Middle East wars and the sanctity of holy places

Muslim woman sues US firm after being 'rejected due to hijab'

A Muslim woman has sued a security company in the US for discrimination, alleging that the firm rejected her for employment because of her faith and her hijab. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has filed the federal lawsuit on behalf of Zahraa-Imani Ali, from St Louis County, Missouri, alleging that a nationwide security firm discriminated against prospective Muslim employees. Securitas Security Services refused to hire Ali, "at least in part, but likely entirely, on the fact that Ms Ali wears the hijab as part of her adherence to the Islamic faith," lawyer Robert West was quoted as saying by St. Louis Post- Dispatch. The suit, filed on October 21, seeks monetary damages, costs and attorneys' fees and seeks class-action status to represent other applicants. The lawsuit said that Ali, a former correctional officer, applied for a job with Securitas in September 2015. During a phone screening that October, she asked whether wearing a hijab would be an issue, the suit said. The "recruitment specialist" said that there should not be a problem, but in a series of emails, a regional compliance manager recommended that the specialist "side step" and "pass on" Ali, according to the suit. "The mainstreaming of Islamophobia has made it much harder for American Muslims to gain employment because of religious discrimination," Faizan Syed, executive director of the council's Missouri chapter, said in a statement. "We hope this lawsuit will send a clear message to all employers to follow the law and not engage in discriminatory hiring practices," he said.

Zakir Naik's Foundation to be banned soon

An NGO promoted by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik will soon be banned under the anti-terror law, with the Home Ministry preparing a draft cabinet note for it. Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) will be declared an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act after investigations by the Home Ministry found it to be allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism, an official source said. According to the draft note, which is also based on the inputs from Maharashtra Police, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Maharashtra Police has also registered criminal cases against Naik for his alleged involvement in radicalisation of youths and luring them into terror activities, a source said. Naik also transferred IRF's foreign funds to Peace TV for making "objectionable" programmes. Most of the programmes, which were made in India, contained alleged hate speeches of Naik, who had reportedly "urged all Muslims to be terrorists" through Peace TV, sources claimed. Two educational trusts run by Naik have also come under the scanner of the Home Ministry and agencies are looking into their activities. The draft note will soon be placed before the Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for its approval, sources said. Naik is accused of radicalising youths into terror and receiving foreign funds and spending those to lure young people into terrorism. He came under the scanner of the security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. Naik in a lecture, aired on Peace TV, had reportedly "urged all Muslims to be terrorists". The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. The Mumbai-based preacher has not returned to India ever since the controversy came to light.

UCC not just Muslim issue, north-east people will also oppose: Asad Owaisi

Asserting that Uniform Civil Code is not merely a Muslim issue, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has said people in parts of north-east would also oppose it even as he charged the BJP with a design to "finish" the country's pluralism and diversity. "Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is not merely a Muslim issue. It's an issue which will be opposed by north-east, especially Nagaland and Mizoram", the Hyderabad Lok Sabha member told PTI here. It's an issue on which many people in India would really worry now because it relates to pluralism and diversity of India that "BJP wants to finish", he alleged. "For BJP, Muslims have to be made an enemy so that they can have polarisation around that issue. On UCC, people have seen through their game", Owaisi charged. "Why Hindu Undivided Family benefits are not extended to Christians and Muslims? It should be extended to Christians and Muslims as well. When (Union Minister M) Venkaiah Naidu says religious laws should not be there in India, then what is Hindu Undivided Family, what is Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, what are all these things?", he asked. Widening its consultation on the contentious issue of UCC, the Law Commission has asked all national and state political parties to share their views and plans to invite their representatives for interaction on the subject. The panel has sent a questionnaire on the subject to the parties and asked them to send their views by November 21. Venkaiah Naidu, Urban Development and Information and Broadcasting Minister, has said UCC would not be brought through the back door and without a consensus.

Teacher booked for slapping 10th grade student

A lady school teacher of a private school allegedly slapped a 10th standard student in Jagadgirigutta area here following which she was booked, police said today. Reports in a section of media said the 15-year-old boy was allegedly hit on his head by a wooden duster by his teacher Rama Devi on Tuesday, resulting in head injuries after which he was shifted to a hospital and operated upon. But during course of investigation, it was found that the boy had a clot in his brain and he had been undergoing treatment for the same, police said. Jagadgirigutta Police Station Inspector P Srinivas said that following a complaint by the boy's father, a case was registered under relevant sections of IPC and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act against the teacher and she was questioned. "During probe, it was revealed that she had only slapped him after the boy's mother had told her that he had not been attending classes regularly," the Inspector said, brushing aside the allegations that the teacher had hit the boy after he did not pay fine for not attending classes.

Home guards stage dharna to press for job regularisation

Hundreds of home guards today held a dharna at Indira Park here and later marched towards the Secretariat demanding regularisation of their jobs and fulfilment of other demands. The home guards have been demanding that their jobs be regularised, salaries be increased and they be paid on par with police constables. "We are demanding job security first," a home guard, who was on dharna said. Some of the protesting home guards claimed that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had assured of regularising their job and requested him to look into the matter. Earlier, a delegation of home guards met Telangana Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma. After the dharna, they marched towards the Secretariat. However, police foiled their attempt to lay siege to the Secretariat, prompting the protesters to hold a sit-in in front of the Secretariat.

Jobless young woman ends her life

Apparently depressed over not getting a job, a 23-year-old woman, an MBA graduate, committed suicide at her house in Rahamat Nagar area here today, police said. B Madhavi, who had completed her MBA three months ago, was searching for a job. Depressed over not finding one, she hanged herself from the ceiling of her room today, said inspector S Venkat Reddy of Jubilee Hills police station. "She belonged to Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and was alone at home at the time of the incident," he said. Further probe was on.

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No hidden agenda behind triple talaq opposition: Law Minister

Government has no "hidden agenda" of imposing uniform civil code or behind the opposition to the triple talaq among Muslims, says Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad rejecting allegations by religious bodies and opposition parties as completely baseless. He also asserts that while India respects freedom of religion and faith, "unreasonable or discriminatory" practices cannot be held integral to it and protected. "This whole apprehension that we are bringing uniform civil code or it is an agenda is completely baseless. The two need not be linked at all. The Law Commission is examining it and let there be a widest consultation possible by all the stakeholders," Prasad told PTI in an interview. He said the people opposing the common civil code should tell so to the law panel which has sought public opinion on the subject. "Say your opposition also. But the government presently has nothing to say. Let the Law Commission take a view. The entire argument of any hidden agenda is something which I deny with all the authority at my command," he said. Prasad cited the practice of "untouchability" to assert that religious practices need to be in accord with constitutional values and emphasised that "gender justice, gender equality and gender dignity" were at the core of the Narendra Modi government's priority. "... we respect freedom of religion and freedom of faith which are protected by the fundamental rights. But every unreasonable or discriminatory practice cannot be held integral to faith.... "For instance, can anyone claim that untouchability against Dalits flows from my faith and I can practice it. Therefore, religious practices also need to be in accord with the constitutional values," he said. The government had on October 7 opposed in the Supreme Court the practice of triple talaq among Muslims, maintaining that it cannot be regarded as an essential part of religion. Responding to questions on the issue of triple talaq, the senior BJP leader said a set of women cannot lose their rights for being from a particular religion. "Can in a secular country like India a big chunk of women be forced to live in a state of vulnerability only on the ground that they belong to a particular religion?" he questioned. Noting that gender equality stands embedded right from the day the Constitution came into existence, the minister said development and empowerment of women were also among government's priorities. .

Asad Owaisi attacks PM for his 'Jai Shri Ram' greeting on Dussehra

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi today slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising "religious" slogans, as he alleged that the BJP-led government's real intention was to "convert India into a Hindu rashtra". "He (Modi) is the first Prime Minister since independence to use 'religious' slogans during a public rally...India had seen so many PMs and will see many more, but no Prime Minister has ever raised a religious slogan," the Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP said while referring to Modi's 'Jai Shri Ram' greeting on Dussehra in Lucknow. "All Indians think for a while, if anyone wearing a skull cap and sporting beard becomes PM and says 'Allah-o-Akbar', all channels will run (news) that India has become an Islamic country. (But) If Modi raises 'majahabi' (religious) slogan, no one will say anything," he said. Continuing his tirade, Owaisi said, "Aapka asal maksad ye hain ki Hindustan to Hindu Rashtra me tabdil kiya jaye. (Your real intention is to convert India into Hindu nation)." The leader was speaking at a protest meeting organised by All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) at AIMIM party headquarters at Darussalam here, opposing the NDA government's stand on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and triple talaq. Owaisi termed as a "joke" the affidavit filed by Union government on October 7 in the Supreme Court opposing the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims and favouring a relook on grounds of gender equality and secularism. "If you really believe in secularism...why did you Mr Modi impose beef ban in Maharashtra and why does your government want to construct a museum in the name of Ram in Ayodhya? Then why do you (government) say state has no religion and the country has no religion?," he asked.

Man held for raping, impregnating minor daughter

A 35-year-old man was today arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating his 16-year-old daughter, police said. The accused, identified as Niranjan Berah, had allegedly raped his daughter repeatedly while she was in sleep around seven months ago at their rented house in Jalapalli on city outskirts. Berah, a labourer, is a native of Odisha, according to Pahadishareef Police. The accused, who has two daughters and one son, had quarrelled with his wife after the incident and threatened them with dire consequences if the matter was disclosed to anyone. "Later, the girl's mother took her to a hospital and got the pregnancy test done on her wherein it was found that she was three-month pregnant. Berah again threatened his wife and other family members that if the matter of pregnancy was disclosed to anyone he would kill all family members," Inspector V V Chalapathi said. The owner of the house, after coming to know about the incident, informed the the police, who arrested Berah after registering a case under relevant sections of the IPC and The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).

RSS All India executive council to meet in Hyd from Oct 23

The All India Executive Council meeting of RSS would be held here beginning October 23, which would be attended by Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat. The three-day meet, known as Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM), would be held at Sree Vidya Vihar High School at Annojiguda here, RSS sources said. Sangh Sar Karyavah (General Secretary) Bhayyaji Joshi would preside over the conclave in the presence of Bhagwat, they said. The state president, state secretary and state organising secretary, heading each 'Prant' (region) of RSS in the country, would take part in ABKM. In addition to them, prominent functionaries from social organisations working in different walks of life would also participate in the conclave. A total of about 400 people would participate in the event. The conclave would deliberate on key national issues and pass some resolutions, the sources said. The meet would also review and plan for the future on organisational matters and activities, they added.

Jobless Indians in Saudi Arabia to start returning

Retrenched Indian workers of Saudia Arabia's Saad group will start coming back to India beginning today, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said tonight. She said Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V K Singh is already in that country to oversee return of the Indian workers, estimated to be in a few thousands. "Indian workers in Saad group will start returning home today. My colleague @Gen_VKSingh is in Saudi Arabia to accomplish this task. Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia is doing outstanding work there. @IndianEmbRiyadh," she tweeted. Thousands of Indian workers in Saudi Arabia had lost their jobs and some of them even struggled to buy food following which the government intervened. Some of these Indians have already returned to the country. MoS Singh had made a number of visits to that country in last few months to help the jobless Indians and ensure return of those who wanted to come back. Thousands of Indian workers have lost their jobs due to slowdown in Saudi economy, triggered by low oil prices and cut in spending by the government. The Indian government had earlier requested the Saudi authorities to give the unemployed Indian workers exit visas without NoC (No-Objection Certificate) from employers and also urged it to clear the dues of workers who have not been paid for months, whenever they settle the accounts with the companies concerned. As per rules, no foreign employee can leave the country without NoC by the employers.

Muslim leaders warn against uniform civil code at Darussalam public meeting

Raja Singh asks cinema halls not to screen Fawad Khan film

After MNS, Telangana BJP MLA Raja Singh has opposed screening of upcoming Bollywood film "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Singh threatened that he would "attack" theatres in entire Telangana, starting from his constituency Goshamahal, if the film is screened there. "My idea is that a message should go to Pakistan in all possible ways about India's opposition and public anger against Pak-sponsored terrorism," Singh said. "There is widespread anger in the country against Pakistan at the moment following the neighbouring country's support to terrorism against India," the MLA claimed. He alleged that the tax paid by Pakistani actors to their country is used against India. The filmmaker should know that there are many talented actors in India itself, Singh said. The legislator said he is also "campaigning against China which is supporting Pakistan". Singh was in news earlier for opposing a proposed beef festival here. The Raj-Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has opposed the movie and threatened to break glasses of film theatres screening it. "We will oppose the screening of the movie everywhere in the state (Maharashtra). If any multiplex operator dares to screen the film, they (operators) should remember that multiplexes are decorated with expensive glass sheets," MNS leader Amey Khopkar had said. Under pressure over opposition to the upcoming release of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", Johar had yesterday said he will not "engage with talent" from Pakistan in future and made a fervent appeal against stalling the blockbuster.

Fake currency racket busted; three arrested

Hyderabad Police today busted a counterfeit Indian currency smuggling racket and nabbed three persons from here after seizing fake notes with a face value of Rs 9 lakh smuggled from Dubai. Sleuths of Commissioner's Task Force (North Zone) nabbed Mohammed Aqeel Marfani, who is into furniture sales business along with two others Ghiyas Mohiuddin and Md Taufeeq Ahmed (both fake currency notes circulating agents). Marfani is the smuggler of fake currency from Dubai while the supplier of counterfeit Indian currency notes Mohd Yaseen, who is presently staying at Karachi in Pakistan, is absconding, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Commissioner s Task Force) B Limba Reddy told reporters here. In July last year, accused Marfani went to Sharjah and worked at a sanitary shop. He came into contact with his maternal uncle Yaseen and requested him to arrange good job in any company to get high salary, police said. To which, his uncle offered a deal to him stating that he is having counterfeit Indian currency of Rs 9 lakh that he will send to Dubai from Karachi through his agent and advised him to collect it and circulate them in Hyderabad, police said. As per instructions of Yaseen, Marfani collected the fake notes through an agent in Dubai and flew to Hyderabad on October 3 (this year) and also got the fake notes transported to Hyderabad and kept the bag containing the fake notes at his house. In order to circulate the fake currency he contacted Ghiyas Mohiuddin and Taufeeq and all of them conspired to cheat people by ciruclating the fake currency, the DCP said. "According to their criminal conspiracy, the three accused came near a hotel under Mahankali police station limits with the fake notes today when the Task Force team on a tip of information police apprehended them and seized the fake notes in denomination of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes," Reddy said. "The investigation is on to find the other accused, who are involved with the trio in smuggling and trying to circulate the fake notes and we are also investigating their links with some other places," the senior police officer said. A case has been registered with Mahankali police under relevant sections of IPC and other provisions of Prevention of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Man poses as groom on matrimony site, cheats woman of Rs 7.5

A 43-year-old married man was arrested today for allegedly cheating a city-based woman of Rs 7.5 lakh under the pretext of marrying her by posing as a groom and resident of UK. The accused, identified as Sasidharan Kattiri, a native of Kerala's Palakkad district, is working as an administration officer in an infra firm at Bengaluru, police said, adding that he had registered his marriage profile on a matrimonial website. The victim, a resident of Madhapur area here, had also uploaded her profile on the matrimonial website after which the accused sent request to marry her. "She accepted his request and communication started between them and finally marriage got fixed," stated a release from Cyberabad Police. Kattiri then asked money from the woman in the name of marriage and for obtaining visa to UK. "As he portrayed himself that he is a permanent resident of UK, the woman in good faith transferred Rs 7.5 lakh to his bank account. Apart from this amount, Kattiri has taken a gold ring, a gold chain along with a golden pendent and a mobile phone worth Rs 32,000 in the name of marriage rituals," police said. After taking all these goods, they were supposed to get married in the presence of the woman's family and relatives. "However, the accused went absconding. Though, she tried to contact him several times but he changed his mobile number too. She came to know that Kattiri is already married with two children and lodged a complaint," police said. Cyberabad Police registered a case and during the course of investigation apprehended the accused and found that he also had a dowry harassment case lodged against him by his wife. Kattiri has allegedly been involved in similar cases in Gujarat, Karnataka and Rajasthan, police said. He was produced before a court at Kukatpally for judicial remand.

Jamiat Ulama opposes Uniform Civil Code

A Muslim organisation Jamiat Ulama (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) today said it will not accept the Uniform Civil Code in any form. "Any interference in the religious matter of Indian citizens is against the Constitution and hence unlawful. We sign and pass the resolution that we all Muslims are completely satisfied with our religious matter and with the Constitution of our country. We, therefore, do not accept Uniform Civil Code in any form," said a resolution passed at a round-table meeting organised by Jamiat Ulama (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh). "All of a sudden targeting one community i.e, Muslims by interfering in the religious rules and regulations will create severe disturbance among the community and there is every possibility of (this) damaging the peace and harmony in our peaceful country," the resolution said. The Constitution has given complete freedom and liberty to the followers of all faiths to practise their religion, it said, adding, "We are fully satisfied with the commands of Islamic laws and also the Constitution of our country. "If any change by any means is introduced it will affect and disturb all the communities, more over judiciary itself does not have any jurisdiction to overcome the Constitution, hence we reject any amendment in the rights given to Muslims specially on Islamic orders related to Nikah and Talaq," the resolution said. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Telangana and Odisha Zone) president Hamid Mohammed Khan said the personal laws should not be disturbed. "The NDA government should withdraw its affidavit (favouring abolition of triple talaq) in the Supreme Court," he demanded. The Centre, on October 7, opposed in the Supreme Court the practise of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims and favoured a relook on grounds like gender equality and secularism, which triggered a fresh debate on advisability of Uniform Civil Code.

T'gana, Illinois State ink pact for sharing of expertise

Telangana and Illinois State (US) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which paves way for collaboration and interaction between the two states in various fields through sharing of expertise. Telangana Industries, Commerce and IT Minister KT Rama Rao, who is on the second leg of his business visit to the US to promote the state and attract investments and Ausaf Sayeed, Consulate General of India, Chicago were present during signing of the pact yesterday, an official release said here. The agreement facilitates the two states to extend cooperation in the areas - Smart State Solutions, e-governance, entrepreneurship, innovation, business incubators, job creation and best practices, it said today. "Under the Smart State solutions, Illinois State will introduce 'array of things' sensors for air pollution monitoring in Telangana. The two states will share best practices, tools and processes for disaster and emergency management, data management, data analytics, open data and Intelligent Transportation Systems," it said. Under the e-Governance, the two states will strive to transform state agencies by incorporating communications and information technologies into their operations. The two governments will share information and insights on the e-services implemented in Illinois and Telangana, evaluate them for their effectiveness and impact on citizens. The agreement aims to promote entrepreneurship in both the states by facilitating interaction between entrepreneurs and holding 'hackathons' for high citizen impact applications. The MoU also details on establishment of joint business incubators to support development of high technology solutions and foster start-up culture. The two states will also work for identifying job creation initiatives and share best practises and lessons learned related to policies and regulations, financial models and standards, the statement said.

Cop suspended

A constable attached to Keesara police station here was today suspended for remaining absent from duty since 2010. K Ravi was suspended by Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat, a release said.

KCR for international standard-roads in state

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today asked officials to prepare plans to make roads in the state on par with international standards and to be accident-free. Rao, who held review on Roads and Buildings Department, directed that a vision document be prepared on the status of the roads now and how they should be in the next 10 years. He said construction and repairs of roads has been given top priority and added that the vision document should include aspects like national highways, roads in the state and others. Noting that roads in America and Europe are impressive, the Chief Minister said emphasis should be on quality. Expressing anguish on the loss of human lives in road accidents, he suggested that the roads be re-constructed by avoiding turns. Alternative routes should be explored for those roads where traffic is heavy, said the Chief Minister.

Five arrested for drug-peddling

Five persons were today nabbed by Cyberabad police on charges of drug-peddling and some contrabands were seized from them. Acting on an information, the special operation team of Cyberabad police intercepted a vehicle at around 4 AM in Shamshabad here and apprehended three persons, Mukhesh Singh, Shushruth and Krishnakanth, an official release said. Based on their interrogation, police chased another vehicle and nabbed Mehar Charan and Madhav at Gachibowli. 'Ecstasy', methamphetamine and two other drugs, suspected to be brought from Goa, were seized from them. On enquiry, Mehar Charan revealed that he purchased the drugs from Goa for Rs 50,000 in order to sell it for high profit, police said. The Cyberabad police is looking into the organised drug syndicates operating from Goa and the drug-peddlers operating in the city limits, the release said. The five are being questioned and further probe is on, police added.

Woman hangs self; husband, in-laws booked for abetment

A woman allegedly committed suicide at her house in Ramgopalpet area here today, following which her husband and in-laws were booked on charge of abetment to suicide, police said. Swetha, aged between 30-32, was found hanging in her room to ceiling fan this morning by her husband Shrikant. "The couple were married 10 years ago. Shrikant seems to run a photo studio while the woman was employed in a private firm. They had a heated argument last night," Ramgopalpet police station inspector P Murali Krishna told PTI. However, Swetha's parents alleged that her husband and in-laws used to torture their daughter for money as Shrikant didn't do any work. "Our daughter was regularly tortured by Shrikant and his parents. There are injury marks on her hands...she has not hanged herself...we want justice," they demanded. Following the allegations of physical and mental harassment, police registered a case of abetment to suicide against Shrikant and his parents. Further investigation is on.

Eight drown in separate incidents in Telangana

Six boys and two youths drowned in separate incidents across Telangana today, police said. At Kothapet in Mahabubnagar district, P Sai Kumar (10), his younger brother P Shiv Kumar (8) and their cousin K Shiv Kumar entered an agricultural well for bath but drowned soon after as they failed to gauge the depth of water, Inspector Rajeshwar Goud told PTI, adding that the bodies of the deceased have been retrieved. In another mishap, three boys drowned in a pond at Raghunathapalem in Khammam district, a police official attached to Khammam Rural Circle said, adding that the deceased were in the age group of 10 to 12 years. In Quthbulapur on the city outskirts, two youths aged between 19 and 21 drowned in a quarry filled with rain water when they went for swimming, a police official said.

Asad Owaisi opposes Common Civil Code

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday opposed the Uniform Civil Code. Addressing the media, Owaisi sided with Muslim Personal Law Board in opposing the UCC, but said his party would reply to the Law Commission questionnaire. The Lok Sabha MP opined that the questionnaire was loaded in favour of UCC, saying it should have been more objective. Talking to reporters, Owaisi reiterated that Uniform Civil Code was not good for diversity and pluralism of this country. "Every community or caste in India whether it is Hindu, Muslim, Dalit, tribal Christian or Sikh has its own culture. This country celebrates the diversity of culture and religion. "Those who want to impose Uniform Civil Code are deliberately not understanding the beauty of pluralism. You cannot impose one culture one language on the country," he said. Amid a raging debate on uniform civil code, the law panel has sought public views on the subject to revise and reform family laws, saying the aim is to address social injustice rather than do away with the plurality of laws. Owaisi's reaction came after the Muslim Personal Law Board today Thursday decided to boycott the Uniform Civil Code, saying that India's diversity of cultures needs to be respected.

Jain Girl's deatht: Lokayukta seeks report from police

The Lokayukta for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana today called for a report from Hyderabad Police in connection with the death a 13-year-old girl, who died allegedly after undertaking a 68-day fast as part of a community ritual. Based on a complaint filed by a local child rights NGO, 'Balala Hakkula Sangham' (Child Rights Association), Lokayukta Justice B Subhashan Reddy called for a report from Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Zone) by October 24. NGO president Anuradha Rao, in her complaint, had alleged that the girl's parents and family members made her undertake fast for 68-days, which it claimed led her to death. On October 9, the parents and other family members of the girl, a student of class VIII in a private school, were booked on charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder for causing her death, police had said. A case was registered with Market Police here under section 304 (II) (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of IPC and section 75 of JJ (Juvenile Justice) Act against the teenage girl's parents and others. The girl's parents, who reside at Pot Bazar of Secunderabad, have already been questioned over her death. The NGO, in a letter to Hyderabad Police Commissioner on Saturday last, had alleged that the minor had died under "suspicious circumstances" on October 3. Police had earlier said, "The girl was on a fast for 68 days. It was over on October 1. She was on a liquid diet for the first two days (after the fast) and on the night of October 3, she suddenly fell ill and her family members shifted her to a hospital where doctors declared her brought dead."

6 held for trying to rape woman near Hyd

Six persons were today arrested for allegedly trying to rape a 20-year-old woman after kidnapping her in the neighbouring Ranga Reddy district, police said. The accused - Abdul Rahman, Abdul Kareem, Abdul Rahim, Syed Abdul Faheem, Mohd Imran Ali - came to a farm house situated on the outskirts of Rallaguda village in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana, on the evening of October 10. On noticing the young woman alone, they allegedly kidnapped her by dragging her in to a vehicle. "Later, they confined her in the farm house where Bandari Yadaiah, a watchman, also joined the five accused and attempted to rape her, but the victim resisted after which they manhandled and threatened her at knife point," police said. The victim, however, managed to escape from the clutches of the accused and ran into the nearby fields. She rang up her boyfriend who alerted police at RGI Airport police station and a police team started searching for the woman and located her near the farmhouse, police said. "The victim was taken to a hospital. On the complaint of the victim, a case was registered and during course of investigation all the six accused persons were arrested and produced before a court," RGI airport police station inspector M Mahesh said. The six accused were booked under relevant sections of IPC.

Riyadh-bound flight fails to take off from Hyd due to technical snag

A Riyadh-bound flight, carrying around 250 passengers, today failed to take off from the international airport here after it developed some technical snag. The plane of Saudi Airlines, which was scheduled to depart this morning did not fly due to technical problems, airport sources said. The aircraft came from Riyadh in the morning and it was supposed to fly back to the city soon but has been stuck at the airport for several hours, they said. All the passengers were offloaded and were accommodated in other services, the sources added.

Triple talaq row: Personal Law Board to start signature campaign

Amidst row over "triple talaq", All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) will start a nation-wide signature campaign tomorrow among Muslims against the central government affidavit in the Supreme Court on the matter. "The affidavit filed by the central government on the matter of triple talaq is a direct infringement on the Shariat and a nation-wide signature campaign will start from tomorrow on this matter," senior AIMPLB member Khalid Rasheed Farangimahli said here today. The campaign will start in the state from the Aishbagh Idgah after the Friday prayers tomorrow, he said. A letter to this effect has been sent to imams of all the mosques in the state appealing to them to take active part in this exercise to protect Islami Shariat which will be read out just before the Friday namaz tomorrow, Farangimahli said.

Boy drowns in water-filled pit

A nine-year-old boy drowned after falling into a pit filled with water near Old Gandhi Hospital at Secunderabad here today, police said. Narasimha accidentally fell into the pit while playing and drowned, they said. "He was taken out of the pit after some locals noticed him and was immediately taken to a hospital where doctors declared him brought dead," said Market police station sub-inspector B Ravikiran. According to some reports, the pit was dug by Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) as part of ongoing works. However, HMR officials have refuted the charge. A case under section 174 of CrPC has been registered in connection with the incident.

Muslim Bodies will boycott Law Commission's questionnaire

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, AIMPLB today said Muslim Bodies will boycott the questionnaire sent by the Law Commission on Uniform Civil Code saying that the Commission is not acting as an independent body. The Law Commission has sent out a list of 16 questions to gauge public opinion on the code. It has sought opinion on ending customs that had been branded anti-women in all three major religions. The questions include whether triple talaq should be banned or retained with suitable amendments. There are also questions on prohibiting polygamy and polyandry. Briefing media in New Delhi, Hazrat Maulana Wali Rehmani said the Board is totally opposed to the Uniform Civil Code saying it is not good for the nation. Mr Rehman said country is known for diversity and it should be respected. He said people are living in this country in accordance with the Constitution, which grants freedom to live and practice one's religion. He wondered how India does not want to follow America in this matter as everyone in the US follows his or her personal laws and identity there. Triple talaq has been challenged in Supreme Court. The government had opposed in the apex Court the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims and favoured a relook on grounds like gender equality and secularism.

Keep door of the debate open, says Naqvi to Muslim bodies

In the wake of prominent Muslim bodies boycotting Law Commission's questionnaire on Uniform Civil Code, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today urged "all sections" of the community to "keep open" door of the debate and join the discussions on reforms sans any prejudice. "We are an open, democratic and secular country. The debate should happen. The current effort should not be looked with a prejudiced mindset, but an open mindset. Keep the door of the debate open," Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Minister (Independent Charge) Naqvi told PTI. He refuted allegations that the BJP-led NDA government is interfering in the religious practices of Muslims through the Commission and said reforms are taking place in other countries too. "It is not right to say that the government is interfering in this matter. We only want a healthy and logical debate to happen. This will help all: those supporting the view and also those opposing it," he stated. The Board and various other outfits today opposed the Commission's questionnaire on the Code and announced their boycott of the move, accusing the government of waging a "war" against the community. They organisations contended that UCC, if implemented, will paint all people in "one colour" which will threaten the country's pluralism and diversity. Trashing government's stand on the issue of triple talaq, the outfits instead claimed the community has reported lesser number of divorce cases vis-a-vis other communities, especially the Hindu community which, they said, has reported higher divorce ratio according to Census 2011.

M J Akbar to visit Palestine next month

Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar will pay a two-day visit to Palestine next month during which both sides are expected to explore ways to further deepen ties besides reviewing the situation in West Asia. Akbar will Co-Chair the first Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between India and Palestine on November 8 and 9 in which a number of specific issues to expand cooperation in range of areas will be discussed. The Palestinian side will be co-chaired by Foreign Minister of State Riad al-Maliki. In order to give further impetus to bilateral relationship, it was agreed to establish this JCM during the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Palestine in January. "The proposed JCM would cover a range of issues that include cooperation in Economy, Energy, Tourism, Agriculture, Water and Environment, Education, Health, IT, Sports, Culture, Media etc," the External Affairs Ministry said. India has been a long-standing supporter of Palestine cause. During her visit to Ramallah, Swaraj had said the entire Indian leadership remains steadfastly committed to the Palestinian cause. Then Palestine had sought India's participation in the West Asia peace process to help defuse crisis in the region. In October last year, President Pranab Mukherjee had paid a historic trip to Israel and Palestine. Akbar will also visit Jordanian capital Amman November 10 for bilateral talks with his counterpart and other dignitaries.

Centre can hold referendum on triple talaq: Zafaryab Jilani

Stressing that Sharia law cannot be changed, Member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board Zafaryab Jilani suggested that said the central government can hold a referendum on the issue of triple talaq. Talking to reporters here at an event last evening, Jilani claimed, "Ninety per cent Muslim women support the Sharia Law." "Union government can hold a vote on the issue of triple talaq...Muslims will not tolerate any interference in the Muslim Personal Law," the Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh said. "The move of banning triple talaq is a conspiracy to impose a uniform civil code," he alleged. He, however, said in Islam divorce is considered an unpleasant act and is discouraged. On tensions between India and Pakistan, he said every Muslim is with the country to teach a lesson to the neighbouring nation. He said Pakistan was affected by its own conspiracy and even Pakistani mosques are not safe from terrorist attacks. On October 7, the Centre had opposed in the Supreme Court the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims and favoured a relook on grounds like gender equality and secularism. The Ministry of Law and Justice, in its affidavit, referred to constitutional principles like gender equality, secularism, international covenants, religious practices and marital law prevalent in various Islamic countries to drive home the point that the practice of triple talaq and polygamy needed to be adjudicated upon afresh by the apex court.

Govt stand on triple talaq infringement on fundamental rights' says Jamaat e Islami

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), one of the prominent Muslim organisations, has come out strongly against the government's stand on triple talaq, insisting that there should be no interference "in the belief and religion of any citizen". In a statement, JIH chief Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari said Muslims consider divorce, polygamy and other personal laws as "an intrinsic part of their religion and are hence obliged to follow the Sharia in those matters". "The government should respect this position of Muslims, instead of conspiring to put an end to it," he said. Maintaining that attempts to "impose" a common civil code in the name of social reform and gender justice will prove "counterproductive", he said, "The Constitution guarantees the freedom to profess, practice and propagate one's own religion." "This inviolable freedom is given to every individual and enshrined as a fundamental right in our Constitution." The Centre had last week opposed the practice of triple talaq in the Supreme Court, maintaining that it cannot be regarded as an essential part of religion. "Gender equality and dignity of women are non-negotiable," the government had told the Apex Court in an affidavit in which it also held that "religious practices cannot be an impediment to rights and aspirations of individual woman irrespective of the religion she practices." Stressing that the government cannot force Muslims to follow other communities in issues related to personal laws, the Jamaat chief said it would amount to "infringement" on their fundamental rights. "Those clamouring against triple talaq and demanding a ban on polygamy are a minuscule minority and are not representative of the Indian Muslim community," he said, adding the government should respect this position of Muslims instead of "conspiring" to put an end to it. "Jamaat-e-Islami Hind completely stands by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board which is the authentic representative body of Indian Muslims," he said, adding all "major" Muslim organisations and a "vast majority" of the Muslim community stand solidly behind the Board and "will not accept any interference in their personal law." .

4 of family, including 3 minors, drown in Nalgonda

Four members of a family from Andhra Pradesh, two teenage girls and two boys, today drowned in a canal in Nalgonda district of Telangana, police said. The incident occurred at around 9 am when the four had gone to wash clothes in the canal in Nadigudem Mandal, a senior police official told PTI. One of the girls, aged 19, accidentally fell into the water and in an attempt to rescue her, the other three, aged 10-14 years, entered the water, but all four of them drowned, she added. "All the four bodies have been retrieved. The deceased are from Andhra Pradesh," the police official said. A case has been registered.

Telangana gets 21 new districts

More than two years after Telangana came into existence as India's 29th state, the TRS government in the state today carried out the biggest administrative reform, creating 21 new districts. With this, the total number of districts in the state went up to 31 from 10, following the reorganisation process. Telangana, carved out of Andhra Pradesh, came into existence on June 2, 2014 as the 29th state of India. Revenue divisions and other administrative units have also been reconstituted along with the districts and 25 new revenue divisions, 125 new mandals, four new police commissionerates, 23 new police sub-divisions, 28 new circles and 91 police stations have come into existence from today. The inauguration of the new districts across the state, coinciding with the Vijaya Dasami festival, was a grand affair with the Legislative Assembly Speaker, ministers and other dignitaries attending events organised on the occasion. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao cut a ribbon at the Collectorate of the new district of Siddipet, carved out of his native Medak district, at 11.13 AM. Rao, who had represented Siddipet in the undivided Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, was blessed by religious gurus who conducted an all-religion prayer. The chief minister also took out a rally in the town. Recalling his association with Siddipet, Rao vowed to provide Rs 100 crore for its development. "I wish that the people benefit more with all the administrative divisions achieving success with the blessings of god," he said. The reorganisation of districts would help in effective monitoring and implementation of welfare schemes, so that they reach the needy, Rao had said earlier. The new districts are -- Siddipet, Jangaon, Jayashankar, Jagtial, Warangal (Rural), Yadadri, Peddapally, Kamareddy, Sangareddy, Mancheriyal, Vikarabad, Rajanna, Asifabad, Suryapet, Kothagudem, Nirmal, Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool, Mahabubabad, Jogulamba and Medchal/Malkajgiri. The other 10 districts are -- Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda. .

Saudi Arabia and Yemen war

3 Nigerian nationals held for duping ex-army man

Three Nigerian nationals were arrested for allegedly cheating a city-based retired Army man of Rs 1.85 lakh on the pretext of selling him an SUV through an online marketplace, police said today. Roland Anegbe alias Martin, Nnamgi Aku and Abraham Anthony Njosi, natives of Benin City in Nigeria, were apprehended in Bengaluru by the Cyber Crime Police yesterday for cheating retired subedar Lavish Kumar, Commissioner of Police (Rachakonda) Mahesh M Bhagwath said. "The trio put an advertisement in an online marketplace for used goods, for sale of an SUV for Rs 8.55 lakh and collected Rs 1.85 lakh from Kumar. After seeing the advertisement, Kumar contacted them and was told that the owner of the vehicle is leaving India as his project was over and the vehicle is with cargo department of airport," he said. Believing the version of the Nigerians, he decided to buy the vehicle. However, the fraudsters made him pay Rs 1.85 lakh for various reasons, but they failed to deliver the vehicle to him and stopped answering his calls too following which the victim lodged a complaint, the senior police officer added.

Passenger caught trying to export Rs 40 lakh worth foreign at Hyd airport

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested a passenger after he allegedly attempted to illegally export foreign currency worth Rs 40 lakh from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) here. Based on specific intelligence, officers of the DRI, Hyderabad Zonal Unit, intercepted one passenger last night at RGIA, who after having cleared immigration and security checks was to board Emirates flight to Dubai, Additional Director General M K Singh said. On examination of his baggage, foreign currency in the form of Saudi, Qatar and Omani Riyals was found. The passenger on interrogation stated that the currency was obtained from unauthorised dealers and does not belong to him and said that it was being carried on behest of someone for delivery in Dubai, Singh said. As the Foreign Currency was obtained from unauthorised dealers/persons in violation of FEMA and regulations made there under and was attempted to be exported illegally, in contravention of the prohibition imposed under Customs Act the foreign currency equivalent to around Rs 40 lakh was seized and the passenger was arrested, the senior DRI officer said. Further investigation is on.

IndiGo flight diverted to Hyderabad for ill passenger on-board

A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight had to be diverted to international airport here due to an on-board medical emergency. The flight 6E-716 landed at the airport last night after a passenger, travelling with his friends to Bangalore, complained of chest pain and breathlessness, the airline said today. "The passenger had not declared his medical condition at the time of check-in at Kolkata. Immediately the crew provided him first aid (oxygen) and simultaneously paged for doctor on board and made an in-flight announcement declaring medical emergency on-board. "As a response to crew announcement, one passenger identified himself as doctor. He along with crew administered all medical assistance to the medical passenger. The Captain-in-Command immediately requested the ATC for a priority landing at Hyderabad airport and requested to keep the ambulance and doctor on standby," IndiGo stated in an email reply. On landing at Hyderabad airport, the passenger escorted with his three friends and IndiGo staff, was rushed to the airport medical unit, it said, adding after a thorough examination, the passenger was taken to a nearby hospital. "IndiGo is in touch with the family of the passenger. He is in Intensive Care Unit and his condition has improved," the airline said. The flight which had departed from Kolkata at 10.50 pm later left for Bengaluru at 01.38 AM.

BJP slams KCR govt, says more dist will increase red tape

Opposition BJP has slammed the proposed move of the TRS government in Telangana to substantially increase the number of districts, saying it would only lead to increased bureaucracy, red-tape and wasteful expenditure. "We today live in a world where technology connects all, even rural landscape and micro-administrative blocks. Increasing districts through proper plan to a few more for governance-related reasons is acceptable, but jumping from 10 districts to 30-plus raises more than just eyebrows," BJP Telangana spokesperson, Krishna Saagar Rao said. Forming these many districts only leads to increased bureaucracy, red-tape, wasteful expenditure, maximum government and minimum governance, he alleged. The draft government notification issued on August 22 proposed to add 17 new districts, from the existing ten. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has formed the committee led by MP, K Keshava Rao, to examine the possibility of creating four more new districts -- Gadwal, Jangaon, Sircilla and Asifabad, and asked them to submit report by October seven afternoon. The state government has said new districts would come into existence from the Dussehra festival (October 11). Krishna Saagar Rao said that a few years ago, prior to the advent of robust internet enabled connectivity, network enabled citizen services, the chunking of administrative units to smaller size could be looked at with a different perspective of good governance, that too with conservative, systemic, scientific and democratic methodology. "The same process today looks quite unwarranted, financially unviable and administratively primitive with (the availability now of) numerous technologies as service delivery enablers and cheaper last-mile connectivity tools," he said. The BJP spokesperson said governments today can provide almost all services without inconvenience to the common man through technology and electronic interfaces. "Physical proximity to administrators for better citizen services is a thing of the past and completely obsolete in today's context." He noted that nine of Telangana's ten districts are rated under-developed by the 14th Finance Commission. "CM KCR's unthoughtful initiative will bounce the number of districts from 10 at once to 30-plus and will only result in creating 20 more poor and under-developed districts. The entire process is a huge disaster in making," Rao said.

Odisha man who stalked minor college girl arrested

A man hailing from Odisha, who had been allegedly stalking a teenage college girl for the past two months, was arrested today by the Hyderabad Police. Md Azhar Hussain, working at a private hotel at Saidabad here had came to Hyderabad for earning a livelihood leaving his wife and children in Odisha. "For the last two months, he was stalking a minor girl who is studying in intermediate first year. He came to her college daily and followed her up to her residence," Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes and SIT) Swati Lakra said. "He tried to start a conversation with her and also started throwing papers on her by writing his phone number and asking her to call him. The victim got frightened by his activities and stopped going to college. Her mother, who is a widow, and is struggling hard to earn money to educate her daughter informed her relatives about the person and sought their help," she said. After this, her cousins started accompanying the girl, but Azhar continued to stalk her after which her cousins beat him up warned him not to repeat his activities. :The accused stopped following her for two days but again repeated the same thing. The girl was afraid of going to college and her mother was also frightened over his attitude and gave a complaint to the 'SHE Teams'. A case under 354-D (Stalking) of IPC was registered in Saidabad police station and he was arrested and sent to judicial remand," Lakra added. Hyderabad police set up SHE Teams in October 2014 to take action against eve-teasers and stalkers. A SHE Team consists of a male or female sub-inspector, a woman police constable and three police constables who carry hidden cameras for video recording.

India-Pakistan conflict: It's time to change the priorities

Minor explosion at Ibrahimpatnam, 2 injured

A day after a man was injured in an explosion at Ibrahimpatnam on the outskirts of the city, two persons including a woman were injured in another minor explosion today in the same area, police said. "The incident occurred around 2.50 pm after a man stepped on some explosive material lying underground," Police Commissioner (Rachakonda) Mahesh M Bhagwat told PTI. Forensic experts and Bomb Disposal Squad reached the spot and a investigation is underway, he said. The explosive material could be gelatin, buried in the mud, Bhagwat. Local people use gelatin sticks to carry out blasts to scare away wild boars. Last evening, a person was injured in the same area when some kerosene stored in a box kept near a pushcart-eatery exploded. The senior police officials who visited the scene said it was a small explosion. Panic gripped the area after the successive explosions.

Imam on way to deliver Friday sermon punched in US

A Muslim researcher in the US who was on his way to deliver Friday sermon wearing traditional attire was punched by an unknown man in Washington, a media report said. Rashid Dar, a researcher at Brookings think-tank here, was walking along with his brother near Dupont metro station when a man approached him and punched him in the throat. His brother ran behind the attacker but he managed to flee. Dar, who was about to finish up a sermon he was set to give downtown, was donning a black overcoat often worn by imams and a hat for praying. "I believe I was attacked for the way I was dressed," Dar was quoted as saying by DCist news website. "It is generally my habit to wear overtly Muslim clothing on my way to Friday prayer. I'm a proud Muslim. I don't feel the need to apologize for it," he said. Dar reported the incident to the police and tweeted the incident. "I was just walking to the subway near Dupont Circle, and am clothed in traditional Muslim grab on my way to give a Friday sermon. An individual suddenly dropped his bag and punched me in the throat, and ran away. Multiple eyewitnesses in the street saw it. Still in a state of shock," Dar tweeted. Dar said this is the first time that he has faced harassment in Washington, but his wife, who wears a headscarf, has dealt with Islamophobia on a more consistent basis. Dar said in his experience, Muslims are facing more discrimination now than after 9/11. "Things that were previously kept in the shadows and not within polite company could now happen in broad daylight. This happened in broad daylight," he said. "Aside from getting punched in the throat, I think I had a pretty good day. This incident hasn't decreased my faith in the kind of people I am surrounded by, even on the streets," Dar said.

Man gets 4-month imprisonment for jumping in lion's enclosure

A 35-year-old man, who jumped into a lion's enclosure at Nehru Zoological Park here in May this year, has been sentenced to four months imprisonment by a local court. The court yesterday convicted Mukesh under relevant sections of IPC and Wild Life (Protection) Act and sentenced him to four months and imposed a fine of Rs 100 on him, Bahadurpura police station Inspector Harish Kaushik said. As the prison period was already served by him, he was released. On May 22, Mukesh, a native of Sikar district in Rajasthan, crossed the barricade of the African lion enclosure in an "inebriated" state, despite warnings by the security staff, and jumped inside it to go near the lion but was rescued unhurt by an alert animal keeper. He worked as a labourer with L&T Metro Rail in Hyderabad. Subsequently, Mukesh was arrested and sent in remand. Later, a charge sheet was filed against him.

HCU student gets Rs 40 lakh package in campus placement

An MCA student from University of Hyderabad (UoH) has been offered a hefty pay package of Rs 40 lakh per annum in addition to other benefits by Japan- based company Works Applications Co Ltd. Ravichandra Mangipudi, a student of MCA course at School of Computer & Information Sciences, UoH, was selected under the campus placement by the company to work at their Singapore company as R&D Engineer, UoH, also known as Hyderabad Central University, said in a release. "I am happy. The faculty at the university is good. It was very good for me to pursue the course in the university. Research was also quite active in the university," Ravichandra told PTI. Mangipudi, who hails from Visakhapatnam, said he developed interest in computers after doing an online course while pursuing B.Sc. "There is a very good faculty-student ratio that allows for more personal attention from teachers, projects in cutting-edge technology that make students highly competent. There is a Special Assistance Programme from UGC for the School on thrust area of Green Computing," it said. Works Applications Co. Ltd. headquartered in Tokyo, Minato-ku, is an ERP system manufacturer. It has business in the development, sales and support package system. Currently, it has branches in Singapore, Shanghai, Chennai, Los Angeles and New York, and has more than 2800 employees worldwide, it added.

Change in govt will not change country's conditions: NITI Aayog member

NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy today said India is still relatively a poor country and a mere change in the government will not change the situation in the country. "India is still a relatively poor country. It is a tragedy that even after 69 years of Independence one hundred thousand villages lack rural roads, primary health centres," Debroy said while addressing students at the convocation of Hyderabad Central University. "India will not change because the government changes. India will change when you (students and youth) change it. You are young India," he said. He said the per capita income of India today is comparable to that of the USA's in the 1870s.

Rohit Vemula case: Research scholar declines to take degree from VC

Velpula Sunkanna, the research scholar from University of Hyderabad (UoH), who along with PhD student Rohith Vemula and others were suspended from the university hostel last year, today refused to accept his doctorate degree from Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao Podile. During the convocation ceremony, when Sunkanna's name was called, he came to the stage but refused to take the certificate from Podile. Then, Pro-Vice Chancellor Vipin Srivastava came forward and handed over the PhD degree to Sunkanna. Sunkanna and Vemula were among the five students, who were suspended from the university hostel last year on "disciplinary" grounds. Their suspension was later revoked. In January this year, Vemula's body was found hanging in a hostel room at the university campus. The Dalit scholar's suicide caused an outrage and triggered widespread protests with the university students seeking Podile's ouster. "I refused to take my certificate from him in protest (over the VC's alleged role in the Vemula suicide case)," Sunkanna, who is currently doing his post-doctoral course in Philosophy from IIT Bombay, told PTI. After Vemula's death, the university students, some political parties and social organisations had alleged that the VC, among others, was responsible for the suicide. When contacted, Podile downplayed the incident, saying it is a student's choice whether or not to accept certificate from him. "That is his choice. Let us not worry too much about that (Sunkanna's refusal)," he said.

Tax incentives for 9 backward districts

To give a boost to industrial activity in the state, the Centre has extended tax incentives for nine backward districts in Telangana. According to an official release issued by the Telangana Industries Department, the nine districts are Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Medak, Mahbubnagar, Rangareddy, Nalgonda and Khammam. Accordingly, manufacturing units, which are set up between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2020 will be eligible for tax incentives, such as additional depreciation and investment allowance under the provisions, it added. The CBDT yesterday announced special tax concessions under the Income-Tax Act to seven districts of Andhra Pradesh to boost manufacturing activity.

Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh was done illogically : Venkaiah Naidu

Union Minister for Urban Development and Information Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu has alleged that the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh was done illogically without giving proper thought into it by the then UPA government. Speaking at a public meeting in Tirupathi today, he said, the Congress Party has done gross injustice to the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh. Mr Naidu said, the NDA government at the Centre now has come forward to fill the revenue deficit of the state. He reiterated that the Special Category Status for the state which is being demanded by everyone does not guarantee everything. However, to complement it, he said, the Centre is directing foreign investments under various projects to the state. He said, the NDA government is catering to the maximum needs of the State as well as setting up several institutions which are not even incorporated in the AP Reorganisation Act when it was framed by the UPA. Speaking on the Polavaram Project, Mr. Naidu said, the Centre will bear the entire cost of the project. He said, the Congress today is questioning the Centre why the Polavaram Project is not completed yet while it had wrapped it up for decades when it was in power. He said, the Centre is providing funds to Polavaram while the State will execute the works. AIR correspondent reports that the BJP cadres felicitated the Union Minister for achieving special package to the State and for selecting Tirupathi town to be developed as a smart city.