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NIA questions Urban Naxal Gautam Navlakha over links with ISI agent Ghulam Nabi Fai, had attended event along with journalist Harinder Baweja, others

OpIndia Staff
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NIA questions Urban Naxal Gautam Navlakha over links with ISI agent Ghulam Nabi Fai, had attended event along with journalist Harinder Baweja, others

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has questioned the Urban Naxal Gautam Navlakha over his close links with notorious criminal and the ISI’s pointsman in the United States – Ghulam Nabi Fai, who has been forefront at pushing for terrorism and independence of Kashmir, reports Hindustan Times.

Urban Naxal Gautam Navlakha, who is currently under National Investigation Agency custody in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence case, was grilled by the NIA over his links with Pakistan establishment, who have pushing anti-India sentiments and terror in Kashmir.

Citing a 2011 affidavit of US Attorney Neil H MacBride, the NIA questioned Gautam Navlakha regarding his meeting with higher-level officers of Pakistan’s spy agency ISI, which was facilitated by none other than Fai himself.

According to US attorney Neil MacBride, Fai works as a front for Pakistani intelligence and promotes ISI’s propaganda on Kashmir. Fai had admitted that he was receiving funds from the government of Pakistan.

The NIA is also investigating Gautam Navlakha’s frequent visits to the United States to attend anti-India seminars on Kashmir organized by Ghulam Nabi Fai’s Kashmiri American Council (KAC). Fai’s organization – ‘Kashmiri American Council (KAC)’ is funded by Pakistani Spy Agency, ISI to deliberately tilt USA’s policy regarding Kashmir against India.

According to NIA officials, the agency has also learnt that Navlakha had stood in support of Ghulam Nabi Fai and wrote to FBI supporting him after his arrest. Navlakha had suggested that the US authorities had magnified the crime that “Fai Sahib” committed and went on to suggest that Fai may have been set up by US authorities at the behest of India.

Harinder Baweja, Ved Bhasin, Justice Sachar accompanied Gautam Navlakha

Not just Gautam Navlakha, Justice (Retd) Rajinder Sachar, Hindustan Times ‘Journalist’ Harinder Baweja, Ved Bhasin – the Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Times had all participated in Kashmiri American Council’s conference in 2010.

The conferences organised by Ghulam Nabi Fai had a very obvious anti-India slant and journalists, intellectuals from India often helped portrayed India as an oppressive occupying force in Kashmir.

A resolution adopted at one of its conference organized in 2010 which was attended by Indian intellectuals, including Gautam Navlakha, Harinder Baweja had said that the participants “unanimously” expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and implored the Indian government to withdraw the Army from civilian areas. It also demanded an impartial commission investigate “Killings” in a transparent manner.

Who is Ghulam Nabi Fai?

Ghulam Nabi Fai, a notorious criminal and the ISI’s pointsman in the United States, who was convicted for working in the United States for Pakistani intelligence network Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to lobby for Kashmiri independence.

Fai, who was arrested in July 2011 from Virginia for concealing the transfer of $3.5 million from the ISI to fund his lobbying efforts, was sent to 24 months of a prison sentence in March 2012.

Ghulam Nabi Fai, who is known to be the public face of the anti-India Kashmiri lobby in the United States, has organised high-profile events to lobby against the Indian government on the issue of Kashmir. Fai, who was born Kashmir was charged with using at least $4 million in Pakistani funds in a bid to influence the US position on the issue Kashmir.

He was accused of recruiting people to act as donors who would give money to his propaganda activities but was really was coming from the Pakistani government. Reportedly, the money for many of Fai’s activities came from the ISI. The Pakistani government was paying him $500,000 to $700,000 a year.

Reportedly, after his release in 2013 for his “cooperation” with US officials, Fai went underground for couple of years. Following his release, he has now restarted his dirty tricks and has tried to activate his anti-India lobbying. He is now the secretary-general of the Washington-based World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKAF).

Shiv Sena initiated the alliance with Congress in Maharashtra to keep BJP out of power: Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat

OpIndia Staff
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Shiv Sena initiated the alliance with Congress in Maharashtra to keep BJP out of power: Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat

Spilling the beans about how Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance moulded into existence, senior Congress leader and Maharashtra Cabinet minister Balasaheb Thorat revealed in an interview that it was Shiv Sena which made the first overture of forming a coalition government in the state with ideologically disparate political parties of NCP and Congress.

“Sena took the first step in initiating the alliance between the parties. Congress is an ideological party, we were not sure if Sena would come along or not. So they took the initiative for keeping the BJP away from the government,” Balasaheb Thorat said.

Shiv Sena has historically supported Congress: Thorat

Thorat also claimed that interim President Sonia Gandhi wasn’t particularly inclined to have an alliance with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra but when the likelihood of another BJP regime in the state was weighed against the coalition government between the two parties, it came to the fore that the Shiv Sena party has historically aligned with the Congress party’s decisions.

“Sonia Gandhi was not sure about the alliance with Shiv Sena but when viewed with the possibility of another BJP government in Maharashtra and weighed against the alliance between Congress and Shiv Sena, what difference can it make. In this regard, it is worth noting that Shiv Sena has always backed the decisions taken by Congress. It backed Indira Gandhi. In 1980, Shiv Sena supported the Congress in the elections and then chief minister A.R. Antulay. Shiv Sena also backed Congress candidate Pratibha Patil for the post of President of India and later Pranab Mukherjee,” Thorat said.

Rahul Gandhi spreads fake news about Shramik trains, claims govt made profits while in reality there were losses of Rs 1,700 crores

OpIndia Staff
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Rahul Gandhi spreads fake news about Shramik trains, claims govt made profits while in reality there were losses of Rs 1,700 crores

On Saturday, armed with fake news, Rahul Gandhi launched an attack against the Modi government over the issue of special Shramik trains and accused the government of earning huge profits from running these trains that were meant to ferry migrant labourers back to their home states amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

Taking to Twitter, Rahul Gandhi shared a Hindi news report with a misleading headline, which read, “Railways makes huge earning through Shramik Trains”, to insinuate that the Modi government had even extracted profit from running these special trains to ferry back the migrants.

The report shared by Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Railways had received revenue of Rs 428 crores by ferrying stranded migrant workers home during the coronavirus lockdown. The report also added that the Indian Railways had ferried nearly 63 lakh migrant workers home since May 1, generating revenue of Rs 428 crore.

“The ‘cloud’ of the disease has arrived, people are in trouble, the anti-poor government is earning by taking benefits – by converting disaster into profit,” tweeted Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi, unable to differentiate between revenue and profit, went on to mislead the public by stating that Modi government had earned profits from Shramik train services during a crisis and attempted to paint a picture that the government was insensitive and inhumane.

Rahul Gandhi spreads fake news: Did Railways earn profit from running Shramik trains?

Contrary to the claims of Rahul Gandhi that the Indian Railways earned huge profits by running special Shramik trains, the Railways has spent Rs 2,142 crore on running Shramik Special trains but earned a revenue of just Rs 429 crore. Rahul Gandhi, in his tweet, had spread fake news claiming that the Indian Railways earned a profit of Rs 429 while failing to realise that the amount was ‘revenue earned’ and not profit.

According to the official data, the Railways have incurred a loss of nearly Rs 1,700 crores after it ran Shramik trains to ferry back the stranded migrant labours from various parts of the country.

According to the information received through an RTI application, the Railways has only earned Rs 428 crore till June 29 and ran 4,615 Shramik trains.

The national transporter shared information regarding its expenditure, which shows that it spent Rs 3,400 per passenger the Shramik Special trains, which amounts to Rs 2,142 crore for around 63 lakh migrant workers transported in total. The Railways managed to recover only 15 per cent of the cost of operations from states and the rest 85 per cent was borne by the ministry.

The Gujarat government has alone paid Rs 102 crore to the Railways for ferrying more than 15 lakh stranded migrant workers to their home in 1,027 Shramik Special trains during the coronavirus lockdown. After Gujarat, Maharashtra paid Rs 85 crore to Railways for transporting 12 lakh workers in 844 trains. Tamil Nadu, followed to Western states, paid Rs 34 crore to ferry around four lakh migrant workers to their home states in 271 trains.

However, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a hurry to target the Modi government, seems to have failed to differentiate between ‘revenue’ and ‘profit’ and instead tried to peddle misinformation to the public regarding the Shramik trains. By doing so, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have scored another self-goal.

Following suo motu contempt notice by SC, Twitter withholds tweets of Prashant Bhushan where he tarnished image of CJI Bobde

OpIndia Staff
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Following suo motu contempt notice by SC, Twitter withholds tweets of Prashant Bhushan where he tarnished image of CJI Bobde

On Saturday, the microblogging website, Twitter, has reportedly withheld two contentious tweets by advocate Prashant Bhushan wherein he cast aspersions about the Indian Judiciary. This comes at the backdrop of a suo motu contempt notice by the apex Court against Bhushan and Twitter Inc. Earlier, an advocate Mahek Maheshwari had also filed a petition seeking contempt action against the two.

As per reports, a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, comprising of Justices Arun Mishra, BR Gavai, and Krishna Murari noted that the said tweets brought ‘disrepute’ to the ‘administration of justice.’ The Court has further asked the advocate to explain whether the tweets are ‘contemptuous’ in nature. As per Twitter policies, a tweet is usually withheld in response to a legal action or an order from a competent court in any country.

Advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Twitter Inc. in the apex court, informed that a tweet is deleted only after a Court order and clarified that ‘withholding tweets’ did not imply ‘deletion of tweets’. Reportedly, when a Court takes suo motu cognizance of a subject as ‘contemptuous’, it is deemed that the matter is liable for contempt even if none is prosecuted by the end of the trial. As per Bar and Bench, by withholding the tweets, the social media giant has kept its options open – either to delete or restore them, post the final verdict in the case.

Interestingly, the contentious tweets that have now been withheld by Twitter after Contempt proceedings against Prashant Bhushan were hailed by Yogendra Yadav. Tweeting the screenshots of the two tweets against CJI SA Bobde.

Contempt proceedings against Prashant Bhushan over defamatory tweets

Earlier, the Supreme Court of India took Suo Moto against Prashant Bhushan’s reckless behaviour on social media and initiated contempt of Court case against him and Twitter India. The apex court issued a show-cause notice to the senior advocate asking him to explain why actions should not be taken against him on contempt of court charges.

The court has also asked Attorney General KK Venugopal to assist the court, in the case, and a notice for the same has been issued to the AG. A three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra heard the suo moto case against Prashant Bhushan. The court stated that the case been filed against Prashant Bhushan for his tweet on last 4 CJIs, and another tweet on CJI riding a bike.

SC to hear 2010 contempt case against Prashant Bhushan: All you need to know about what he had said in his interview to Tehelka

Dibakar Dutta
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SC to hear 2010 contempt case against Prashant Bhushan: All you need to know about what he had said in his interview to Tehelka

On Friday, the Supreme Court reportedly fixed the hearing of a decade-old contempt case against advocate Prashant Bhushan on August 4. The apex court also refused to make his father Shanti Bhushan, a party in the court proceeding.

In an interview with the Soma Chowdhury of Tehelka in September 2009, Prashant Bhushan had insinuated that Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia had committed ‘judicial impropriety’ by being a part of the forest Bench that heard the Niyamgiri Mining lease in Orissa and ruled in favour of Vedanta subsidiary Sterlite industries. Reportedly, the contempt plea was moved by Harish Salve, who helped the court as ‘amicus curiae.’

Bhushan had alleged that Justice Kapadia had a conflict of interest in the case as he owned shares of Sterlite. The Judge while acknowledging the fact that he had shares in the said company had clarified that he had revealed about the same at the very onset and that either party had no problem with it. Prashant Bhushan had implied then that a judge cannot hear cases where he had a conflict of interest and that Justice Kapadia had bypassed it.

He had said, “In my view, out of the last 16 to 17 Chief Justices, half have been corrupt. I can’t prove this, though we had evidence against Punchhi, Anand, and Sabharwal on the basis of which we sought their impeachment”.” The advocate had alleged that it was difficult to prove charges of corruption against judges in the higher judiciary and claimed, “This is also for the reason that no investigation is allowed into charges of corruption against the higher judiciary. There is no disciplinary authority which can inquire into or take action against judges who have been charged with corruption any other kind of misconduct.”

Criminal Contempt petition against Prashant Bhushan in 2009 (Photo Credits: Supreme Court of India’s website)

Shanti Bhushan comes in defence of his son

When contempt proceedings were initiated against his son, former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan had come to the rescue of his son. Reportedly, he had submitted a list of 6 ‘definitely honest’, and 8 ‘definitely court’ CJIs in a sealed cover to the apex court. He, however, couldn’t confirm anything on two remaining Chief Justices. Shanti Bhushan had also offered to go to jail, if his son was found guilty of contempt.

Shanti Bhushan appealed to the Court that it was difficult for him to fight the case over video conferencing and requested the case to be deferred for a few more weeks. He said, “I find it very hard to address the court through video conferencing. This matter has waited for 10 years. It can wait for a few more weeks until physical court hearing resumes.” However, the request was turned down.

The Court noted that Shanti Bhushan was ‘too much senior’ to join as a party in the case. “It’s a suo moto contempt petition. We are not impleading you,” the Court reiterated. The apex court remarked that while Shanti Bhushan was willing to go to jail on behalf of his son, out of his love an affection, it could not undermine the responsibility towards the law.

Rajeev Dhavan seeks more time

Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for Prashant Bhushan, informed the apex Court that the case records could not be produced in court as they were located in Kasauli. He urged the Court to provide adequate time to prepare for the case. Dhavan also questioned the role of advocate Harish Salve in the case as he was not ‘officially’ appointed as amicus curiae.

The Supreme Court remarked that Rajeev Dhavan will be provided time ‘as per his satisfaction’. Kapil Sibal, representing molestation accused and former editor of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal, conceded that the case can wait for ‘more time’, since it had already been shelved for 10 years. ““This is not a matter where something impending is going to happen, unlike any demolition matter,” Sibal said. The Court observed that the case hearing will not be deferred as Justice Mishra is set to retire in September. The Court fixed the date of hearing on August 4 and said, “Through the virtual court, we are hearing all matters, including constitution bench cases. We will hear you all patiently.”

Contempt case against Prashant Bhushan over his tweets

Earlier, the Supreme Court of India took Suo Moto against Prashant Bhushan’s reckless behaviour on social media and initiated contempt of Court case against him and Twitter India. The apex court issued a show-cause notice to the senior advocate asking him to explain why actions should not be taken against him on contempt of court charges.

The court has also asked Attorney General KK Venugopal to assist the court, in the case, and a notice for the same has been issued to the AG. A three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra heard the suo moto case against Prashant Bhushan. The court stated that the case been filed against Prashant Bhushan for his tweet on last 4 CJIs, and another tweet on CJI riding a bike.

Rattled by Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Mandir, AAP leader Syed Asad Abbas hurls sexist abuses at BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma

OpIndia Staff
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Rattled by Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Mandir, AAP leader Syed Asad Abbas hurls sexist abuses at BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma

The Bhoomi Pujan of the Bhavya Ram Mandir set to be built in Ayodhya seems to have rattled several people. In a similar display of contempt, AAP leader and TV panellist Dr Syed Asad Abbas lost his cool and ended up hurling sexist abuses at BJP national spokesperson Nupur Sharma on live TV. Syed Asad Abbas had fought elections on an AAP ticket in the year 2018.

Republic TV was holding a debate on the 24th of July 2020 discussing the rejection of the petition by Allahabad High Court filed by Congress supporter Saket Gokhale. Gokhale had in his petition seeking a stay on the ‘Bhumi Pujan’ ceremony of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya on August 5 saying that during the Coronavirus pandemic, it would be a violation of ‘Unlock 2’ guidelines. On Friday, the Allahabad High Court quashed the plea filed by Congress supporter Saket Gokhale observing that the entire petition was filed on the basis of assumptions.

While debating the issue, Dr Syed Asad Abbas, who is an Aam Aadmi Party leader but is touted as a ‘political analyst’ on television lost him cool and resorted to hurling sexist abuses at BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

He first alleged that the BJP was using Lord Ram to ‘appease the majority’. Interestingly, the Ram Mandir is being built after a Supreme Court verdict and hence, the panellists wondered if Dr Abbas was alleging that the Supreme Court was appeasing Hindus by delivering the verdict.

Further, when Nupur Sharma, BJP spokesperson countered him on his comment “Ram Naam Japna Paraya Maal Apna”, Dr Abbas lost all semblance of decency and started hurling abuses.

He went on to say that the had a problem with “you RSS, you goons, you rowdies”. He further said that people like Nupur Sharma were “nothing other than Rakhi Sawant of Prime Time”. As if that was not enough, Dr Abbas went on to tell Nupur Sharma, “Aunty ji, go join an Ekta Kapoor serial” and then, proceeded to call her an “Ekta Kapoor Vamp”.

Several people on the debate took exception to the rants of Dr Syed Asad Abbas. While Arnab Goswami condemned the use of abuses instead of responding to the issue at hand, other panellists like Touseef Ahmed Khan also condemned the conduct of Dr Abbas.

Nupur Sharma took to Twitter to say that she was considering legal action against Dr Syed Asad Abbas for questioning her character on live TV.

Further, Nupur Sharma said, “I’ve come to realise just how sexist, badly brought-up & hateful these ignorant opposition panelists are. But thats why they are losers”.

Apart from abusing Nupur Sharma, Dr Abbas made several other bizarre statements. While he went on abusing BJP and other panellists, he told panellist Shantanu Gupta that while “you people” divide, “we will multiply”.

Ram Mandir Bhoomi Puja all set for 5th August

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely visit Ayodhya for Bhumi Pujan of Shri Ram Mandir on August 5. The ceremony will be graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath among several other invitees. However, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has not yet confirmed his visit.

Reportedly, an estimated 100-150 guests will be allowed at the said event. The foundation laying ceremony will mark the beginning of the construction of the grand temple that is expected to take about 3 years to complete. Kameshwar Chaupal who serves as a trustee of the Ram Temple Trust informed that they are expecting the Prime Minister’s arrival in the temple town of August 5. He added that all government standard operating procedures (SOPs) with respect to safety against coronavirus will be ensured during the Bhumi Pujan.

As per the report, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) are organising meetings to promote the ‘Shubhaaram‘ (commencement) of the Ram temple construction under the leadership of RSS joint General Secretary Krishna Gopal. Chaupal stated that a ‘Rashtra Mandir’ (Temple of the nation) will reflect the national spirit and the Hindu consciousness. 

Congress supporter Saket Gokhale says RSS workers protested outside his house, RSS denies involvement, says it is his publicity stunt

OpIndia Staff
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Congress supporter Saket Gokhale says RSS workers protested outside his house, RSS denies involvement, says it is his publicity stunt

After the Allahabad High Court rejected his petition to stop Bhoomi Pujan for Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, Congress supporter and Rahul Gandhi’s aide Saket Gokhale tried a new drama today. Few hours after the High Court order came, Gokhale claimed that RSS was targeting him, but soon it was proved to be a lie.

Today evening, Saket Gokhale tweeted a video from his Twitter handle, claiming that RSS workers were chanting Jai Sri Ram outside his house. He also claimed that they had threatened his mother. He tagged Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh and Thane Police requesting ‘urgent assistance’.

Although around 7-8 people are heard chanting Jai Sri Ram in the video taken from several floors above the building, they were not in familiar RSS uniform, nor were they holding any banners of flags to identify them with any organisation. Moreover, those people were on the ground, while Saket Gokhale seems to be living in a floor several floors above the ground, so it is not clear how would they threaten his mother.

Later Saket Gokhale informed that police have registered an FIR on the matter after his complaint. He also informed that he has been provided protection by Thane Police. According to reports, a police team visited his home, and a case was being filed against those who protested outside his house.

After his tweet, several people on social media questioned his claims, asking how did he know that they are RSS workers. Some people said that they are his neighbours, and they don’t belong to RSS. To clarify the matter, we contacted RSS office bearers.

OpIndia talked to Jeetendra Jore, RSS official in Thane district. Dismissing the allegations made by Saket Gokhale, he said that RSS has nothing to do with the incident. He said that at present RSS workers are busy with volunteering for Coronavirus, and they have no time to get involved with such a person who issues threats and gets scared himself on Twitter.

Jeetendra said that they don’t even have time at present to even focus on such matters. ‘Who is Saket Gokhale, we don’t know. May be he wants some publicity by taking the name of Sangh, may God give him the wisdom to do noble things,’ he said.

Read: “Somebody had to do it, then why not me”, account of a ‘liquidator of Corona’ participating in Coronavirus screening conducted by RSS and ABVP

It is ironical that Saket Gokhale keeps criticising Hinduism and Hindutva, keeps threatening RSS and BJP. He keeps saying about fighting against RSS and BJP, but when half a dozen youths from his neighborhood chant Jai Sri Ram, he got so scared that he immediately sought assistance from police and the state home minister, and takes police protection.

It may be noted that those people outside Saket’s Mira Road house were only protesting against him by chanting slogans, a basic democratic right in a democracy. But in Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress ruled Maharashtra, an FIR was registered just for this, because the complaint was filed by a well-known Congress supporter.

While the Congress supporter is busy maligning RSS, the organisation is running a massive operation to combat Coronavirus in his state, the state worst hit by the Chinese virus, apart from other states on the country. During the pandemic, lakhs of Swayamsevaks are giving their services in the fight against the disease. Apart from distributing foods to those who have lost livelihood due to the lockdown, RSS and its affiliate organisations are also conducting screening for Coronavirus symptoms. Several Swayamsevaks have even got infected with COVID-19 while volunteering.

Papad may not sell more, but India sold more spices thanks to Coronavirus

OpIndia Staff
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Papad may not sell more, but India sold more spices thanks to Coronavirus

In a video that had gone viral on social media platforms today, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was seen launching a ‘papad’ brand and claiming that it contains some ingredients that help develop antibodies against the new coronavirus pathogen.

Little did the union minister know that by making this claim he was exposing himself to a litany of insults. Many took to the micro-blogging site to poke fun at the minister for the claims made by him. The liberal ecosystem was quick to jump at the opportunity. The honorary member of this gang, Prashant Bhushan, used this as an excuse to mock the BJP government and also take a dig at Baba Ramdev, who was recently in news for his ayurvedic medicine, Coronil.

Sahil Tripathi, associated with far-left website ‘The Caravan’ and Mint, was also quick in mocking the minister. He wrote that “Oxford and Astra Zeneca should give up their meaningless trials for vaccine which may or may not work as India has already found the answer”.

The outbreak of the Wuhan Coronavirus, the likes of which the world has not witnessed in decades, has been spreading at an alarming speed, infecting millions across the world. India has also been witnessing a steep surge in numbers. While accurate medical treatment is yet to be discovered to deal with this pathogen, people in India are looking at alternative treatments to boost their immunity.

Export of India spices rise as people resort to them to help build immunity to fight coronavirus

While we are not sure about the claims made by the union minister, as it may or may not be true, but this is for sure that the demand for Indian spices have gone up considerably, not only in India but throughout the world, as people are using these spices to strengthen their immunity, which might help them keep away from infection.

According to reports, there has been a huge rise in the exports of Indian spices like pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, nutmeg, spice oils, which are particularly proving to be beneficial as it provides the required anti-oxidants and supplements to our body. It has been reported that the exports of these spices have risen by almost 34 per cent in the month of June.

Spices used to make Papad have been proven to have many heath benefits

While we are not endorsing the union minister’s claims, Papad, which is a very common accompaniment with Indian meals, is made by combining many Indian spices, which have multiple health benefits.

For example, black peppercorn, also known as the king of spices, has loads of health benefits and it is used generously in preparing papads. This versatile spice is high in antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps detox the body. Similarly, turmeric, which is also an important ingredient used for making papads and almost every other Indian dish has been touted as a superfood that can fight dangerous diseases like cancer, ease depression, and many more. Likewise, red chilly is a rich source in vitamin C that helps in supporting the immune system and combat chronic diseases. There are also very powerful antioxidants.

If you have a healthy immune system, your body can safeguard you from any disease, even the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. While as of now, there is neither any vaccine available nor proven home remedy to protect you from the COVID-19, these natural food items which provide your body with the necessary supplements which could enhance the immune system and in turn, fight the infectious disease along with any other infection and disease.

16 years after not letting his mortal remains enter its headquarters, Congress suddenly wakes up to ‘pay tribute’ to P V Narasimha Rao

OpIndia Staff
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16 years after not letting his mortal remains enter its headquarters, Congress suddenly wakes up to ‘pay tribute’ to P V Narasimha Rao

After almost 16 years, the Congress party, which did not shy away from humiliating the former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao even in his death by not allowing his mortal remains to enter its headquarters, has suddenly decided to co-opt the forgotten leader in what appears as an attempt to turn their declining political fortunes.

Former Prime Minister and senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh sang praises to PV Narasimha Rao, addressing him as “father of economic reforms in India”. While speaking at the inaugural session of birth centenary celebrations of PV Narsimha Rao, former PM Singh hailed him as “great son of the soil” who had the vision and courage of ushering the country into the era of economic reforms. Singh had served as the Finance of Minister of India under PV Narasimha Rao.

Ascribing the credit of opening up the Indian economy to PV Narasimha Rao, Singh said, “It was a hard choice and a bold decision and it was possible because prime minister Narasimha Rao gave me the freedom to roll out things, after he fully understood what was ailing India’s economy at that time.”

P V Narasimha Rao was the first prime minister outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to complete a full term of five years. He had become the PM in 1991 due to the assassination of former PM Rajiv Gandhi during the elections.

Indignities meted out to PV Narsimha Rao under Congress

While Congress is falling over itself to pay homage to the former prime minister, it is an opportune time to revisit the indignities meted out to Rao by the Congress party. Congress’ sudden change of heart for the former Prime Minister betrays the hatred its senior leadership harboured for Rao 16 years ago when he was not accorded the due respect even in his death and his mortal remains were not allowed from entering the Congress headquarters.

Former Congress President and Rahul Gandhi’s mother Sonia Gandhi loathed former Prime Minister and Congress President P.V. Narasimha Rao enough to not allow his mortal remains to enter the AICC (All India Congress Committee) compound. His body stayed parked in a carriage outside the gate.

PV Narasimha Rao, who Manmohan Singh hails as the “father of economic reforms in India” did not even receive a state funeral. In fact, leaders like Sanjay Gandhi, who presided over horrendous programs such as forced sterilisation during the Emergency was honoured with a state funeral and a samadhi in Delhi. However, PV Narasimha Rao was not considered by the Congress leadership, headed by Sonia Gandhi, of worthy enough to deserve a state funeral and a samadhi in Delhi. Sonia Gandhi, it is believed, was ‘upset‘ about the way the investigation on Rajiv Gandhi assassination had proceeded.

Even before his demise, Rao was subjected to the humiliation and abasement that did not seem proper for a senior AICC member and the former Prime Minister of India. Rao passed away on 23rd December 2004. On 27th December 2004, M D Nalapat, Indian academic and columnist wrote (emphasis added): “In fact, despite being a former AICC president and a prime minister, Narasimha Rao was not just excluded from the Congress Working Committee since the current heir to the Nehru dynasty took charge of the party in 1998, he was not even allowed to become one of the numerous ‘special invitees’, most of whom get selected for their cheerleader skills rather than any other contribution.”

Following his death, Nalapat claimed that despite calling a special Union Cabinet meeting at 3 pm to discuss the subject of Rao’s funeral, no arrangements were made at his 9 Motilal Nehru Marg to receive the body and place it on a platform, nor flowers, nor any laying out of carpets by the administration for the mourning crowds to sit down on, nor even a shamiana on the lawns were arranged by the Congress leadership.

PV Narasimha Rao’s grandson slams Congress leaders for accusing the former PM of sideling Nehru-Gandhi dynasty

PV Narasimha Rao’s humiliation by the Congress party and its leaders did not end with his demise alone. Long after he died, the former prime minister was an object of scorn and contempt for the Congress leaders. Last year, NV Subhash, the grandson of former Prime Minister and senior Congress leader late P V Narasimha Rao had slammed a senior Congress leader and the party for making allegations against the former Prime Minister and also demanded an apology from the Gandhi family for “injustice” done to him.

NV Subhash reacted after AICC Secretary G Chinna Reddy had issued a statement accusing former Prime Minister Rao of trying to “sideline” the Nehru-Gandhi family during his tenure. NV Subhash said G Chinna Reddy’s accusations were “not true and condemnable”.

“Rao was the most trusted and loyal leader for Gandhi family and always guided the family on many issues”, he claimed.

It is pertinent to note that ten years after his death, the former Prime Minister finally got a memorial in Delhi in 2015, that too by the NDA government led by PM Modi.

India and China conduct 17th WMCC meeting virtually, both sides agree on early and complete disengagement of the troops along LAC

OpIndia Staff
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India and China conduct 17th WMCC meeting virtually, both sides agree on early and complete disengagement of the troops along LAC

India and China Friday held the 17th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs to revolve the current standoff between the two sides. In the virtual meeting, representatives from the foreign affairs, defence, immigration and other departments of the two countries participated.

The statement by Chinese authorities read that in a candid and in-depth discussion both the countries fully affirmed that they would disengage from contact at the border and ease the situation on the ground. “Will properly handle remaining issues on ground and promote further cooling of the border situation,” confirmed China.

The two sides reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas and the ongoing disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC )in the Western Sector. They agreed that early and complete disengagement of the troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and de-escalation from India-China border areas in accordance with bilateral agreement and protocols and full restoration of peace and tranquillity was essential for smooth overall development of bilateral relations.

Both sides agreed that it was necessary for both sides to sincerely implement the understandings reached between Senior Commanders in their meetings till date. The two sides agreed that another meeting of the Senior Commanders may be held soon so as to work out further steps to ensure expeditiously complete disengagement and de-escalation and restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

The statement said that there has been positive progress at the border areas in disengagement from conflict areas by both sides. It furthered that the two countries emphasised that they will maintain military and diplomatic dialogue and consultation in accordance with the consensus reached by the two sides.

Reiterating that it won’t accept any unilateral attempt by China to change LAC, India on Thursday said it “expected” China to “sincerely work” with it “for complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas”. 

On Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: “I have made clear the position of the Government as regards the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along India-China border areas through a number of statements in the last several weeks. … In my statement of June 26th, I had noted that the conduct of Chinese forces this year, including the deployment of large body of troops and changes in behaviour, accompanied by unjustified and untenable claims, has been in complete disregard of all the mutual agreements. We have also made it clear that India is fully committed to observing and respecting the LAC and that we will not accept any unilateral attempts to change the status quo along the LAC,” said the Spokesperson.

International support for India grows amidst LAC standoff

Amidst the recent LAC standoff with China, India had managed to garner immense global support. Many countries around the globe, like the USA, France, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom, have also raised their voices against China’s imperialistic and expansionist impulses in its neighbourhood.

Though the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have refrained from overtly blaming China for the current LAC standoff in Eastern Ladakh fearing retribution, the leaders of the 10 states in the group recently rejected China’s claim to the whole of the South China Sea. The group said that the 1982 UN oceans treaty should not be violated and held as a basis of sovereign rights and entitlements in the disputed waters.

PM Modi’s stern message to China

The sudden shift in China’s stance is being primarily credited to PM Modi’s surprise visit to Ladakh soon after the Galwan Valley standoff. PM Modi had given a stern message to China that India will no longer acquiesce to its hegemony and territorial expansionism and resolutely stand up against it along the border. Following PM Modi’s high-voltage visit to the regions close to flashpoints, several countries have come forward to express their support for India.

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