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Bihar Sunni Waqf Board sends notice to 7 Hindu houses claiming ownership, fails to give proof in Patna HC: Here’s what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar Sunni Waqf Board sends notice to 7 Hindu houses claiming ownership, fails to give proof in Patna HC: Here’s what happened

Back in 2022, OpIndia reported how the Waqf Board had encroached on an entire village with a Hindu majority population in Tamil Nadu, and later it emerged that over 7 such Hindu villages. The sinister trend has extended to Bihar now wherein it has been reported that the Bihar Sunni Waqf Board has issued a notice in the Hindu-majority Govindpur village of Fatuha near Patna claiming ownership of around 7 Hindu houses.

The Sunni Waqf Board has been frequently issuing notices to residents of Govindpur village who have built houses and have been living there for many years. There are around 95% Hindu families living in this village.

The Sunni Waqf Board notice written in Urdu stated that this land belonged to the Waqf Board and that the residents should evacuate it within 30 30-day time period. The Waqf Board also erected a board regarding the same, which is still standing The afflicted continued to visit the officials but received no relief. When the residents approached the Patna High Court, the Waqf Board was unable to produce any proof for claiming the ownership of 7 Hindu houses and the Patna High Court thus granted relief to the Hindu residents.

Among those who received the Bihar Sunni Waqf Board notice include Brijesh Ballabh Prasad, Rajkishore Mehta, Ramlal Sao, Malti Devi, Sanjay Prasad, Sudip Kumar and Surendra Vishwakarma.

The Hindu residents who received Waqf notices told the media that their ancestors have been residing in Govindpur village since the survey was conducted in 1908. While the residents have received immediate relief from the court, they are scared that the Waqf Board can challenge their properties or other houses in the area employing some or the other tactic since the board is very powerful.

Notably, back in 2022, OpIndia reported a similar attempt by Waqf Board to encroach Hindu houses in Tamil Nadu. It was reported that the Waqf Board had encroached on a Hindu majority village hiruchenthurai village near Trichy in Tamil Nadu. The issue was uncovered when a person named Rajagopal attempted to sell his 1 acre 2 cents of land to one Rajarajeshwari. When Rajagopal, a resident of the nearby village Mullikarupur village arrived at the Registrar’s office to get the sale of his land registered, he was surprised to learn that the land did not belong to him and instead belonged to the Waqf Board.

Later, it was reported that this village is not the only one. The report suggests that the Tamil Nadu Waqf board has claimed ownership of 7 such Hindu villages in the state. The villagers have additionally, alleged that the Waqf Board has also claimed that the 1500-year-old Sundareswarar Temple belongs to them. The Waqf Board placed posters across the villages claiming ownership of the village land.

4-year-old dies after attack by stray dog in Bhiwandi, MLA Rais Shaikh holds Municipal Corporation responsible, demands FIR

OpIndia Staff
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4-year-old dies after attack by stray dog in Bhiwandi, MLA Rais Shaikh holds Municipal Corporation responsible, demands FIR

On Monday, 27th August, Nayeeb Shaikh, a four-year-old girl from Bhiwandi who was bitten by a dog in July this year, died while receiving treatment at Sion Hospital. The reason for her death is believed to be a severe dog bite. She was admitted to three separate government hospitals for proper treatment but could not be saved.

As per the reports, local residents of Bhiwandi’s Shanti Nagar locality killed a stray dog on the 10th of July after it had bitten numerous people in the preceding two days. According to locals, three dogs, including the one killed, bit 135 persons in Bhiwandi including over 30 children aged 4 to 12 in recent weeks. The injured were shifted to Bhiwandi’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital for treatment. 

According to Shanti Nagar locals, the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation’s (BNCMC) dog sterilization clinic has remained closed for several years, increasing the city’s stray dog population.

Meanwhile, Bhiwandi East MLA Rais Shaikh has commented on the issue and demanded an FIR be filed for negligence in the case. “In the past two or three months, nearly 800 children have been attacked by dogs in Bhiwandi. Another girl, Nayeeb, who a dog bit on July 8, passed away today. She was in a lot of pain and it is a sad incident,” Shaikh said.

“The incident took place during the assembly session and we had provided details then as well and sought an inquiry by the collector. This is negligence as in January, a tender should have been issued to sterilize street dogs, which has not been done as yet,” he added.

As per a report by Hindustan Times, another girl named Laiba also lost her life to a severe dog bite on Sunday, 26th August. Riyaz Shaikh, Laiba’s grandfather commented on the issue and said that the girl suffered an injury on her right cheek. “My granddaughter suffered an injury to her right cheek. The dogs were uncontrollable, and we alerted each other about this particular dog as many of us noticed it attacking people. Unfortunately, my child could not survive the pain from the incident. She was continuously hospitalized, first at Indira Gandhi Government Hospital, then Kalwa Hospital, and finally at Sion Hospital. The doctors said the poison had spread throughout her body,” he added.

The residents of the Shanti Nagar area in Bhiwandi have expressed concern over increasing incidents of dog bites. They say that small children were bitten on the chest, legs, hands in multiple incidents. Also, several bikers and auto drivers had been attacked. Shaikh added. “It’s the municipal corporation’s fault for not taking cognizance of the matter.”

Meanwhile, the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) has stated that the cause of death of the minor girl will be investigated and action will soon be taken.

India has the world’s highest number of rabies cases

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that is most commonly spread via a rabid animal’s bite. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system of the victim, resulting in brain illness and death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 55,000 individuals die as a result of a dog bite due to a lack of awareness about the importance of seeking medical attention after a dog bite. The majority of these deaths occur in Asia and Africa. India is a rabies-endemic country, accounting for 36% of global rabies deaths.

As per WHO’s data, rabies kills around 18,000 to 20,000 people each year in India. Further, minors under the age of 15 account for 30-60% of reported rabies cases and deaths in India, as bites in minors frequently go unrecognized and unreported. Notably, a report by Times of India from July 2023 stated that around 307 persons died of rabies in India in the year 2022.

Dog bites generate around 96% of rabies cases and deaths in India. According to the Association for the Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI), India records several lakh dogbites each year. In India, dogs are responsible for about 97% of human rabies, followed by cats (2%) and jackals and mongoose (1%).

In September 2023, a 14-year-old boy identified as Shahvej lost his life one and a half months after he was bitten by a dog in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The boy didn’t inform about the dog bite at home and failed to take the anti-rabies vaccine, as a result, the family was unaware of his deteriorating health. 

In June last year, a ‘dog lover’ named Stephin V Pareira died of rabies in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram. She used to feed stray dogs and had neglected scratches made by one of the dogs in her hand while feeding the animal. Her rabies symptoms were diagnosed while she was taking care of her sick brother in the hospital. Despite treatment, she succumbed on June 17 last year.

Mollywood sex scandal: Kerala Police register complaint against filmmaker Ranjith on actress Sreelekha Mitra’s complaint

OpIndia Staff
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Mollywood sex scandal: Kerala Police register complaint against filmmaker Ranjith on actress Sreelekha Mitra’s complaint

On 26th August, the Kerala Police opened their first official complaint against filmmaker Ranjith in response to multiple recent charges of sexual harassment directed towards male performers in Mollywood. The development transpired after Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra complained to the Kochi City Police Commissioner S Syamsundar against the director. Ranjith reportedly grabbed the actress improperly and with sexual intent after asking her to appear in the 2009 film “Paleri Manikyam Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha,” according to the police complaint, which was delivered through email.

Section 354 (assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code has been invoked against the filmmaker, informed S Syamsundar. Ranjith resigned from his position as chairman of the state Chalachitra Academy following the shocking charges. Sreelekha Mitra unveiled that she was asked to be a part of “Paleri Manikyam” and visited an apartment in Kadavantra to talk about it during the pre-production phase, however, Ranjith attempted to touch other parts of her body with a sexual motive after initially touching her hand. She soon realised his devious intentions, stopped him and went back to the hotel where she was staying. She also intimated the same to the film’s screenwriter Joshy Joseph the next day but didn’t even receive a ticket for the return journey as she went back to Kolkata after declining to participate in the project.

“The person concerned (Ranjith) is a big name in the Malayalam film industry and a national award-winning director. I went to his residence to discuss an upcoming film project, and I did not like his behaviour. He made certain advances subtly, and I felt uncomfortable while we were discussing the script. I don’t know if he has treated other female actors in the film industry in the same way. It is up to them to open up or not if they have faced a similar situation. Maybe his power and influence played a role for others to not speak out,” she expressed.

She urged the authorities to take action against him for “molestation of womanhood with criminal intent in the year 2009.” She also mentioned that she wasn’t able to pursue the case further as she was not from Kerala. She stated that she was registering a complaint since Kerala’s public servants had adopted the stance that a formal complaint was required. The offence was committed at an apartment in Kadavantra, hence the complaint was filed with the district police chief in Kochi City. The special investigation team (SIT), which was established by the government to look into the claims of sexual abuse of women in the Malayalam film industry, would be consulted before taking any further action in the matter.

Ranjith denied her charges and claimed that he was the “true victim” in this instance but withdrew from his role as Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman in the wake of the accusation. He also said that it would “adversely impact the Left government’s reputation” in an audio tape. Notably, many actresses came forward with disclosures about sexual exploitation in the film industry following the publication of the Hema Committee report on 18th August as the government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was slammed for stalling its release.

As Modi and Biden talk, fears grow around US interfering in Indian democracy: How US diplomats are meeting opposition from Gupkar gang, Owaisi to ‘farmer leaders’

Anurag
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As Modi and Biden talk, fears grow around US interfering in Indian democracy: How US diplomats are meeting opposition from Gupkar gang, Owaisi to ‘farmer leaders’

On 26th August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation to discuss wide range of topics. Hours before their conversation, US diplomats met National Conference leaders in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the scheduled Assembly Elections. In recent times, the meetings between Indian Opposition leaders and US diplomats have made headlines more frequently than before, raising concerns over possible US interference in Indian democracy.

There have been reports that US diplomats also met protesting farmer leaders which is being seen as a sign of meddling with India’s internal affairs.

As per the official press release of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for President Biden’s deep commitment the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared values of democracy, rule of law and strong people-to-people ties.

They reviewed the significant progress in bilateral relations and highlighted that India-US partnership is aimed at benefiting the people of both countries as well as the entire humanity. They also talked in detail on a number of regional and global issues. During the discussion, they talked about the situation in Ukraine and PM briefed President Biden about his recent visit to Ukraine. Furthermore, they discussed the situation in Bangladesh and emphasised restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus.

Interestingly, press release by White House had no mention of Bangladesh or Hindus in Bangladesh. The press release read, “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to discuss the Prime Minister’s recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, as well as the United Nations General Assembly meetings in September.  The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector.  The Leaders affirmed their continued support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law, on the basis of the UN Charter. The Leaders also emphasized their continued commitment to work together, including through regional groups like the Quad, to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

US Diplomats met NC leaders in Jammu and Kashmir

Ahead of the Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, United States diplomats, including Minister-Counsellor for Political Affairs Graham Mayer and First Secretary Gary Applegarth, met National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah. The meeting took place at Abdullah’s Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar. Reportedly, during the meeting, the leaders and diplomats discussed a wide range of issues related to Jammu and Kashmir and the region in general.

According to ANI’s report, Abdullah emphasised the need to reconsider the travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir, noting that restrictions in the region have been eased. He also encouraged foreign tourists to visit Jammu and Kashmir to experience the culture and beauty firsthand.

Speaking to the media, National Conference Chief Spokesperson and Head of Communications, Tanvir Sadiq, stated that a wide range of topics were discussed during the meeting, “pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir and the region in general.” He added that Political Counsellor Abhiram was also part of the US delegation.

From the National Conference’s side, Member of Parliament and senior NC leader Ruhullah Mehdi was also present at the meeting. On X (formerly Twitter), the National Conference noted that Abdullah invited the diplomats to visit Kashmir with their families as a first step to build confidence among international tourists from the US and other countries.

The party remarked, “Discussions covered a wide range of issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir and the region in general. Omar Abdullah emphasised to the diplomats the importance of reconsidering the travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir with a view to easing the restrictions. He encouraged people from around the world to visit Kashmir and experience its beauty and culture firsthand. He also invited the diplomats to visit Kashmir with their families as a first step to inspire confidence among tourists from the United States and other parts of the world.”

US Diplomats Met Indian Opposition Leaders

While this visit by US diplomats to Kashmir may appear “friendly,” it should be noted that, in August alone, US diplomats have met several Indian leaders behind the scenes. On 14th August, Sputnik India published a report highlighting meetings between Jennifer Larson and Indian Opposition leaders.

Larson is the US Consul General in charge of the American mission in Hyderabad. She met All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi. In a post on X, she wrote, “Thank you, Member of Parliament and leader of AlMIM Asaduddin Owaisi for your kind hospitality and for sharing your informed and important views on a range of shared issues and concerns. I look forward to continuing our discussions!”

The US diplomat also met N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. On X, she wrote, “It was an honor to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu today. I very much admire his vision for the state, and fully agree with him that the United States and Andhra Pradesh must continue to work together in such important fields as trade, technology, education, and strengthening broader people-to-people ties.”

Additionally, she met Revanth Reddy, the Chief Minister of Telangana. On X, she wrote, “I had an excellent meeting today with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on the eve of his departure to the United States to mobilize new investments. Hyderabad hosts close to 200 U.S. companies and continues to absorb more and more in several high-end tech sectors such as Al, contributing to the success story of U.S.-India trade buoyancy. I wished CM Reddy much success in his efforts and promised to extend our cooperation!”

Notably, she had met the AIMIM chief and Telangana Chief Minister earlier in July as well. On X, she wrote, “So wonderful to join the Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi and Prince Rahim Aga Khan in the completion ceremony of Qutb Shahi Heritage Park today, and so proud that US Consulate General Hyderabad played a supporting role in the restoration of these beautiful, historic monuments of Hyderabad. It speaks to the deepening U.S.-Telangana cultural ties throughout the years!”

Fear of US meddling in India’s affairs

The recent meetings between US diplomats and Indian opposition leaders raised concerns that America may be trying to meddle in India’s internal affairs, with this being particularly important in terms of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections. A parallel can be drawn similar to the earlier alleged US meddling in Bangladesh where reports suggest that USAID and other foreign interests might have been involved in toppling Shiekh Hasina’s government.

Accusations have emerged about the US backing up resistance movements against Hasina, leading to escalated tensions and unrests within Bangladesh. These actions are indicative of a repeated conduct by the US where it uses its diplomatic strength to influence local politics of sovereign states.

In light of this background, such talks between the US diplomats and Indian opposition could be suspicious for some, especially considering the sensitive status of Jammu and Kashmir where any external force may impact negatively on political and social stability of the region.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections

The voting for the Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir will take place in three phases. The first phase of voting will be held on 18th September, the second phase on 25th September, and the third phase on 1st October. The counting of votes will take place on 4th October. Campaigning for the Assembly Elections is gradually gaining momentum in Jammu and Kashmir amidst tightened security.

Reportedly, Congress and the National Conference have divided the seat share for the elections. The NC will contest 51 out of 90 seats, while Congress will contest 32 seats. A “friendly” contest will take place on five seats. One seat has been allocated to CPI(M) and Panthers Party. So far, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced 16 candidates for the elections.

Conspiracy to derail Vande Bharat Express in Rajasthan’s Pali: Miscreants placed cement block on track, case registered to probe sabotage attempt

OpIndia Staff
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Conspiracy to derail Vande Bharat Express in Rajasthan’s Pali: Miscreants placed cement block on track, case registered to probe sabotage attempt

A shocking case of sabotage attempt to derail a Vande Bharat Express has come to light from Pali district in Rajasthan. According to reports, a high-speed Vande Bharat train struck a cement block that was deliberately placed on the Railway track near Pali.

While the Vande Bharat train narrowly escaped a major accident, the collision caused damage to the train and endangered the lives of around 375 passengers. Strikingly, the development comes at a time when the agencies are investigating an attempted sabotage that led to the derailment of 20 coaches of the Sabarmati Express near Govindpuri station in Kanpur on 17th August.

According to the information received, the incident took place late at night on 23rd August when the Jodhpur-bound Vande Bharat train struck the cement block near Pali district. The Police shared the information on Monday (26th August). 

As per reports, BJP State President Madan Rathod had spoken to the top officials of Jodhpur and Ajmer Railway Division on the telephone and instructed them to register a case against such anti-social elements and investigate the matter. He said that some anti-social elements have been conspiring to tarnish the image of the Modi government by causing damage to national property. He added that a major accident was averted because of the alert railway employees. 

The Railway CPRO confirmed that the train’s rail guard was damaged due to the collision with the cement block and added that the train was delayed by about 7 minutes. The CPRO emphasised that the cement block was deliberately placed on the track to cause an accident.

As per reports, no serious injuries were reported in the incident. Following the collision, the train was briefly halted but it went ahead toward its destination junction after the driver and guard inspected the engine and train and confirmed it was functioning normally. However, the authorities have taken the incident seriously and registered a case against an unknown person. 

According to Sumerpur police station SHO Bharat Singh Rawat, Senior Section Engineer Falna Pawan Kumar submitted a report on 24th August. The report pointed out that an unidentified individual had placed a concrete block on the downline with the intent to cause an accident, potentially resulting in loss of life and damage to railway property.

The report further stated that on 23rd August, the station master of Jawai Dam railway station submitted that an unknown person had placed a cement block between Jawai Dam-Biroliya (OHI Most 513/10-8). When the Vande Bharat train was passing through the junction it immediately collided with the cement block which damaged the train’s rail guard. After investigation, they found out about the cement block which was placed on the railway track.

Multiple sabotage attempts to derail trains reported in recent years

It is pertinent to note that similar incidences have been reported in the recent past. On Friday (23rd August) night, the Farrukhabad Express running between Kasganj and Farrukhabad narrowly averted a major accident after coming in contact with a wooden log placed on the railway track. As per reports, the train experienced a sudden jolt, forcing the loco pilot to apply emergency brakes and bring the train to a halt. It was later discovered that the wooden log had stuck to the train’s engine.

On the night of 17th August, the engine of the Sabarmati Express train derailed near Govindpuri station in Kanpur. Soon after, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that the derailment took place because of an object placed on the railway track.

It was later revealed by the investigative authorities that a broken piece of railway track was kept on the train line to cause an accident.

Recently, an investigation was launched into a suspected act of sabotage after the engine of the Nainpur Jabalpur train collided with an extraneous iron rod placed on the track near Kachhpura station. The collision, however, did not result in the derailment of the train. The railway authorities have seized 3 iron rods of about 15 feet in length from the spot.

On Thursday (22nd August), the Aligarh Railway Police charged one Afsan for deliberately placing an alloy wheel on the railway track to derail a moving train. The incident occurred on 20th August when the accused made a deliberate attempt to recreate the Kanpur rail accident that happened on 17th August.

Similarly, a major accident was averted in October last year as stones and rods were kept on railway tracks in a potential attempt to derail the Udaipur-Jaipur Vande Bharat Express.

Earlier this month, a YouTuber named Gulzar Sheikh was arrested for putting different items on railway tracks including cycles, soaps, stones and more in the name of content creation.

Covid-19 posts, Hunter Biden laptop story and Russian disinformation: Mark Zuckerberg exposes how Biden administration forced Meta to censor free speech

OpIndia Staff
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Covid-19 posts, Hunter Biden laptop story and Russian disinformation: Mark Zuckerberg exposes how Biden administration forced Meta to censor free speech

On Monday (26th August), Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg exposed how the Biden administration weaponised political censorship to curtail free speech on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

He revealed that the US government, prodded by the White House, interfered in the content moderation process of Meta and coerced the management to censor ‘certain’ Covid-19 related information.

In his letter to the House Judiciary Committee, Mark Zuckerberg stated, “In 2021, senior officials from the Biden Administration, including the White House, repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content, including humour and satire, and expressed a lot of frustration with our teams when we didn’t agree.”

“Ultimately, it was our decision whether or not to take content down, and we own our decisions, including COVID-19-related changes we made to our enforcement in the wake of this pressure,” he pointed out.

The Meta founder admitted that the company made ‘some decisions’ owing to the intimidation of the Biden administration, which it should not have enforced in hindsight.

“I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it. I also think we made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldn’t make today,” Mark Zuckerberg emphasised.

Russian disinformation hoax, Hunter Biden laptop story and Biden administration

He informed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reached out to Meta to censor content related to ‘Russian disinformation’ targeting the Biden family in the run-up to the 2020 Presidential elections.

In December 2022, OpIndia reported based on ‘Twitter Files’ about the interference of security agencies in the functioning of Twitter and repeated directives for content removal.

Mark Zuckerberg also made references to the Hunter Biden laptop story, which was gutted by both Facebook and Twitter.

“That fall, when we saw a New York Post story reporting on corruption allegations involving then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s family, we sent that story to fact-checkers for review and temporarily demoted it while waiting for a reply,” he admitted.

In its report, the New York Post alleged that they had accessed material from a damaged Macbook that was brought to a service centre for repair. The customer who brought the laptop never collected or paid for the services.

The shop owner said he repeatedly tried to contact the client. Though he could not identify the owner as Hunter Biden, he said the laptop had Beau Biden Foundation’s sticker.

The report has several documents and mentions a video that proves that Joe Biden met a high-profile businessman from Ukraine when he was Vice President of the United States. 

Reports suggested that Biden may have helped his son Hunter, using his influence as the VP of the United States, in his business in Ukraine. The Biden Camp categorically denied all the allegations.

Meta’s fightback against governmental censorship

Mark Zuckerberg pointed out that his company has made several policy changes to restrict governmental interference in content moderation decisions and prevent the arbitrary classification of controversial posts on its platforms as ‘Russian disinformation.’

“It’s since been made clear that the reporting was not Russian disinformation, and in retrospect, we shouldn’t have demoted the story. We’ve changed our policies and processes to make sure this doesn’t happen again for instance, we no longer temporarily demote things in the U.S.
while waiting for fact-checkers,” he added.

The Meta founder concluded, “Like I said to our teams at the time, I feel strongly that we should not compromise our content standards due to pressure from any Administration in either direction and we’re ready to push back if something like this happens again.”

US deliberately skips mention of Bangladesh Hindus? As Modi reveals bringing up plight of Hindus in call with Biden, White House communique makes no mention

OpIndia Staff
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US deliberately skips mention of Bangladesh Hindus? As Modi reveals bringing up plight of Hindus in call with Biden, White House communique makes no mention

On Monday (26th August), Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden and discussed views on regional and global issues, particularly the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and the Ukraine crisis.

Taking to X PM Modi said: “Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden on phone today. We had a detailed exchange of views on various regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine. I reiterated India’s full support for early return of peace and stability. We also discussed the situation in Bangladesh and stressed on the need for early restoration of normalcy, and ensuring the safety and security of minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.”

While PM Modi shared details of the telephone conversation he had with President Biden, the White House also issued a communique about the same. The communique mentioned that the two leaders talked about PM Modi’s recent Poland and Ukraine visits, the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings, and Quad cooperation, however, it deliberately skipped the duo’s discussion of Bangladesh and the need for ensuring their safety.

“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to discuss the Prime Minister’s recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, as well as the United Nations General Assembly meetings in September.  The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector.  The Leaders affirmed their continued support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law, on the basis of the UN Charter. The Leaders also emphasized their continued commitment to work together, including through regional groups like the Quad, to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” the White House communique reads.

Even on the US President’s official X handle, the discussion on the Bangladesh crisis was not mentioned. “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi to discuss his recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, and commended him for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine. We also affirmed our commitment to work together to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” President Biden posted.

This comes days after the White House refused to comment on the plight of the Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. While responding to a query on atrocities against Hindu Americans and Hindus in Bangladesh, the official White House Spokesperson Jean Pierre said that they are continuing to monitor the situation but they don’t have anything else to add.

Telangana CMRF Scam: 26 hospitals named in FIR for colluding with corrupt individuals to siphon off relief money with fake documents

OpIndia Staff
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Telangana CMRF Scam: 26 hospitals named in FIR for colluding with corrupt individuals to siphon off relief money with fake documents

On Monday (26th August), a shocking case of embezzlement involving multiple hospitals for allegedly trying to siphon off funds from the Telangana State’s Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF) came to light in Hyderabad.

According to an FIR by D.S.N Murthy, a Section Officer in the Revenue (CMRF) department of Telangana State Secretariat, multiple hospitals along with certain individuals allegedly colluded to siphon off state government funds originally meant for the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF). The funds are meant to give monetary assistance to people with medical and other emergencies.

Multiple hospitals including Aruna Sree Multi Specialty Hospital, IS Sadan X Road, Sri Krishna Hospital, Saidabad, Janani Hospital, Saidabad, Hiranyaa Hospital, Meerpet, Delta Hospital, Hasthinapuram, Sree Raksha Hospital, BN Reddy Nagar, MMS Hospital, Sagar Ring Road, ADRM Multi Specialty Hospital, Sharadanagar, MMV Indira Multi Specialty Hospital, Kothapet, Sri Sai Thirumala Hospital, Bairamalguda falling in Hyderabad district, Sri Srikara Multispeciality Hospital, Global Multispecialty Hospital, Dr. J.R. Prasad Hospital, Sri Vinayaka Super Speciality Hospital, Sri Sai Multi Specialty Hospital, Vyshnavi Hospital, Sujatha Hospital, New Amrutha Hospital, Orange Hospital, Megasri Hospital, Bonakal of Khammam District have been named in the FIR.

The list also includes Naveena Multi Specialty Hospital, Miryalaguda, Mahesh Multi Specialty Hospital, Miryalaguda and Amma Hospital, Sapthagiri Hospital, Jammikunta and Sri Sai Hospital from Karimnagar district, Rohini Medicare Pvt. Ltd. of Warangal District, Sri Sanjeevini Hospital and Siddhartha Hospital of Mahabubabad district.

The FIR alleges that the accused created fake bills and submitted them to the Chief Minister’s office for the sanction of the CMRF funds. Hospitals and individuals are accused of an attempt at forgery and cheating the state government. “Employees and some of the local persons in collusion with the hospital administration and others dishonestly attempted to siphon off the State Govt. funds. The individuals created fake bills for their wrongful gain. After the preparation of the bills, the same were submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of TS for the sanction of CMRF, and thereby they committed forgery and attempted to cheat the government”, the FIR stated.

The CMRF is intended to give monetary support to people with health problems, people who lost their kith and kin, loss of property and sources of livelihood due to natural calamities, and accident victims. The CMRF was also used to fight against COVID-19 in 2020 too. The case has been registered by the Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) and more details on the case are awaited.

Kerala: Interfaith couple attacked by Muslim mob after Hindu wife refuses to follow Islamic customs, flees to a nearby temple for safety

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala: Interfaith couple attacked by Muslim mob after Hindu wife refuses to follow Islamic customs, flees to a nearby temple for safety

In Kerala’s Kasaragod, Abdul Nizamuddin and his wife Anjali were allegedly summoned to the mosque, where they were assaulted. Nizamuddin claimed in his police report that he escaped by seeking refuge in a nearby temple.

Abdul Nizamuddin and Anjali, who operate an IT firm in Manjerwat, were called to the mosque under the guise of addressing a workplace issue with Rafeeq, a relative and fellow employee. However, tensions rose when Anjali entered the mosque without wearing a veil and without converting to Islam, which angered the congregation.

The couple was attacked, with accusations that Nizamuddin had taken a Hindu woman into the mosque with other Hindus. Anjali reported being struck on the head and humiliated. As the situation escalated, the couple fled to a nearby temple for safety.

The attackers also vandalised their car, smashing the windows, and circulated a video of the beating, claiming it was punishment for blasphemy. Based on the couple’s complaint, the police have registered a case against 19 individuals and launched an investigation into the incident.

JNU agrees to conduct caste census on campus, revert to in-house exam, drop inquiries in a sexual harassment case after students’ protests

Paurush Gupta
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JNU agrees to conduct caste census on campus, revert to in-house exam, drop inquiries in a sexual harassment case after students’ protests

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has accepted several demands of the protesting student’s Union including conducting a caste census on campus. It is pertinent to note that the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has been protesting against the university administration for the past 15 days. However, the stalemate between the protesting students’ body and the university administration may come to an end as the administration has agreed to at least six out of the 12 major demands raised by JNUSU. 

As per reports, the agreed demands include conducting a caste census of the campus, increasing scholarship amounts, reinstating the old in-house entrance exam system — JNU Entrance Exam (JNUEE) — for admissions, and reducing the weightage of Viva in admissions. 

The students’ body has also claimed that the administration has agreed to drop the inquiries in a sexual harassment case where the survivor staged a protest at the North Gate of the campus. It has also reportedly agreed to drop inquiries initiated against students who were part of a water protest outside the VC’s residence. 

However, even after the administration agreed to several demands of the protesting students’ union, JNUSU has continued its protest. It has demanded that the administration give them written confirmation of the agreed demands.  

As per reports, functionaries of JNUSU have been holding hunger strike since 11th August. It alleged that the President and Councillor of the students’ body have lost several kgs of weight and facing health issues. 

Earlier, a negotiation meeting was held on 23rd August. It was the day when the JNUSU took out a long march to the Ministry of Education. The students’ body claimed that Rector-I of the university, Brijesh Kumar Pandey had assured them that the university would accept some of their demands. 

When contacted, Pandey told the media, “The administration will accept all the positive demands of the students in their best interest. Anything beyond our authority cannot be fulfilled.” 

He added, “The university is currently facing a funding crunch. We will write to the UGC to request an allocation so that we can increase the scholarship amount as demanded by the students. As for the caste census, the data regarding the categories in which students have been admitted is already available on our website. That won’t be an issue.”

The JNUSU has claimed that the university has agreed in principle to increase the merit-cum-means scholarship from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 as well as to extend the provision to students of the School of Engineering and the School of Management.

JNUSU’s other prominent demand included reinstating the JNUEE which is an in-house entrance exam system for admissions. The Union further claimed that the Rector-I has verbally assured that admissions will be conducted through JNUEE starting from the next academic session. 

Regarding the demand to hold a caste census, the students’ body further claimed that the administration has verbally assured the union that they will publish the category-wise data of JNU students, faculty, and staff within the next 15 days. 

They added that the university has also agreed to present the Nafey Committee report at the upcoming Academic Council (AC) meeting for approval, which recommends reducing the weightage of viva marks to 10-15 percent in admissions, as reported by news agency PTI. 

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