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Gujarat: Namaz offered at Vastrapur lake in Ahmedabad, VHP conducts purification ritual as protest

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Namaz offered at Vastrapur lake in Ahmedabad, VHP conducts purification ritual as protest

Like Gurugram of Haryana, Ahmedabad of Gujarat too has witnessed a trend of namaz at the public place as a video has gone viral of a group of Muslim men and women offering namaz at a lake garden in Vastrapur area of Ahmedabad.

In about a minute and a half long video, one can see some burqa clad women and some men offering the Islamic prayer, namaz, on the garden near the lake in Ahmedabad. The video has been making round on social media since past few days.

On getting this information, over a dozen members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday (November 15) evening performed a purification ritual, sprinkled Ganga jal at the garden and recited the Hanuman Chalisa.

members of VHP carrying rituals of purification of the lake park at Vastrapu following a namaz offered a by a group of Muslim men and women.

Ashok Raval, secretary of Gujarat VHP confirmed purification of the lake park of Ahmedabad was carried by VHP members. Raval said that this was done to create awareness among the masses. VHP said that this was seen that often casual namaz eventually resulted in the claim being staked on that piece of land.

According to media reports officer in charge of Vastrapur police inspector Sandip Khambhla said that no FIR was lodged in this regard and no one has approached the police over the purification carried by the VHP workers.

So far there is no confirmation of the group of people who offered namaz and one who shot it. But some media reports have gone to suggest that might have come to see their kin admitted in a private hospital situated near the lake.

ISRO makes Collision Avoidance Manoeuvre, close conjunction between Chandrayaan 2 and NASA’s LRO avoided

OpIndia Staff
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ISRO makes Collision Avoidance Manoeuvre, close conjunction between Chandrayaan 2 and NASA’s LRO avoided

On October 20, a close conjunction between Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter (CH2O) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) of NASA was expected to take place according to the analyses of both ISRO and NASA. It showed that the radial separation between the two spacecraft would become less than 100 m and the closest approach distance would be 3km.

ISRO has declared that it had to perform a collision avoidance manoeuvre (CAM) in order to avoid a collision with NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) in the month of October.

The statement given by ISRO read, “A very close conjunction between the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter and the LRO was expected to occur on October 20 near the Lunar North pole. Over a span of one week prior to the conjunction, analyses by both Isro and JPL/NASA consistently showed that the radial separation between the spacecraft would be less than 100 m and the closest approach distance would be only about 3 km at the aforementioned time of closest approach,”

The statement said that the agencies considered the situation warranted a collision avoidance manoeuvre (CAM) in order to mitigate the close approach risk adding that it was mutually agreed that CH2O would undergo the CAM. The statement said, “The manoeuvre was scheduled on 18th October 2021, it was designed to ensure a sufficiently large radial separation at the next closest conjunction between the two spacecraft. The CAM was executed nominally at 14:52 UTC (8:22 pm IST), on October 18th.  After orbit determination of CH2O with post-manoeuvre tracking data, it was reconfirmed that there would be no further close conjunctions with LRO in the near future with the achieved orbit.”

The statement further noted that it was common for satellites in Earth’s orbit to perform Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres for the mitigation of collision risks with space objects including space debris and operational spacecraft. It said, “…CH2O, LRO orbit the Moon in a nearly polar orbit and hence, both the spacecraft come close to each other over the Lunar poles. It is common for satellites in Earth Orbit to undergo Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres to mitigate collision risk due to space objects including space debris and operational spacecraft.

Source : ISRO

“ISRO regularly monitors such critical close approaches and execute CAMs for its operational satellites whenever the collision risk is assessed to be critical. However, this is the first time such critically close conjunction was experienced for a space exploration mission of ISRO which necessitated an evasive manoeuvre,” the statement further added.

Biden administration to boycott 2022 Beijing Olympics over human rights abuses, reports suggest

OpIndia Staff
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Biden administration to boycott 2022 Beijing Olympics over human rights abuses, reports suggest

The Biden administration is contemplating diplomatic boycott of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights abuses in China, reports suggest. As per a report by the Washington Post, the US is pegged not to send a delegation to China where the games are just three months away in February 2022. As per the report, while the American athletes will take part in the games, the official delegation of the United States as well as state politicians will not attend the ceremony.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first bilateral virtual meeting where Biden is believed to have raised concerns about China’s practices in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, as well as human rights more broadly.

The decision to boycott the Olympics comes amid the increasing pressure on Biden administration by both, Democrats and Republicans, to convey a message of disapproval to the Chinese government. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had also called for such a boycott as a move to protest against China’s abuses of human rights. A report by Guardian citing sources said that Biden administration is also contemplating informing its partners and allies about the boycott.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stated that Washington and its allies are in “active conversations” about how to approach the Beijing Olympics. Meanwhile, experts have been critical of Biden administration of being late and delaying the boycott of Olympics games. Michael Mazza, an analyst from the American Enterprise Institute, said that a diplomatic boycott will do little about the situation of Uyghur Muslims in China.

However, the White House on Tuesday has declined to comment whether the boycott was planned for the game or not. Earlier it was reported that Xi will be inviting Biden to attend to Olympics games in February personally. However, the issue did not come up during the virtual summit.

Maharashtra govt to seek Salman Khan’s help to fight vaccine hesitancy among Muslim community

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra govt to seek Salman Khan’s help to fight vaccine hesitancy among Muslim community

Maharashtra government has decided to take the help of Bollywood actor Salman Khan in order to encourage vaccination in Muslim dominated areas after the government admitted to vaccine reluctance among the Muslim population.

As per reports, Maharashtra Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that there was hesitancy about taking COVID vaccines and vaccination in Muslim majority areas. He said, ‘There is still some hesitancy in Muslim-dominated areas. We have decided to use Salman Khan and religious leaders to convince the Muslim community to take the vaccine,’ adding, ‘Religious leaders and film actors wield great influence and people listen to them.’

According to Minister Tope, more than 10.25 crore vaccine doses have been administered in Maharashtra, and by November end all eligible persons will receive at least the first dose of the vaccine. He said that while Maharashtra leads in terms of the number of vaccine shots administered, the pace of vaccination is low in some areas.

On the possibility of a third wave of COVID, Tope informed that as per the experts, the pandemic has a seven-month cycle and considering the large-scale vaccination, the next wave would be less severe. He further added that people should follow the COVID safety protocol and get vaccinated.

Vaccine hesitancy among the Muslim community is a well documented phenomenon that public health officials have had serious trouble combating. A survey earlier in the year had indicated that the community was reluctant to get vaccinated.

it’s not just Covid vaccine that is facing resistance among the community. Polio vaccines had received similar reception which made the fight against the disease more difficult.

‘Parody is supposed to be creative’: Delhi HC tells Newslaundry hurting someone’s reputation cannot be allowed under freedom of speech

OpIndia Staff
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‘Parody is supposed to be creative’: Delhi HC tells Newslaundry hurting someone’s reputation cannot be allowed under freedom of speech

The Delhi High Court has slammed Newslaundry, saying that under the guise of freedom of speech, one cannot be allowed to ruin another’s reputation. The Delhi High Court was hearing the suit filed by India Today against Newslaundry, seeking Rs 2 crores damages for copyright infringement and defamation of its anchors, management and employees.

When Newslaundry, in its defense, cited the example of international media houses like CNN and Fox News, which often critique each other, turning comedic at times, the Delhi HC castigated Newslaundry saying: “One cannot be allowed to harm another’s reputation under the garb of freedom of speech. Commenting doesn’t really add to the information. Mockery or parody is supposed to be creative…You have to understand what kind of touch can be done.”

During the proceeding, the counsel representing Newslaundry agreed before the Delhi High Court to take down its video-commentary on the suit filed by TV Today Network against it alleging defamation and copyright infringement.

Senior Advocate Saurabh Kirpal, appearing for Newslaundry, submitted that the digital news portal will only do fair reporting of court proceedings, free from any critique or comments.

The submission came after India Today’s counsel informed the bench that the online portal has been making videos on the suit proceedings. Slamming Newslaundry, Justice Asha Menon, who was presiding over the hearing, said that Newslaundry cannot indulge in “parallel proceedings”.

“Is that happening? This is not fair. No parallel proceedings. You can’t comment on the plaint. This is actually stepping onto Court proceedings”, said Delhi HC.

After watching a video published by Newslaundry commenting on the complaint brought against it by India Today, Justice Menon commented regarding the anchor: “The expression on face of the lady shows how contemptuous the plaint is. Who are you to determine the merits of someone’s plaint? You cannot have all this!”

It may be recalled that on October 26, India Today had sued Newslaundry ‘journalists’ over articles published on the website and has sought damages of Rs. 2 crores and permanent injunctions, Newslaundry ‘journalist’ Ayush Tiwari. India Today had accused Newslaundry of infringing on the former’s copyright by uploading multiple videos. Furthermore, the online news outlet is accused of making defamatory remarks against the Network’s anchors and management.

Today, during the hearing, advocate Hrishikesh Barua, the counsel appearing for India Today, took the bench through two videos, one allegedly defaming the network and another, infringing its copyright. He also took the court through various articles to prove how Newlaundry had made defamatory remarks against India Today’s anchors and management.

Once again defending its action, Newslaundry claimed that it does commentary and voiceover to show the bias of mainstream media.

“India Today’s shoulders are broad to enough to hold this. We can each hold each other accountable. If they cannot take criticism, how can they criticize others? They are criticizing politicians every day,” said Newslaundry counsel, urging the court not to rely on the edited videos filed by TV Today and to take a decision only after watching the whole video.

Having said all this, Newslaundry counsel submitted that he will take down a video with commentary and upload one with only reportage, without any comments.

Pakistan to host ICC Champions Trophy 2025, USA and West Indies to host T20 World Cup 2024: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan to host ICC Champions Trophy 2025, USA and West Indies to host T20 World Cup 2024: Details

ICC has announced the host nations for its men’s limited overs cricket events between 2024 and 2031. Pakistan is set to host the Men’s Champions Trophy in February 2025 while the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be played in USA and West Indies.

2025 Champions Trophy would be the first major tournament to be played in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup which was won by Sri Lanka. The ICC Champions Trophy which was scheduled to be played in Pakistan in 2009 was shifted to England. The tournament was taken out of Pakistan after Australia, England and New Zealand refused to tour Pakistan over security fears months following an attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.

Recently, the New Zealand and England teams had cancelled their tour to Pakistan as well.

India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the T20 World Cup 2026 and Namibia will be the host for the first time with Zimbabwe and South Africa in the 50-over World Cup 2027. Zimbabwe and South Africa had earlier hosted the World Cup in 2003.

Also, the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup will be played in India and Bangladesh.

Watch: Migrants clash with Polish Border forces along the border with Belarus

OpIndia Staff
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Watch: Migrants clash with Polish Border forces along the border with Belarus

Violent clashes have taken place between migrants and Polish border forces along the Poland-Belarus border. Migrants in their desperate attempt to breach Poland border fence were seen pelting stones at the Polish forces.

In another video, the migrants seemed to break their way in with the help of tree trunks as the Polish forces defended the borders with water cannons.

As per sources, Ministry of National Defense of Poland has said that the migrants have attacked Polish soldiers and officers with stones and tried to destroy the Polish border fence in order to get to Poland. The Polish forces have used tear gas against the aggressive migrants to control the situation. Reports said that a Polish border guard was seriously injured after being struck by a projectile.

In one video that was shared on social media earlier in the month, migrants were seen violently bringing down the border wire fencing as the Polish forces blocked their way in.

Notably, one migrant had earlier claimed in a BBC video from that he wanted to go to Germany, and not Poland and said “Germany is life”.

According to reports, around 2,000 migrants were illegally trying to force their way into Poland from Belarus. The middle east migrants still remained at the place between the Poland and the Belarus border with the hope of crossing over into Europe.

Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said “a new type of war in which people are used as human shields” about the situation and Poland was witnessing a “stage play” which was planned to create chaos in the EU.

Pakistan cricket team hoists national flag during practice in Bangladesh, irked Bangladeshi fans demand cancellation of series

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan cricket team hoists national flag during practice in Bangladesh, irked Bangladeshi fans demand cancellation of series

A major controversy has erupted after the Pakistan cricket team hoisted their national flag during a practice session at the Mirpur ground in Bangladesh. The Pakistan team is on a tour to Bangladesh to play three T20Is and two Tests, starting November 19. The move has irked Bangladeshi citizens, who slammed the visitors for their unwarranted gesture.

The irked citizens of Bangladesh have demanded an apology from the team. Bangladesh’s civic society has said that either Pakistan’s cricket team should apologise or the series between the two countries should be cancelled.

The controversy erupted after PCB’s official media handle posted pictures of the practice session where the Pakistani flag was seen planted on the ground where the entire team was training ahead of the matches.

No sooner were the pictures posted on Twitter, the Bangladeshi fans began attacking Pakistan’s cricket team. “Go back Pakistan. Bangladesh should stop the series. Ban any kind of Pakistani flag in Bangladesh,” one user wrote.

Another user wrote: “Different countries have come to #Bangladesh innumerable times, many matches have been played by practicing.But neither party needed to practice burying their national flag on the ground.But why did #Pakistan do that….What does it indicate”.

Reportedly some Bangladesh fans, in a video message expressed their displeasure over the Pakistan team hoisting their flag during the practice sessions at the Mirpur ground in Bangladesh.

Defending their action, Pakistan’s cricket team claimed that this is their pre-match ritual, which was introduced by their coach, Saqlain Mushtaq.

Incidentally, Pakistan’s head coach Saqlain Mushtaq had started this trend of taking the national flag to the training grounds to boost the morale of his cricketers. The former off-spinner did the same during their recent ICC T20 World Cup 2021 campaign in the UAE where they faced an embarrassing defeat in the semi-finals played against Australia. 

Vir Das responds to the viral video, asks everyone to spread love while he spreads subtle hate for India

OpIndia Staff
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Vir Das responds to the viral video, asks everyone to spread love while he spreads subtle hate for India

On November 16, ‘comedian’ Vir Das responded to the allegations that he defamed and spoiled the image of India in the USA. He published the reply on his social media accounts in which he said that a video that he had posted on YouTube was getting a sizeable response. Calling the video satire, he claimed that he wanted to show the dual image of India. He said, “The video is a satire about the duality of two very separate Indias that do different things. Like any nation has light and dark, good and evil within it. None of this is a secret.”

He further added that the video ended in a ‘gigantic patriotic round of applause for a country we all love, believe in, and are proud of’. He claimed that the point he wanted to make in the video was that ‘there is more to our country than the headlines, a deep beauty’.

He urged the people on social media not to get ‘fooled by edited snippets’. He said, “People cheer for India with hope, not hate. People clap for India with respect, not malice. You cannot sell tickets, earn applause, or represent a great people with negativity, only with pride.”

He claimed he takes pride in India and carries that pride across the world. “To me, a room full of people anywhere in the world, giving India an ovation is pure love. I ask of you, the same thing I asked of that audience…to focus on the light, remember our greatness, and spread the love.”

Complaint against Vir Das

Advocate Ashutosh J Dubey, a practising legal solicitor at Bombay High Court and the legal advisor of BJP-Maharashtra, shared a copy of the complaint he filed against the comedian. He accused Das of “defaming and spoiling the image of India in the USA”, which he said “is venomous and inflammatory”. Advocate Dubey accused the ‘comedian’ of willfully spelling inciting and derogatory statements against India, Indian women and the Prime Minister of India in his show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.

In his 7-minute monologue, Vir Das had claimed, “I come from an India where we worship women during the day and gangrape them during the night.” Das used humour to push an anti-India propaganda in his 7-minute monologue. He talked about politics, religion, and nationality, all while instilling fear that India, which was once built by great men, would soon be forgotten. The comedian carefully sandwiched the propaganda material between comic elements and punchlines in his tirade.

SC collegium recommends homosexual son of former Justice for elevation as judge to Delhi HC, has foreign national as partner

OpIndia Staff
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SC collegium recommends homosexual son of former Justice for elevation as judge to Delhi HC, has foreign national as partner

A three-member Supreme Court collegium comprising of CJI NV Ramana, Justices UU Lalit and AM Khanwilkar has recommended the elevation of Saurabh Kirpal as the judge of the Delhi High Court. The SC collegium took the decision on Kirpal’s elevation on November 11, Thursday and sent the recommendation to the law ministry. If appointed, Saurabh Kirpal will be India’s first self-professed gay HC judge.

Prior to this, his name had been recommended for the position in the year 2017, but was deferred at least four times.

The government had protested to his elevation on multiple occasions, citing a conflict of interest because his partner is European and works for the Swiss Embassy.

The government also stated that Kirpal’s partner had previously worked with the Committee of Red Cross, which is headquartered in Switzerland.

After the government rejected Kirpal’s elevation as the High Court judge, citing a conflict of interest because of the nationality of his partner, Kirpal had touted his sexuality as the reason for the decision. In an interview in April, Kirpal said, “the fact that my partner of 20 years is a person of foreign origin is a security risk is such a specious reason that it leaves one to believe that it is not the whole truth. That is why I believe my sexuality is the reason why my candidature has not been considered for elevation as a judge.”

Saurabh Kirpal is the son of Justice BN Kirpal, who was the 31st Chief Justice of India from May 2002 to November 2002. He obtained a B.Sc (Hons) in Physics from St Stephens, Delhi University, before going on to Oxford to study law. Prior to becoming a senior advocate, Saurabh Kirpal worked as a junior lawyer in the chambers of senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi. He is the author of the book ‘Sex and the Supreme Court,’ which talks about law, gender, and sexuality. He has also worked with the United Nations in Geneva briefly.

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