30.7 C
New Delhi
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
type here...
Home Blog Page 2

Sharad Pawar’s Political Plot Twist

Team India's Opinion
-
0
Sharad Pawar’s Political Plot Twist

Sharad Pawar, a master politician known for his deft political manoeuvring, made a stunning announcement on Tuesday. He said that he had decided to step down as chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that he founded and had helmed since 1999. This dramatic move could have far-reaching implications for national and Maharashtra politics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Pawar’s announcement, made at an event in Mumbai to release the updated version of his Marathi autobiography, stunned leaders and workers of his party. Many were seen crying and pleading with the 82-year-old wily Maratha strongman to reconsider his surprise decision.

The meeting of a committee of party leaders was held at his residence later, after which his nephew Ajit Pawar announced that his uncle would need two to three days to “think over” his decision.

Early Political Life

Sharad Pawar’s first recorded political involvement was in 1956, when he appealed for a protest march for Goan independence in Maharashtra’s Pravaranagar, according to a report by Mid Day. Four years later, he joined the Youth Congress to show his support for the Congress Party. Pawar was elected President of the Pune District Youth Congress in 1962, and he eventually held major positions in the Maharashtra Youth Congress, gradually establishing himself within the Congress party, the report says.

Political Career and Troubles

In 1967, Sharad Pawar was elected to the Maharashtra state legislative assembly after being mentored by Maharashtra senior politician Yashwantrao Chavan. He ran in the first of several elections from the Baramati constituency. After being re-elected to the assembly in 1972, he worked in a number of state government ministries over the next several years.

Sharad Pawar left the Congress Party before the 1978 Maharashtra assembly elections and helped found the Indian National Congress (Socialist), or Congress (S) Party, according to a report by Britannica. Indira Gandhi, who had stepped down as Prime Minister in 1977 and created the Congress (I) Party faction early in 1978, was opposed to the new party. A broad coalition of non-Congress (I) parties gained a majority of seats in the polls and formed a government in the state, with Sharad Pawar as chief minister. The federal government dismissed that administration in 1980 after Gandhi reclaimed power and the prime ministership. In 1981, Pawar was elected President of Congress-S.

Sharad Pawar ran for and won a seat in the Lok Sabha (lower chamber of the national parliament) in the 1984 elections, but he resigned the following year to become the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra state assembly. In order to resist the rise of the right-wing Shiv Sena party in Maharashtra, Pawar combined the Congress-S with the Congress (I) Party in 1986 (the “I” was eliminated in 1996). He was elected as the state’s chief minister for a second time in 1988-91 and a fourth time in 1993-95.

Pawar’s political clout began to dwindle in the 1990s due to allegations of corruption and administrative blunders, the report says. The Congress Party lost the state assembly elections in 1995 to a coalition of the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sharad Pawar was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991, and he served as India’s defence minister from 1991 to 1993, under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. However, by the 1990s, Pawar’s political clout had begun to dwindle due to allegations of corruption and administrative blunders. Despite this, he continued to remain active in politics and worked towards strengthening his position in Maharashtra politics.

Formation of the NCP

In the late 1990s, Pawar’s dissatisfaction with the Congress party’s leadership grew. He opposed the Congress leaders’ decision to promote Sonia Gandhi as the party leader, arguing that anyone who could potentially become the Prime Minister of India must be born in the country. This disagreement led to his departure from the Congress party in May 1999, along with former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar.

Following their exit from the Congress, the trio formed a new political party called the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The party’s core principles were centred around social justice, secularism, and federalism.

Coalition government in Maharashtra

Later that year, in the state legislative elections, neither the Congress nor the NCP won a majority of seats. In an effort to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power, the Congress and the NCP formed a coalition government in Maharashtra. Sharad Pawar became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the fourth time in 1993-95.

Sharad Pawar’s clout in Maharashtra politics continued to grow, and he played a crucial role in keeping the coalition government intact. Under his leadership, the NCP became a major political force in Maharashtra, with a significant presence in the state assembly and the Lok Sabha.

Stepping down as NCP Chief

Fast forward to 2023, Pawar’s decision to step down as the Chief of NCP has sent shockwaves through the party and the national political landscape. He announced his decision at an event in Mumbai to release the updated version of his Marathi autobiography. Many party leaders and workers were seen crying and pleading with the 82-year-old Maratha strongman to reconsider his decision.

Sharad Pawar stated that a committee of party leaders should decide on the election for his successor. His nephew Ajit Pawar announced after a meeting of the committee at his residence that his uncle will need two to three days to “think over” his decision.

The decision by one of the tallest Opposition leaders in the country who could bring their parties together against the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections also comes amid intense speculation over Ajit Pawar’s next political move. Pawar’s political legacy and influence in Maharashtra and national politics will be remembered for years to come.

Discover Insightful Stories with IndiasOpinion.in

Indian-origin Ajay Banga Appointed as World Bank’s 14th President

Team India's Opinion
-
0
Indian-origin Ajay Banga Appointed as World Bank’s 14th President

On Wednesday, it was announced that Ajay Banga, an Indian-American and former CEO of Mastercard, has been appointed as the World Bank’s 14th president. The appointment was confirmed by a 25-member executive board following a selection process agreed by shareholders in 2011. Banga’s term will begin on June 2 and last for the next five years.

A Change Maker

According to sources cited by Reuters, Ajay Banga had impressed shareholders in recent weeks as a “true change-maker” who will help accelerate reforms at the global development bank. The World Bank is under pressure to increase its lending to help developing countries address global challenges such as climate change and conflict.

Ajay Banga Background

Ajay Banga, who is 63 years old, was born in India and spent his early career there. He has been a U.S. citizen since 2007 and most recently served as Vice Chairman at General Atlantic. Banga is a finance and development expert and served as Honorary Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce from 2020-2022. He was the sole contender to replace departing World Bank chief David Malpass, an economist and former US Treasury official during the Trump administration.

Padma Shri Award Winner

Banga received India’s third-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2016. US President Joe Biden nominated him for the post in late February. According to Reuters, Ajay Banga has met with officials from 96 governments since his nomination and visited eight countries during a three-week world tour to meet with government officials, business leaders and civil society groups, flying a total of 39,546 miles.

Roles and Responsibilities

As President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga will also chair the Board of Executive Directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). He will also be the ex officio chair of the Board of Directors of the International Development Association (IDA) and a few other international boards. Americans have led the World Bank since its establishment at the end of World War II. Banga’s appointment marks a historic change and brings new perspectives to the global development bank.

Controversial Film The Kerala Story Sparks Debate over Factual Basis and Freedom of Expression

Team India's Opinion
-
0
Controversial Film The Kerala Story Sparks Debate over Factual Basis and Freedom of Expression

The release of the movie ‘The Kerala Story’ has sparked a political debate in the state of Kerala. The movie, which stars Adah Sharma, claims that 32,000 women in Kerala converted to Islam and joined the terrorist group Islamic State. However, the claims made in the movie are unsubstantiated and have caused controversy. A Muslim body, the Kerala State Committee of Muslim Youth League, has announced a reward of Rs. 1 crore for anyone who can prove the allegations made in the movie. They have also set up collection centres in every district of Kerala where people can submit details to prove their claims.

A Muslim lawyer and actor, C Shukkur, has offered Rs. 11 lahks for proof that even 32 women from Kerala converted and joined the Islamic State. He has also called for an end to the blame on a community and a state without proof, in relation to the so-called ‘love jihad’ case.

Unsubstantiated claims and calls for proof

Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, ‘The Kerala Story’ is set to be released in cinemas on May 5. The movie is written and directed by Sudipto Sen and is portrayed as “unearthing” the events behind “approximately 32,000 women” allegedly going missing in the southern state. However, the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress have criticized the movie for falsely claiming that the women converted and were deployed in terror missions in India and the world.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also issued a statement, claiming that the movie was deliberately made with the aim of spreading hate propaganda against Kerala and promoting communal polarization. The statement further indicates that the movie is trying to spread the propaganda of Sangh Parivar, a Hindu nationalist organization, which has established itself as the centre of religious extremism in the land of secularism, Kerala.

Political implications around The Kerala Story

The release of ‘The Kerala Story’ has sparked a political debate in Kerala, with the claims made in the movie causing controversy. The offer of rewards by the Muslim body and the lawyer, as well as the criticism from the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress, highlights the sensitive nature of the allegations made in the movie. The response of the state government, particularly the chief minister’s statement, further highlights the political implications of the movie’s release.

On Sunday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding ‘The Kerala Story’ on Twitter. He posted the movie poster and commented, “It may be your Kerala story. It is not our Kerala story.”

Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: BJP’s Election Manifesto

Team India's Opinion
-
0
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: BJP’s Election Manifesto

On May 1, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its election manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls in Karnataka. The manifesto contained promises of various schemes and initiatives to be implemented if the BJP comes to power.

Uniform Civil Code and National Register of Citizens

As per the BJP’s election manifesto, if they come to power, they will implement the Uniform Civil Code and the National Register of Citizens in Karnataka. A high-level committee will be constituted to provide recommendations for the implementation of the UCC. Additionally, the BJP will introduce the NRC in Karnataka and ensure the speedy deportation of illegal immigrants in the state.

Creation of special wing and provision of free cooking gas cylinders

The BJP also promised to create a special wing called ‘Karnataka State Wing against Religious Fundamentalism and Terror (K-SWIFT)’. Moreover, the party promised to provide three free cooking gas cylinders to all Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, one each during the months of ‘Yugadi’, ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’, and ‘Deepavali’.

Affordable and healthy food

The BJP plans to set up an ‘Atal Aahara Kendra’ in every ward of every municipal corporation in the state to provide affordable, quality, and healthy food across the state. Additionally, the party promised to launch the ‘Poshane’ scheme, under which every BPL household will be provided with half a litre of ‘Nandini‘ milk every day and five kg of ‘Shri Anna – siri dhanya’ through monthly ration kits.

Housing and welfare schemes

The BJP’s manifesto promises a ‘Sarvarigu Suru Yojane,’ under which the Revenue Department will identify and distribute ten lakh housing sites across the state to the homeless beneficiaries. The party also plans to launch a scheme called ‘Onake Obavva Samajika Nyaya Nidhi’ through which it will provide a matching deposit of up to Rs 10,000 on five-year fixed deposits made under the scheme for women of SC/ST households.

Six ‘A’ for development

According to BJP National President J P Nadda, the party’s manifesto is centred around six ‘A’s, which are Anna (food security), Akshara (quality education), Arogya (affordable health), Aadaya (assured income), Abhaya (social security), and Abhivruddhi (Development).

Modernization and development schemes

Under the proposed Visvesvaraya Vidya Yojane, the BJP promises to partner with eminent individuals and institutions for the holistic upgradation of government schools to a top-class standard. The party also promises a ‘Samanvaya Yojane’ for collaboration between small and medium enterprises and Industrial Training Institutes to generate a dynamic ecosystem of education and employment for talented young professionals.

Healthcare Initiatives and Tourism

In the Aarogya category, the BJP has promised to launch ‘Mission Swasthya Karnataka’ by establishing one ‘Namma Clinic’ (our clinic) in each ward of the municipal corporations. They will be equipped with diagnostic facilities. Additionally, the party will provide a free annual master health check-up for senior citizens. The BJP has also promised to allocate Rs 1,500 crore to develop Kalyana Circuit, Banavasi Circuit, Parashurama Circuit, Kaveri Circuit, and Ganagapura Corridor to transform Karnataka into India’s most favoured tourist destination.

Production Linked Incentive Schemes

Finally, the BJP will broaden the scope of Production Linked Incentive Schemes, which will generate ten lakh jobs eventually in Karnataka.

The BJP has announced the launch of the Yuva-Karunadu – Digital 4.0 initiative, which includes the establishment of Karnataka’s first Global Innovation Hub inspired by the Tel Aviv model. As part of this, a startup incubator and accelerator will provide seed capital of ₹50 lahks each to 250 select youth every year, along with an enabling policy environment.

Under the YuvaGuru-Digital 4.0 scheme, private incubators and accelerators in Bengaluru will be supported in establishing state-of-the-art incubation centres through a one-time capital grant of a maximum of 50% or ₹1 crore (whichever is less) for Fixed Cost Investment (excluding land & building), along with providing incubator setups.

To optimize water usage, reduce waste, and improve the sustainability of the existing water systems, the BJP plans to establish Smart Water for Bengaluru. Advanced technologies such as sensors, real-time data analytics, and automated control systems will be used to monitor and manage the city’s water supply.

The ‘Virtual Vidya’ scheme, a pilot program to revolutionize learning through cutting-edge technology, will be launched by setting up a ‘Virtual Reality Lab’ in every upper primary government school that will create an immersive, realistic, and memorable learning experience.

Indian Wrestlers and Brij Bhushan Battle Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Aprajita Pandey
-
0
Indian Wrestlers and Brij Bhushan Battle Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

The Indian women wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP, has reached the Supreme Court after four months of confrontation. On April 24, the SC decided to review the petition filed by seven women wrestlers who have accused Singh of sexual harassment. In January, 30 wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, and others, held a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, accusing Singh and several coaches of sexually harassing multiple girls.

Resumption of Protests Due to Delay and Loss of Faith

The first protest was called off in January, but the wrestlers resumed their demonstration due to the delay in releasing the report on sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan, loss of faith in the committee, and the absence of action against the MP, which they were promised in January. They were also upset that the WFI continued functioning as before, despite the gravity of their accusations.

Unidentified Complainants

The seven complainants who have lodged police complaints against Brij Bhushan have not been identified, but Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia have been at the forefront of the protests since January.

Phogat, Malik, and Co Take the Lead

Phogat started receiving many calls from female wrestlers concerning Brij Bhushan’s conduct with them, and the “unsafe environment” at a camp in Lucknow. Phogat spoke with Malik and Punia and decided the issue had to be taken up.

Accusations Against Brij Bhushan

Brij Bhushan has been accused of sexual harassment, financial mismanagement, criminal intimidation, and arbitrariness in the functioning of the WFI. The first charge is the most serious, and his offences allegedly span the years from 2012 to 2022. One of his alleged victims is a minor. In addition to Brij Bhushan, the wrestlers have named other officials and trainers in a letter sent on Monday by the Sports Ministry to the Indian Olympic Association.

Profile of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Brij Bhushan is a 66-year-old seasoned politician and a six-time MP. He won the Gonda Lok Sabha seat in 1991 and 1999, Balrampur in 2004, and Kaiserganj in 2009, 2014, and 2019. He was a candidate of the BJP in every election save for 2009 when he won on an SP ticket. In Indian wrestling, his is the last word. He is president of the WFI, vice-president of the Asian Wrestling Federation, and also on the government’s Mission Olympic Cell, which selects athletes for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme.

Demands of the Wrestlers

The wrestlers demand that an FIR be registered against Brij Bhushan basis their police complaint. They also want him to be arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act since one of the complainants is a minor. In addition, they want him removed as the WFI president and the federation to be dissolved.

Responses of Brij Bhushan and the WFI

Brij Bhushan has denied the charges of sexual harassment. At the time of the January protests, he said he was “willing to be hanged” if he was proven guilty. The WFI too has denied accusations of financial mismanagement and operational arbitrariness.

Government Actions

In January, the government formed an Oversight Committee to address allegations against Brij Bhushan and manage the daily operations of the WFI, persuading wrestlers to end their protest. The committee, led by MC Mary Kom, was expected to produce its findings within four weeks but did not submit the report until the first week of April. The committee has since been dissolved. In response to renewed protests, the government invalidated the ongoing WFI election process, which had been scheduled for May 7, and directed the IO

King Charles III’s £100m Coronation from UK Taxpayers Money

Team India's Opinion
-
0
King Charles III’s £100m Coronation from UK Taxpayers Money

The coronation of King Charles III is set to take place on May 6, and it is expected to cost around £100 million. This amount is double the cost of the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The British government will foot the bill for the coronation since it is a state affair. This essentially means that the coronation will be funded by British taxpayers’ money.

TV Rights and Boost to Tourism

However, the worldwide TV rights for the event are expected to more than cover the cost, and it will be a massive boost to tourism. The coronation committee, known as Operation Golden Orb, is planning the ceremony, and security is a significant issue. The procession route will be shorter than in 1953, but it is still expected to take 40 minutes to pass. The TV viewing figures for the coronation are anticipated to match the 37 million in the UK who watched the Queen’s funeral coverage.

Unconventional Date and Venue

King Charles III will break with tradition as coronations are not usually held on weekends. However, the date of May 6 was chosen because it does not clash with the FA Cup Final or the Derby. The ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey, and King Charles III will sit in King Edward’s Chair, which is over 700 years old. He will be anointed with oil from a 900-year-old spoon. Like his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III will travel to and from Westminster Abbey in the gold state coach.

Significant Historical Moment

King Charles III’s coronation will be a massive boost to tourism, with hotels already being booked out for the coronation weekend. In 1953, three million people lined the specially-extended route to see the new Queen’s procession. Despite the shorter route, King Charles’ procession is also expected to be a similarly grand affair. It will be a historic moment for the British monarchy, and the world will be watching as King Charles III is crowned.

Attendance of Andrew Parker Bowles

Andrew Parker Bowles, the former husband of Camilla, will attend the Coronation service to watch as his ex-wife is crowned alongside King Charles III. Camilla and Andrew were married for 22 years until their divorce in 1995 and had two children and grandchildren together.

What is Coronation?

A coronation is a ceremony that symbolizes the religious and formal recognition of a monarch as the head of state. During the ceremony, the monarch is crowned with a ceremonial crown, which is an act that represents the transfer of power and authority. While a coronation has historically been an important part of a monarch’s ascension to the throne, it is not a legal requirement for a monarch to be crowned in order to assume their role as king or queen. In modern times, some monarchs have chosen to forego a coronation or to have a simpler, more low-key ceremony.

Who will go to the coronation?

The guest list for the coronation is determined by the government, and it typically includes members of the Royal Family, government officials such as the prime minister and members of parliament, as well as representatives from other countries and international organizations.

Prince Harry has confirmed that he will attend the coronation, marking his first public appearance with the Royal Family since the release of his memoir earlier in the year. However, his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, will not be in attendance.

It is expected that the event will draw dignitaries and royals from around the world, but the details of the guest list have not yet been announced.

Notably, the date of the coronation coincides with the fourth birthday of Prince Harry and Meghan’s son, Prince Archie, who will remain in the US with his mother.

Where to watch King Charles’s Coronation

There are several ways to watch the coronation ceremony of King Charles III. The ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC radio, and viewers can also watch online via BBC iPlayer and listen via BBC Sounds.

For viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, a signed version of the program will be shown on BBC Two, and an accessible version for people who are blind or partially sighted will be available on the Red Button.

In addition to the coronation ceremony, a special concert on Sunday night will also be broadcast live. Several BBC programs will feature special episodes related to the coronation, including Countryfile, Songs Of Praise, Bargain Hunt, The One Show, EastEnders, Antiques Roadshow, and Coronation Kitchen. These programs will provide additional coverage and insights into the coronation and its significance.

Crowns to be Worn During King Charles III’s Coronation

During the coronation ceremony of King Charles III, he will be crowned with the St Edward’s Crown, which is a solid gold crown from the 17th century. The crown is exceptionally heavy and is only used for the moment of coronation.

However, there has been controversy surrounding some of the other crowns and royal gemstones, particularly regarding their acquisition by the British empire. The Imperial State Crown, which the King will wear towards the end of the ceremony and on the Buckingham Palace balcony, contains the Cullinan II diamond, a stone gifted to Edward VII by the government of Transvaal, a former British colony in South Africa.

Another controversial stone is the Koh-i-Noor, which is part of the Queen Mother’s coronation crown. The diamond is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, and India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran have all made claims to it. However, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Koh-i-Noor will not feature in the coronation ceremony.

Instead, the Queen Consort will be crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown, which has been taken out of the Tower of London to be resized ahead of the ceremony.

Exclusive : Amritpal Singh finally surrenders in Punjab

Team India's Opinion
-
0
Exclusive : Amritpal Singh finally surrenders in Punjab

Amritpal Singh is a self-styled preacher who has been advocating for Sikh independence, which has riled the Indian authorities. He was arrested in Punjab state after being on the run for more than a month, evading arrest on 18 March.

Amritpal Arrest and Charges

Singh and his supporters have been accused of attempted murder and attacking police officials. He was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA), which allows individuals to be detained without being charged for up to a year. He will be taken to the high-security Dibrugarh jail in Assam state, where some of his supporters have been kept.

Background and Campaign

Amritpal Singh shot to prominence in February after hundreds of his supporters stormed a police station, demanding the release of an arrested aide. His campaign brought back memories from the 1980s of a separatist insurgency and subsequent crackdown in Punjab in which thousands of people were killed.

Support for Khalistan Movement

Amritpal Singh, who says he supports the Khalistan movement for a separate Sikh homeland, claims to draw inspiration from Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a preacher accused by the Indian government of leading an armed insurgency in the 1980s. Bhindranwale was killed in the Indian army’s storming of the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion, in 1984.

Manhunt and Crackdown of Amritpal

The manhunt for Amritpal Singh spanned several parts of northern India, including the capital Delhi and the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Nepal had also put him on its surveillance list at India’s request. After the crackdown, however, it also questioned the government’s arrests and detentions of people for their alleged support of Singh and for Khalistan.

International Reaction

Sikh groups in Canada held widespread protests against the government action in Punjab. Protests were also held outside the Indian High Commission in London, where demonstrators removed the Indian flag. In San Francisco, pro-Khalistan supporters vandalised the Indian consulate, calling for Amritpal Singh to be freed.

Why Amritpal is taken to Dibrugarh jail

Amritpal Singh, the leader of the group ‘Waris Punjab De’ was arrested in the early hours of Sunday from Rode village in Moga, and subsequently taken to Air Force Station in Bathinda by the Punjab Police. Later, he was transferred to Dibrugarh central jail in Assam, along with nine of his aides who were charged under the National Security Act and were already lodged in the same jail.

While the reason behind Amritpal Singh’s transfer to Assam is not clear, some reports suggest that the Dibrugarh jail is highly fortified and has been used in the past to hold top militants during the peak of ULFA militancy in Assam. The prison is known for its strict security arrangements, which make it difficult for any prisoner to escape.

The decision to transfer Amritpal Singh and his aides to Assam instead of being taken to jails in Punjab or Delhi could be due to the presence of other gangsters who are associated with separatist groups. Initially, the Punjab government thought of sending Amritpal’s aides to Delhi’s Tihar jail, but due to the presence of Punjabi gangsters and separatists, the decision was taken to transfer them to Assam.

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a slain militant, belonged to Rode village and Amritpal Singh was appointed as the head of ‘Waris Punjab De’ at an event held in the same village last year.

Amritpal family reacts

Amritpal’s mother, Balwinder Kaur, said that she was proud of her son and called him a “lion” for surrendering. According to a report by News18, Balwinder Kaur stated, “I am proud of my son, he is a lion and he surrendered like a lion.”

His father, Tarsem Singh, claimed that his son was fighting against the drug menace and urged the people to continue with his mission. Tarsem also said that the family got to know about Amritpal’s arrest through the news and that he had not been in contact with his family. “The pictures that have surfaced in the media are not clear. He still dons Sikh attire today. I am with everyone who has been harassed by the Punjab Police,” Tarsem was quoted as saying by India Today.

Amritpal’s uncle, Sukhchain Singh, also expressed the family’s disappointment with the arrest and stated that they would fight the legal battle against it. “We came to know today morning that Amritpal Singh has surrendered. We were thinking he was in police custody. He never contacted his family,” he added.

The family members’ statements come after Amritpal and his nine aides were lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam and charged under the National Security Act. The reason behind Amritpal’s transit to Assam is still unknown, but some reports indicate that the Dibrugarh jail is heavily fortified and was used to hold top militants during the peak of ULFA militancy in Assam.

Rupee Invoicing: A Crucial Step Towards Internationalising in 2023

Team India's Opinion
-
0
Rupee Invoicing: A Crucial Step Towards Internationalising in 2023

Rupee invoicing has become a buzzword in India’s trade circles, especially after the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) circular in July 2022, which allowed for invoicing, payment, and settlement of trade (exports/imports) in rupees. The new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 aims to promote exports through rupee invoicing, proposing that trading partners raise and settle their invoices in rupees. This framework facilitates invoicing of exports and imports in Indian currency, market-determined exchange rates between currency pairs, and trade settlement via Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA).

Benefits of Rupee Invoicing

The benefits are invoicing are manifold, especially during geopolitical unrest and economic sanctions against India’s major trade partners. Among these benefits are lowering of transaction costs, greater price transparency, quick settlement time, promoting international trade, reduction in hedging expenses, reduced cost of holding foreign reserves by the RBI, and, most importantly, internationalisation of the currency.

India’s trade deficit with eight out of the eighteen countries that have opened SRVAs to facilitate overseas trade in Indian currency in FY22, may be a cause for concern. However, analysis shows that invoicing the Indian currency would be more favourable with trade partners such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and the UAE, where India is a large importer and potential exists for Indian exports as well.

Current Status of Rupee Trade

India’s policy of facilitating trade in Indian currency has been gaining momentum, with the total number of SRVAs reaching 60 in a span of seven months. However, the effectiveness of Indian currency trade ultimately depends on whether India is running a net trade deficit or surplus with the participating trading partners, as well as the extent of trading in comparison to the total bilateral trade.

Global Position

In terms of foreign exchange market turnover, the rupee accounted for a mere 2% of the global currency market turnover in 2022. Similarly, India’s share of global foreign exchange reserves was negligible. However, the push towards rupee invoicing could change this scenario, as it promotes internationalisation.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism about traders settling foreign trade in the Indian Rupee currency. He said that several banks from different countries are opening Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) with Indian banks, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved 60 requests to open such accounts of correspondent banks from 18 countries. Goyal also said that the RBI is in discussion with the central banks of other countries on the matter.

rupee

Goyal said that negotiations for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with developed regions like the European Union, the UK, and Canada are in advanced stages. He added that groups including European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (EFTA), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are also keen to start talks for similar pacts with India. “The whole world wants to have a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India,” he said.

Goyal spoke about the second phase of the production-linked incentive scheme for the textiles sector, saying that extensive stakeholder discussions have happened on the subject. He expressed confidence that very soon, the contours of the scheme would be finalized and taken up for approval at the highest level. He also said that Indian textile exporters were earlier facing customs duty disadvantages in developed markets, but as the government is inking trade pacts with regions like the UAE and Australia, domestic exporters would be able to push shipments.

To promote sustainability in the textiles sector, Goyal announced that the textiles ministry has decided to set up an ESG (environmental, social, and governance commitments) task force. The task force will come up with suggestions to make the sector more environment-friendly and sustainable. The textiles ministry has also launched a portal to promote the sale of handicrafts and handloom products.

Conundrum around Disqualification on the Ground of Criminal Defamation

Agraza
-
0
Conundrum around Disqualification on the Ground of Criminal Defamation

Recently, a criminal defamation case was initiated against Mr. Rahul Gandhi for his remark that “all thieves have Modi surname” under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. It was alleged that Mr Gandhi by making such remarks has defamed the entire Modi community. The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat convicted him for the same in a criminal defamation case awarding him two-year jail term which is the maximum sentence prescribed under the Sections he had been charged with.

While pronouncing the sentence court stated that a “reduced sentence will send a wrong message to the public and the purpose of defamation will not be achieved.” The court suspended the sentence for 30 days so that Mr Gandhi can appeal in a higher court. His conviction has disqualified him from his position as a Member of Parliament in accordance with Article 102(1)(e) of the Constitution read with Section 8(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.

Chilling Effect on Freedom of Speech and Expression

These circumstances have again raised the age-old debate that whether the law of defamation, being the archaic colonial inheritance, has a chilling effect on freedom of speech expression under Article 19 (1)(a) of the Constitution. First, one needs to look at the law related to defamation. Defamation in India can be divided into two types – Civil defamation and Criminal defamation. For defamation under tort, the general rule is that the focus is on libel and not on slander. However, in this case, the charges are of criminal defamation, the definition of which is provided under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code.

Misuse of Defamation Law for Political Gains

By the virtue of this provision, defamation can be committed through words (spoken or written), signs or visible representations, imputing any person with the knowledge and intention of causing such harm. The question however is whether such a provision is still needed in independent India. The provision which was used against the dissenting voices of the freedom struggle is now being used against the dissent of the opposition keeping a check on what can and cannot be said against the ruling government at the centre.  One can also not ignore the fact that the said remarks were made while addressing a rally in 2019, this case has been initiated with the 2024 elections fast approaching.

Flaws in Disqualification Rules for Convicted Lawmakers

In the landmark judgment of Lily Thomas v. Union of India [(2000) 6 SCC 224], the Supreme Court had clearly spelt out that a lawmaker stands immediately disqualified on attracting a sentence of two years or more unless the conviction is stayed by a higher court. However, there is an apparent flaw in this much-celebrated judgment which is related to the issue that whether a such conviction would have a retrospective effect or a prospective effect vis-a-vis disqualification from the membership of the parliament.

Retrospective or Prospective Disqualification: Legal Fiction

If we say that such a disqualification is prospective, then the accused legislator would lose his membership even after being acquitted, and such a practice would be used as a tool in the hands of the ruling government. However, if the same is being taken as retrospective in nature, then what if the seat of the disqualified legislature is occupied by another duly elected candidate? Then after the acquittal of the earlier, how can there be two candidates for a single seat? Such an event provides a legal fiction which must be taken into note by the honourable Supreme Court of this country.

Another issue which arises here is whether the disqualification in terms of section 8(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 is immediate. This was answered in the Lily Thomas case (supra) where the court had struck down Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act as “unconstitutional” that provided a three-month window to file an appeal and continue as a lawmaker until the case is disposed of.

In Lok Prahari v Election Commission of India [(2018) 18 SCC 114], the Supreme Court held that once a conviction has stayed during the pendency of an appeal, the disqualification which operates as a consequence of the conviction cannot take or remain in effect. But when the disqualification under other clauses i.e. (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Article 102 are not immediate, then why does disqualification under clause (e) which talks about any law made by the Parliament to be made immediately. Also, such disqualification should comply with Article 103 under which the question of disqualification shall be referred to the president and his decision would be final. Such issues are again in need of clarification by the apex court.

When as a country we are progressing and shedding away our colonial mindset to something which is truly Indian in its working and slowly moving towards reformative justice, does making defamation a criminal wrong and penalising dissent a way forward?

(Agraza is LLM Student from Indian Law Institute, New Delhi. Views are personal)

Celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr 2023: Significance, History, and Traditions

Team India's Opinion
-
0
Celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr 2023: Significance, History, and Traditions

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2023, also known as Meethi Eid or Eid al-Fitr, is a joyous occasion celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims engage in acts of worship and spiritual reflection. Eid-Ul-Fitr will be celebrated this year from April 21 to April 23, depending on the moon sighting. In this article, we will explore the significant history of this festival and its various traditions.

Why Eid is celebrated?

Eid-Ul-Fitr is a significant festival for Muslims worldwide. The holy month of Ramadan is considered a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah. During Ramadan, Muslims hold Roza (fast) from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and negative thoughts. Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the end of this month-long fasting period and is a time to express gratitude to Allah for health, strength, and resilience.

The History of Eid-Ul-Fitr:

It is believed that the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan. This makes Ramadan an auspicious month for Muslims worldwide. The festival originated in Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad celebrated the end of Ramadan with his companions. Today, Muslims worldwide celebrate by gathering together with friends and family, exchanging gifts and sweets, and indulging in delicious food.

Traditions of Eid-Ul-Fitr:

Eid-Ul-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal across the world. Muslims start their day by offering Eid prayers followed by a sermon soon after dawn. Everyone wears new clothes and exchanges presents with each other. It is customary to provide Zakat or alms to the poor and distribute sweets among friends, family, and neighbours. Muslims prepare various dishes such as Biryani, Haleem, Nihari, Kebabs, and Seviyan to celebrate the occasion.

Children receive gifts from their elders, called Eidi, which is a highlight of the festival. This practice reinforces the spirit of giving and sharing, and children look forward to receiving their Eidi every year.

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2023 is a significant festival for Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. Muslims across the world gather with their loved ones to celebrate the occasion, exchange gifts, and indulge in delicious food.

Eid Greetings

“Eid Mubarak!” – This is a common greeting that means “blessed Eid” or “have a blessed holiday.”

“May the blessings of Allah be with you and your family on this Eid.” – This is a heartfelt wish that conveys your hope for the recipient to have a happy and blessed Eid.

“Wishing you and your family a joyous and peaceful Eid.” – This is a warm wish that expresses your desire for the recipient to have a joyful and peaceful holiday.

“May this Eid bring you lots of happiness, success, and prosperity.” – This is a cheerful wish that conveys your hope for the recipient to have a happy and prosperous Eid.

“Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones. May this day bring you closer to your family and friends.” – This is a friendly wish that expresses your desire for the recipient to have a happy and meaningful holiday surrounded by their loved ones.

“On this special occasion, I wish you a very happy Eid filled with joy, peace, and love.”

“May the magic of this Eid bring lots of happiness in your life and may you celebrate it with all your close friends and family.”

“Sending warm wishes on Eid to you and your family. May Allah shower his love and blessings on you and fulfill all your dreams and aspirations.”

“May the spirit of Eid bring you hope, happiness, and love. Have a blessed Eid with your loved ones.”

“Wishing you a wonderful Eid filled with the love of your family and the warmth of your home. Eid Mubarak!”

123...46Page 2 of 46

© 2023 ECID MEDIA PVT LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

BrandValue

About Us