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Shiv Sena MP claims no action against ‘Sulli Deals’ app: Govt says FIR filed before Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote letter, app taken down

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Shiv Sena MP claims no action against ‘Sulli Deals’ app: Govt says FIR filed before Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote letter, app taken down

On Monday (September 6), Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi fired off a letter to the Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology alleging inaction against the contentious ‘Sulli Deals’ app. It must be mentioned that the app made headlines in July after it had put pictures of Muslim women for an online auction.

While addressing IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chaturvedi claimed that the Ministry did not take any action against the perpetrators. “It is disheartening to see that no written reply or action has been taken as of now despite the sensitivity of the issue. I request you to kindly look into this matter as these incidents yet again lay bare the protection and safety of women, especially in cyber-space. I look forward to stringent action in this regard,” the Shiv Sena MP alleged.

Screengrab of the letter by Priyanka Chaturvedi.

It must be mentioned that Priyanka Chaturvedi had earlier written to Minister for Electronics and Information Technology on July 30 raising concerns about the ‘Sulli Deals’ app and women’s safety in cyberspace. In a tweet, she claimed that her recent letter was a ‘reminder’ to the Vaishnaw to take action against the creators of the contentious app.

No action taken against Sulli Deals? Here is what the government said

While Priyanka Chaturvedi claimed that no action had been taken against Sulli Deals app, the truth could be far from it. A day after the app came to light, the Delhi police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the unidentified creators for using images of Muslim women without their consent and putting them up for auction.

Sources involved in the investigation of the case said, “Action in the matter was taken two months ago in July even before the MP wrote a letter in August. The government had already taken action against this website and both the app as well as the YouTube channel had been blocked”.

The source further said, “Delhi Police special cell filed an FIR on July 7 against unknown persons terminating the YouTube channel, and another FIR was filed on July 9 before the MP wrote the letter to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw”.

It is also pertinent to note that the IT rules enacted by the government already has a provision to deal with such apps. In the press release issued by the government on the 25th of February, the IT rules made provisions to deal with apps and information that compromise the dignity of women.

Govt issued IT rules

The rule says that intermediaries shall remove access to the information or app within 24 hours of the receipt of complaint of contents that exposes private areas of individuals, show such individuals in full or partial nudity or in sexual act etc. The rule also provided to take down information that contained morphed images of women.

While it was believed initially that the app was made by Hindus lusting over Muslim women, an account with the username ‘sullidealsXpose’ had alleged that the creator of the app is a Muslim man by the name of Javed Alam. The ‘expose’ account claimed that he studied at the GLA University in Mathura and was working with Accenture. It also claimed to have found three of his phone numbers. After the allegations came to light, Shalabh Mani Tripathi, adviser to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, took cognisance of the matter and said that the matter is being further investigated to nab whoever was responsible for the app.

VVIP culture: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh’s convoy to his farmhouse blocks traffic for commoners on the highway

OpIndia Staff
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VVIP culture: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh’s convoy to his farmhouse blocks traffic for commoners on the highway

On September 6, a video was shared on Twitter depicting the VVIP culture and its impacts on commoners. Shared by Journalist Man Aman Singh Chhina, the undated video shows a man identified as Sumeet Gill shooting the traffic jam caused by the convoy of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh.

Chinna wrote, “VIP woes of Punjab. Traffic stopped on Baddi-New Chandigarh highway to let Capt Amarinder’s convoy get to his farmhouse nearby where he stays. The harassed person who filmed this traffic blockade this evening @TheSumeetGill
says he had to wait for 35 minutes on the road!”

The story behind the video

What appears to be the case, there is a farmhouse on Baddi-New Chandigarh Highway where Captain Amarinder Singh stays. As there is a turn on the Highway that leads to his farmhouse on the left side and the convoy was supposed to be coming from the right side of the road, the Police blocked the left side to give a “clear way” to the convoy.

The traffic was stopped for over 35 minutes that irked Sumeet, who started filming the incident. He was heard saying, “This is Siswa-Baddi Highway, and this is the traffic jam caused by Capt Amarinder Singh (he shows the long line of vehicles waiting for the roadblock to get cleared). Because this is right there, you can see a turn where CM is coming. This is what it is.” He was then asked by a police officer to move away from the road, to which he said in Punjab, “Yes, I am getting away from the road. I am on the side of the road. So police officer has asked me to stay on the side. I am on the side. You can see the road.”

He continued, “This is the situation. Our CM will come to ask for votes like a beggar. But today, look how many people are suffering because of him. What bloody hell do they want? If his Pakistani guests come, a similar thing happens. See, he is coming. Look at that (points out at the convoy taking the turn to the farmhouse). Only because of him we are standing here for an hour. Now I will make this video viral.”

Quoting Chhina’s post, Sumeet said, “Plus threatened by Police Inspector Simranjeet Singh.”

The ‘Pakistani guest’ of Capt Amarinder Singh

Not many people know that a Pakistani friend of Capt Amarinder is a regular at his Chandigarh house. Aroosa Alam shares a close relationship with him and had also attended his swearing-in ceremony in 2017. She was also present at the launch of Captain Amarinder Singh’s biography ‘The People’s Maharaja’ in February 2020.

The duo has manifestly been low-key about their lesser-known ‘affair’ and has often shied away from talking about it in public. Notably, Alam is a former Pakistani defence journalist and was known in Pakistani circles for having close ties with the military establishment. Alam is the daughter of Akleen Akhtar, also known as the famous General Rani, a socialite who was described by the Pakistani media as the “muse and mistress” of Pakistani leader Yahya Khan.

“My relationship is a sensitive issue even back home, I am a Muslim woman, and you know how people back home think,” said Aroosa in February 2018 when she was in Chandigarh.

Reaction from the netizens

Several netizens commented under the video that they have faced a similar situation due to CM’s convoy. Another Twitter user wrote “I waited for 45 minutes at Lake road for the same issue a few months back. Tabh bhi Capt sahab ne aana tha. (Even then Capt was coming).”

Suni Issar said, “I used to work in Chennai when this used to be done for Jayalalitha. Waiting for these so-called VIP’s is very frustrating and throws all schedules out of gear.” Freesoulsimi also shared her experience from Chennai. She said, “I remember one such incident from Chennai… left office at 6 pm only to reach home by 11.30 pm!!! I literally hate this VIP – inconvenience to the general public – culture.”

Puneet Naagar said, “He came from the airport today, this drama happened at the IISER light point as well, where a traffic police ASI held the traffic in the rain for CMs welcome.”

Mayur Said, “This happened a few weeks ago when Capt Amarinder visited Gurjeet Aujla and the entry to Guru Amardass Avenue in Amritsar was blocked with an army of police force.”

Sumeet, in a comment, said that he was detained by the Police for 15-20 minutes. In another reply, he said that it had become a regular scene in the region.

Source: Twitter

This is not the first time Punjab CM is being accused of indulging in VIP culture. In June 2021, five Cabinet ministers have expressed stern disapproval of Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s decision of tweaking the rules to provide government jobs to sons of party MLAs during a cabinet meeting. Reports suggest that the ministers questioned the appointment of the sons of party MLAs and the unusual relaxation allowed to accommodate them. The case pertains to the appointment of sons of legislators Fateh Jung Bajwa and Rakesh Pandey as Inspector and Naib Tehsildar, respectively, on compassionate grounds by altering rules.

Taliban wants to join CPEC too, Pakistan says it is a good sign

OpIndia Staff
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Taliban wants to join CPEC too, Pakistan says it is a good sign

After gaining rapid control over Afghanistan, the Taliban has now shown interest to be a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid on Monday reportedly said that they “desire” to join China’s ambitious ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.

Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed who sees CPEC as an economic lifeline said, “It is good if Taliban’s views about China are similar to that of Pakistan.”

“Pakistan is proud of its friendship with China and if Taliban hold similar views, then it’s encouraging,” he said, sounding positive over Taliban’s affinity towards China. 

Just like Pakistan, the Taliban is now looking up to China to rebuild the country ravaged by the 20 years of war. On Saturday, the radical organization had described China as their “most important partner”.

The Taliban is hopeful that Beijing will play a crucial role to rebuild the country and exploit its rich copper deposits to save it from mass hunger and economic collapse. 

China concerned over the instability

The Taliban is affirmative and exhilarated at the thought of China gaining economic and infrastructure control of the region. However, Beijing is deeply concerned over the instability with the fall of the government in Afghanistan, as per reports.

On Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a telephonic conversation with his Pakistani and Iranian counterpart expressed that a government in the war-ravaged country should be established as soon as possible. 

The trio stressed the need for an ‘ intra-Afghan dialogue’ to establish peace in the country. The foreign ministers of Iran and China agreed that there is a need to form an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of all tribes and groups.

While the takeover of the Taliban has presented opportunities for China to make political and economic advancements, the threat of instability looming over Central Asia has got the CCP in a fix. 

Moreover, China which is already dealing with Uygur militants of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) at the Afghanistan border, fears a spillover of the movement in the heavily Muslim northwestern region of Xinjiang. 

Is BBC responsible for the death of Afghan Resistance leader Fahim Dashty? Here is what we know

OpIndia Staff
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Is BBC responsible for the death of Afghan Resistance leader Fahim Dashty? Here is what we know

On September 5, the Taliban, with support from Pakistani forces, initiated an attack on the Panjshir area of Afghanistan in which Fahim Dashty, spokesperson, National Resistance Front (NRF), was killed. The top commander of the front, General Sahib Abdul Wadood, was also killed in the attack. It is being seen as a major blow to the NRF chief Ahmed Masood as both of them were close and trusted to him. There are speculations making rounds on social media platforms that Fahim’s location may have been leaked due to a mistake of BBC.

People are blaming the BBC for leaking the satellite number of Fahim, which could have been traced by the Taliban, resulting in the drone attack on Panjshir. As per reports, Fahim was giving an interview to the BBC when the screen suddenly stopped showing the video on Fahim and flashed a satellite number which is believed to be of Fahim’s. Zalmai Nishat, a policy expert, tweeted that while he was watching Fahim’s interview on BBC Persia, the connection was cut, and his satellite mobile number was flashed on the screen.

Institute for World Affairs & Security said, “Fahim Dashty was interviewed by BBC. Network issue led to loss of connection, Fahim’s satellite phone number appeared on screen. Did the drone that killed him trace him using this no.? Is BBC responsible? Fahim-Afghan journalist fighting for his home against Taliban in Panjshir.”

It is being alleged that the number was used to trace Fahim leading to the deadly attack. People are blaming BBC for the mistake and Fahim’s death.

Notably, Fahim had said during the interview that NRF had no intentions to form a government with the Taliban. He made it clear that NRF fighters would lay down their lives for the future of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, people are angry on BBC. A Twitter user, Sumi wrote, “This is a serious war crime, and the BBC should be charged for this.” Another user Allabtme alleged that BBC deliberately did this.

Screenshot of tweets where people blaming BBC for the death of Faheem

Panjshir is facing a tense situation due to the ongoing war between the Taliban and NRF. While the Taliban has claimed that Panjshir has fallen, NRF denied the claims and said its fighters are stationed at every strategic place in the region.

Update

The BBC has issued a statement over the matter. In its statement, the BBC said, “There are false allegations that the BBC broadcast a number which identified the location of Fahim Dashty during a live interview. This is not true. His interview was conducted via zoom and connected to the studio through a BBC satellite.”

“We take the safety of our contributors very seriously,” it added.

‘Cash for criminals’: San Francisco to launch scheme to provide 300$/month allowance for not shooting people

OpIndia Staff
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‘Cash for criminals’: San Francisco to launch scheme to provide 300$/month allowance for not shooting people

San Francisco’s latest monthly allowance scheme offers 300$ per month to select group of criminals or future criminals for not resorting to shooting. The No Shooting Allowance project is being financed by the San Francisco’s Dream Keeper Fellowship which will give away gift cards to 10 chosen candidates most likely to engage in gun violence if they stay away from gun crime.

According to the New York Post, the scheme is connected to the Mayor’s two year plan of investing 120 million dollars in the city’s black community and would supposedly be run on tax payers’ money also funded by private donations and a possible federal grant. A possible expansion to 75 people a year is expected.

The plan of reducing violence through a monthly allowance is based on a pilot project that was implemented in Richmond California in 2016 which supposedly had reduced violence according to the officials. However, the Richmond project came under fire when Dawaun Rice, a 22-year-old member of the scheme, got sentenced for 40 years for murdering two people, that included a 17-year-old boy, in two separate shootings while still being part of the program. According to a 2016 interview with KGO, Yolanda Ficklin-Prothro, the mother of one Rice’s victims said, “You didn’t take their guns. You were giving them money to buy more guns.” 

Rev. Eugene Rivers III, a founder of the Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies, called the San Francisco scheme a “policy gimmick” and a “terrible idea.” He also said “For many young people, it will be Christmas in … October”.

However, San Francisco Mayor London Breed maintained that the scheme was not meant to give cash to criminals. “We’re looking at ways in which we can provide incentives,” Breed told KPIX. “Incentives to keep them motivated, to keep them searching for a better opportunity is what this program is about,” he added.

The program’s pilot will be launched in October and will be called ‘Dream Keeper Fellowship’.

Sri Lankan Navy seizes 336 kg of heroin from a trawler, 7 Pakistani nationals apprehended: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Sri Lankan Navy seizes 336 kg of heroin from a trawler, 7 Pakistani nationals apprehended: Details

The Sri Lankan Navy seized 336 kilogram of heroin from a trawler in an operation in Male and brought the haul back to Colombo, IANS has reported. The seized heroine is believed to be worth Rs. 3.1 billion. Seven Pakistan nationals were apprehended in the operation.

The vessel was reportedly acting as a multi-day fishing trawler and was transporting drugs to other boats. Further investigation into the matter is currently underway. The operation was carried out by the Sri Lankan Navy with assistance from the Police and other intelligence services from the country.

Defence Secretary General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, were reportedly present at the Colombo Harbour to inspect the narcotics haul where it was brought after the seizure.

According to report, a few days prior, Sri Lanka Navy Intelligence and State Intelligence Service carried out a similar operation based on information received from a coordinated intelligence operation. That operation resulted in the seizure of 290kg and 200g stock of heroin and led to the apprehension of 5 suspects and vessel used for smuggling.

The recent operation was based on the information received earlier. Subsequently, SLNS Samudura intercepted the foreign vessel. Authorities in Sri Lanka suspect that the vessel was meant to be stationed in international waters with the objective of smuggling narcotics into the country.

In December last year, Sri Lankan authorities seized Rs 2.5 billion worth of drugs which originated from Gwadar port in Pakistan. Four people were arrested for transporting heroin and crystal methamphetamine to Sri Lankan boats from the Pak Dhow that had set off from China-controlled Gwadar port of Pakistan.

Kashmir Police shares videos of last rituals of Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s mortal remains, claims of dead body wrapped in Pakistani flag debunked

OpIndia Staff
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Kashmir Police shares videos of last rituals of Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s mortal remains, claims of dead body wrapped in Pakistani flag debunked

Kashmir Police on Monday shared videos of cleansing rituals of mortal remains of Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani who passed away on 1st September, 2021, Wednesday.

Ghusal/Ghusl is an Arabic term for ritual bath mandatory for seven causes of Islam including death.

Ghusl is often referred to as ‘full ablution’ as against ‘partial ablution’ of wudu, which Muslims perform after ‘lesser impurities’ like urination, defecation, flatulence, deep sleep, and light bleeding.

According to Islam, Ghusl is mandatory for seven causes and ghusl for each of these causes have different names.

  • Ghusl Janabat is performed after sexual intercourse or ejaculation.
  • Ghusl Hayd is performed following menstruation.
  • Ghusl Nifas is performed after vaginal discharge after childbirth
  • Ghusl Mayyit is performed on a mortal remains of a Muslim.

In some denominations, two further categories obligate ghusl:

  • Ghusl Istihada is for irregular bleeding (in women).
  • Ghusl Mas-hil Mayyit is obligatory if one directly touches a dead body.
  • If one takes a vow or oath to perform ghusl then also it becomes obligatory to perform it.

Kashmir Police also shared video of the wrapping up of the dead body of SAS Geelani in a shroud.

Sharing of these videos puts to rest the Pakistani propaganda that the Geelani’s body was wrapped in Pakistan flag.

But as seen above, his shroud was white and not Pakistan flag.

Kashmir Police also shared the video of funeral prayer held for Geelani, where one can see a lot of people attending the Janaza.

Following Geelani’s death, Jammu and Kashmir police rushed to his residence to facilitate the separatist’s burial at the wee hours of the morning. They were met with resistance and the family alleged that the cops tried to snatch the deceased’s body. The family members also accused the police personnel of forcibly barging into the house and burying Geelani’s body. However, as can be seen above, there were quite a few people who attended the funeral prayers for Geelani.

Former England cricketer Nick Compton dons Michael Vaughan’s hat, jibes at Virat Kohli fall flat as India win versus England

OpIndia Staff
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Former England cricketer Nick Compton dons Michael Vaughan’s hat, jibes at Virat Kohli fall flat as India win versus England

Former England cricketer Nick Compton did a Michael Vaughan during the 4th match between India versus England. Compton decided to engage in light banter with Indian fans, believing that the match would end in a draw. However, the England batting line-up collapsed on the 5th and final day and India managed to clinch the win.

Nick Compton said on Sunday, “Can’t see this being anything other than a draw! India’s bowling apart from Bumrah will struggle. If only Ashwin was playing… oh Kohli it’s good to have independent thinkers in your team”.

Source: Twitter

He followed it up on Monday saying, “Where have all my Indian Kohli loving fans gone?” By the start of play on 5th Day, Compton felt confident enough to assert, “Big day for England – a flat wicket and no Ashwin. Lovely opportunity for a record run chase!”

The banter with Indian fans backfired on him as England went on to lose the match in the last session of the 4th match. As India’s win appeared certain, Indian fans returned the favour with interest.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has built a reputation for himself of getting predictions wrong with remarkable frequency. In a recent tiff with Indian fans, the former cricketer had blamed the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium at Ahmedabad after India beat England.

‘Aham Brahmasmi’: Actor Pratik Gandhi plays two diverse characters in his upcoming film Raavan Leela

OpIndia Staff
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‘Aham Brahmasmi’: Actor Pratik Gandhi plays two diverse characters in his upcoming film Raavan Leela

Actor Pratik Gandhi has taken to his social media handles to apprise viewers about his new upcoming film ‘Raavan Leela’, the trailer of which is supposed to be out on September 9, 2021. Gandhi will be seen portraying the role of Raavan in the movie that is slated to release in theatres on October 11.

The actor, who rose to fame with his role of Harshad Mehta in the web series ‘Scam 1992’, today shared the intriguing teaser of the movie through his official social media handles with a caption: “Not every film gives you an opportunity to live two diverse cheracters at a time. #RaavanLeela (Bhavai) is a story that allowed me to explore that and much more. I cannot wait for you all to witness this in theaters on Oct 1. Trailer out on Sept 9″.

The teaser of the film shows the actor delivering a powerful and intense monologue dressed up as Raavan on the stage of a Ram Leela performance. The actor, in his impactful voice, introduces himself (Raavan) as ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ [a term that is used in Hindu philosophy to describe the unity of the Atman (individual self or soul) with Brahman (the Absolute)], amidst the classic Raavan laughter.

The film stars Pratik Gandhi along with actor Aindrita Ray in the lead roles. The film also stars actor Ankur Bhatia, Abhimanyu Singh, Rajesh Sharma, Ankur Vikal, Rajendra Gupta, Gopal Singh, Flora Saini, Anil Rastogi, Krishna Bisht and Bhagyashree Mote.

The film, directed by Hardik Gajjar, is planned to hit theatres on October 1, 2021.

Arunachal Pradesh MLAs to stop migration from border areas with China, constitute a forum

OpIndia Staff
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Arunachal Pradesh MLAs to stop migration from border areas with China, constitute a forum

MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh united to constitute a forum in order to stop people migrating from the border areas. The newly formed forum “Indo-China Border Development Legislators of Arunachal Pradesh” is aimed at devising plans and strategies to develop the backward areas along the Indo-China border region.

MLAs from the constituencies of the border region met at Itanagar on Saturday to discuss the problem of migration from the backward areas along the Indo-China border and suggest a developmental framework to mitigate the problem.

Assembly Speaker Passang Dorjee Sona ,who was named as the Chairman of the forum, said, “The border residents lack basic amenities and they tend to migrate to urban areas for a better life. The only way we can check their migration is by giving them opportunities through development initiatives.” Sona is a representative from the Mechuka constituency.

In the past, the local residents living near the border, were India’s first line of defense, and reported Chinese infraction to the security forces. However, recent years have seen a stable influx of people from the border areas to Itanagar in search of jobs while the border region itself remains underdeveloped.

The MLAs from the border constituencies through the forum recognize the urgent need to stop or reverse this influx of people from the border areas and hence avoid further isolation of the area which might trigger Chinese infiltration. The forum also acknowledges that the guidelines of the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) hinders any move to develop the region. The forum also seek to modify the guidelines of the BADP besides suggesting an improvised method of funds allocation, blockwise utilisation certification by abolishing the practice of collective submission.

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