meeting”, AAP tells Congress that Rahul Gandhi should not be projected as the PM face

OpIndia Staff
-
0
A day after the opposition’s “unity meeting”, AAP tells Congress that Rahul Gandhi should not be projected as the PM face

On Sunday, June 25, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made it clear that it is in no mood to accept Congress scion Rahul Gandhi as the leading face of the so-called “mahagathbandhan” (grand alliance) of the opposition parties. AAP’s national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar in a tweet advised the Congress party to not place a bet on Rahul Gandhi for the third time. She added that Congress should refrain from pressuring the opposition parties to accept him as their leader. 

“If the country is to be saved, then first of all Congress should say that they will not stake a claim on Rahul Gandhi even for the third time and will not put pressure on the entire opposition. In the interest of the country, this constitution is above saving,” Kakkar tweeted in Hindi. 

Notably, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hosted opposition parties in Patna for the Friday Unity conference. In particular, this was the first gathering of opposition parties to send a message of ‘unity’ ahead of the 2024 general elections. 17 opposition parties met to discuss the timeline and road map for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

Media reports suggest that during the meeting on Friday, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal had raised the issue of the Centre’s ordinance over control of administrative services in Delhi. While most other opposition parties have backed AAP in this matter, the Congress party has refused to do so. 

Subsequently, the AAP leaders did not stay for the joint statement and instead returned to Delhi after lunch.

AAP issued a statement from Delhi saying that any alliance with the Congress party would be difficult if the Congress refused to back AAP on the Delhi Ordinance issue. In its statement, AAP said that out of the 15 ‘like-minded’ parties, 12 have extended support of AAP over the Ordinance issue, however, only Congress refused to denounce the ‘Black Ordinance’. 

“Today, during the like-minded party meeting in Patna, many parties urged the Congress to publicly denounce the Black Ordinance. However, the Congress refused to do so. Congress’s silence raises suspicions about its real intentions. In personal discussions, senior Congress leaders have hinted that their party might informally or formally abstain from voting on it in the Rajya Sabha. The Congress’ abstention from voting on this issue will help the BJP immensely in furthering its attack on Indian democracy,” the AAP statement read. 

Following the ‘unity meeting’ both AAP and Congress have been accusing each other of being the ‘B-team’ of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress’s ambiguous stand on the Ordinance issue has triggered the Aam Aadmi Party to augment its attacks on Congress. 

In a News24 debate program, AAP’s Priyanka Kakkar said that why stops the Congress party from taking a stand against the alleged attack on the constitution. She insinuated that the Congress party is BJP’s B-team by giving examples of Uttar Pradesh elections, and Congress’s walkout during the voting of MCD Mayoral elections.

“In UP elections, you see, at many places, Samajwadi party was the runner-up, if Congress had not contested on such seats, SP would have won,” Kakkar said.

Notably, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday had his party will decide on the Ordinance issue before the parliament session. “We all want to fight together against BJP and our agenda is to remove the BJP govt… We will take a decision on this (on supporting AAP against the Centre’s ordinance) before the Parliament session,” Kharge said.

Reacting to Kharge’s statement, AAP’s Priyanka Kakkar on Friday claimed that BJP and Congress have had an agreement already as she said, “We have got info that Rahul Gandhi and BJP have done an agreement…Congress should clear its stand against this unconstitutional Ordinance, why they are taking so long in doing so?

Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance 2023

On May 19, 2023, the Government of National Capital Territory (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 was enacted. It modifies the Delhi National Capital Territory Act of 1991. The Act establishes the framework for the Legislative Assembly and the administration of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. 

PM Modi conferred with Egpyt’s highest state honour ‘Order of the Nile’, the 13th such accolade in 9 years

OpIndia Staff
-
0
PM Modi conferred with Egpyt’s highest state honour ‘Order of the Nile’, the 13th such accolade in 9 years

On Sunday, June 25th, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conferred Egypt’s highest state honour, the ‘Order of the Nile’ award, upon PM Narendra Modi in the country’s capital, Cairo.

PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to Egypt which is his maiden State visit to the country. It is worth noting that he is the first Indian PM to visit the African country since 1997. Upon his arrival in Cairo from the USA, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour.

Order of the Nile

The Order of the Nile (Kiladat El Nil) was established in 1915 by Sultan Hussein Kamel of Egypt. According to the official website of the Egyptian Presidency, the ‘Order of Nile’ is the country’s highest state honour and it can be given to foreigners as well. The award is given to those individuals who offer Egypt or humanity invaluable services.

The website further reads, “The Order of the Nile is a pure gold collar consisting of three square gold units on which there are Pharaonic symbols. The first unit resembles the idea of protecting the state against evils, the second one resembles prosperity and happiness brought by the Nile and the third one refers to wealth and endurance.”

It adds, “The units are connected to one another by a circular gold flower decorated with turquoise and ruby. Hanging from the collar is a hexagonal pendant decorated with flowers of the Pharaonic style, and turquoise and ruby gems. In the middle of the pendant, there is a protruding symbol representing the Nile that brings together the North (represented by the Papyrus) and the South (represented by the Lotus).” 

Earlier, PM Modi paid a visit to the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetery. There he paid his respects to the Indian soldiers who demonstrated bravery and made the ultimate sacrifice in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War.

Before that, he held a meeting with Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouly. They held talks on deepening cooperation across a range of sectors including trade and investment, renewable energy, green hydrogen, IT, digital payment platforms, pharma and people-to-people ties.

Past awards received by PM Modi

Over the course of the past nine years, PM Modi has been honoured with numerous international awards. The recent accolade marks the 13th highest state honor bestowed upon him by various countries around the world.

Earlier in May 2023, the Island nation of Papua New Guinea conferred PM Modi with their highest civilian award, ‘Companion of the Order of Logohu’. 

In May 2023, Fiji also awarded PM Modi with their highest honour, ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’. 

Similarly, in May 2023, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau conferred PM Modi with the ‘Ebakl Award by the Republic of Palau’.

In December 2021, PM Modi won ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration. 

In 2020, the US bestowed PM Modi with the ‘Legion of Merit by the US Government’. 

In 2019, Bahrain conferred PM Modi with ‘King Hamad Order of the Renaissance’. 

Similarly, Maldives conferred PM Modi with the ‘Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin’ in the same year. 

In 2019, Russia bestowed PM Modi with their Highest civilian honour, the ‘Order of St. Andrew Award’.  

Another award in the line is, UAE’s ‘Order of Zayed Award’, the Highest civilian honour of the United Arab Emirates was awarded to PM Modi in 2019. 

A year before that, in 2018, Palestine awarded PM Modi with their Highest honor for foreign dignitaries, the ‘Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award’.

In 2016, Afghanistan gave its Highest civilian honour, ‘State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan’ to PM Modi. 

In 2016, Saudi Arabia gave PM Modi, the ‘Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud’, the Highest honour of Saudi Arabia awarded to non-muslim dignitaries.

1...2,0702,0712,072...7,644Page 2,071 of 7,644