ED conducts searches at 22 locations in Delhi & UP in money laundering case

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November 25, 2023

India is Bharat and Bharat is India. But West Asia is not Middle East, or the other way around because although geographically contiguous, they are a world apart: the former is a geopolitical entity and the latter a byproduct of centuries of colonialism.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his ministry have been using the two terms interchangeably for the region in a marked departure from the past when the Indian officialdom went with “West Asia” from the time the ministry was created, according to anecdotal accounts cited by past and present diplomats.

“We are gathered to discuss the deeply concerning situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza,” Jaishankar said at a virtual meeting of BRICS leaders on Tuesday. “South Africa has rightly taken the initiative to convene the BRICS, and also to include those who would be part of the group in due course. I convey Prime Minister Modi’s greetings to all the leaders, virtually present.”

Two weeks earlier, the minister used the same term in a speech to Italian lawmakers in Rome. “We also are now watching with increasing concern; Senator, you referred to the Middle East, I think both of you, and where that would go, I think is a very difficult question to answer. Obviously, all of us will have an interest in ensuring that there is no escalation.”

The India-US joint statement after the 2+2 ministerial that took place in New Delhi on November 10 also dumped “West Asia” for “Middle East”, and multiple times. Here is the first of them: “The Ministers discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Ukraine among other regions.”

Joint statements in the past have reflected the Indian preference for “West Asia”. “Building on ongoing consultations between India and the United States on East Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia, and the trilateral dialogue mechanisms with Afghanistan and Japan respectively, the Leaders agreed to expand their consultations to include a dialogue on the Indian Ocean Region, to deepen coordination on cross-cutting issues including maritime security and conservation of natural resources,” said the joint statement issued by the two countries after a meeting between then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Barack Obama in 2013.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself seems to prefer “West Asia”, demonstrating continuity. “When I had proposed this virtual summit, there was no forecast of what the global situation would be today,” Prime Minister Modi said in his opening remarks at the virtual summit of the G20 leaders on Wednesday.

He went on to add, using “West Asia”.

“Recent months have brought forth new challenges. The insecurity and instability in the West Asia region concerns us all. Our coming together today is a sign that we are sensitive to all these issues and stand together to resolve them.”

Indian diplomats denied Jaishankar’s use of the term “Middle East” represented a change. “He might have used the term only because his interlocutors were more familiar with it,” one of them said, and pointed to multiple instances in which the External Affairs Minister used the term “West Asia” in posts on X.

India — or the Ministry of External Affairs — adopted the term “West Asia” in 1954, according to the ministry’s oral and anecdotal history. The ministry’s WANA division — short for West Asia and North Africa — deals with the region comprising Asia’s Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan; and Africa’s Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Djibouti.

The Gulf Division covers other countries usually associated with West Asia/Middle East: Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the UAE.

The term “Middle East” is rooted in colonial Britain’s Eurocentric view of the world and Asia. The eastern Mediterranean region, which was closest to Britain was called the “Near East” and roughly comprised the remnant of the Ottoman Empire. The East Asian region countries such as China, Japan and the Koreas, that were the farthest, were called the “Far East”. And the region in between was called the “Middle East”, which, incidentally, now is the remit of the US State Department’s Near Eastern Affairs Bureau.

India chose “West Asia” to identify the region correctly by its geography. One Indian diplomat described it as a “neutral term” compared to the “value-loaded” Middle East.

A former diplomat dismissed the suggestion that the use of “Middle East” instead of “West Asia” was merely a matter of convenience.

“Why should we give up on our principles for someone else’s convenience,” the person said, adding: “West Asia is not just another name for the Middle East.”

(The story has been published via a syndicated feed with a modified headline.)

How could the Hindenburg report on Adani group be treated as ‘credible’, SC questions Prashant Bhushan

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November 25, 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday asked advocate Prashant Bhushan as to how the apex court could treat the Hindenburg report on Adani Group of companies as “credible”.

CJI DY Chandrachud, who headed the 3-judge bench hearing the pleas pertaining to the Adani-Hindenburg controversy, said that the top court will have to rely on “our investigative agencies” as Bhushan raised questions on credibility of investigations undertaken by the SEBI in the matter.

“Where is the material before us to doubt the SEBI’s investigation. The SEBI is a statutory body entrusted to investigate stock market violations. Is it proper for the highest court — without any material — to reconstitute an SIT of our own,” said the bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

Bhushan, appearing on petitioners’ behalf, urged the apex court for formation of some other SIT or group of experts to conduct the investigation in the Adani-Hindenburg controversy. He said that investigation reports prepared by the SEBI have not been disclosed.

At this, CJI Chandrachud said: “Mr Bhushan, they (SEBI) have completed the investigation. They are saying that now it’s in their quasi judicial power. Should SEBI disclose the investigation before they issue a notice of show cause?”

The SEBI could not “pre-charge” guilt without giving an opportunity of hearing to entities under investigation, he added.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the SEBI, said that the market regulator is not seeking any extension of time and 22 out of 24 investigations have already been finalised.

In relation to the remaining two cases, he said that the reports are interim in nature and the SEBI has sought information from foreign agencies and has no “control on time limit”.

During the hearing, the apex court stressed that the Union government and the SEBI should take steps to prevent investors’ loss in future.

“One of the principal reasons which led us to intervene – was because of this extreme volatility of the stock market which had caused loss to investors’ wealth.

“Now, what is SEBI intending to do to protect this kind of volatility due to short selling which leads to a loss of investor value,” the CJI-led bench asked Mehta.

Mehta said that in cases involving short-selling, the SEBI is taking legal action in accordance with the law.

“Wherever we found short selling, we will take action and we are taking action,” he said.

The Supreme Court also made stern observations against pleas seeking probe into the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and the State Bank of India (SBI).

“You are asking the court – without a shred of evidence – to direct an investigation into SBI and LIC. Do you realise the impact of such a direction? Is this some debate in college?” it said.

After hearing the parties at length, the top court reserved its verdict in the matter.

(This article has been published via a syndicated feed)

World Hindu Congress renounces ‘Hinduism’, embraces terms Hindutva, Hindu Dharm

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HinduPost Desk

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November 25, 2023

mata — (Image Source : World Hindu Congress)

The World Hindu Congress on Friday renounced the word Hinduism, contending that the term reflected oppressiveness and was discriminatory. Instead, it embraced the terms Hindutva and Hindu Dharma to refer to the eternal religion.

The third World Hindu Congress (WHC) adopted a declaration here asserting that the word Hindutva was more accurate as it includes the gamut of all that the word Hindu implies. “In the term Hindu Dharma, the first word, i.e., Hindu, is an unbounded word. It signifies all that is Sanatan or Eternal. And then there is Dharma, which means ‘That, which sustains’,” read the declaration adopted at the end of the first day of deliberations of the WHC.

It said that in contrast, Hinduism is totally different because it is suffixed with an ism, which is a term defined as an oppressive and discriminatory attitude or belief.

“It is for such reasons that many of our elders preferred the term “Hindutva over Hinduism as the former is a more accurate term since it includes the gamut (spectrum) of all that the word Hindu implies. We agree with them and should do the same,” the declaration read. The assertion in the declaration came against the backdrop of a row that erupted after DMK leaders made certain controversial remarks about Sanatan Dharma at a symposium with the theme ‘Abolition of Sanatana’.

The declaration said that Hindutva was not a complicated word and meant Hindu-ness. “Others have used the alternative Sanatan Dharma, often abbreviated as Sanatan. Here, the term Sanatan works as an adjective indicating Hindu Dharma’s eternal nature,” it said. The declaration noted that many academicians and intellectuals portray Hindutva as the antithesis of Hindu Dharma out of ignorance.

“But most are anti-Hindutva because of their visceral hatred and biases against Hindu Dharma. Many politicians driven by political agendas and personal prejudices have also joined that group and are criticising Sanatan Dharma, or Sanatan, with increasing regularity and vitriol,” it added.
The WHC condemned such attacks and urged Hindus worldwide to unite to overcome those who are engaging in such bigotry and emerge victorious.

Earlier, addressing the inaugural session of the WHC, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Bharat will show the path of happiness and satisfaction to the world, which is stumbling from experiments with materialism, communism and capitalism.

He appealed to Hindus across the world to reach out to each other and connect with the world together. “We have to reach out, connect with every Hindu. And Hindus together will connect everybody in the world. As Hindus are connected in more numbers, the process of connecting with the world has also started,” Bhagwat said at the gathering of thinkers, activists, leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide.

The quadrennial event began with the blowing of the conch by Swami Vigyanananda, the founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation, with delegates from over 60 countries participating in the three-day event.

Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandmayi Devi, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Milind Parande, WHC organising committee chair Susheel Saraff, Bharat Sevashram Sangh Working President Swami Purnatmanand, Hinduism Today-USA Publisher Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami among others participated in the inaugural session.

Monitoring outbreak of H9N2 cases in China, Bharat prepared for any health exigency

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November 25, 2023

The Union Health Ministry on Friday said it is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China and that India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said: “Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China.”

There is low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness.

Some media reports have indicated clustering of cases of respiratory illness in children in northern China for which WHO has also issued a statement, it said.

Based on the currently available information, an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks.

The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations, it said.

“A meeting was recently held under the Chairmanship of DGHS to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO,” the Ministry said.

“The overall risk assessment by WHO indicates a low probability of human to human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wild life sectors and improving coordination was recognised,” it said.

The Ministry said that India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency.

“India is embarking on a One Health approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues. There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure especially since the COVID pandemic,” it said.

The Ministry said that the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which is developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary, to prepare health systems in responding effectively to the current and future pandemics or disasters.

In addition, India’s surveillance and detection networks under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have rich experience of dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, it added.

(The story has been published via a syndicated feed with a modified headline.)

Major blow to Mamata Banerjee Govt : Calcutta HC allows BJP mega rally in Kolkata

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November 25, 2023

In a major blow to the West Bengal government, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Friday allowed the BJP to stage its mega rally on November 29 at the same spot in the city where the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress organises its annual “Martyrs’ Day” rally on July 21.

The BJP rally, which will be staged to protest against irregularities in implementation of the 100-day job scheme under MGNREGA in West Bengal, is expected to be attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, as well as Union Ministers of State Giriraj Singh and Niranjan Jyoti.

On Monday, the court single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Manta had overruled the denial of police permission for the rally and allowed the BJP to conduct it at the place of the latter’s choice.

But on Wednesday, the state government approached the division bench of Chief Justice T.S Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya challenging the single-judge bench order.

However, the division bench on Friday also upheld the order of the single judge bench and allowed the BJP to go ahead with its programme.

It also said that although the BJP will have to conduct the rally as per the conditions and restrictions of the Kolkata Police, the latter will not be allowed to impose any additional or new restriction on the organisers.

The court’s observation was that if a particular programme (read Trinamool Congress’s “Martyrs’Day” rally(, can be conducted at the spot in central Kolkata, there is no reason why a similar rally by any other organiser cannot be staged at the same place.

“In that case we will have to cancel the July 21 rally as well. Rather we will have to order for the cancellation of all public programmes. Will that be good? What is the necessity for creation of political complexities,” the Chief Justice observed.

While he state unit of BJP has welcomed the decision, the Trinamool Congress is yet to comment.

(This article has been published via a syndicated feed)

Ireland: Migrant stabs five, violent protests erupt, ‘The Irish are fed up about fake refugees attacking children’

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November 24, 2023

“Ireland: Migrant stabs five, violent protests erupt, ‘The Irish are fed up about fake refugees attacking children’”, Jihad Watch, November 23, 2023:

“Despite some reports saying that an Algerian immigrant was responsible for the stabbings of men, women, and children today, police did not confirm the identity of the man arrested.”

“Breaking News: Suspect In Dublin Stabbing Algerian National, Gardai Believe” — Gript.ie

“Violent clashes erupt in Dublin after 5 injured in stabbing attack,” by Aysu Bicer, Anadolu Agency, November 23, 2023:

Violent protests erupted on the streets of Ireland’s capital Dublin after five people, including a child and a woman, were injured in a stabbing attack……”

Read the full article at Jihadwatch.org

Karnataka govt issues non-bailable warrant against NCPCR chief for comparing condition of Darul Uloom orphanage in Bengaluru with medieval Taliban life

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November 24, 2023

“Karnataka govt issues non-bailable warrant against NCPCR chief for comparing condition of Darul Uloom orphanage in Bengaluru with medieval Taliban life”, Opindia, November 24, 2023:

“The Karnataka government on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) president, Priyank Kanoongo over comparing children’s condition in Bengaluru orphanage ‘Darul Uloom Sayideeya Yateemkhana’ to medieval Taliban life.

The police registered a case on the complaint of one of the members of the orphanage against Priyank Kanoongo.

“On November 19, Priyank Kanoongo along with the District Child Protection Officer (East) and other officials conducted a surprise inspection of an illegally running unregistered orphanage named Darul Uloom Sayyadiya Yatim Khana in Bengaluru, Karnataka in which many irregularities were found,” the NCPCR said……”

Read the full article at Opindia.com

Kerala: 3 madarsa teachers arrested for sexually assaulting students; Islamic preacher caught for sexually abusing a boy

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November 24, 2023

“Kerala: 3 madarsa teachers arrested for sexually assaulting students; Islamic preacher caught for sexually abusing a boy”, Opindia, November 24, 2023:

“Two shocking cases of sexual exploitation of young children at the hands of Islamic preachers have come to light in the state of Kerala. In the first incident, three madrasa teachers one of whom is from Uttar Pradesh, have been arrested by Nedumangad police. On 18 November, the authorities informed that were arrested on charges of sexual assault on minor students.

The accused were identified as 24-year-old L Siddique from Kadackal Kanjirathummoodu Bismi Bhavan, 28-year-old S Muhammed Shameer from Jasmin Villa near Karibah Auditorium and 30-year-old Muhammad Rasalal Haq from Ganeshpur in Uttar Pradesh Kheri district. The three used the pretence of a madarsa to exploit the youngsters and expose them to unnatural sexual violations.

The operation was undertaken after a complaint was lodged by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The Juvenile Justice Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and pertinent Indian Penal Code sections were invoked to register the case against the culprits…..”

Read the full article at Opindia.com

India’s R&AW ‘Death Squads’ forced Pakistan to increase security measures for until now ‘non-existent’ terrorists on its soil

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November 24, 2023