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Islamic Radicalisation and extremism main challenges to peace and security: Here is what PM Modi said at SCO summit

OpIndia Staff
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Islamic Radicalisation and extremism main challenges to peace and security: Here is what PM Modi said at SCO summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 21st meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) today. Leading the Indian delegation, PM Modi addressed the plenary session of the SCO Summit via video link, while External Affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar is representing the country at the meeting being held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The SCO summit is being held in a hybrid format in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, where some participants are attending the meetings physically, while others joined via video links.

PM Modi started his speech by welcoming the latest member of SCO, Iran, and three new dialogue partners, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar. With Iran, the number of full members of SCO has gone up to nine, the existing members are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.

The PM said that the expansion of the SCO shows the growing influence of the organisation, adding that SCO will become more powerful and credible with the inclusion of new members.

Narendra Modi said that the biggest challenges in the region are related to peace, security and trust deficit, and the prime reason behind these problems is growing radicalisation. He added that the recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge even more prominent, and suggested that the SCO should take the initiative to work in this regard.

Saying that the Central Asia region has been a pillar of moderate and progressive cultures and values, PM Modi said that SCO should develop a common template to fight radicalisation and extremism based on this historic foundation of Central Asia. He said that there are moderate, tolerant and inclusive organisations and traditions associated with Islam in India and other SCO countries. He suggested that SCO should work towards developing a network among such institutions.

He praised the useful works done by the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the SCO in this regard. He said that while the fight against radicalisation is important for regional peace and mutual trust, it is crucial for bright futures of the youths.

The Indian prime minister said that to compete with the developed world, the region will have to become a stack holder in emerging technologies. For this, science and rational thinking will have to be encouraged among the youths. He suggested that such innovative spirits can be encouraged by interlinking entrepreneurs and start-ups. With this thinking, the first ever SCO Startup Forum and SCO Young Scientists Conclave was organised in India last year.

PM Modi said that due to radicalisation and lack of security, the economic potential of this vast region remains untapped. He emphasised on connectivity among the member states to realise the full benefits of minerals and intra-SCO trade. Saying that connectivity is the foundation of the prosperity of the region, he said that India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia. ‘We believe that landlocked Central Asian countries can benefit immensely by connecting with India’s vast market,’ he added.

The PM said that unfortunately, several connectivity options are not open for the Central Asian countries at present. He said that any connectivity initiative cannot be a one-way street, connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent & participatory to ensure mutual trust, and should include the respect for territorial integrity of all the countries. SCO should develop appropriate norms for connectivity projects in the region based on these principles, he added.

PM Modi said that only this will restore the traditional connectivity in the region, and connectivity projects will join the nations instead of increasing the distance among them.

Closing his remarks, the PM assured India’s full cooperation in the connectivity projects, and said that his suggestions on radicalisation, connectivity and people-to-people contacts will strengthen the roles of the SCO.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the summit. He also held meetings with his counterparts from Iran, Armenia and Uzbekistan, and exchanged views on the recent developments in Afghanistan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is also attending the meeting via video link. Afghan issue is likely to dominate discussions at the summit, as most SCO members are neighbours of Afghanistan. The leaders of most neighbours of Afghanistan are gathering at Dushanbe for the first time after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, and it is expected that a joint declaration on Afghanistan issues may be issued in the summit.

Aligarh Muslim University releases a ‘comprehensive’ book on their founder, the man who first propagated the two-nation theory

OpIndia Staff
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Aligarh Muslim University releases a ‘comprehensive’ book on their founder, the man who first propagated the two-nation theory

Aligarh Muslim University or the AMU as it is popularly known recently paid tributes to its founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who was also one of the earliest proponents of the divisive two-nation theory that led to India’s partition and the creation of Pakistan on the basis of Islam, by launching a book eulogising him and his work.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) vice-chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor on Thursday released a book glorifying the controversial figure. The book, ‘Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Reason, Religion and Nation’ authored by Professor M Shafey Kidwai is billed as a “comprehensive” account of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s life.

“This book gives a comprehensible, intelligible and lucid narrative on AMU founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s life and his invaluable contribution to the democratic consciousness in India,” Mansoor said during the launch of the book.

Published by Routledge, the book is claimed to have been based on archival research and works of Sir Syed, including his writings, speeches, and addresses.

Besides the vice-chancellor, the event was attended by AMU Registrar Abdul Hamid, IPS; Prof A R Kidwai (Director, UGC HRD Centre), Prof Mohammad Asim Siddiqui (Department of English), Prof Mohammad Sajjad (Department of History), Prof Pitabas Pradhan (Chairman, Department of Mass Communication) and Mr Ajay Bisaria (Department of Hindi). 

Controversial statements made by AMU founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

While the Aligarh Muslim University eulogised its founder, it is worth noting what he stood for and his controversial antecedents. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan had stated that it was the duty of Muslims to be loyal to the British empire. He even called the Revolt of 1857 an act of ‘haramzadgi’. He further asserted that being subjects of the British Empire which was Christian was preferable to being that of Hindus as the former were ‘people of the book’.

And most importantly, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was the first true proponent of the Two-Nation Theory. He had even asserted that it was ‘impossible and inconceivable’ for Hindus and Muslims to coexist peacefully and it was necessary for one to vanquish the other.

Congress trolls abuse journalist Shiv Aroor, call him a ‘p*mp’ for sharing ‘edited’ video of Rahul Gandhi, end up exposing their master further

OpIndia Staff
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Congress trolls abuse journalist Shiv Aroor, call him a ‘p*mp’ for sharing ‘edited’ video of Rahul Gandhi, end up exposing their master further

India Today journalist Shiv Aroor has been the latest victim of online abuse and bullying by the Congress ecosystem after he had shared a video clip of Rahul Gandhi shaming RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for not having women around him.

On Wednesday (September 15), Aroor had posted a 28-second video, originally published by Asianet News, on his Twitter timeline. Congress scion Rahul Gandhi was heard as saying, “You must have seen 3-4 women around the picture of Gandhiji. Did you see any woman with Mohan Bhagwat? Did you see it? It can never ever happen.” He was addressing a large meeting organised by the All India Mahila Congress.

Shiv Aroor’s tweet was also accompanied by a ‘facepalm’ emoji. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera retweeted a longer version of Rahul Gandhi’s speech and insinuated that the India Today journalist had deliberately edited out the longer version of the video clip. “Some of us were perhaps wrong in expecting better from Shiv Aroor,” wrote Khera.

The tweet by the Congress spokesperson, coupled with allegations of ingenuity, invited the wrath of the party’s trolls against the reputed journalist. “One quick question Aroor – Is your father also a thief like you,” asked one Twitter user (hurry808) that had the display picture of Rahul Gandhi.

Screengrab of the tweet

Rahul Gandhi fanboy, Armaan, compared the India Today journalist with a ‘traitor’ and a news broker/trader (Dalal). “Mum calls your Dallal as well? Remember, the future generation will call your kids as traitor’s kid,” the Congress supporter wished,

Screengrab of the tweet

One Gokul Lisha Krishna asked Shiv Aroor when was he doing to join the ruling Bharatiya Janata party.

Following the social media outrage, the noted defence journalist published an extended clip of Rahul Gandhi’s speech. Besides the comparison between Mohan Bhagwat and Mahatma Gandhi in terms of female companionship, he was also heard claiming that the RSS and the BJP are anti-women. “Their organisation subdues/crushes women empowerment. Our organisation gives women a platform. Narendra Modi, RSS did not make any woman their Prime Minister. Only the Congress party did (while referring to his grandmother Indira Gandhi).”

It can be observed that the extended version of Rahul Gandhi’s speech is a mere continuation of his earlier statement. In order to claim that the BJP and RSS are anti-women, the Congress scion first drew a comparison between the incumbent RSS Chief and the deceased Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi. The shorter version of the video, in no way, contradicts his later statement and as such, there was no question of quoting Rahul Gandhi out of context.

Despite being well aware of the facts, the Congress trolls continued to attack Shiv Aroor. Unlike the first time, the reactions were more personal, vile and highly objectionable. Congress supporter Ajay Kamath claimed that Shiv Aroor’s mother was right when she said that she was wrong in expecting better from him. Further commenting on his lineage, one Congress troll wrote, “Not surprising…one have to have a lineage for having such a mindset.”

The online abuse soon escalated to threats of physical harm. One Congress supporter warned, “Kabhi raste peh mil… there ko pata chalega r*ndi ki aulad (Meet me someday on the road. I will show you, your place, son of a prostitute).”

Screengrab of the tweet by Congress troll

Another Congress fanboy wished that Shiv Aroor was killed on the day he was born. “Your family should have killed you the day you were born… Tell your kids you are a pimp,” the man wrote.

Screengrab of the tweet

Faced with a barrage of abusive tweets, the India Today journalist tried to brush off the matter and said that his tweet helped the trolls earn a living. “Boy, has my Timeline paid a lot of salaries in the last 48 hours,” he concluded.

Shiv Aroor was targetted, humiliated and called names, only because he had shared a video clip of Congress scion Rahul Gandhi making baseless remarks. The India Today journalist did not make personal attacks on Gandhi and in fact, did not criticise the Congress leader at all. However, for the Congress trolls, ridicule of their leader that he had brought upon himself, is intolerable and must be compensated for through intimidation of other individuals. Be it the ruling BJP leaders or journalists, none have been spared by the trolls for pointing out the obvious.

Intriguingly, Rahul Gandhi’s comment about Mahatma Gandhi being always chaperoned by women has brought under the spotlight the well known but little-discussed aspect of Gandhi’s life: his experiments with celibacy. Though widely known, this unflattering aspect of Gandhi’s life, which involves shocking experiments undertaken to test his sexual resolve, has meticulously been swept under the rug by his supporters and the Congress party.  But Rahul’s remarks have inevitably brought to light the controversial practices followed by Gandhiji. 

Not only that, Rahul Gandhi was patently lying in the extended video posted by Congress. While claiming that RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is not seen with women, the claim that the organisation does not support women is patently false. RSS has a thriving women’s wing, The Rashtra Sevika Samiti, where several women voluntary join to serve the nation. It is also the RSS that has repeatedly called for the greater role of women in public life.

While Rahul Gandhi blames BJP for not appointing a woman as the Prime Minister, he forgets that it was the Modi government that had 11 women cabinet ministers, the highest in 17 years.

It is clear that Rahul Gandhi is merely repeating tropes that sound like he wants the progress of women, however, he is either not aware of what the government is doing, given that he is often vacationing, or he does not care if his entire political career, whatever little there is, is based on a plethora of lies.

Afghanistan: Taliban stops entry of female employees inside Ministry of Women Affairs

OpIndia Staff
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Afghanistan: Taliban stops entry of female employees inside Ministry of Women Affairs

After making it clear that ‘women can’t be ministers,’ the Taliban has now banned the entry of female employees in the Ministry of Women Affairs in Kabul. Reportedly, ‘only men’ would be allowed to enter the building of the ministry. 

Quoting an employee of the ministry, ANI reported that four women were stopped from entering the building. The women employees now plan to protest near the ministry against the decision of the caretaker Taliban government.

Ministry of Women omitted

The move is unsurprising, as the Jihadi organization last week had announced to replace the Ministry of Women Affairs with the “Ministry of Amr bil Ma’ruf wa Nahy aan al Munkar” (Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice). 

“Women can’t be ministers”

While speaking to TOLO News recently, a Taliban spokesman Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi had made it clear that women cannot be ministers. “It is not necessary for a woman to be in the Cabinet,” he made it clear to the presenter.

“We do not consider them half of the society. What kind of half? The half in itself is misdefined here. Women cannot do the work of Afghan Ministry. It is like you put something on her neck that she can’t carry,” Hashimi asserted. 

‘Taliban had assured an inclusive government’

The Taliban had earlier said that they will give rights to women, but only what is permitted under Sharia law. They promised to form an “inclusive” government in several media statements but quickly backtracked and announced an ‘all-male’ care-taker cabinet including designated global terrorists as ministers on September 07.

‘Women protest to seek inclusion’

Resisting the Taliban’s attempt to oppress women, a large number of women had taken to the streets to protest against the Jihadi organization. However, mocking their attempt to find a place in the government as well as the society, Hashimi had said, “The female protesters do not represent all women of Afghanistan, (they) give birth to children and (should) educate them on Islamic ethics.”

With the Taliban taking over Afghanistan, women have been mandated to wear hijabs, students have been asked to wear only Islamic dresses, classrooms have been gender-segregated and women have been barred from moving out of the house without a male companion.

World Bank discontinues ‘Doing Business’ Report after investigation reveals connivance of top executives in boosting China’s rankings

OpIndia Staff
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World Bank discontinues ‘Doing Business’ Report after investigation reveals connivance of top executives in boosting China’s rankings

The World Bank on Thursday confirmed that it will be discontinuing the ‘Doing Business’ report used to assess investment climate in countries after data irregularities were found in 2018 and 2020.

In August 2020, the World Bank had halted the publication of the ‘Doing Business’ report following a number of irregularities reported related to changes in the data.

As per the official statement released by the World Bank, the decision was taken after an assessment of all information available on Doing Business, including the findings of past reviews, audits, and the report. The Bank found that the rankings were rigged, with its staff members awarding some countries with favourable rankings in lieu of helping the Bank. 

The investigative report on data Irregularities in Doing Business 2018 and Doing Business 2020 cited the role of International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and her advisor to deviously improve the rankings of China.

“The changes to China’s data in Doing Business 2018 appear to be the product of two distinct types of pressure applied by bank leadership on the Doing Business team,” the World Bank report said. 

The report said “pressure” applied by CEO Georgieva and her advisor, Mr Djankov, to make specific changes to China’s data points in an effort to increase its ranking at precisely the same time the country was expected to play a key role in the bank’s capital increase campaign.

However, Georgieva disputed the findings of the investigative report, which found that in her previous job at the World Bank, she pressed staff to alter a report to avoid attracting China’s ire.

“I disagree fundamentally with the findings and interpretations of the Investigation of Data Irregularities as it relates to my role in the World Bank’s Doing Business report of 2018,” she said in a statement.

At the same time, the investigation also found that changes in Saudi Arabia’s and UAE’s data in Doing Business Report 2020 was likely the outcome of efforts by a senior Bank staff member to “achieve a desired outcome and reward Saudi Arabia for the crucial role it played in the Bank community, including its significant and ongoing RAS projects”. 

After the irregularities raised ethical matters involving former bank staff and board officials, The World Bank said it would work on a new approach to review countries’ business and investment climate.

World Bank report susceptible to manipulation: WSJ Report

Earlier last year, after the World Bank had put a halt to its “Ease of Doing Business” Ranking report, the Wall Street Journal reported that the reason could be because the report was susceptible to manipulation.

According to the report, the data of four countries – China, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia – could have been inappropriately altered. It is pertinent to note that all 4 countries that were under scanner ranked higher than India in the report released in 2019 Ease of Doing Business Rankings by the World Bank.

The WSJ report quoted World Bank officials saying, “It is beginning a systematic review of the data, launching an independent audit of the process, and that it would correct the data”. 

The World Bank has reportedly said that the reports that were released in October 2017 and October 2019 could have been affected with these data manipulations and that owing to the audit, the report that was set to release in October 2020 would be delayed.

NCPCR approaches Delhi HC, seeks removal of AltNews co-founder Zubair’s Tweet doxxing a minor

OpIndia Staff
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NCPCR approaches Delhi HC, seeks removal of AltNews co-founder Zubair’s Tweet doxxing a minor

After Twitter refused to take down a post by AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair that had revealed the identity of a minor girl, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has now knocked on the doors of the Delhi High Court. 

Seeking removal of the Tweet, NCPCR stated that Zubair’s Tweet is in violation of various laws. It also alleged, “Twitter is not cooperating with the law enforcement agencies and is not following the law of the land by not taking action against the said impugned post.”

Here’s what happened. 

Zubair doxxes minor girl

On August 7, 2020, Mohammed Zubair indulged in an online spat with one Twitter user Jagdish Singh. However, instead of replying to the user directly, Zubair had brazenly referred to a minor girl seen in the profile picture of the user Jagdish Singh, identifying her as his granddaughter, and using her identity to substantiate his argument against Singh

After Zubair had highlighted the identity of the minor girl in the photo, Islamists had started to issue rape threats to the girl.

NCPCR files complaint

Taking cognizance of a matter, the NCPCR on August 08, 2020, had asked Twitter India and the law enforcement officials to take appropriate action against it. 

An FIR was filed under POCSO and relevant acts for “stalking of a minor girl on Twitter” naming Zubair and his supporters who had hurled a barrage of abuses at the child following the Tweet.

“Even his followers have started posting indecent and disgraceful comments on the minor girl’s picture,” read a letter by NCPCR.

NCPCR issued summon to Twitter India

NCPCR had also issued a summon to the senior manager policy of Twitter India to personally appear after it found Twitter India’s reply in AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair’s case unsatisfactory. 

Delhi Police filed a case against Twitter

In June this year, Delhi Police Cyber Cell registered a case against Twitter for allowing content promoting child abuse on their platform. Reportedly, the case of Zubair doxxing the minor was also mentioned in the complaint. 

The complaint further mentioned that Twitter Communication India Pvt. Ltd. and Twitter Inc. kept washing their hands from the case and alleged that their counterpart is responsible to act on the complaint.

NCPCR files affidavit

In July this year, NCPCR had filed an affidavit in the case, stating that the commission had written to Twitter and Delhi Police in July this year regarding Zubair’s tweet and asked them about follow-up action.

The Delhi Police responded by saying that it had filed a plea under IPC Section 175 before the Patiala House Court on February 17 against Twitter for not providing the sought information despite repeated reminders. The police had particularly sought action against Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and its then managing director (India operation) Manish Maheshwari.

However, Twitter replied to the commission saying that the image of the child in the post was blurred and hence declined to take down the post after the review. 

‘Deshmukh asked me to collect money from bars, collected Rs 40 crores from 10 DCPs for transfer’: Sachin Vaze’s statement to ED

OpIndia Staff
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‘Deshmukh asked me to collect money from bars, collected Rs 40 crores from 10 DCPs for transfer’: Sachin Vaze’s statement to ED

Trouble seems to be mounting for former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh who is now in hiding. In an explosive revelation, the tainted cop Sachin Vaze in a statement to the Enforcement Directorate has (ED) revealed that Deshmukh had asked him to collect money from bar and hotel owners.

He also alleged that the former minister used to give instructions in high-profile investigations. Further, naming transport minister Anil Parab, Vaze accused the two ministers of collecting Rs 40 crore from ten deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) for allowing their transfer orders by the former CP Parambir Singh, as per a report in HT.

‘Deshmukh and Parab were not happy with transfers’

Vaze who recorded his statement on June 19 at Taloja jail said that Deshmukh and Parab were not happy with Singh’s order regarding transfer and postings of the 10 DCPs and had got the order reversed, as per a report in the New Indian Express. “After 3-4 days, I came to know that after some adjustments and consideration of money, the said order was issued,” Vaze alleged. 

“I came to know that a total sum of Rs 40 crore was collected from the police officers listed in the said order and out of which Rs 20 crore each was given to Anil Deshmukh, through Sanjeev Palande, the PS to Home Minister and to Anil Parab through one Bajrang Karmate, an RTO Officer,” read Vaze’s statement further. 

‘We will do good cases’

Vaze further told ED that he met Deshmukh on June 16, 2020, at the state guest house Sahyadri where the former home minister told him that together “they will do good cases”.

Following that meeting, Deshmukh started calling Vaze frequently to take updates on various cases directly and at times for personal work such as arranging vehicles. 

‘From TRP case to Vasooli’

Vaze in his statement has listed three ‘good’ cases for which he received instructions from Vaze. 

TRP rigging case

Vaze accused Deskhmukh of giving “instructions” for the TRP rigging case where some TV channels were accused of manipulating TRP to claim an inflated viewership.

Abetment to suicide case

Reportedly, Vaze was given instructions by Deshmukh in the abetment to suicide case regarding the death of architect Anvay Naik in which journalist Arnab Goswami was arrested. The closed 2018 case was opened and Arnab was arrested from his house, despite having no direct links with the architect. The Supreme Court had stayed the proceedings against Arnab Goswami later. 

Vaze ‘the encounter specialist’ had personally led Arnab Goswami’s probe shortly after being reinstated by Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh. Prior to this Vaze was facing suspension for 16 years on murder charges in a 2003 custodial death case. 

‘Vasooli’ from bars and restaurants

Revealing further, Vaze revealed that he was called for a meeting in October 2020, at Deshmukh’s residence “Dyneshwari” where the NCP leader handed over a list of 1,750 bars and restaurants. Vaze was instructed to collect Rs 3 lakh each from these establishments for granting various favours and permits.

This amount was handed over to Deshmukh’s aides Palande and Shinde. The minister had received approximately Rs 4.70 crore which was routed to the Shri Sai Shikshan Sanstha Trust, managed by the Deshmukh family. 

Vaze named in ED chargesheet

Vaze has been named as an accused by the ED in its prosecution complaint filed in connection with bribery and money laundering case. 

Vaze’s statements are a part of this charge sheet filed by the ED recently against Deshmukh’s personal secretary Sanjeev Palande and personal assistant Kundan Shinde in an alleged money laundering case.

13 others named in the charge sheet include a trust and other companies linked to Deshmukh and his family including two of his staffers, Kundan Shinde and Sanjeev Palande, who were arrested in June.

Vaze is currently lodged in Taloja jail in connection with the Antilia bomb-scare case and the subsequent murder of Thane businessman Mansukh Hiran.

Kuch khaas hai zindagi main: Watch the 2021 version of the iconic Cadbury ad

OpIndia Staff
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Kuch khaas hai zindagi main: Watch the 2021 version of the iconic Cadbury ad

Everyone remembers the iconic Cadbury ad where during a cricket match, when a player hits the ball out of the park, a young woman, eating Cadbury runs to the field and dances her heart out in celebration. The unbridled joy and rapture visible in the woman dancing, oblivious to thousands watching her from the stands and the cops chasing her, struck a chord with the entire nation that still watches every cricket match with as much enthusiasm.

The ad that was released in 1993-1994.

Now, Cadbury has released a 2021 version of the iconic ad, the jingle of which has been stuck in the hearts and minds of every adult who grew up in the 90s.

The 2021 version of the ad:

The new ad features a tectonic shift.

While the old ad showed a lady rejoicing at the victory of a male cricket player, the new ad features a man dancing when a woman cricket player hits the ball out of the park.

Telangana: KCR govt announces quota for BCs, SCs and STs in the opening of liquor shops

OpIndia Staff
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Telangana: KCR govt announces quota for BCs, SCs and STs in the opening of liquor shops

The KCR government in Telangana has decided to extend caste-based quotas in permission to set up liquor shops in the state. As per reports, the TRS-ruled state cabinet has approved a decision to extend reservations to the Backward Castes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribe communities in the state for the opening of liquor shops.

As per reports, the decision was approved by the cabinet meeting chaired by CM K Chandrasekhara Rao at the Pragathi Bhavan, Hyderabad. The excise department has stated that they also intend to provide concessions on license fees and application fees to the SC and ST communities.

The KCR government had earlier announced that to boost entrepreneurs among the backward castes, it will provide reservations in tender and auction of liquor shops.

As per a report in TOI, the Telangana government earns over 25,000 crores annually in revenues from liquor licenses and sales alone. The liquor outlets were categorised into 4 slabs till 2019 and after that, it was divided into 6 slabs. There are expectations that the license fees will see a 15% to 40% hike in the coming months. The application fees, that is now at Rs 2 lakhs, is expected to rise too.

As per the decision, starting from the upcoming revenue year, that is November 1, 15% reservation will be given to the Backward Castes (Gowda community), 10% for the SCs and 5% to STs in permissions granted to open liquor shops in the state.

As per a report in Deccan Chronicle, at present, there are 2,216 licensed liquor shops in the state. The government plans to increase the number of shops by at least 226. Under the new reservation policy for licenses, the reserved categories can take around 50 shops.

The cabinet also approved additional funds for road repair and directed the health department to speed up the construction of new medical colleges so as to start classes from the 2022-23 academic year. It asked officials to increase the production of medical oxygen from 280 metric tonnes to 550 metric tonnes. Directions were given to concerned departments to keep sufficient beds and medical equipment ready to face the situation if there is a spike in Covid cases among children as the schools in the state have reopened since September 1.

Telangana Congress chief calls Shashi Tharoor ‘useless donkey’ in a viral audio, later apologises: Here is what had happened

OpIndia Staff
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Telangana Congress chief calls Shashi Tharoor ‘useless donkey’ in a viral audio, later apologises: Here is what had happened

On Thursday (September 16), Telangana Congress chief Revanth Reddy sparked a controversy after he was heard comparing fellow party MP Shashi Tharoor with a ‘donkey’.

In a leaked audio clip that has now gone viral on social media, Reddy had remarked, “Shashi Tharoor! The donkey (gadha) must know whats’ happening here. Knows a few words in English… Language is not knowledge but a communicative skill. Speaking a few words in English will not change anything… I think of him as a donkey. Both of their attitudes are similar…He is useless…Must be expelled from the party.” The contentious audio clip was shared on Twitter by TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) leader Krishank Manne.

Congress, TRS bats for Shashi Tharoor

TRS working president KT Rama Rao informed that Shashi Tharoor had recently praised him and the work of the KCR-led-Telangana government, which had drawn the ire of the Telangana Congress chief. “As the chairman of the IT standing committee, Shashi Tharoor Ji had paid some compliments to the efforts of the Govt of Telangana recently. His colleague in parliament & PCC Cheap calls him a Donkey!! This is what happens when you have a 3rd rate criminal/thug leading the party,” he added.

Screengrab of the tweet by KT Rama Rao

Congress veteran leader Manish Tewari sought a public apology from Revanth Reddy. While hailing Shashi Tharoor as a ‘valued colleague,’ Tewari surmised, “It would have better if you would have spoken to him if you had some misgivings about a purported statement of his. Grace and propriety demand you withdraw your words.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Manish Tewari

Telangana Congress chief withdraws remarks, Kerala MP accepts apology

Following the controversy, the Telengana COngress Chief took to Twitter to express his regret over his objectionable comments about the Thiruvananthapuram MP. He tweeted, “I spoke to Shashi Tharoor to convey that I hereby withdraw the remarks and reiterate that I hold my senior colleague in the highest regard. I regret any hurt that may have been caused to him by my words. We share our faith in the values and policies of the Congress Party.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Revanth Reddy

He also added that his goal and that of Shashi Tharoor wants Congress to form a government in Telangana with the help of the Congress party.

Screengrab of the tweet by Revanth Reddy

Later, Shashi Tharoor informed that Revanth Reddy had made a ‘gracious’ phone call to apologise for his comments. “I accept his expression of regret & am happy to put this unfortunate episode behind us. We must work together to strengthen
Congress in Telangana & across the country,” he added.

Screengrab of the tweets by Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor had recently heaped praises on the Telangana government for its work in the Information Technology (IT) sector during his visit to Hyderabad last week. “I was in Hyderabad leading the Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology and my comments were confined to appreciating the government’s work in the information technology sector,” he concluded.

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