Manipur Chief Minister Slams Tejashwi Yadav Over "Racist" Jab At Himanta Sarma

A war of words between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has escalated over the Assam government's move to scrap the practice of two-hour assembly session adjournment for jumma prayers.

While Mr Sarma from the ruling BJP pointed out the decision was taken jointly by all MLAs including Hindu and Muslim leaders, Mr Yadav alleged the Assam Chief Minister's party has made Muslims soft targets to spread hate and polarise society.

What escalated the exchange between the two was Mr Yadav's post on X that took a swipe at Mr Sarma as someone who wants to "gain cheap popularity and become the Chinese version of Yogi," alluding to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

असम के मुख्यमंत्री सस्ती लोकप्रियता हासिल करने एवं "योगी का चाइनीज़ वर्जन" बनने के प्रयास में जानबुझकर मुसलमानों को परेशान करने वाले कृत्य करते रहते है। BJP के लोगों ने नफ़रत फैलाने, मोदी-शाह का ध्यान आकृष्ट करने एवं समाज में धुर्वीकरण करने के लिए मुसलमान भाइयों को सॉफ्ट टारगेट... pic.twitter.com/tVue9mXoY9

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) August 30, 2024

The RJD leader did not indicate if he was referring to inferior quality goods from China, or the north-east region, where people have often complained of racist remarks directed towards them.

Responding to Mr Yadav's attack, Mr Sarma said, "Doing away with the two-hour jumma break was not the Chief Minister's decision, but of all Hindu and Muslim legislators. When the assembly Speaker on Friday announced it, no Muslim MLA in the house raised any protest. There are 25 Muslim MLAs in Assam assembly, out of a total 126."

असम में जुम्मे के ब्रेक को ख़त्म करने के निर्णय को कांग्रेस ने भी समर्थन दिया। बिहार या देश की किसी भी अन्य विधानसभा में ऐसा कोई ब्रेक है ही नहीं। मैं हैरान हूँ कि असम के बाहर के लोग बिना सोचे-समझे इसका विरोध कर रहे हैं। pic.twitter.com/fuUhhEi1nf

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 31, 2024

The Assam Chief Minister said the proposal to do away with this provision in the rules of procedures of the assembly was placed before the rules committee, headed by the Speaker, which unanimously agreed to drop the jumma practice.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who is from the BJP, waded into the battle and attacked Mr Yadav, alleging that the RJD leader had labelled the Assam Chief Minister "a Chinese just because he is from the northeast."

"It appears that the INDI Alliance is made up of a bunch of ignorant racists who have no information about the history and geography of our country. First, it was Sam Pitroda. Now, it's Tejashwi Yadav who is being racist towards the people of northeast," Mr Singh said.

It appears that the INDI Alliance is made up of a bunch of ignorant racists who have no information about the history & geography of our country.

First, it was Sam Pitroda. Now, it's Tejashwi Yadav who is being racist towards the people of North east.

It is unfortunate that a... pic.twitter.com/uc78LpohC2

— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) August 31, 2024

Mr Sarma also shot back at Mr Yadav, accusing him of "hypocrisy". "Tejashwi Yadav is criticising me but I want to ask him... is there any such practice in Bihar? You (Mr Yadav) should have implemented a four-hour break when you were deputy chief minister of Bihar. Practice it first before preaching," Mr Sarma said.

He added the decision was being criticised only outside Assam, while the state MLAs showed commitment to work for development.

In May 2021, a blogger from Punjab was charged by the Arunachal Pradesh government for his racial remarks against a Congress MLA. The YouTube blogger Paras Singh had in a video termed then Congress MLA Ninong Ering a "non-Indian" and claimed the "state was a part of China", sparking furore among Arunachal residents as well as people from other parts of the country. Paras Singh was arrested and brought to Arunachal Pradesh, where he said he realised his mistake and sought apology. He was granted bail and allowed to return home.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/b35Dg9t
via IFTTT

"To Cover Up Delays...": Centre On Mamata Banerjee's Letter On Rape Cases

The Union Women and Child Development Minister has responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's second letter, seeking a stringent law and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes such as rape and murder.

Ms Banerjee in her second letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought a mandatory provision for time-bound disposal of rape and murder cases. The two letters came amid the CBI investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The BJP had called her a "liar" over her letters, and questioned her over why she has not done anything to ensure implementation of existing "stringent" rules and regulations to protect women in her state.

"With regard to the information contained in your letter about the status of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) and exclusive POCSO courts in West Bengal, I may mention that according to information received from the Calcutta High Court, West Bengal has established 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which are not the same as the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) covered under the Central Government Scheme..." Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said in her response to Ms Banerjee.

"... ln spite of pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the state has not operationalised additional 11 FTSCs which may be exclusive POCSO courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO cases, as per the state's requirement. As may be seen, the information contained in your letter in this regard is factually incorrect and appears to be a step in the direction to cover up the delays in operationalizing the FTSCs by the state," Ms Devi said.

 BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya has also questioned the Bengal Chief Minister over not doing enough to ensure rules and regulations to protect women and girls are strictly followed.

"It is incumbent on Mamata Banerjee to explain why the West Bengal government hasn't done anything for implementing the stringent rules and regulations, which exist for protecting women and girls," Mr Malviya said in a post on X. "Stop writing letters. Answer the questions. You are accountable," he added.

On Ms Banerjee's demand for permanent judicial officers in FTSCs, instead of only retired judicial officers as prescribed in the FTSC scheme guidelines, the Women and Child Development Minister said, "... I may inform you that the scheme guidelines clearly provide for one judicial officer and seven staff to work exclusively for disposal of Rape and POCSO Act cases. Hence, additional charge of FTSCs cannot be given to any permanent judicial officer or court staff. This position was clarified earlier to the state of West Bengal..."

The rape and murder of the junior doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked outrage across the nation, with doctors and others in the medical profession calling for fundamental reforms to ensure dignity and security at their workplace.

The Trinamool Congress has alleged the BJP has politicised the incident. The BJP has, however, pointed the finger back at Ms Banerjee's party with allegations that the medical college was ridden with insidious corruption.

The college's former principal Sandip Ghosh is under investigation. The Central Bureau of Investigation has also arrested the key suspect Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, who was seen on CCTV outside the seminar room of the hospital where the junior doctor's body was found.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/9F0g5aH
via IFTTT

In A First For Kerala, Wife Succeeds IAS Husband As Chief Secretary

A wife is succeeding her IAS officer husband as the Chief Secretary of Kerala, a first in the state's history.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pointed to this rare occurrence on Friday during the farewell ceremony organised for outgoing Chief Secretary V Venu, who will retire from government service on August 31.

Venu will be succeeded as Chief Secretary by his wife Sarada Muraleedharan, who currently holds the post of Additional Chief Secretary.

Mr Vijayan recalled many instances in the state where couples, both of whom were in the civil service, have transferred the duties of Collector from one to the other.

He said that there have also been instances where both husband and wife have headed departments and become chief secretaries at different times.

"However, this is the first time in the history of Kerala that the post of Chief Secretary has been handed over by the husband to his wife," he said.

On this rare transition in the state's bureaucratic history, Muraleedharan said it was an odd moment for her as she bids adieu to her husband who will retire on August 31.

She said that both of them worked together as civil servants for 34 years, but she never gave much thought to the fact that they will not leave the service together.

"Now I am a bit anxious as I have to continue in service for another eight months after his retirement," she said.

The Additional Chief Secretary, in her welcome address, also said that her husband recently in an interview remarked that the Chief Minister was one of the most professional leaders in power that Kerala has seen.

The Chief Minister, in his speech bidding farewell to Venu, praised him for the work he did in various departments in the state government over the years.

"A medical doctor, dramatist, bureaucrat and a prominent personality in many capacities. This is a speciality that is not common to ordinary civil servants. He was able to advance both artistic and administrative work," Mr Vijayan said.

Venu, in his farewell speech, said that while he was gradually feeling a sense of relief as he set aside the burden he was carrying, he too was anxious when he thought of leaving a long familiar world of government service to that of a private citizen.

He said that when working as a government official, "We often forget that there will be a life after this".

"Usually, government officials get some time a couple of months before their retirement to meet friends, put things in order... But, tomorrow I have to tomorrow go to the office, my last day in service, hold my last review meeting and hand over various responsibilities to others before I retire," he said.

The outgoing Chief Secretary also said that as he looks back at his years of service, he was fortunate to have been able to work with and learn from the shining stars in the socio-political sphere of the state.

He also recounted his experiences working with various political leaders, including former Kerala Chief Minister E K Nayanar, over the years.

Venu also said that he got to learn a lot from Chief Minsiter Vijayan, whom he called a 'guru', as he was a pillar of support and a source of guidance while dealing with the fallout of the recent devastating landslides in Wayanad district of the state.

"I have learned a lot from him," he added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/rvuRiYb
via IFTTT

AG Noorani, Noted Constitutional Expert, Lawyer, Author And More

Abdul Ghafoor Noorani, eminent constitutional expert, lawyer and author, died today at the age of 93. A noted scholar on Jammu and Kashmir, his absence is being felt in the Union Territory, where many are mourning him.

An alumnus of Mumbai's Government Law College, his unwavering commitment to justice and legal acumen brought him accolades and helped him blaze a trail from the Bombay High Court to the topmost court of the land.

In the courts, Noorani played a critical role at a difficult time, defending some of the leading lights of the day -- including Sheikh Abdullah during his detention and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

In recent days, he emerged as a sharp and incisive commentator on legal issues, including key judgements of the Supreme Court. With an overview of British India -- he was born in 1930 -- and the post-Independence ideologies, he was a stern critic of what, in his opinion, was a gradual degeneration of the legal system.  

These opinions were expressed in an array of eminent publications including The Statesman, Frontline, Economic & Political Weekly, The Hindustan Times and The Hindu. His views were cited by academics and judges and even in Supreme Court judgments. But along with many admirers, they also earned him some critics, who felt his views were out of sync with ground realities.

As an author, he penned books on constitutional law, politics, and history. Some of his notable works include The Kashmir Question (1964), Ministers' Misconduct (1973), Constitutional Questions and Citizens' Rights (2006), and The RSS: A Menace to India (2019). He also authored the biographies of Badruddin Tyabji and Dr Zakir Hussain.

"Sorry to hear about the demise of A G Noorani Sb earlier today. Noorani Sb was a man of letters, an accomplished lawyer, a scholar & a political commentator. He wrote extensively on matters of law and on subjects like Kashmir, RSS and the constitution. May Allah grant him highest place in Jannat," posted former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in his condolence message on X, formerly Twitter.

"AG Noorani, a giant among scholars has passed away. I learnt a great deal from him, from the constitution, to Kashmir, to China & even the art of appreciating good food. May Allah grant him maghfirah," posted AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

"A man erudite, gruff n scholarly! Be it the #BabriMasjid #Kashmir #RSS #Hyderabad history & rigorous legal documentation was is his forte! Salaam forever #Nooranisaheb or #Ghafoor as his close friends knew him! AG Noorani passes away at 93!" posted activist Teesta Setalvad.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/vEzSA1W
via IFTTT

29 Dead, More Rain In Store For Gujarat Over Next Two Days: 10 Points

1. The India Meteorological Department has forecast of extremely heavy rains in isolated parts of districts in Saurashtra on Thursday.
2. With the latest spell, Gujarat has so far received 105 per cent of its average annual rainfall, the State Emergency Operations Centre has said.
3. Twenty-nine people have died in rain-related incidents since the deluge started on Sunday. Around 18,000 people have been evacuated to safety.
4. Water from the Ajwa and Pratappura Reservoirs was released into Vishwamitri River, causing floods downstream. Parts of Vadodara and other cities and villages along the river have been under 10 to 12 feet of water.
5. Vadodara grappled with floods as the Vishwamitri river, flowing through the city, breached its banks and entered residential localities, inundating buildings, roads and vehicles.
6. An official release said 140 reservoirs and dams, and 24 rivers in the state were flowing above the danger mark.
7. Besides the National and State Disaster relief forces, the Army, the Air Force and the Coast Guard have been called in for rescue and relief work.
8. Many people are yet to be evacuated from flooded areas. Hungry and wet, they are struggling to stay safe, moving to rooftops under temporary sheds.
9. This morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured all possible support and assistance.
10. State health minister Rushikesh Patel said the government is considering diverting the flood water into the Narmada canal instead of releasing it in Vishwamitri river

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/H5URA04
via IFTTT

Mother And Son In China Demand Free Upgrade To First Class, Delay Flight

A woman in China faced widespread criticism for failing to control her unruly child on a domestic flight from Chongqing, causing a one-hour delay. According to the South China Morning Post, the incident occurred on August 15 when the boy, whose age was not disclosed, became upset about the limited legroom in their economy-class seats. He cried, complained, and stood in the aisle, before barging into the first-class cabin, disrupting fellow passengers and prompting a delay in the flight's departure.

Despite flight attendants' repeated requests, the mother refused to restrain her son and allowed him to enter the first-class cabin. Multiple attendants attempted to reason with the duo, but their efforts went in vain.

''There are empty seats. Why don't you just let us sit here?'' the woman said in a video that went viral on social media in China. 

As tensions escalated, fellow passengers grew angry, with some loudly demanding, "Remove them from the plane!" and "Stop negotiating, just eject them!" The standoff ultimately delayed the flight's departure by an hour before it finally took off.

The mother's actions sparked a torrent of outrage on Chinese social media, drawing widespread condemnation and criticism from internet users. One user wrote, ''It's not the child's fault. The parent's education is the issue. She should be held fully responsible for the inconvenience she caused to other passengers.''

People also criticised the airline's handling of the incident, questioning their response to the disruption and whether more could have been done to resolve the situation promptly. 

''The flight attendants did not do a good job in dealing with the disturbance. Also, the company has not issued a statement explaining to passengers why the flight was delayed, or offering them compensation,'' another user commented. 

The country has witnessed several similar incidents involving plane seats, including a notable case last year on a Jiangxi Airlines domestic flight. An elderly woman allegedly hurled expletives at a young passenger who declined to exchange seats, citing her health conditions as the reason for wanting the window seat. A flight attendant intervened, relocating the elderly woman to a different seat and defusing the tense situation.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/KfZcPy2
via IFTTT

Watch: Baker Makes Bread Dough On Plane, Apologises After Backlash

Our social media feeds often feature bizarre cooking experiments. From trying viral food hacks to making treats at unusual locations, these posts stand out for a range of reasons. You may have come across videos of people cooking complicated dishes in their cars. Recently, a vlogger took this idea to the next level, by making bread dough on a plane. In a reel shared on Instagram, she documented the process from scratch and also explained how she spent part of her time while flying.

Also Read: Viral Video: Woman Cooks Seafood Meal Inside Her Car, Internet Reacts

The now-viral video begins with the text, "Making sourdough bread on my flight to Spain." This is followed by the baker stating, "I want to surprise my sister with a fresh loaf of bread." To this end, she starts by adding water, starter, flour and salt to a large bowl/ vessel. She mixes the ingredients to make a dough, kneads it and applies pressure as required. She covers the bowl and allows it to rest for some time. Later, she showcases the dough to the camera. She stretches and folds it carefully from different angles. The text on the video stated that she slept during the bulk fermentation stage of her creation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maria Baradell (@leafandloafco)

Also Read: Viral Video: This 'Chalte Firte Ghar Ka Kitchen' In Car Has Left The Internet Divided

The reel has clocked 1 million views so far. In the comments, many users criticised her for undertaking such an experiment on a plane. She responded to several comments, even apologising for not realising the consequences. Check out some of the reactions below:

"This is inconsiderate for all the people on the plane allergic to wheat and/or gluten. If I sat next to you, I would ask for a new seat immediately and a full refund because it would make me sick for several weeks to just inhale the flour. Please be more considerate next time."

"Looks really cute but please don't do it in planes, it's a really closed place and a celiac could suffer an intoxication, the flour can easily "fly" and spread. I know there is HEPA in the plane but is not instantaneous, so please avoid doing it in closed public places if you do not want to ruin some days of someone's holidays."

"I'd be too worried about airplane airborne germs on my dough."

"Plane is one of the dirtiest places even if you say you didn't touch anything but you did! Not a place to cook for your own health."

"Nope! It's so easy to just dehydrate your starter and take it anywhere and rehydrate and it goes back to normal in a day. A plane is no place to be doing this."

The vlogger responded to one of the initial comments, saying, "Lesson learned. Thanks for letting me know. I'm sorry." In a separate reel posted later (meant to be "Part 2"), she wrote, "#milehighsourdoughclub won't be a thing. I was trying to be creative after I saw another creator making pasta in-flight, but thanks to your comments I learned this was not a great idea. I am very thankful for the people who shared their feedback in a kind way, but it's ok if you want to hate on it, I had good intentions. We had this bread for dinner the following day and it was great! I am loving exploring Barcelona and visiting a few of the best bakeries here."

Also Read: Watch: Man Cooks Chicken Curry Inside Truck On Highway, Internet Impressed

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/XY6g5WF
via IFTTT