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Sushma Swaraj denies reports of being appointed as Andhra Pradesh governor after minister Harsh Vardhan congratulates her for the same

OpIndia Staff
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Sushma Swaraj denies reports of being appointed as Andhra Pradesh governor after minister Harsh Vardhan congratulates her for the same

Senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has denied rumours that she is being appointed as the governor of Andhra Pradesh. Reacting to the rumour which was being circulated on social media, Swaraj took to Twitter to inform that no such thing is happening.


In a tweet with sarcastic tone, she said that she called on Vice president Venkaiah Naidu on demitting her office, and this was enough for Twitter to appoint her as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh.


In the evening of 10th June Twitter was abuzz with reports that Sushma Swaraj appointed as the governor of Andhra Pradesh. Apart from Twitter users, few Telugu media houses and portals had speculated that she was being considered for the post of Governor of AP.

The rumour was further fuelled when union minister Harsh Vardhan congratulated Swaraj on her appointment. In the Hindi tweet, he had said that people of Andhra Pradesh will be benefited by the appointment of Sushma Swaraj as the governor of the state. Although Vardhan later deleted the tweet, news agency ANI had posted a screenshot of his tweet.


Later ANI posted another tweet informing that Harsh Vardhan has deleted his tweet congratulating Sushma Swaraj.


But all the speculations were put to end very soon by the Tweet of Sushma Swaraj. Before the tweets of Sushma Swaraj, home ministry sources also had denied the reports. The Home Ministry is the nodal authority for affairs related to Governors and Lieutenant Governors of states and Union territories.

Sushma Swaraj didn’t contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election on health grounds as she was recovering from a kidney transplant, and didn’t join the second government of Narendra Modi. It may be noted that her husband Swaraj Kaushal was the governor of Mizoram from 1990 to 1993.

12 senior govt officials ordered compulsory retirement by the Finance ministry over various charges.

OpIndia Staff
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12 senior govt officials ordered compulsory retirement by the Finance ministry over various charges.

In a major crackdown on corruption, as many as 12 government officials, including the Chief Commissioner, Principal Commissioners and the Commissioner of Income Tax Department have been ordered to retire early under Rule FR 56 (J) of the Central Civil Services (CCS) on Monday. The order was issued by Finance Ministry.

As per reports, some of these officers are said to be guilty of sexual assaults, illegal and disproportionate assets, and corruption.


“12 senior officers of ranks of Chief Commissioner, Principal Commissioners and Commissioner of Income Tax Department compulsorily retired under Rule 56 by the Finance Ministry,” news agency ANI reported quoting Finance Ministry sources.

The development comes within days after the Cabinet Secretariat and the Central Vigilance Commission had instructed the vigilance heads across departments to speed up the process of identifying officers eligible for compulsory retirement under Fundamental Rule 56(j) of Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972.

The decision was taken to weed out the corrupt officials sitting atop bureaucratic ranks and non-performing officials over the next few months.

Under 56 (j), the performance of an officer who has turned 50 or 55 or has completed 30 years of service is reviewed to determine if he/she is accountable for compulsory retirement.

Though 56(j) has been in existence for several decades, however, it is the Narendra Modi led government that decided to act upon this rule. The Modi government has been instrumental in forcing various government employees to retire ahead of their tenure of attaining superannuation based on their non-performance or lack of integrity.

Income Tax joint commissioner Ashok Agarwal commissioner Homi Rajvansh has been fired on charges of corruption. I-T Commissioner (Appeal) had a sexual harassment case filed by two lady IRS officers. Other officers in the list are BB Rajendra Prasad, Ajoy Kumar Singh, Alok Kumar Mitra, Chander Saini Bharti, Andasu Ravindar, Vivek Batra, Swetabh Suman and Ram Kumar Bhargava.

This move by the BJP government is expected to improve the administrative efficiency of officials, reduce corruption and open jobs avenues across departments such as railways, armed forces, postal department, and central schools over the next few years.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urges Muslim community to initiate solutions to pave way for a magnificent Ram Temple in Ayodhya

OpIndia Staff
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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urges Muslim community to initiate solutions to pave way for a magnificent Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Ravi Shankar Prasad, Law and Justice, and Electronics and Information Technology Minister in Modi government 2.0 has urged the Muslim community in India to take the initiatives to resolve the Ayodhya issue.

In an interview to Aaj Tak, the Union Minister and MP from Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency talked about a variety of issues and made distinct assertions on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue by batting for its expedition.

Speaking to Aaj Tak’s Sweta Singh, Prasad claimed that Ayodhya issue was not a ‘chunavi mudda’ (political concern) but a subject close to the peoples’ emotions. He reiterated that the Supreme Court of India should expedite the Ram Janmabhoomi Case.

Prasad requested the Muslim community to not treat this issue as a political case, instead urged them to initiate solutions to pave way for a magnificent Ram Temple in Ayodhya.


Prasad added that in the past, as a senior advocate, he has represented Ram Lalla and the Hindus in the Allahabad High court and could, therefore, confirm there was enough evidence to substantiate and expedite the decision on the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute.

Earlier too Prasad had said that the Supreme Court should fast-track the hearing in the Ayodhya title suit.

Speaking at the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad in Lucknow on December 24, 2018, he had said if the apex court could hear the Sabarimala petitions on an urgent basis, same can be done with the Ayodhya case, which has been pending for a very long time.

Clarifying that he was making this comment in his personal capacity and not as a minister in the central government, he said, “I appeal to the Supreme Court in my personal capacity to hear the Ram Janmabhoomi issue like fast-track court for prompt disposal of the case.”

“When the Supreme Court can give its verdict on the Sabarimala Temple case promptly, why is the Ram Janmabhoomi issue pending for the past 70 years?” he questioned.

Rahul Gandhi’s official bungalow included in the Lok Sabha list of vacant houses: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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As the former MPs of Lok Sabha who were not re-elected vacate their government allotted bungalows in Delhi and newly elected MPs wait for accommodation, the Lok Sabha secretariat has published a list of vacant bungalows. And surprisingly, this list includes 12, Tughlaq Lane, the official residence of Congress president Rahul Gandhi who has been re-elected to the lower house from Wayanad in Kerala, according to a report by ANI. Rahul Gandhi is occupying the residence since he was allotted the same after he became a member of Lok Sabha from Amethi in 2004.

The report says that the circular issued by the secretariat mentions the addresses of various bungalows which will be allotted to the MPs of the current Lok Sabha. The 12 Tughlaq Lane is a ‘Type 8’ category house, which is the highest category among the Lutyens bungalows.

According to rules, a list of vacant bungalows and flats is given to the MPs by the Lok Sabha secretariat from which they can choose and apply their desired accommodation. The list circulated this year has a list of 517 bungalows and flats, where the Rahul Gandhi’s bungalow also has been included.

Although Rahul Gandhi lost the elections from his seat Amethi, he was elected from Wayanad. He is president of the Congress party, which the largest opposition party. Besides this, he is also provided SPG protection on the basis of the threat assessment of the members of the Gandhi family. It is not sure whether Rahul Gandhi will be provided with a different bungalow, or his house was listed by mistake. The ANI report says that Rahul Gandhi’s office has no knowledge about the circular.

BJP demands Mamata Banerjee’s resignation as West Bengal Home Minister in the wake of violence across the state

OpIndia Staff
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BJP demands Mamata Banerjee’s resignation as West Bengal Home Minister in the wake of violence across the state

BJP has demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee as the Home Minister of the state. BJP leader Mukul Roy has demanded Banerjee’s resignation in the wake of the recent incidents of violence in the State.


Political violence in West Bengal has become a routine. Several instances of violence were reported during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, while many such incidents continued to be reported after the polls.

Recently, clashes had broken out during BJP’s victory processions at Buniyadpur, and Gangarampur in the South Dinajpur district. These clashes were allegedly triggered when police entered into the victory processions accompanied by TMC workers who beat up BJP workers. The situation escalated quickly and police started charging batons and using teargas shells to disperse the crowd. Several BJP workers were injured during these clashes.

Later, the situation further aggravated when police reportedly prevented BJP workers from holding the funeral of BJP workers allegedly killed during the clashes in Basirhat’s Sandeshkhali.

In protest, BJP observed the black day in West Bengal today. 12-hour long general strike in Basirhat sub-division followed by a condemnation march to the Kolkata Police headquarters on June 12 has also been planned as a part of the protest.

 

BJP MP rakes up the reparations debate, argues discussions must start about how and when the British can start repaying India

OpIndia Staff
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BJP MP rakes up the reparations debate, argues discussions must start about how and when the British can start repaying India

Calls have been made regularly for the United Kingdom to pay reparations to India for the exploitation of its economic resources during its colonial rule. The latest person to make that demand is Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka.


Rajeev Chandrasekhar tweeted that a discussion must be started to decide how and when Great Britain can start repaying its debt to India. He added that time has come for former colonial powers Great Britain, Holland, Portugal and Franch to start returing the wealth they took from their colonies.

An article linked by Chandrasekhar in his tweet cites a research study by renowned economist Utsa Patnaik and published by Columbia University Press to assert that the British Empire drained nearly $45 trillion from India between 1765 to 1938.

The British, the article argues, achieved it by establishing a monopoly over Indian Trade. They bought Indian goods using the money from the taxes they collected from the Indian citizenry itself. Then, the British were able to sell these goods at a much higher price to other countries, thus making further profit on the goods.

After the British Crown took control of India in 1858, they twisted the rule further to suit their objectives. While Indian producers were allowed to sell their goods to other countries, payment for them could only be made through special bills issued by the British Crown. When Indians cashed the bills, they were paid in Indian rupees from the taxes that were collected from the Indian citizenry.

The consequence of these policies was that while India maintained a trade surplus with the rest of the world, its own deficit increased in the national accounts as the profit was being appropriated by the British. Thus, India had to borrow money from the Brits to finance its own imports, thus strengthening Britain’s hold over the territory.

The author of the article, Jason Hickel, an academic at the University of London and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, opines in the end, “What does this require of Britain today? An apology? Absolutely. Reparations? Perhaps – although there is not enough money in all of Britain to cover the sums that Patnaik identifies. In the meantime, we can start by setting the story straight. We need to recognise that Britain retained control of India not out of benevolence but for the sake of plunder and that Britain’s industrial rise didn’t emerge sui generis from the steam engine and strong institutions, as our schoolbooks would have it, but depended on violent theft from other lands and other peoples.”

Chandrasekhar will find support for his argument from senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor who has made the case in the past. In a speech at the Oxford Union in 2015, Tharoor argued that the British must accept that it owes India a debt for its colonialism and owes India reparations for the economic and psychological decline of its people.

‘Opposition is still under the shock of election defeat which is their weakness’, PM Modi hits back at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘hatred’ comment

OpIndia Staff
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‘Opposition is still under the shock of election defeat which is their weakness’, PM Modi hits back at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘hatred’ comment

In an apparent veiled jibe at Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the opposition was still reeling the shock of the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections terming it their “weakness.”

PM Modi was addressing a thanks-giving public meeting in Renigunta organized by the Andhra Pradesh (AP) BJP on Sunday.

According to reports, he asserted his government’s commitment to accelerate work for the betterment of the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu despite BJP failing to open accounts in these southern states.

“Given the huge mandate we got, some people think expectations and aspirations (on the government) have increased. They also wonder what can Modi do. We should see it as India’s fortune and a great opportunity. I see it as a guarantee for a brighter India,” he said.

His jibe is seen as a retaliation to the recent comments by Gandhi in Wayanad, his parliamentary constituency. Gandhi, who won by a massive margin from this seat, had accused PM Modi’s election campaign of being filled with “lies, poison, and hatred” during his recent visit here.

Hitting back, PM Modi said, “That is their weakness. For us, the chapter of elections has ended. A new chapter of serving the 130 crore people of the country has opened for us.”

Highlighting that his strong government is at the centre, he took note of YSR Congress Chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s comeback with a full majority in the state. He hoped the state would witness a steady road towards development under Reddy’s leadership.

“AP has infinite possibilities for growth. We will fully extend all co-operation from the Centre for the development of the state,” the PM assured.

PM Modi mentioned Tamil Nadu along with AP and thanked people of these states for playing a pivotal role in strengthening democracy.

“Whether or not we secured victory here, our objective always is to serve the people. We (BJP) are a dedicated system of workers and I am a part of it. Even after the elections, we will not lower our efforts to ensure the happiness of people and betterment of their lives. We will increase our efforts in this regard at the Centre and will especially show it in AP and Tamil Nadu,” he added.

He stressed on the fact that he has confidence in 130 crore Indians.

“With their contribution and support, I am confident we can give a new direction to the country,” he said.

Reminding people of ‘two good occasions’ in reference to the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in October 2019 and the 75th anniversary of the nation’s Independence in 2022, he said, “These are two important occasions that could be inspirational, which the country should not miss. They give us a chance to recall the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and take a pledge for doing something for the country.”

Seeking the blessings of Lord Venkateswara to realize the dreams of 130 crore people of India, the PM highlighted the need for states and centre to work in coordination with each other.

“When we dream of a New India, we also wish that every state also should progress in the same manner. Only then can we build a New India. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, jisme raajyom ka bhi saath, jan saamanya ka bhi saath. Jan saamanya ka vikas, rajyom ka vikas. We are moving ahead with that determination towards making this a reality,” he divulged.

“If that happens, I am sure, we will succeed in the right earnest and prosper.”

He stressed on the fact that winning elections was an electoral aim and that winning people’s hearts throughout 365 days is their constant endeavor. He also specified that his government is focussed on building the nation and not the party.

“This is not our nature, nor are we used to it. In the last five years, people have seen a government that is solely committed to the welfare of Bharat Mata. Hence, they gave us a renewed mandate to serve them for the second time,” he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Jagan Mohan Reddy had accompanied the PM during his visit to Tirumala shrine.

Former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari arrested in Islamabad in case of siphoning off millions through fake bank accounts

OpIndia Staff
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Former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari arrested in Islamabad in case of siphoning off millions through fake bank accounts

The National Accountability Bureau(NAB) in Pakistan arrested former Pakistan President and erstwhile co-chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party(PPP) in the fake bank accounts case. Zardari has been accused of siphoning off millions to his private company’s account, allegedly through fake bank accounts.

A team of NAB officials arrested Zardari from his residence on Monday, hours after the Islamabad High Court bench comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Moshin Akhtar Kayani dismissed a petition filed by Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur soliciting an extension in their interim bail in the case.

While the court issued ordered NAB to arrest Zardari and his sister Talpur, they both have the option of appealing to the apex court.

Various police and NAB officials reached Zardari’s house in Islamabad after Court issued orders to arrest him. Police blocked all routes leading to and from his house to secure the arrest. A team of NAB officials informed the National Assembly Speaker at the Parliament House about his arrest warrant.

According to the sources cited by Geo News, NAB is expected to keep Zardari in the bureau lockup. In addition, it is suspected that the agency might not seek Talpur’s custody. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahbaz Sharif had earlier urged NA Speaker Asad Qaiser to issue production orders for Zardari.

“Zardari has always complied with the demands of the NAB and has not used evasive tactics against them. NAB should have acknowledged this instead of proceeding to arrest him,” Sharif said in the Parliament.

The spokesperson for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar issued an appeal to PPP supporters across the country to remain calm and peaceful. “We are waiting for high court’s written order,” he said and added that future strategy will be formulated after the party receives the order.

It is pertinent to note that former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif is also lodged in jail over charges of corruption while former President Pervez Musharraf had fled the country fearing his arrest.

Throwback: When Yuvraj Singh owned the Nairobi Gymkhana Ground in 2000

Sandeep Singh
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Throwback: When Yuvraj Singh owned the Nairobi Gymkhana Ground in 2000

2000 was a turbulent year in the history of Indian Cricket. The nightmare tour down under continued with no change in the side’s fortunes. After a comprehensive 0-3 defeat in the Test series, the side continued to suffer through the ODI tri-series as well, winning just 1 match out of 8. After the tour, Sachin Tendulkar stepped down and in one of the most important decisions in Indian Cricket history, Sourav Ganguly got the job.

Just when the new skipper was starting to settle in, the match-fixing saga reared its head up to take the game by storm. Overnight, Hansie Cronje went from a revered figure to an outcast, and he started mentioning names, big names in world cricket, few of them Indians. Suddenly every match was under a cloud, was it fixed, was it not fixed, every poor performance raising a doubt.

While the darkest hour in Indian Cricket claimed a couple of its stars, it also opened up the spot in the middle order for a youngster by the name of Yuvraj Singh.

By the time he made his debut, most cricket fans were already aware of the precocious talent of this young man. His exploits in underage cricket, and in Under 19 World Cup, in particular, meant his debut was eagerly awaited. He first got his chance in the ICC Knockout tournament in Kenya, and boy did he take that chance.

After failing to get an opportunity to bat against Kenya in the first game, Yuvraj got his chance against the might World Champions Australia. Walking into bat at 90/3 after the dismissals of the holy trinity, Sachin, Sourav and Rahul, it would have been natural to have some butterflies in the stomach. However, if there were any nerves, the young man showed no signs of them.

A glorious straight drive off Ian Harvey got him going, followed by a pull smashed to the square leg boundary, and the runs just started to flow. There was one blemish when he edged a McGrath delivery but thankfully for him, the very safe Mark Waugh somehow let that go past his hands and he carried on. Several trademark flicks, lofted drives, square cuts, on-drives later, he eventually was dismissed caught and bowled by Shane Lee while trying to accelerate at the end. As he walked off after scoring 84 from 80 balls, he got a well-deserved standing ovation from everyone in the stadium.

However, he was not done for the day yet. With Australia progressing smoothly at 86/2 in the 16th Over, Yuvraj produced the first of his brilliant moments in the field, to get rid of Ian Harvey. It was a slower ball, as most balls were with Venkatesh Prasad, Harvey was too early into the shot, the ball was in the air and Yuvraj, stationed at covers, produced a full-length dive to catch it with both of his hands.

Next wicket his fielding brought, was even more important. Michael Bevan was well set, and looking to do what he so often did during his career, guide Australia through in a chase. He knocked a ball to mid-off who was on the edge of the circle and took off for a single. One of the quickest runners in the game, Bevan thought he would complete the run, but Yuvraj turned out to be quicker. A direct hit from mid-off found Bevan short and put India firmly on the path to victory.

It got a little close, in the end, thanks to Brett Lee’s cameo, but Yuvraj had done enough to earn the victory for India. It took him a couple of years to firmly establish himself in that Indian middle order, but that day in Nairobi confirmed it to everyone watching that this guy belongs on the international scene.

Kashmiri Pandits cheer and chant slogans of Har Har Modi at Kheer Bhavani temple in J&K on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami

OpIndia Staff
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Kashmiri Pandits cheer and chant slogans of Har Har Modi at Kheer Bhavani temple in J&K on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami

Prime Minister Modi extended his greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami and wished them the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhavani to give them strength, peace, and prosperity.


The festival is celebrated at the famous Kheer Bhavani temple at Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir of Goddess Ragnya Devi. The name of the temple comes from the bhog (food offering) of Kheer offered by the devotees at the temple.


The devotees gathered at the temple today to offer prayers at the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami cheered and chanted slogans of ‘Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi’ in response to the PM Modi’s wishes. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandit devotees thronged the temple to celebrate the annual festival of Kheer Bhawani. Walking barefoot, the devotees carried rose petals and offered tribute to the goddess, while the men took a dip in the stream near the shrine. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik also visited the Kheer Bhawani shrine to take part in the ongoing festival. National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, Congress state president Ghulam Ahmed Mir, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav and several other political leaders were also present on the occasion.


Separatist leader and the Chief of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Yasin Malik, had visited the temple in 2014 and had appealed to Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes. Malik was detained in February this year and was charged under the Public Safety Act. He was allegedly involved in the abduction of Dr. Rubiya Syed, sister of Former J&K CM and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, killing of five Indian Air Force personnel in 1990 and killing of Justice  Neelkath Ganju who had pronounced death sentence to JKLF terrorist Maqbool Bhatt and Lassa Kaul, former director of Doordarshan Kendra in Srinagar.

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