Focus

Patna, Sep 22 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD national President Lalu Prasad Yadav will meet Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in Delhi on September 25.

Both the leaders of Bihar will go to New Delhi for the meeting.

Nitish Kumar is currently flexing his muscles to unite opposition parties in the country. He went to Delhi for the three days and met several leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury, D. Raja, Arvind Kejriwal, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav and others. As Sonia Gandhi was not present at that time, he did not meet her.

Following the meeting with Sonia Gandhi, Nitish Kumar will go to Haryana's Fatehabad for former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal's birth anniversary. It is expected that leaders of opposition parties of the country will assemble there during the rally.

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), headed by Om Prakash Chautala, used to organise a rally every year on the occasion of the birth anniversary of "Tau" Devi Lal.

--IANS
ajk/vd

New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday visited Madrasa Tajweedul Quran in the old Delhi area, and interacted with the children there.

Madarsa director Mahmudul Hasan told IANS that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat reached the madrasa around 10 a.m.

"You have the responsibility of the country... so you have to work for the country by reading and writing," Bhagwat told the students.

He stayed at the madrasa for about an hour and met the teachers besides the children.

Bhagwat also reviewed the education infrastructure and sought some details such as the number of children enrolled there.

The RSS chief who has been holding discussions with the Muslim intellectuals to strengthen the communal harmony, also met Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the chief of All India Imam Organisation, at Kasturba Gandhi Marg mosque on Thursday.

Recently, Bhagwat called on a group of Muslim intellectuals, including former chief election commissioner S.Y. Qureshi, former Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung, former vice chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University Lt. Gen. (Retd) Zameer Uddin Shah, former MP Shahid Siddiqui and industrialist Saeed Sherwani.

--IANS
msk/anm/uk/pgh

Puducherry, Sep 22 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Fisheries L. Murugan is slated to meet Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Friday to solve the vexed issue between the saffron party and All India NR Congress(AINRC).

While BJP is an alliance partner of AINRC in Puducherry, ever since Rangasamy became Chief Minister of the territorial government, there have been differences between the two coalition partners. BJP Puducherry unit president Saminathan told IANS that they are expecting a good meeting between the two leaders.

Sources in the BJP told IANS that if the meeting fails to give a positive result, then the BJP unit is planning to complain to the national leadership.

The Puducherry Unit of the BJP is sore that Rangasamy has not been considering them for any new postings and that the Chief Minister was deliberately not filling the posts of Chairman in Public Sector Undertakings, including corporations. The BJP is of the opinion that the Chief Minister was deliberately not filling the posts to avoid the claims of the BJP leadership.

It is to be noted that the Puducherry unit president of the BJP, Saminathan, and Home Minister and senior BJP leader A. Namassivayam had recently met the Chief Minister and urged him to fill the vacant posts of Chairmen and other allied posts. However, the Chief Minister did not agree to their demands and said that the corporations and mills were bleeding and that it was not viable to open it for the sake of opening. The Chief Minister, it is learned, has told the leaders that it was not possible to appoint new chairman in PSUs that were loss-making entities.

Rangasamy, according to BJP sources, has informed the leaders that he won't have any problem in appointing new chairman for the PSU given the possibility that the central government is providing extra funds to these corporations.

During the last Assembly session, BJP MLA Kalyanasundaram had lashed out at the state government and especially Chief Minister and pointed out that there were irregularities in sanctioning new distilleries. This was seen as a direct fight the BJP had taken to the doorsteps of the Chief Minister.

However, sources in the party told IANS that the ice may break with the arrival of Murugan, who was the state president of the BJP in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and has an excellent personal rapport with Chief Minister Rangasamy.

--IANS
aal/shb/

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 21 (IANS) In a point to point rejoinder to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday night slammed him for turning the Raj Bhavan into a hub of political activism and for glorifying the RSS.

"Unprecedented things are happening in Kerala as we all saw a press meeting in Raj Bhavan... such a thing is happening in Kerala for the first time and perhaps in the country also. There are times when differences of opinion between the state government and Governor arise and when it happens, then are accepted ways to address such.

"Constitution is the backbone in a democracy and the Governor is the Constitutional head, while the executive is the elected government. The Constitution is very clear on the powers of the Governor and the Sarkaria Commission also states very clearly what the powers of the Governor is," said Vijayan.

It was on Monday that Khan went hammer and tongs against Vijayan, alleging that the latter even went to the extent of requesting him to appoint a Vice Chancellor of his choice at his home town in Kannur.

Rebutting each and every aspect which Khan had raised, Vijayan praised renowned historian Irfan Habib, and also Kannur Vice Chancellor Gopinath Ravindran.

"Of, late Khan has time and again been referring to the incident that occurred at the Indian History Congress (held in Kannur three years back). 92-year-old hugely popular historian Irfan Habib took part and Khan calls him a 'goonda'. All know how Habib has been hunted and haunted by the Sangh Parivar forces for long as he has all along staunchly opposed their way of tinkering with the educational system including the curriculum. Likewise, Ravindran also has been strongly opposing saffronisation of Universities and quit as Member-Secretary of the Indian Council of Historical Research," he said.

Vijayan claimed that the game plan of the RSS is to make universities into a political laboratory and the role of the Governor is to appoint Vice Chancellors first and then bring in the Sangh Parivar activists into the Universities.

"In some states the respective Governors have not signed laws appointing Chief Ministers as the Chancellor of Universities and this is done to ensure that the Hindutva agenda can be implemented, if the Governor retains it (the power)," he said.

When it was pointed out that Khan told the media that he will soon reach out to the people, Vijayan replied: " You never know, he (Khan) might be fielded by the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Kerala and if that's the case, then it's fine."

Asked what favours he sought from Khan as claimed by him, Vijayan said: "I have not taken favours from anyone and it's not proper on my part to say what all things were discussed between us when we met."

Vijayan also categorically said that the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) will not be implemented in Kerala and said the first signs of the Centre taking it up again was reported when Union Home Minister Amit Shah told the West Bengal BJP leaders that after the Covid booster does is given to all, the CAA issue will be taken up again.

"Perhaps it's that what Khan is now often raking the Indian History Congress incident, because the protest that took place at the venue was when the anti-CAA protests was at its peak," he added.

--IANS
sg/vd

Gandhinagar, Sep 21 (IANS) The state Assembly on Wednesday unanimously withdrew the Gujarat Cattle Control (Keeping and Moving)In Urban Areas bill (GCCUA) which was aimed at controlling the movement of stray cattle from wandering on the roads and public spaces.

The move has come as a partial victory to pastoralists who had opposed the bill by not contributing milk to the dairies or selling it in the open market.

Last week, the Governor returned the bill passed in a hurry on March 31 with a majority vote.

Announcing the decision, Education Minister Jitu Vaghani informed the media that the state Assembly unanimously withdrew the GCCUA bill on Wednesday.

The said bill was hurriedly passed by the state government in March as the High Court had pulled up the state over stray cattle menace and increasing fatal accidents in the urban areas. It had asked the government to take strict action against the 'maldharis' who are leaving their cattle on the roads.

Maldhari Mahapanchayat and its member pastoralists were agitating against the bill saying it was an harassment to them, said Nagji Desai, president of the Mahapanchayat. In protest, the mahapanchayat had given a call to not contribute milk in dairies or sell it in the open market on Wednesday, and it has received a very good response.

Commenting on the pastoralists boycotting milk contribution to dairies, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) Managing Director R.S Sodhi told IANS, "There was no impact on milk procurement, our normal daily milk procurement is 190 lakh litre milk per day and on Wednesday too the procurement remained same, there will be no shortage of supply on Thursday too."

Some people faced shortages not because of short supply, but because of panic buying by customers.

--IANS
har/shb/

San Francisco, Sep 21 (IANS) Google has announced a new feature that will allow users to buy train tickets in Search in select countries, which will be available in more countries soon.

The users in Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan can now shop for train tickets directly on Google Search, for travel in and around select countries.

Google said it has embedded sustainability into its travel tools.

"For some trips, taking a train might be the more sustainable option, but finding the prices and schedules to get from A to B can take a few separate searches," said Richard Holden, VP of Travel Products at Google.

"Starting today, you can now shop for train tickets directly on Google Search, for travel in and around select countries - including Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan," he mentioned in a blog post late on Tuesday.

Just query something like "Berlin to Vienna trains" and you'll see a new module in the search results that lets you choose your departure date and compare the available options.

Once you select the train that works best, there's a direct link to complete your booking on the partner's website.

"This feature will expand to more locations as we work with other rail providers. We also plan to begin testing a similar feature for bus tickets in the near future to broaden your choices for intercity travel," said Holden.

Moreover, with new filters for both flights and hotels, it's easier to find more sustainable options on Google Search, he added.

--IANS
na/

Chennai, Sep 21 (IANS) Kajal Aggarwal, who has now taken a liking for horse riding, said that our bodies could change but our indomitable spirit and burning passion need not.

The actress, who only months after delivering a baby, is back at work shooting for director Shankar's much-awaited 'Indian 2', featuring Kamal Haasan in the lead, took to Instagram to explain how she has got back into the grind because of her determination and passion for cinema.

Posting a video clip of her riding a horse, she wrote: "Eager and excited, I jumped back into work four months post-partum! Little did I realise that it would feel like starting from scratch. My body wasn't the same as how it used to be. Pre-baby, I could endure very long workdays with taxing amounts of physical activity and then hit the gym."

"Post baby, it's been hard to get back my energy levels. Mounting a horse, let alone riding it seemed like a huge task! My body protested with the martial arts training that came so easily to me earlier."

"Our bodies can change/ may change/ will change but our indomitable spirit and burning passion, need not. We've got to just keep showing up for ourselves and consistently making each day count. It's all about what we choose to prioritise to focus on and not feel guilty about our choices."

Commenting on 'Indian 2', she said: "I'm so glad I've jumped back into the drill with you. Stoked to learn new skills on the job and pursue them as hobbies after. So fortunate to be a part of this industry I call home! Grateful for the opportunities to constantly learn and become an upgraded version of myself."

--IANS
mani/kvd

Shivamogga (Karnataka), Sep 21 (IANS) Two arrested suspected terrorists have revealed that they carried out explosion trials on the banks of Tungabhadra River in Shivamogga district of Karnataka, police sources said on Wednesday.

The team was planning to carry out bomb strikes all over the country once they got the handy explosives ready. One of the accused Syed Yasin, studied Electrical and Electronics along with another suspect Maaz, was trying to develop an improvised explosive device, police said.

The probe has indicated that Syed Yasin and Maaz jointly conducted the trial blasts at isolated locations in various places of the state and police suspect that they have joined hands with others in the state in this connection and chosen a few to train them to make explosives.

Yasin is believed to have conducted about 17 such trail blasts on the banks of Tungabhadra River in Hale Gurupura region of Shivamogga. The police have recovered materials from the spot, according to sources.

The investigations have also shown that the accused used a new app called WireApp to communicate. The police have gathered information that more than hundred persons are using this app and in touch with the accused persons.

The arrest of Jabiulla, who was shot in the leg after trying to attack policemen, was the turning point in the investigation. As soon as his arrest, the accused who are presently in police custody, had left the group.

All accused persons conspired and worked jointly to carry forward the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation's activities.

The police have slapped cases as per IPC 1860, under Sections 120B, 121, 121A, 34. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1957, Under Sections 18, 38, 39 and the Prevention of Insult to National Honours Act, 1971 Under Section 2.

--IANS
mka/dpb

Bengaluru, Sep 21 (IANS) The decision of the ruling BJP in Karnataka to include teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in schools and colleges from December has triggered a debate.

Announcing it in the Assembly on Monday, Education Minister B.C. Nagesh stated that the teachings of the holy Hindu scripture would form a part of the 'Moral Education' syllabus.

"There is no proposal before the government to teach 'Bhagavad Gita' to students along with the present syllabus as a special subject," he said.

However, Professor, an activist and educational expert Niranjan Aradhya V.P, told IANS on Wednesday that the decision to make an announcement in this regard before the committee's report is "premature" and "hasty''.

"The decision of the government is incorrect. Whether it helps students or not is a different matter. In the academic quarter, bodies will prepare the syllabus for students. Principles of every religion should be inculcated in the book," he said.

Once the committee is formed and its recommendations are out, then discussion could be held. Without a committee making any decision, how can the minister announce that the Bhagavad Gita would be taught from December? Niranjan Aradhya questioned.

During the Legislative Council session, M.K. Pranesh, M Ravi Kumar, both BJP MLCs raised the question in the Legislative Council pressing for commencing the teachings of Bhagavad Gita to students.

"The government says there is no proposal to implement teachings of Bhagavad Gita to students in Karnataka in the present syllabus. There is no opposition to teaching Bhagavad Gita, Why is the government hesitant to teach Bhagavad Gita? Where has the interest shown by the government earlier while issuing statements evaporated? BJP MLC Pranesh had asked.

Clarifying the question, the Minister had said he stated in the written answer that there is no proposal to teach Bhagavad Gita with the present syllabus this year. But, Bhagavad Gita would be included with the Moral Science subject. For the same purpose a committee has been formed and as per the recommendations of the committee from December, Bhagavad Gita will be included there as per everyone's demand, Minister Nagesh stated.

He also said that many mistakes in the school syllabus have been rectified so far regarding historical facts and the exercise would continue in future.

However, the issue is likely to stir a controversy with various minority groups and individuals opposing it when the announcement was made earlier.

Minister Nagesh had earlier stated that as per the National Education Policy (NEP), on the lines of Gujarat state, Bhagavad Gita will be introduced in the state after consulting educational experts.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had tated that it is the government's stand to include Bhagavad Gita, the holy scripture of Hindus, into the syllabus as a part of moral science subject.

Asked whether Bhagavad Gita would teach moral lessons, CM Bommai had angrily asked that if not for Bhagavad Gita, which other scripture can teach morals to children? In this competitive age, children need moral education, said CM Bommai and asked not to create unnecessary confusion in this regard. If Bhagavad Gita is made part of the syllabus, it will help children with Intelligence, he maintained.

In this country, all tall leaders, elders who have thought about the nation have talked highly about Bhagavad Gita, Minister Nagesh had stated.

Minister for Large and Medium Industries Murugesh Nirani had stated that Bhagavad Gita has human values and children need to learn about those values. The government of Gujarat has taken a decision to add Bhagavad Gita in the syllabus and a decision should be taken in Karnataka also to introduce Bhagavad Gita to children, he had said.

Senior Congress leader and former minister from Mysuru, Tanveer Sait had stirred up a controversy by stating that introducing Bhagavad Gita in the syllabus of school children is dangerous. "It is more dangerous than Covid pandemic," he stated.

Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy asked the ruling BJP whether teachings of Bhagavad Gita will fill empty stomachs. The state is facing thousands of problems and the teachings of Bhagavad Gita won't provide food for people, he reiterated.

Emotional matters are gaining importance in the country. The innocents are being misled. "There is an end to this trend and we will wait until then," he said.

Opposition leader Siddaramaiah stated, "We believe in Hindu religion and give equal respect to other religions. We do not have any objection to teaching Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Quran to children. But, children should be given quality education," he said.

--IANS
mka/shb/

New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Centre on a plea seeking a direction to declare "Talaq-e-Ahsan" and all other forms of unilateral extra-judicial dissolution of marriages under Muslim personal laws as illegal, arbitrary, void, and unconstitutional being irrational and in contravention of Articles 14, 15, 21 and 15 of the Constitution.

A bench of Justices S.K. Kaul and A.S. Oka agreed to hear the petition and issued notices to the Centre and others, including the National Commission for Women.

The plea, filed by a Pune-based woman, said she was divorced by her husband by "Talaq-eAhsan" procedure by sending a letter through Speed Post after being driven out of her matrimonial home after she refused to pay them money for down payment for purchasing a new car and to avail loan for making payment of the balance amount and repay the same in full on her own.

The petition said per the customs and procedure, "Talaq-e-Ahsan" requires pronouncement of Talaq once followed by abstinence from conjugal relation for three lunar months or 90 days and thereafter, if the parties to the marriage do not resume their conjugal relationship with 90 days, the marriage is dissolved.

The plea also sought directions to the Centre and others to frame guidelines for a gender neutral, religion neutral uniform ground, and procedure for divorce.

The plea, filed through advocate Nirmal Kumar Ambastha, said: "The petitioner tried to approach the local police against the atrocities and harassment by her husband and in laws and also against the unilateral dissolution of marriage, but the local police did not register the case on the ground that 'Talaq-e-Ahsan' is a recognised process for dissolution of Muslim marriages".

The plea contended that all the procedure for dissolution of marriages like Talaq-e-Ahsan and others are available to Muslim men only as an extra-judicial unilateral procedure for dissolution of marriage, which is neither harmonious to modern day principles of gender equality nor an essential religious practice.

The plea submitted that petitioner's husband sent her a letter of divorce on July 16, through Speed Post, levelling various baseless and untrue allegations against her.

"Muslim personal law insofar as it allows the men to unilaterally dissolve marriage by 'Talaq-e-Ahsan' and all other forms of unilateral extra-judicial dissolution of marriages, but does not allow the women to do the same, is void being violative of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India. Since Muslim Personal Law is a law within the expression 'Law in force' as contained in Article 13(1) of the Constitution of India and it must be void for contravening any rights under Part III thereof," said the plea.

--IANS
ss/vd