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‘Kamala Harris earlier said she is of Indian heritage, then she turned Black a few years ago’: Donald Trump says, White House condemns statement

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‘Kamala Harris earlier said she is of Indian heritage, then she turned Black a few years ago’: Donald Trump says, White House condemns statement

Former US President Donald Trump launched a strong personal attack on Vice President and rival in the upcoming presidential polls, Kamala Harris, by claiming that she, after being of “Indian heritage” for years, “turned Black” a few years ago, CNN reported.

He further claimed that Harris “all of a sudden, made a turn” in her identity and wants to be known as black.

Trump made the comments at a gathering of black journalists in Chicago when an interviewer asked him why black voters should consider backing a candidate with his history of racist attacks on political rivals.

Trump responded by questioning Harris’ heritage.

“She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn black, and now she wants to be known as black. So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she black?” CNN quoted him as saying.

“I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went – she became a Black person,” he said. “I think somebody should look into that too.”

Notably, Trump has made similar comments in the past as well. For years, he pushed the “birther” conspiracy theory that former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States, according to CNN.

Kamala Harris is of Indian origin. Her mother was Indian and her father is Jamaican; both immigrated to the United States. She was born in Oakland, California, and attended a historically black university, Howard University, in Washington.

She is the first female, first Black and first Asian American vice president. Also, if she wins the upcoming polls, she will become the first woman president of the country.

Last week, President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and nominated his deputy, Kamala Harris, as the Democratic nominee for the race.

Harris’ takeover has re-energised the Democratic campaign that had faltered following Biden’s performance in the presidential debate against Trump, leaving the party in doubt about Biden’s chances of defeating Trump or his ability to continue in the White House if he had won.

Harris rapidly consolidated support among Democrats in the hours after Biden stepped aside, and she raised more than USD 200 million in her first week as a presidential candidate.

The White House was quick to denounce Trump’s comments, calling it “insulting” and said only VP Kamala Harris can speak for herself on the matter.

“As a person of colour, as a black woman, who is in this position, standing before you, at this podium…what he said is insulting,” White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre said at the briefing on Wednesday (local time).

“No one has any right to tell someone, who they are, how they identify, that is no one’s right. It is someone’s own decision,” she added.

“Only she (Kamala Harris) could speak up to her experience, only she can speak up to what it’s like, she is the only person that can do that. I think it’s insulting for anybody, doesn’t matter if it’s insulting for a foreign leader, a former president, it is insulting…she is the Vice President of the United States, we have to put some respect to her name,” Jean-Pierre further asserted. 


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Delhi UPSC coaching centre death case: Court denies bail to 4 owners and the SUV driver who allegedly caused waves triggering the tragedy

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Delhi UPSC coaching centre death case: Court denies bail to 4 owners and the SUV driver who allegedly caused waves triggering the tragedy

Delhi’s Tis Hazari court has dismissed the bail pleas of Manuj Kathuria, Tejinder, Harvinder, Parvinder, and Sarabjeet, who were arrested in connection with the drowning incident at a coaching center in Old Rajender Nagar.

Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Vinod Kumar dismissed the bail applications after considering the submissions from the counsels for the accused and the Delhi police.

While dismissing the bail application of accused Manuj Kathuria, the judge observed, “Perusal of CCTV footage of the alleged incident shows that the driver can be seen driving the vehicle on an already heavily waterlogged road at a speed causing large displacement of water, resulting in the gate of the alleged premises giving way. Water entered the basement, leading to the loss of three innocent lives.”

The judge further noted, “Perusal of CCTV footage prima facie shows that he was warned of the danger ahead by a passerby, but he did not heed the warning.”

Regarding the other accused, the court noted that the allegations against them pertain to their joint ownership of the basement. The lease deed dated June 5, 2022, executed between the accused and the coaching center, indicated that the premises were being used for commercial purposes, contrary to the completion cum occupancy certificate issued by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, thus violating the law.

“The unfortunate tragedy occurred because the premises were used for commercial purposes, resulting in the loss of three innocent lives,” the judge observed.

The court emphasised the seriousness of the allegations against the accused and noted that the role of other civic agencies is still under thorough investigation. Given the early stage of the investigation, the court dismissed the bail pleas.

On Tuesday, the court reserved the order on the bail pleas of the landowners’ brothers and the driver.

Delhi police opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the landowners abetted the offence while the car driver aggravated the incident, contributing to the students’ deaths.

It is alleged that the driver was speeding, causing a high wave that resulted in the crashing of three iron gates.

Advocate Rakesh Malhotra argued that the incident occurred at an institute with a basement library and a biometric door, designated for storage but used as a library.

Malhotra also argued that the MCD and other agencies are responsible for maintaining civic amenities. A complaint had been filed with the MCD a week before the incident, indicating ongoing issues.

He contended, “There was no overspeeding by the driver. What do you expect, should I ask everyone whether I can pass my vehicle? If so, then I am guilty of negligent and rash driving.”

Malhotra further argued that the accused had no knowledge that their actions could cause the incident, given the crowded nature of Rajender Nagar and the role of civic agencies.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Atul Shrivastava, opposing the bail, presented a picture of the vehicle and noted the accused’s fondness for off-road vehicles. He argued that the driver should have slowed down in the waterlogged area.

Shrivastava emphasised the early stage of the investigation and the accused’s potential to influence witnesses.

In rebuttal, the defence counsel argued that the vehicle in question was a passenger car, not designed for off-road conditions, and the actual culprits were the civic agencies and the institute.

Advocate Amit Chaddha, representing the other accused, argued that they approached the police voluntarily, demonstrating their bona fide intentions. He contended that the incident was due to an act of God, which could have been avoided by the authorities.

Delhi police invoked sections 106 (death caused by negligence) and 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) to bypass Supreme Court judgements in similar cases, according to the defence.

Chaddha also presented a fire safety certificate for the premises, arguing that it was the authorities’ responsibility to ensure compliance with safety standards.

APP Atul Shrivastava countered by highlighting the serious nature of the charges and the initial stage of the investigation, arguing that the accused were aware of the coaching centre’s operations and failed to take necessary precautions.

The court, taking into account all submissions, dismissed the bail applications.

 (This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

‘Illegal encroachment in Wayanad wasn’t removed because of pressure from religious organisations’: Tejasvi Surya slams Kerala govt, Rahul Gandhi over floods

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‘Illegal encroachment in Wayanad wasn’t removed because of pressure from religious organisations’: Tejasvi Surya slams Kerala govt, Rahul Gandhi over floods

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Wednesday in a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Congress leader who was the former MP from Wayanad had neglected critical issues of the region that witnessed devastating landslides in the early hours of July 30.

“In the last 1,800 days since Rahul Gandhi was the MP from Wayanad, he has not raised the issue of landslides and floods even once in the Assembly and in the Parliament,” said Surya speaking in Lok Sabha today.

“In 2020, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority advised relocating 4,000 families from landslide-prone areas in Wayanad. Till today no action was taken and the MP representing Wayanad did not even raise this issue till today. Kerala’s Forest Minister in the Assembly admits that they are unable to remove illegal encroachment because they had pressure from various religious organizations,” the BJP MP from Bangalore South said.

The MP alleged that the Wayanad landslides “are a man-made disaster and accountability should be fixed.”

“What has happened in Wayanad is not a natural disaster. It is a man-made disaster. I am not saying this, ecological experts from Kerala are saying this. In the last five-six years, out of all the landslides that have happened in the country, 60 per cent of them are happening only in Kerala,” Surya said while speaking to ANI.

“In 2020, the Disaster Management Authority of Kerala told the Kerala government to remove 4,000 families from all the illegal settlements on the Eastern Slope of the Western Ghats of Wayanad. Rahul Gandhi never raised any questions about it. Commercialization activities are going on continuously in the entire Western Ghats in Kerala. It is shaking the very foundations of the hills of Western Ghats, Surya said.

“Why evacuation has not been done till now is because of the vote bank politics there. The Forest Minister of today’s LDF government had said in the Kerala Assembly in 2021 that we are not able to evacuate the illegal encroachments because of political pressure and pressure from religious groups and Rahul Gandhi being an MP from there for five years, neither in the Parliament nor outside, he has never raised his voice to clear this illegal encroachment,” Surya said.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that it was “very unfortunate” that someone speaking in Parliament unnecessarily politicises humanity in times of crisis.

“It is feared that by the time the rescue operation is over we will have lost more than 200 lives. Not everything in our country is politics,” Tharoor said.

Congress MP KC Venugopal said, “I am sad about the speech made by a member from the Treasury benches…The Home Minister could have controlled him because this was the saddest moment for the entire country, especially Kerala…We need actions, we need results. We cannot bring back the lives but we have to show the country that we are together…”

Speaking in Rajya Sabha today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the loss of lives in the Wayanad landslides while stating that the Kerala government could have minimized the losses in Wayanad if they had become alert after the Central government’s warning about potential landslides and the risk of people’s lives.

“My condolences to the bereaved families… I want to clarify something for the country… They kept on talking about early warning. I want to clarify that on July 23, the government of India gave an early warning to the government of Kerala, which was 7 days before the incident, and then on July 24 and 25 too early warning was given. On July 26, a warning was given that there was a chance of heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm, and there were chances of landslides, there could be mudflow and people could lose lives in this. Questions are being raised about the early warning system of the government… The government has spent Rs. 2000 crores after 2014 for the early warning system…” Shah said in Rajya Sabha.

“Under this early warning system, on July 23, at my direction, 9 NDRF teams were sent to Kerala considering that there could be landslides. What did the Kerala government do? Were the people shifted? And if they were shifted then how did they die? The project of early warning started in 2016 and by 2023, India had the most modern early warning system. There are only four countries to predict seven days in advance and India is one among them,” Shah said.

Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan countered Shah’s statement saying that “it was not a time for blame games.”

“This is not the time to blame each other. However, reports from the Rajya Sabha indicate that the Union Home Minister claimed they had issued a warning, and Kerala did not respond appropriately,” the Kerala Chief Minister said.

Vijayan stated that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had only issued an orange alert for the district before the landslides. However, Wayanad experienced over 500 millimetres of rainfall, far exceeding the IMD’s predictions.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

As Congress denies Rahul Gandhi’s ‘secret’ White House meeting, he could embark on another US trip on the invitation of Indian Overseas Congress

Paurush Gupta
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As Congress denies Rahul Gandhi’s ‘secret’ White House meeting, he could embark on another US trip on the invitation of Indian Overseas Congress

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently received an invitation from the party’s overseas unit, the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), to visit the United States of America, Canada, and Europe. According to a Times of India report published on 26th July, a group of NRIs led by IOC convener Rajwinder Singh held a meeting with him in this regard. According to them, Rahul Gandhi’s visit aims to discuss ways to empower Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and reforms back home. 

After meeting Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, Rajwinder paid obeisance at the Golden Temple where he said that apart from motivating NRIs, the Congress leader would also hold meetings with the US Democrat leaders.

He added that Rahul Gandhi would also visit Canada ahead of the Canadian Federal elections and then to Europe to hold meetings with the NRIs.

According to Rajwinder, Rahul Gandhi aims to initiate some pilot projects in Congress-ruled states in India which will also help to strengthen ties with the diaspora.

While there is no official confirmation yet whether Rahul Gandhi has accepted or declined the IOC’s invite for a foreign visit including to the United States, his last US tour in 2023 has been at the centre of a storm over the ‘secret’ meeting at the White House and/or with the officials of the Biden administration. 

Incidentally, after OpIndia pointed out on 30th July 2024 that an Economic Times report written by journalist Seema Sirohi claimed that Rahul Gandhi had clandestine White House meetings during his Washington trip in 2023, Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty took to Twitter (now X) to threaten OpIndia. 

He claimed that there was no “secret” White House meeting. 

However, it is pertinent to note that Sirohi who had heaped praises on the Congress leader, had also mentioned in the Economic Times’ article that Rahul Gandhi had these “White House meetings which both parties involved – the Biden administration and Congress – had chosen to keep under wraps.”

The news at the time was source-based. In her report, Sirohi did not reveal how she got this information. She later appeared on Barkha Dutt’s YouTube show and confirmed her story.

However, when Congress trolls started abusing Seema Sirohi for reporting about the ‘secret’ White House meeting, Sirohi revealed that her source for the story was none other than Praveen Chakravarty, the one who yesterday threatened OpIndia for reporting about the said clandestine White House meeting. 

Strikingly, on the 3rd of June 2023, Praveen Chakravarty spoke to PTI and confirmed that Rahul Gandhi had indeed met officials from the White House, and the Biden administration.

However, after expected questions and backlash were directed against Congress for the clandestine meetings, Seema Sirohi tweeted that Praveen Chakravarty had changed his mind – a whole 1 week after he gave the statements to PTI – and said that there was no White House meeting. Click here, to read in detail how the Congress leader who issued a public threat to OpIndia for highlighting gaps in various versions of Rahul Gandhi’s secret White House meeting, has tied himself in knots. Click here, to read about OpIndia’s expose on Congress leaders’ links with the US Deep State.  

Nonetheless, even while denying the White House meeting, Praveen in the interaction with The News Minute admitted that Rahul Gandhi met Senators and Government officials during his USA trip, alluding to the fact that he was only contesting that Rahul Gandhi visited the White House and not the fact that he met with govt officials from the Biden administration.

Anurag Thakur’s remarks part of parliamentary record, Congress breach of privilege motion against PM Modi for sharing his speech holds no ground: sources

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Anurag Thakur’s remarks part of parliamentary record, Congress breach of privilege motion against PM Modi for sharing his speech holds no ground: sources

With Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi giving a breach of privilege notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sharing the speech of Anurag Thakur made in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, sources said that that the BJP MP’s remarks are part of parliamentary record and the breach of privilege notice does not hold ground.

After the opposition members, including Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, objected to some of his remarks made during his speech on union budget, Anurag Thakur said he had not named any member.

Sources said Anurag Thakur’s remarks are part of parliamentary records and his remarks have not been expunged.

Slamming Congress over its protests, Union Ministers and BJP leaders said Anurag Thakur did not name anyone.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said Congress is resorting to excuses.

“He (Anurag Thakur) did not ask the caste. Those who don’t know caste are speaking about Caste Census. He did not name anyone, so why are you taking it upon yourself? Anurag Thakur clarified it on the floor of the House. They need an excuse. The intention is to divert the issue. From Pandit Nehru to Indira Gandhi, to Rajiv Gandhi – everybody has opposed reservation for OBC…,” he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress of hatching a conspiracy to divide the country based on caste.

“I condemn what Congress has done, they keep talking about castes all the time…they ask the castes of media people and army personnel…Congress has hatched a conspiracy to divide the country based on castes…they keep asking about everyone’s castes, but Rahul Gandhi’s caste can’t be asked…are they above the country and Parliament?…they want to weaken democracy and country’s economy, they want to spread anarchy and violence,” he said.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke on Anurag Thakur’s remarks and said PM Modi should not have lauded the speech.

“Taunting in the House, this doesn’t happen in Parliament. Nobody’s caste is asked in the Parliament…He (Anurag Thakur) said this purposely to insult him (Rahul Gandhi). This is not right. Several of their (BJP) senior leaders have had intercaste marriages. They should look at themselves in the mirror and then speak…He (Anurag Thakur) is immature but was there a need for the Prime Minister to tweet?” Kharge asked.

“Several of their leaders are in an intercaste or interfaith marriage. Will they ask about everyone’s caste? This is wrong, I condemn this. I also condemn the tweet of the Prime Minister. PM Modi should know where to speak and who to defend. Leaving that aside, he is talking about inflaming sentiments. This should not be allowed in Parliament, it should be expunged,” he said.

Channi, a former Punjab Chief Minister who is MP from Jalandhar, wrote to Speaker Om Birla giving notice of breach of privilege against PM Modi.

“I have moved a privilege motion against the PM. I have written to the Lok Sabha Speaker that it was contempt of the House when the PM tweeted and promoted the certain objectionable remarks made by Anurag Thakur after they were expunged from House records,” Channi said.

He said PM Modi “tweeting of remarks which had been expunged from the proceedings of Lok Sabha clearly amounts to a breach of privilege and contempt of the House” and urged the Speaker to admit his motion.

Former Karnataka CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said he is shocked over the Congress protest.

“How can the caste census be without asking the caste?… If they think they were insulted (by Anurag Thakur), they are insulting the whole country by asking for a caste census. They are talking about caste census,… then why is it an insult when someone asks them their caste?” he asked.

BJP MP Sambit Patra asked when Anurag Thakur “did not name anyone why only one person felt bad”.

“The number of 99 (Congress strength in Lok Sabha) and the game of arrogance of Congress party… When Anurag Thakur yesterday spoke without naming anyone, why did only one person feel bad, and on his direction, all members of Congress stood up? This is the kind of behaviour that will be shown on asking about one’s caste?…The caste of media personnel, administrative officers, judges and also army soldiers can be asked but if someone asks you your caste you start talking,” he said.

The Congress has said several times that it is committed to conducting a caste census in the country.

 (This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

BJD MP Mamata Mohanta quits party and resigns from Rajya Sabha saying there is no requirement of her services and her community in the party

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BJD MP Mamata Mohanta quits party and resigns from Rajya Sabha saying there is no requirement of her services and her community in the party

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday announced that he has received the resignation letter of Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Mohanta and has accepted her resignation with immediate effect.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Dhankar said, “Honourable members, I have to make an announcement. I have received a letter today from honourable member Mamata Mohanta, representing the state of Odisha, resigning her seat in the Rajya Sabha. She has resigned her seat by writing to the Chairman and handed personally to me.”

He further said, “… I have accepted the resignation of Mamata Mohanta, member representing the state of Odisha with immediate effect.”

In her resignation letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman, Mohanta wrote, “I Do hereby tender my resignation from the membership of Rajya Sabha, today, i.e. July 31, 2024. I have taken this decision consciously.”

The letter further said, “I express my gratitude to your good self for the opportunities given to me to raise issues of public importance in the House.”

Mohanta also took to her official X handle and posted about her resignation. She said, “I have resigned from the post of Rajya Sabha member today. The Biju Janata Dal Party president chose me as a member of the District Council and a member of the Rajya Sabha and gave me the opportunity to serve my district…”

In her resignation letter to Naveen Patnaik, Mohanta said, “I do hereby resign from the Primary Membership of Biju Janata Dal today, i.e. July 31, 2024. I sincerely express my gratitude to your goodself for giving me an opportunity to serve the people of Mayurbhanj and also to take the cause of Odisha at the national level.”

She added further, “However, I feel that there is no requirement of the services of myself as well as my community in the Biju Janata Dal. Therefore, I have taken this hard decision in the public interest.”  

 (This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Ayodhya: SP MP Awadhesh Prasad’s close aide Moeed Khan arrested over gangrape of a minor OBC girl, was operating local police station from his premises

OpIndia Staff
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Ayodhya: SP MP Awadhesh Prasad’s close aide Moeed Khan arrested over gangrape of a minor OBC girl, was operating local police station from his premises

A shocking case of gang rape of a minor girl has come to light from the Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh. It is alleged that Samajwadi Party leader Moeed Khan and his servant Raju Khan gang-raped the minor girl a few months ago. They also recorded the video while committing the heinous crime, to blackmail the minor victim. By threatening to leak the obscene video, they continued sexually exploiting her for over 2 months. However, the family came to know about the crime when her health deteriorated and she became pregnant.

It is further alleged that the Bhadarsa Police Station didn’t file an FIR in this matter for more than 30 hours. It is also alleged that since 2012, this Police station had been running from the house of the accused SP leader Moeed Khan. 

According to reports, the victim hails from a labourer family and OBC community. On Tuesday (30th July 2024), the police registered a case and arrested the accused SP leader Moeed Khan and his servant Raju.

The incident took place in the Pura Kalandar police station area of Ayodhya. The accused SP leader Khan has a bakery shop near the Bhadarsa Outpost. The minor victim lives with her mother.

According to the minor victim, around 75 days ago, when she was returning home, Raju, a servant working in Moeed’s shop, lured the victim to his shop by offering her a toast. Since she had been going to the shop earlier as well, she trusted him and went there. It is alleged that both the accused took turns to rape her inside the shop and also recorded obscene video of the entire incident. By threatening to leak the video, they continued sexually exploiting the minor for over 2 months. As a result of continued sexual exploitation, the victim got pregnant. 

When she complained of stomach pain, her mother got suspicious. She then narrated the entire incident to her mother who then went on to lodge a Police complaint in this matter. 

After receiving information about the incident, Hindu organizations started gathering at the spot. Along with BJP and Bajrang Dal workers, members of the Nishad Party also gathered at the police station.  

During the investigation, it was also found that the Bhadarsa police station area where this incident took place was running on the property of the accused SP leader Moeed Khan. The police station was then shifted from Khan’s property to a different place overnight. According to reports, the accused Khan is said to be close to Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad and is the party’s Nagar President of the Bhadarsa region. As per reports, a bank is also operating on Khan’s property. 

The victim’s mother alleges that after she filed the complaint, she is facing constant pressure to withdraw the case. 

She said that when they went to confront Moeed Khan, he gave them Rs 2,000 for medication and said, “Get treatment, abortion medication is available. All of this keeps happening.” When we asked where is your servant Raju? He said that Raju does not work for them.

The victim’s mother added that they belong to a poor family. Taking advantage of this, those people did wrong things to my daughter.

Police have arrested SP leader Moeed Khan and his servant Raju. They have filed an FIR under sections of gang rape and POCSO Act. Meanwhile, the Police are also probing whether Khan’s bakery shop has proper documentation or not. 

Delhi govt issues safety guidelines for educational institutions following the death of UPSC aspirants at coaching centre

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi govt issues safety guidelines for educational institutions following the death of UPSC aspirants at coaching centre

Following the death of three students at a UPSC coaching centre due to flooding of its basement, the Delhi govt today issued safety guidelines to be followed by all educational institutions. Delhi Govt’s Directorate of Education has issued safety guidelines to all the Principals or Heads of Govt, Govt Aided and Unaided Private Recognized Schools.

The safety guidelines state that if any school building has a basement, it has to be used only for permitted activities as per provisions of the Master Plan and as per the sanctioned plan. It states that the access to the basement shall be properly marked and clearly indicated in the school evacuation plan. Electrical wirings & fittings including appliances shall be checked and all safety norms be followed to avoid any kind of untoward related incident.

The guideline states that it was issued after the Old Rajinder Nagar incident on 27 July where three students died in the library located in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, and before then the death of a UPSC aspirant due to electrocution on 22 July.

The guidelines state:

  • The provisions of Master Plan for Delhi, 2021 regarding use of basement in public buildings shall be followed.
  • The basements, if any in school buildings, shall be used only for permissible activities as per provisions of the Master Plan and as per the sanctioned plan.
  • All gates of the school buildings shall be functional and opened for entry & exit.
  • The access to the basement shall be properly marked and clearly indicated in the school evacuation plan.
  • All the corridors shall be free from obstructions at all times and smooth passage be ensured.
  • School corridors and staircases shall be regularly checked for water accumulation and requisite necessary action to be taken.
  • Ensure all necessary steps at school level are being taken to avoid water logging in and around school premises.
  • Electrical wirings & fittings including appliances shall be checked and all safety norms be followed to avoid any kind of untoward related incident.
  • The school shall have all requisite fire safety measures in place.

Notably, Rau’s IAS Study Circle centre was issued a fire safety certificate just 18 days before the incident, which stated that the basement was to be used for storage. But in reality, the basement was being used as a library. Moreover, the library was equipped with biometric lock which can be unlocked only with fingerprint.

On the day of the incident, the flood caused a power failure, and a result the biometric lock could not be unlocked. The students present in the library were trapped in the flooded basement where the water level reached 12 feet, leading to the death of three students at the coaching centre.

‘RSS bears unimpeachable credentials, comprises of people committed to serving the nation’: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar in Rajya Sabha

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‘RSS bears unimpeachable credentials, comprises of people committed to serving the nation’: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar in Rajya Sabha

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday expressed his support for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and said that the organisation has been contributing to national welfare. He emphasised that everyone should take pride in any organization dedicated to serving the nation in such a selfless manner.

While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Dhankar emphasized that the RSS comprises individuals who have dedicated themselves to selflessly serving the nation. “I hereby rule that RSS is an organisation that has full Constitutional rights to participate in the development journey of this nation. This organisation bears unimpeachable credentials, comprised of people who are deeply committed to serving the nation selflessly. To take exception that a member of this organisation cannot participate in the development journey of this nation is not only unconstitutional but beyond the rules. Our rules prescribe a methodology…,” he said.

Lauding the RSS further, Dhankar said, “Every organisation associated with the development of the nation should come forward. It is soothing to note, wholesome to note that RSS as an organisation has been contributing to national welfare, and our culture, and everyone should take pride in any organisation which is acting in this manner.”

The remarks by the Rajya Sabha Chairman come after the central government lifted the ban on participation of government employees in RSS activities. A few days ago, an order was reportedly issued by the Ministry of Personnel, lifting the ban on the participation of government employees in RSS activities. The order has, however, sparked a row, drawing criticism from the opposition.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor had referred to it as “very strange” after the central government lifted the ban on the participation of government employees in RSS activities.

Tharoor said that it is the responsibility of the government employees to work for everyone and added that they should remain “neutral” when in government.

“This is very strange. RSS work and government work are different, both should not be together and the Narendra Modi government did not change this rule for 10 years, then why are you changing it now? It is the responsibility of government employees to work for everyone, work for the whole country. This is not fair, after retiring from service you can do whatever you want but when you are in the government you should remain neutral,” Tharoor had said.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

War crimes, targeted killing, abuse of power, and more: Know about the criminal history of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, killed in an Israeli airstrike

Anurag
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War crimes, targeted killing, abuse of power, and more: Know about the criminal history of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, killed in an Israeli airstrike

On 31st July, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas confirmed that their chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran. He was killed in an Israeli air strike on his house. His three sons, Hazem, Amir and Mohammad, along with a number of his grandchildren, were killed in an Israeli attack in April this year.

Haniyeh was killed months after Israel vowed to destroy Hamas following the bloody October 7 terror attacks that resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis and the abduction of hundreds of others, prompting the Netanyahu government to launch an all-out war against the terror network controlling the Gaza Strip.

However, with the assassination of Haniyeh, which is attributed to Israel, the Jewish nation has reached an important milestone in the war effort that has dragged on for over 9 months now, leaving thousands dead and the terror network’s infrastructure critically damaged.

Origin of Hamas

Hamas, short for “Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya” (Islamic Resistance Movement), was established in 1987. It was an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza. In the beginning, the Muslim Brotherhood was relatively moderate. However, with the evolution of Hamas, it turned into a radical Islamist organisation. The full name of the Palestinian terrorist organisation translates to the “Islamic Resistance Movement”.

In its founding documents, specifically in the Hamas Charter published on 18th August 1988, the group emphasised jihad and the establishment of an Islamic state from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River. From the charter, came the infamous murderous slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”. The ultimate goal of the terrorist organisation is the destruction of Israel.

History of Ismail Haniyeh

Ismail Abdel Salam Ahmed Haniyah was born on 29th January 1963. He rose to prominence within Hamas in the 1990s as with his close links to the organisation’s co-founder, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. In 2006, Hamas won a parliamentary majority in the Palestine elections and Haniyeh was appointed Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA). He remained one of the top leaders of Hamas for two decades.

Control over Gaza

In 2007, there were violent clashes in Fatah after which Hamas took full control of Gaza. Following the clashes, he was dismissed by then-President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abaas. However, Haniyeh continued to act as the Prime Minister of the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Since then, he has been a leading public representative of Hamas from within Gaza.

Between 2014 to 2017, Haniyeh served as the deputy leader of Hamas. On 6th May 2017, he was elected as the chief of the political wing of Hamas. The idea was to soften his extremist image in the public. Though his title was limited to the political wing, his influence extended beyond political matters and often shadowed the decisions made by the armed wings of Hamas. Under his leadership, the lines between political wing and military wings faded consistently.

Designation as a Terrorist

In January 2018, the United States Department of State deemed him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist because of his close links with the armed wing of Hamas and his advocacy for armed struggle, including against the civil population of Israel.

The 31st January 2018 release by the State Department read, “Ismail Haniyeh is the leader and President of the Political Bureau of Hamas, which was designated in 1997 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and in 2001 as an SDGT.  Haniyeh has close links with Hamas’ military wing and has been a proponent of armed struggle, including against civilians.  He has reportedly been involved in terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens.  Hamas has been responsible for an estimated 17 American lives killed in terrorist attacks.”

Along with him, Harakat al-Sabireen, Liwa al Thawra, and Harakat Sawa’d Misr (HASM) were also designated as terrorists or terrorist organisations. The release further read, “Today’s actions notify the U.S. public and the international community that Ismail Haniyeh, Harakat al-Sabireen, Liwa al-Thawra, and Harakat Sawa’d Misr have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism.  Terrorism designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and deny them access to the U.S. financial system.  Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of U.S. agencies and other governments.”

Crimes Committed by Ismail Haniyeh

Under Heniyeh’s leadership, Hamas has been involved in widespread and systematic crimes against humanity including murder, imprisonment and torture of civilians in Gaza. The acts of terrorism were not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate campaign to ensure Hamas maintained control over Gaza and suppress political dissent.

The 2014 Gaza conflict

In 2014, clashes took place in Gaza often known as the 2014 Gaza Conflict or Operation Protective Edge. During the conflict, Haniyeh-led Hamas carried out a brutal campaign of abduction, torture and unlawful killings against the people of Palestine who were accused of collaborating with Israel. As per reports, Hamas terrorists tortured and summarily executed the people of Palestine during this period which amounted to war crimes.

According to the information available from the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, Haniyeh played a vital role in crafting extremist ideology. He did not prevent Hamas terrorists from committing war crimes during the 2014 war and actively encouraged and funded their war crimes. The civilians were used as “human shields” during the 2014 war. Hamas consistently fired rockets and mortars from densely populated areas making the civilians potential military targets. They stored weapons in schools, hospitals, mosques and other civilian structures.

Notably, Hamas used rockets during the war that were prohibited under international laws. The missiles were not easy to control and therefore could not accurately fire at lawful military targets putting civilian areas at risk. The modus operandi of Hamas continued to be the same in the Israel-Hamas war that broke after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on 7th October 2023.

Targeted Killings

Under Haniyeh, Hamas also executed several individuals accused of “espionage” and “collaborating with Israel”. In April 2017, Hamas executed three men in Gaza claiming they provided information to Israel that led to the deal of Palestinian terrorists. The execution of three men was part of a broader pattern of using extreme measures to ensure fear is implicated among the population eliminating the possible threats to the authority of Hamas in the region.

Continued abuse of power

Under Haniyeh’s leadership, the abuses of power continued beyond the 2014 conflict. Several organisations documented cases of arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. His administration was accused of using the justice system and security apparatus to suppress political opponents and silence dissent.

Ismail Haniyeh was wanted by the International Criminal Court

In May this year, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said he would seek an arrest warrant against Ismail Haniyeh. He accused him and other Hamas leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity about the 7th October 2023 terrorist attack.

In his appeal, ICC Prosecutor Karim AA Khan accused Haniyeh of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza from 7th October 2023. Haniyeh, along with Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif were accused by the prosecutor of extermination, murder, hostage-taking, sexual violence, torture, and other inhumane acts. The evidence submitted against Heniyah included interviews with survivors, CCTV footage, authenticated media and statements from the members of Hamas. He asserted that Heniyah and others planned and instigated those crimes and emphasised their involvement and responsibility.

Ismail Haniyeh’s tenure as PA of Hamas was marked with severe human rights violations and crimes against humanity. His leadership oversaw a regime that employed violence and terror to ensure Hamas maintained control over Gaza and targeted political opponents while perceiving extreme measures.

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