Home Blog Page 3635

Job in Paytm is haram, mobile recharging halal, talking on phone allowed but not taking photos: More answers to modern questions by Darul Uloom

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Job in Paytm is haram, mobile recharging halal, talking on phone allowed but not taking photos: More answers to modern questions by Darul Uloom

On the website of Darul Uloom in Deoband, a slew of inquiries seeks solutions from Deobandi school to some of the world’s most pressing Islamic concerns. These questions cover a wide range of topics, from working for Paytm to wearing a Kurta with a Bar Code. These questions are premised on the Shariah principles of Haram and Halal, which respectively mean Illegitimate and Legitimate. Here are a few of the most common questions.

Job’s salary is halal or not?

Someone inquired whether his income is Halal or Haram because he works in the oil and gas department at Paytm. According to the response, Paytm appropriates interest money from the RBI, and one should not accept money that is obtained from some interest as per Sharia. Darul Uloom advised the person to find a different job and quit Paytm.

Regarding fake attendance signature

An engineering student inquired about the legality of proxy attendance in college. The reply said that according to Shariah, it is not permissible to mark phony attendance or have it done by someone else. This is clearly a fraud and cheating, and both the person who marks bogus attendance and the one who gets it done is a sinner.

Prize bond money redemption

A perplexed person from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, inquired regarding the redemption of reward money. He was told that Prize is a form of gambling and that he should avoid it.

Do angels enter a house having I card?

A totally different dilemma arose with Angels, namely if they arrive at a residence with Identity cards containing photographs. Surprisingly, even though Sharia prohibits photography, the answer stated that Identity cards are required, therefore angels will enter a house even if it has identity cards, however, they will not enter houses with photographs.

Create fake email ID to download software

An IT employee wanted his concerns to be addressed about utilizing bogus email accounts to improve the ranking of his company’s software. He was admonished that deceit is a sin that must not be committed under any circumstances.

Stealing filtered drinking water from office!

A parent asked whether he may transport purified water from his office to his house for his child. The answer was not entirely in his favor, as it said that carrying water is only legal if the corporation offers it to the staff.

Is Camera phone allowed

One person asked if it is allowed to use a phone with a camera to take photos or videos. Darul Uloom replied that using phone is allowed as it is only a communication device. However, Muslims are not allowed to use the camera in the phone as photography of living beings is not allowed in Islam. They said that therefore taking photo or video of living beings is not allowed.

Mobile recharging and commission on it

One person wanted to know if mobile recharging haram or halal, because the company gives 2 or 3% commission on recharging someone’s mobile. The reply was that mobile recharging is allowed, and taking the commission on it is also allowed.

There are a plethora of such questions on the website. Darul Uloom Deoband, India owns this website, which is dedicated to Islamic questions and fatwas.

About Darul Uloom Deoband

Darul Uloom Deoband is an Islamic seminary (Darul Uloom) in India that is the birthplace of the Sunni Deobandi Islamic movement. It is situated in Deoband, a town in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district. Deoband is famous for issuing controversial Fatwas for a long. In May 2010, clerics from a Deobandi school issued a fatwa declaring that men and women cannot work in public offices together unless the ladies are appropriately clad.

Deobandi Islam is said to be the most popular type of teaching in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and numerous major Afghan and Pakistani Taliban commanders are said to have studied at Deobandi seminaries. According to some estimates, 15 to 25% of Pakistani Sunnis identify as Deobandi. Terrorist organizations in Pakistan, such as the TTP, SSP, and LeJ, take their inspiration from the Deobandi doctrine. Furthermore, the Deobandi Islamic movement is supported by the vast majority of Bangladeshi Sunni Muslims.

The Taliban Connection of Deoband and Darul Uloom

It is worth mentioning that the Taliban, which has lately come to prominence and effectively controls Afghanistan, is inspired by the Deobandi movement. The Taliban is described in Wikipedia as a Deobandi Islamist movement and a military group in Afghanistan involved in waging jihad within the country.

Not just Wikipedia, but an article published in the New York Times in 2002 underlined the Taliban’s relationship with the UP town of Deoband. The article “Indian town’s seed grew into the Taliban code” explored how extreme Islamist doctrine that sprouted in a town in Uttar Pradesh went on to inspire the jihadist movement on the other side of the Durand Line, which separates Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Though the questions on the website appear to be amusing and frivolous, the seminary’s past convinces us that they are not trivial and may have severe implications. The Taliban connection of Darul Uloom and the subscription of their beliefs among key terrorist groups in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region should not be underestimated, since atrocities by the Taliban in Afghanistan and Islamic terror attacks like 26/11 will never be forgotten.

Marathi Actor Kiran Mane removed from ‘Mulgi Zali Ho’ for abusive behaviour, not for criticising Modi, clarifies TV channel, producer and co-actors

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Marathi Actor Kiran Mane removed from ‘Mulgi Zali Ho’ for abusive behaviour, not for criticising Modi, clarifies TV channel, producer and co-actors

Das after Marathi actor Kiran Mane was removed from TV Serial ‘Mulgi Zali Ho’ on Star Pravah, other artists from the show have accused the actor of misbehaviour, targeting and use of abusive language towards them on the set. Earlier on January 15, Mane had claimed that he was expelled from the serial because he had criticised PM Modi and other BJP leaders on social media.

Moreover, in a statement issued by channel ‘Star Pravah’ which airs the show, the channel has refuted claims of Mane and has called them ‘Imaginary and Fabricated’. Clearing the air around the controversy the channel has said that Mane has been expelled from the serial for his abuse towards co-actors, especially female heroines of the show. Earlier the producer of the show had also denied Mane’s allegations and had said that he was removed due to ‘professional reasons’.

The Kiran Mane controversy had erupted with the actor claiming that he was expelled from the show over his open political expression on social media platforms. In the disguise of upholding ‘progressive thought’ as he calls it, the actor was regularly seen abusing political leaders – especially PM Narendra Modi and opposition leader of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. The controversy had stormed media circles in Maharashtra and after a meeting with NCP Leader Sharad Pawar, Mane gained support from NCP and many actors and directors from the film industry.

In a turn of events on Sunday, lead actors from the serial ‘Mulgi Zali Ho’ have come forward to take stands against the claims by Mane. While talking to TV9 Marathi, actress Shravani Pillai said, “The whole controversy created by Mane around his removal from the serial is baseless. Nothing of this sort has happened on the sets. It is because of the abusive behaviour that he has been removed from the serial by the production house. In fact, he was warned of the same by the heads earlier three times. After that, the call was taken to finally remove him.”

Talking about Mane’s behaviour on the set, veteran actress Savita Malpekar said, “He always used to speak with us with a tone of arrogance. He had even threatened many artists on the set of expulsion from the serial. There’s clearly no political angle involved here”. Divya Pugaonkar, the lead actress who played Mane’s daughter in the serial has alleged him of targeting, making crass comments, and passing off judgements over her weight.

Taking cognizance of the complaints flagged by many artists on the show, Kiran Mane was removed by the Channel authorities. In a statement in response to his allegations of ‘cultural terrorism’, the channel said, “The allegations by Mane are fabricated and Imaginary. He was removed from the show over many allegations of inappropriate behaviour by him against many female artists. Many of his co-artists, directors and unit staff members had complained about his arrogance earlier. In spite of warnings given to him, he continued with his behaviour which violated our operation protocols.” The channel further clarified, “We respect everyone’s right to have an opinion and that to express it. But, safeguarding the safety of our women and environment on the set remains our utmost priority.”

The Producer of the show, Suzana Ghai while talking to OpIndia about the incident said, “Nothing about his removal from the set is related to politics or the BJP. The development was such that we didn’t even expect. There is no political intent behind his removal”. After this serious turn of events, the claims of Kiran Mane and his supporters over allegations of so-called ‘curtailment of freedom of expression’ have fallen flat now.

Taliban sets musical instrument on fire, musician seen crying in a viral video

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Taliban sets musical instrument on fire, musician seen crying in a viral video

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has intensified its crackdown on musicians in the country. On Saturday (January 15), Afghan journalist Abdulhaq Omeri informed that the Islamist outfit Taliban burnt down the musical instrument of a local musician in the Zazai Arub district in the Paktia province in Afghanistan.

In a video shared by Omeri, the musician could be seen weeping at the sight of his burnt music instrument. A Talib, standing in the vicinity, could be seen laughing and mocking the misery of the musician. Another Islamist remained fixated on capturing the video of the man.

Last month, Islamists associated with the Taliban were seen destroying harmonium and other musical instruments. The video was shared by Pakistani journalist Hamza Azhar Salam. He cited the example of Maulvis in Pakistan, who were initially against TV, radio and other modes of entertainment but later started using them to spread their propaganda. Hamza opined that it could also be a possibility with the Talibs.

In another video, shared by Natiq Malikzada from Afghanistan, Talibs were seen forcing a man to take an oath to never watch TV again in future. Later, they sentenced the TV to death and carried out the execution by smashing it. When the TV was destroyed, everyone in the crowd cheered in unison. Since they took over Afghanistan, one of their main objectives have been the destruction of all modes of entertainment.

In a recent order, the Taliban regime has banned live music at weddings and has ordered men and women to celebrate in separate halls at weddings. The group had earlier banned music in vehicles.

Recently the Taliban had also ordered the beheading of mannequins used by garment stores. They had said that the mannequins are “sinful idols” and violate Sharia laws, therefore they should be beheaded.

Shashi Tharoor hails Under-19 Badminton Player Tasnim Mir for securing top spot in World Junior Rankings, gets the facts wrong

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Shashi Tharoor hails Under-19 Badminton Player Tasnim Mir for securing top spot in World Junior Rankings, gets the facts wrong

On January 15, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor hailed 16-year-old Tasnim Mir from Mehsana, Gujarat, for securing World No 1 in Junior ranking. In his tweet, he wrote, “Congratulations to 16-year-old Tasnim Mir, daughter of an ASI from Mehsana, Gujarat, the first Under-19 Indian #Badminton player to be ranked World No1 in Junior rankings! Even her idols PV Sindhu & Saina Nehwal didn’t attain that. You have made all Indians proud, Tasnim Mir!”

Source: Twitter

Though Mir’s achievement is noteworthy and deserves to applaud, Shashi Tharoor and many media houses got the facts incorrect or misleading in the matter. Mir is indeed the first under-19 woman to secure World No 1 in Junior ranking, but it has to be noted that she is not the first Indian to do so, as claimed by Shashi Tharoor. The Congress leader claimed that Tasnim Mir is the first under-19 Indian Badminton player to be ranked number 1 in the world junior rankings, which is a completely false claim.

Before Tasnim Mir, three Indian under-19 India badminton players had ranked number 1 in world rankings.

Aditya Joshi secured World no one ranking on 2014

In 2014, then-17-year-old Aditya Joshi secured World No 1 ranking of the World Badminton Federation (WBF). He jumped from 11th position till November ’13 to 1st position in January ’14 by achieving 18,766 points. Joshi was the first Indian to secure the position.

Siril Verma secured World no one ranking in 2016

After Joshi, Siril Verma became the second junior badminton player from India to rank in a single category. Then-16-year-old Verma became the World No 1 in the Junior Men category in 2016. Verma was accused of age fudging four months before he secured the position. He got cleared by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Four months later, he secured the No 1 position.

Lakshya Sen secured World no one ranking in 2017

The third Indian to secure world number 1 ranking in the Junior Men category was Lakshya Sen, who achieved the position in 2017. Lakshya achieved 16,903 points in eight tournaments leading to his achievement as World No 1 in the Junior Men category. His brother Chirag Sen had secured World No 2 ranking prior to Lakshya’s achievement.

However, all three previous top rank holders were boys, and therefore Tasmin Mir is the first girl to achieve the top ranking. But as Shashi Tharoor claimed that she is the first Indian player, not the first woman player, he made a misleading claim in his tweet.

Saina Nehwal never got a chance to secure under-19 ranking

Another point that Tharoor missed was the age factor that made it impossible for Nehwal to secure World No one position in WBF. The organization started World Ranking in the Junior category in 2011. At that time, Nehwal was 21 years old. It was impossible for her to secure the position.

Tharoor was not the only one to make a mistake. Some media houses also published misleading reports about Mir’s achievement.

The Print’s headline was misleading as it did not mention that she secured the top ranking in the Women category.

Source: The Print

Zee News misled about Saina Nehwal in its heading.

Source: Zee News

Hindustan Times report was misleading as crucial info about her securing world no 1 ranking in women category was missing.

Source: Hindustan Times

While there is no denying the fact that Tasnim Mir achievement should be celebrated, it is essential not to miss the achievements of other Indian players out of excitement.

Journalist who had slammed Modi govt alleging slow evacuation after she was rescued from Afghanistan, goes back to Taliban controlled area via Pakistan

Dibakar Dutta
-
0
Journalist who had slammed Modi govt alleging slow evacuation after she was rescued from Afghanistan, goes back to Taliban controlled area via Pakistan

About 5 months after the Indian government rescued her from war-torn Afghanistan, freelance journalist Kanika Gupta has gone back to the Taliban-controlled territory through Pakistan.

In a Facebook post on Thursday (January 13), she informed, “Just arrived in Kabul after spending 10 amazing days crossing through Pakistan. It was a dream come true to experience the highway…The stories and love I shared along the way will stay with me for a lifetime.”

Screengrab of the Facebook post by Kanika Gupta

The freelance journalist had also shared a video on Twitter wherein her car could be seen entering the city of Kabul in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

Screengrab of the tweet

Kanika Gupta has been documenting her journey in Afghanistan ever since she landed in Kabul. On Saturday (January 15), she tweeted, “Afghans line outside a government office as a Talib overlooks the street. Not the right kind of ‘watching over you’.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Kanika Gupta

In another tweet on the same day, she had posted a picture of a ‘Covid-19 conscious Talib’.

Screengrab of the tweet by Kanika Gupta

Kanika Gupta pleaded the Indian government for help during Taliban takeover of Afghanistan

Kanika Gupta, who is apparently roaming the streets of Kabul after having entered the country through the Pakistan border, was in a dire need of help around mid-August after the Taliban captured Kabul. In a tweet on August 15 last year, freelance journalist Kanika Gupta had claimed, “The capital, the beloved Kabul, is starting to crumble. The death of hope is much harder to watch than the death of people.”

She said, “In a women’s security briefing at an office, news came that Taliban have entered city. Panic gripped the room, all the women started crying. It’s over they said.” Kanika Gupta had then expressed hope of a smooth transition of power.

“But there is a lot of panic in the city and the government is not taking any accountability. So, basically, we are on our own,” the freelance journalist had blamed the Modi government.

Screengrab of the tweets

She had even accused the Indian embassy in Kabul, which oversaw the rescue of stranded Indians, of non-cooperation. Kanika Gupta alleged that an Indian man was stuck in the Taliban-controlled territory due to his passport being withheld by his employer. “When he called Indian embassy, they say what can we do if your owner doesn’t want you to leave? Is this happening for real? I am worried for Indians trapped here with no help from government,” Gupta had alleged.

Screengrab of the tweet

When a Twitter user (@mechirubhat) pointed out that Gupta did not even bother to thank the Indian government after she was evacuated from Afghanistan, the journalist claimed that it was the duty of the government to ensure her safety and therefore she does not need to thank the govt.

“Protecting my life in a dangerous country is not a favour. It is their duty. Not to mention the nbr of strings we had to pull to get on that plane. There are still 100s stuck there and fear for their lives. Shame on YOU.”

Screengrab of the tweet

On returning to India, she narrated her harrowing escape from the city of Kabul. “What I saw on the Tarmac when I was about to board the plane, the C-17, was ghastly. There were so many broken slippers, a woman’s dupatta, a child’s broken doll. To only imagine that the child must’ve picked up their doll while on their last run! It was so heartbreaking,” Kanika Gupta told India Today after her successful rescue.

Kanika Gupta returns to Afghanistan, takes restricted route from Pakistan

Earlier this month, Kanika Gupta travelled to the neighbouring country of Pakistan. She visited prominent cities such as Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. She had posted a video of a tea shop in Qissa Khwani bazaar, which is restricted for travel by Indians.

Screengrab of the Instagram post by Kanika Gupta

The matter was first brought to light by Uttarkhand-based Chartered Accountant Alok Bhatt. On Sunday (January 16), he pointed out, “Qissa Khwani is outside the scope for us Indians but not for Kanika — a privileged guest of ISPR that she is, can be seen roaming streets of Peshawar before taking that road to Torkham border – a no go area for ordinary and privileged Indians, alike!”

He further added, “So what if ordinary Indians and ordinary Pakistanis are not crossing Wagah; brazenness is when one not only crosses Wagah during banned visa regime but even manages to travel right up to Torkham via Peshawar – u have got contacts for sure.” Alok Bhatt hinted that ‘freelance journalist’ Kanika Gupta might have connections to the Pakistani Intelligence services and the Army.

He requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to probe the matter and prepare a list of Indian citizens who have been to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in the past 10 years. “This time she will not seek MEA India’s help as she will be under protection of ISI in Afg,” Bhatt took a dig at Kanika Gupta.

He added that she has connections with Pakistani journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan, who has links in ISPR. “Now he is on study leave and also working for Nikkei Asia- same platform that uses Rupa S for propaganda,” Bhatt concluded.

It is interesting to note that Kanika Gupta, who earlier accused the Modi government of not expediting rescue of stranded Indians including herself from Taliban-controlled Kabul, chose to voluntarily return to the war-torn nation through priveleged access of Pakistani deep State.

Private Muslim Fund that promised Sharia-compliant service vanishes after duping Muslims in Bijnor, promoter Md Faizi flees with crores

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Private Muslim Fund that promised Sharia-compliant service vanishes after duping Muslims in Bijnor, promoter Md Faizi flees with crores

Hundreds of Muslims have been duped by a private “bank” that promised to keep their money secure, and the chief suspect has apparently fled to Dubai. According to the authorities, hundreds of locals in the Nagina region of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh have lost money they had placed with ‘Al Faizan Muslim Fund Limited,’ a facility privately held by one Mohammed Faizi for Muslims to keep their money secure as per Sharia rules. 

In Nagina’s Mohalla Lal Sarai, the facility has been operational for five years. Al Faizan Muslim Fund Limited offered Islamic banking services approved as per Sharia. As earning interest on investment is considered haram in Islam, many Muslims opt to invest and deposit their money in such Muslim Fund Banks that offer Sharia compliance financial services.

Faizi, the accused, had hired agents to increase the number of consumers in the villages. Two such agents who used to collect the money have been arrested and are being questioned. According to sources, Faizi may have acquired a fortune of several crores of rupees.

Over 170 police complaints have been made so far and the authorities are investigating the magnitude of the depositors’ losses. According to preliminary inquiries, Mohammed Faizi discreetly sold his residence in Nagina town before fleeing. According to locals, he may have fled to Dubai.

Following the inquiry, Faizi’s other major crime was revealed. Inside the facility, large Bank of Baroda banners were found. The branch included dozens of Bank of Baroda records. A customer care signboard for the Bank of Baroda was also found outside the main edifice. According to neighbours, Faizi has been handling the Bank of Baroda’s customer service centre in this branch for years, while concurrently running the Muslim Fund branch on the same premise. He used to lure thousands of consumers into his Muslim Fund branch and register their accounts.

Even five days after Mohammed Faizi, the owner of Al Faizan Muslim Fund vanished with crores of rupees from the people of Nagina, the police have been unable to find anything. After receiving a search order from the court for the search of the building, the police sprang into action. The facility has been sealed. At the same time, there is a chance that Faizi, the accused, may escape to Turkey. A team conducted an inquiry at the Delhi airport.

Nagina Station House Officer (SHO) Krishna Murari stated, “Faizi and his accomplice have been charged under the relevant sections of the IPC by the police. Two operatives who were collecting money from people were apprehended and investigated.”

Imran Khan offers to send ‘professionals’ to help Afghanistan, ends up offending Afghans who say they already have skilled manpower

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Imran Khan offers to send ‘professionals’ to help Afghanistan, ends up offending Afghans who say they already have skilled manpower

After Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan offered to send manpower and technical assistance to Afghanistan, the Taliban regime has declined the offer. After Afghan citizens and former officials had rejected the offer by Imran Khan, the Taliban rulers also have reacted to the same, saying that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not need cooperation and assistance in this regard.

Deputy of spokesman of the Taliban govt Bilal Karimi said that Afghanistan has a sufficient number of trained and qualified people in the country, and they do not need foreigners from any country for assistance, according to Khaama Press.

On Saturday (January 15), former Afghan President Hamid Karzai (2001-2014) also rebuked the Pakistani government and turned down an offer by Imran Khan dispensation to send manpower and technical assistance to the incumbent Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

In a statement, Karzai stated, “Afghanistan has experienced academics, experts & hundreds of thousands of educated youth, who completed their education at home & abroad…there is no need for foreign manpower.”

“Hamid Karzai welcomes PM Imran Khan’s suggestion over sending foreign manpower in particular Pakistani manpower to Afghanistan but there is no need for such manpower.” the statement issued by the former president said.

Not just the Taliban and the former president, even ordinary Afghans were not happy with Imran Khan’s offer to send assistance, and even mocked him for the same, saying that Pakistan need these helps more. What irked most the Afghan citizens was Imran Khan’s offer to send ‘skilled manpower’, which implies there is a lack of the same in Afghanistan. They rejected this claim and affirmed that the country has enough experienced academics and experts, and they do not need any manpower from Pakistan.

Afghans also praised the Taliban regime for taking a strong stand and rejecting Imran Khan’s offer.

Earlier on Friday (January 14), Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had offered to send money, manpower, and technical assistance to Afghanistan. During a meeting of the Apex Committee on Afghanistan, Khan said, “Pakistan is committed to providing all-out support to the Afghan people to avert a humanitarian crisis.”

He further added, “Explore bilateral cooperation with friendly countries as well to stave off a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by exporting qualified and trained manpower, especially in fields of medical, information technology, finance and accounting.” The meeting was attended by Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Sheikh Rashid, Fawad Hussain and army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Imran Khan had also called for co-operation in various sectors including railways, minerals and pharmaceuticals with Afghanistan. So far, Pakistan had sent 50,000 Metric tonnes of wheat, health supplies, and in-kind humanitarian assistance of PKR 5 billion. It must be mentioned that Pakistan, which is trying to position itself as a friend of Afghanistan in the need of the hour, has been the frontrunner in exacerbating the political turmoil in the country.

Investigations reveal Pakistani support in helping the Taliban to takeover Kabul

In September last year, US defence analyst Sarah Chayes in an interview with CNN explained how Pakistan’s ISI ran a sophisticated campaign for reinstalling the Taliban in power. When asked if the Taliban had cleverly utilised the 20 years time to build its capability and stake its claim to power, Chayes said it wasn’t the terror group but Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI that used its resources cleverly to help topple the US-backed Ashraf Ghani government in Afghanistan.

A documentary released in 2012, almost a decade before the fall of Kabul to resurgent Taliban, shed light on the double-dealing of the entities that identified themselves as the allies of the United States but were covertly working to undermine its mission in Afghanistan. Titled as ‘The Secret War’, the documentary was a culmination of the six-month long investigation carried out by Smith and Stephen Grey and which provided a window into interminably long-drawn-out war the United States had waged against Islamic terror outfits such as Al Qaeda and the Taliban

During the investigation, Smith and Grey found that the American soldiers stationed along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border were unhappy with the latter, for their covert support to the insurgency and terrorism targeted against the United States. One of the US troops, who wished to remain anonymous, confided to the reporters that the ground soldiers manning the border reportedly complained to the seniors about the Pakistani complicity in helping the Talibani and Al Qaeda terrorists cross the border and infiltrate into Afghanistan.

Novak Djokovic to miss Australian Open as he loses appeal against the cancellation of visa, to be deported soon

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Novak Djokovic to miss Australian Open as he loses appeal against the cancellation of visa, to be deported soon

Star tennis player Novak Djokovic has lost his visa appeal in Australia on Sunday 16th January 2022. The judges have rejected his appeal after his visa was cancelled by the government as the player is yet unvaccinated against COVID-19. The government has cited the reasons of public health for cancelling his visa. It was the second time this month that his visa was cancelled. As a result, Novak Djokovic will be deported from Australia soon. Recently, Novak Djokovic’s visa was cancelled by the Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke.

34-year old Novak Djokovic is the defending champion of the upcoming Australian Open Tennis tournament. He had arrived in Australia with the target of winning a record 21st grand slam title of his tennis career. But with this decision by the judges, he will have to wait for the next grand slam competition. He was scheduled to play his first match on Monday. Instead, he will now be deported.

A bench of three judges heard his case on Sunday. Novak Djokovic’s defense unsuccessfully argued saying that the grounds cited by the government of Australia to cancel his visa are invalid and illogical. The chief justice of Australia’s Federal Court, James Allsop has said in the verdict that “The orders of the court are that the amended application be dismissed with costs.”

Novak Djokovic said he was extremely disappointed with the decision but accepted the same. He added that he will co-operate with the relevant authorities in relation to his departure from the country.

Novak Djokovic has been currently kept in an immigration detention centre in Melbourne. The Serbian tennis star is yet unvaccinated. However, his lawyer Nick Wood had argued that his client had not courted anti-vaxxer support and was not associated with the movement. In response to this, government lawyer Stephen Lloyd put some facts in front of the court in regards to Djokovic’s past behavior which reflects his antivaccine tendency. He said, “The fact Djokovic is not vaccinated two years into the pandemic and has repeatedly ignored safety measures — including failing to isolate while Covid-19 positive — is evidence enough of his anti-vaccine views.”

Lloyd further added that “He has now become an icon for the anti-vaccination groups. Rightly or wrongly he is perceived to endorse an anti-vaccination view and his presence here is seen to contribute to that.” Along with the immediate deportation, Djokovic will also have to face a three-year ban from Australia.

‘Useless’: Congress leader opposes construction of Sanskrit University in Karnataka, Islamists and regionalists join in

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Useless’: Congress leader opposes construction of Sanskrit University in Karnataka, Islamists and regionalists join in

After the Karnataka government allotted 100 acres of land for the permanent campus of Karnataka Sanskrit University, Congress leaders and Islamists have started opposing the move. They have been joined by Kannada regionalists, who consider Sanskrit as an alien language.

State Congress Spokesperson A N Nataraja Gowda opposed the construction of the Sanskrit University, calling it ‘Useless’. He was joined by many others on the social media platform, and a hashtag saying ‘SayNotoSanskrit’ was trending on Twitter to oppose the Basavaraj Bommai-led State Government’s move to construct a permanent campus for Karnataka Sanskrit University in Magadi, Ramnagara.

The Karnataka state Congress Secretary and Spokesperson tweeted, “…Instead of boosting tourism sector of this taluk govt is allotting land to useless Sanskrit university.” The move has sparked criticism in Dravidian circles and people have linked the promotion of Sanskrit in the state to alleged Hindi Imposition. Sparked by Dravidian sentiments, the hashtag #SayNotoSanskrit was seen trending on Twitter this afternoon alongside many tweets mentioning #StopHindiImposition.

Members of the Popular Front of India, an extremist Islamic Organization were also seen participating in the trend. PFI Karnataka state President Yasir Hasan while saying that any ‘foreign’ languages will not be tolerated in the land of Basavaraja requested people to resist this act of ‘Sanskrit/Hindi Imposition’. He tweeted, “…Any foreign languages will not be tolerated in the land of Basavanna. Our forefathers have nourished the ethnicity of this land with Kannada. All Kannadigas must come forward to resist Hindi/Sanskrit imposition.”

The criticism seems to have sparked from Kannada regionalists, who consider the promotion of any other language other than Kannada – the state language – as an imposition. Dravidian sentiments alongside the Islamists are also at play to oppose the Government’s move of constructing a full-time campus for the Karnataka Sanskrit University. A Twitter user named Shoib Ilaya, termed the move as ‘Brahmanical enforcement’.

The determined trend soon witnessed widespread criticism from people, many of whom were residents of Karnataka. The foundation of the Sanskrit University campus in Magadi also has historical importance since the town is the birthplace of King Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. The city hosts many large scale temples built by the ruler including the Ranganathaswamy temple and Kalabhairaveshwara temple in nearby Savanadurga.

In an earlier development, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had laid the foundation of the permanent campus of the Karnataka Sanskrit University in Magadi on January 03, 2021. The University which has been operational for the last 10 years since 2010 was working without a permanent campus in Bengaluru due to a shortage of funds. The new campus will be built on a 100-acre land near Magadi at a cost of Rs. 320 crore.

#1YearOfVaccineDrive: Despite vaccine hesitancy and dirty politics India shined in world’s largest vaccination programme

Anurag
-
0
#1YearOfVaccineDrive: Despite vaccine hesitancy and dirty politics India shined in world’s largest vaccination programme

On January 16, 2021, India started its mass vaccination program to immunize its eligible population against the Covid-19 virus. Today, India completed one year of vaccination drive. The country has administered over 150 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccines. In a tweet thread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Today we mark #1YearOfVaccineDrive. I salute each and every individual who is associated with the vaccination drive. Our vaccination programme has added great strength to the fight against COVID-19. It has led to saving lives and thus protecting livelihoods.”

He further appreciated scientists and innovators who worked tirelessly to develop the vaccines. He said, “When the COVID-19 pandemic first struck, we did not know much about the virus. However, our scientists and innovators immersed themselves in developing vaccines. India feels proud that our nation has been able to contribute to fighting the pandemic through vaccines.”

He also thanked doctors, nurses and healthcare workers for their exceptional contribution to the drive. He said, “At the same time, the role of our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers is exceptional. When we see glimpses of people being vaccinated in remote areas, or our healthcare workers taking the vaccines there, our hearts and minds are filled with pride.”

He added, “India’s approach to fighting the pandemic will always remain science based. We are also augmenting health infrastructure to ensure our fellow citizens get the proper care. Let us keep following all COVID-19 related protocols and overcome the pandemic.”

India faced major challenges during the vaccination drive

Despite the speculations and lack of trust that the left-liberal section of Indian society, as well as international media, showed in India’s capabilities, the Covid-19 vaccination program has been far more successful compared to any developed nation across the globe.

India, which houses the second-largest population in the world, faced a massive challenge to immunize over 86 crore people who were eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Starting with healthcare workers and frontline warriors, India’s vaccination drive had a slow but steady start. There were speculations that India would take years to completely immunize the eligible population. Opposition parties and states demanded more control over purchasing and distributing vaccines in their respective states, making it harder for the union government to manage the vaccination drive.

Centralization of vaccination program

The centre did oblige to the demand and gave states more power, but the states went on back foot quickly and finally, on June 7, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and informed that the centre would solely manage the procurement and distribution of the vaccine. From time to time, non-BJP states and opposition parties tried to derail the vaccination program by spreading misinformation and propaganda, but it did not work well. India has now administered doses of the Covid-19 vaccine more than the US, The UK and Europe combined.

As India is now vaccinating children between the ages of 15 and 18 as well, the number of eligible individuals has increased. Also, the government has announced precautionary booster doses for the elderly, healthcare and frontline workers that have increased demand for the Covid-19 vaccine. Despite the challenges and continuous propaganda-driven posts by the likes of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, India is doing extremely well in terms of daily vaccinations.

Overall stats of Covid-19 vaccine in India

According to the data available with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFA), a total of over 1.56 crore (1,56,76,15,454) Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in India. Over 87 crore (87,36,48,806 ) people have got at least one shot of Covid-19 vaccine and over 65 crore (65,57,96,458) people are fully vaccinated. Talking about the eligible children, over three crores (3,38,50,912) have got their first dose of the vaccine. Stats show that 43,19,278 people have got their precautionary dose, out of which over five lakhs were administered in the last 24 hours.

Source: MoHFW

Top five states

Uttar Pradesh is leading the tally with over 22 crores (22,97,35,649) of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the state. Maharashtra is second in the tally, with over 14 crores (14,31,20,557) doses administered. Madhya Pradesh is on the third spot with over 11 crore doses administered, Bihar at fourth with over 10.73 crore doses administered and West Bengal on fifth with 10.69 crore doses administered.

Source: CoWIN

The 100 crores and 150 crore mark

It took India over nine months to administer 100 crore shots of the Covid-19 vaccine. On October 21, it was reported that India completed the 100 crore Covid-19 shots mark. In those nine months, India saw a lot of challenges, saw numerous hurdles in form of misinformation, anti-vaccination propaganda and more. India learned from the challenges and improved its penetration among the masses and as a result, in less than three months, India achieved another milestone of 150 crore vaccines on January 7 2022. As of now, 92 per cent of the eligible population have received at least one shot of the Covid-19 vaccine and over 70 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.

Notable milestones

On September 17, 2021, India administered 2.5 crore Covid-19 vaccines in a single day. The number was almost five times the total population of New Zealand. Notably, New Zealand, which is being seen as a pioneer in Covid-19 management, has not been able to fully vaccinate less than 50 lakh of the eligible population in one year.

As per government data, 12 States and UTs have achieved 100 per cent coverage of the first dose. Twenty-six states have administered the first dose to 90 per cent of their eligible population. Seven states and UTs have fully vaccinated 95 per cent of the eligible population.

Compared to 93 per cent of India’s population being administered the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, Canada stands at 84 per cent, Italy at 82 per cent, France at 79 per cent, the US at 75 per cent and Germany at 74 per cent. Here it is notable that at the beginning of the Covid-19 vaccine drive, the United States stopped the export of essential material to India, which was crucial for Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing.

If we talk about the fully vaccinated population, while India has covered 69 per cent of the total eligible population, Saudi Arabia stands at 66 per cent, the United States and Hong Kong at 62 per cent, Mexico at 56 per cent and Russia at 47 per cent. It is notable that the absolute number of people vaccinated will remain higher compared to any country as India has already fully vaccinated over 65 crore people that is more than double the total population of the US (32.95 crores). The US is the third-largest country in terms of population after China and India.

Vaccination to other countries

India is not only providing the Covid-19 vaccine to its own population but also to other nations under Vaccinate Maitri program. So far, India has provided 11.54 crore doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to 79 nations.

Har Ghar Dastak

To ensure the vaccine reaches the remote corners of the country, India is running the Har Ghar Dastak program, in which the healthcare workers are reaching out to remote villages to administer vaccine doses.

With the help of the Har Ghar Dastak Program, India has increased its 1st dose coverage by 12 per cent and 2nd dose coverage by 29 per cent.

India has truly lived the motto of the vaccine सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः (may we all be free from the disease) in letter and spirit.

1...3,6343,6353,636...7,678Page 3,635 of 7,678