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Only 1 in 4 Indian applicants will make it to Hajj this year

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india-hajj-pilgrims

Mumbai: Only one in four of Indian Muslims desiring to perform Hajj will be travelling to Saudi Arabia this year. The 20% reduction in Hajj quota ordered by the Saudi government is causing a huge backlog of pilgrims who want to perform the “once-in-a-lifetime” ritual.

Muslim leaders have demanded an increase in quota for India as the latest census data shows a rise in Muslim population (172.2 million or 14.23% of India’s population). The Saudi government allows one pilgrim per 1,000 Muslims in a country to go for the Haj.

The Haj Committee of India said around 3.83 lakh people applied for Haj 2015 but only 1.20 lakh pilgrims are travelling through the Haj Committee to Saudi Arabia to perform the rituals in the last week of this month. Around 36,000 are using private tour operators (PTOs) to fly to Saudi Arabia. “Since 2013, the Saudi government has cut 20% quota of pilgrims from every country as the expansion of the holy mosque in Mecca is underway and the administration wants fewer pilgrims there,” said Haj Committee CEO Ataur Rahman.

Muslim leaders want India’s ministry of external affairs to take up the issue with Saudi’s Haj ministry. “Thousands of Indian Muslims who fulfill criteria to go for the Haj are being denied it as the quota has reduced. The external affairs ministry must intervene and communicate this growing concern of Indian Muslims to the Saudi authorities,” said Congress MLA Amin Patel.

“We have told the external affairs ministry to look into the issue for the last few years. Haj is one of the pillars of Islam and performing it is mandatory for Muslims who can afford it. The government should take up the issue with the Saudi authorities and get our quota increased,” former minority department minister and MLA Arif Naseem Khan said.

(Agencies)

Dramatic rescues as tsunami-like flood hits Japan city

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More than 100,000 flee homes after Kinugawa river breaks banks, leaving houses submerged and residents stranded.

The building of an open-air spa, right, that belongs to Kinugawa Plaza Hotel, falls into the rapid stream of the Kinugawa River swollen by heavy rainfall in Nikko, northeast of Tokyo [Kyodo News/AP]

The building of an open-air spa, right, that belongs to Kinugawa Plaza Hotel, falls into the rapid stream of the Kinugawa River swollen by heavy rainfall in Nikko, northeast of Tokyo [Kyodo News/AP]

by Al Jazeera

Military helicopters have plucked residents from the top floors of their homes after raging floodwaters poured in and inundated a wide swath of a city north of Tokyo.

As heavy rain pummelled Japan for a second straight day, the Kinugawa River broke through a flood berm on Thursday, sending a tsunami-like wall of water into Joso, about 50km northeast of Japan’s capital.

The flooding has forced more than 100,000 people from their homes, at least 17 people were injured. Two people were missing.

A 63-year-old woman was missing in a landslide that hit her home while a man in his 70s in Joso was feared trapped when water engulfed his home, NHK national television said.

Earlier, NHK showed aerial footage of rescuers lowered from helicopters and clambering onto second-floor balconies to reach stranded residents.

In one dramatic rescue by a military helicopter, the rescuer could be seen descending four times over about a 20-minute period to take four people up one-by-one, as a deluge of water swept around the home.

Yuko Yoshida from the Japanese Red Cross told Al Jazeera that the exact number of those in need of emergency rescue was not known because many people had evacuated before the rains came in.

“From our assumptions, the government has managed this situation well. Medical facilities are operating,” Yoshida said.

Woman missing

Elsewhere in the region, one woman was missing hours after a landslide hit houses at the foot of a steep, wooded incline. Bullet train services were partially suspended.

Others waved cloths from their veranda as torrents of water around them washed away cars and knocked buildings off their foundations.

Tokyo was also drenched with rain, but the hardest-hit area was to the north in Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures.

The rain came on the heels of Tropical Storm Etau, which caused similar flooding and landslides Wednesday as it crossed central Japan.

The Fire and Disaster and Management Agency said 15 people were injured by Etau, two seriously. Both  were elderly women knocked over by strong winds.

Al Jazeera’s weather forecaster, Everton Fox, said the worst of the rains would clear within the next 12 to 18 hours, adding that by Friday the downpour will have largely stopped.

“The floods are likely to peak for some time because the run off from the higher ground will seep through for a couple of days and then we can expect a gradual improvement in the situation,” Fox said.

A man carries belongings through a flooded street in Oyama, northeast of Tokyo on Thursday [Kyodo News/AP]

Defying meat ban orders, MNS to sell meat in Mumbai today

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meat-mns

Mumbai: In defiance to a 4-day ban called for by the BMC on sale of meat in Mumbai, Shiv Sena and MNS activists on Thursday put up stalls to sell meat in Dadar market.

The activists were later detained by the Mumbai Police.

The BMC has imposed a four day ban on the sale of meat in Mumbai during the Jain fasting period. The ban covers mutton and chicken, and excludes fish and eggs. It also extends to private businesses selling raw meat.

As per the BMC orders, all the meat and poultry shops have been directed to remain closed on September 10, 13, 17 and 18.

While Shiv Sena and MNS are against the four-day meat ban, BJP has demanded an eight day ban. Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray wants the ban on the sale of meat to be revoked.

The Jain community will be observing Paryushan from September 10-17.

(Agencies)

Prof. K S Bhagwan receives anonymous threat letter

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K S Bhagwan

Mysuru: Rationalist Prof K S Bhagwan received an anonymous letter in English reportedly warning to kill him at his house on Wednesday. His wife said that the letter was delivered by the postman around 12.45 pm at Bhagwan’s house on Udayaravi road, Kuvempunagar. The letter was duly handed over to Kuvempunagar police station. The Police are reported to have been guarding the house round-the-clock.

The letter typed using a typewriter, addressed Bhagwan derogatorily and read as follows: “Don’t relax thinking you are safe. Haavina dvesha 12 years. 3 successful. Next you. Will never miss the target. No police security will save you when we come. We know how to do. Count your days”. (sic)

Sources said that the letter may have originated from Bengaluru, as per the seal on the order according to the report of investigators.

Earlier, soon after the Kannada scholar was shot dead by two unidentified men, a Bajrang Dal co-convener Bhuvith Shetty had posted a controversial tweet at 10:41 am on August 30 that said, “Then it was U R Anantamoorty and now it is M M Kalburgi. Mock Hinduism and die a dog’s death. And dear K. S Bhagwan you are next”, which had gone viral.

Soon after Bantwal police were informed about the controversial tweet, they registered a suo moto case at Bantwal police station.

Mysuru Police immediately provided Bhagwan with a personal security guard. Prof K S Bhagawan had reportedly received threats after his controversial speech on Bhagavad Gita at a recent event.

(Agencies)

‘Vajlach Pahije-Game ki Shinema’ is a roller coaster joyride topped with great comedy

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Vajlach Pahije! Game Ki Shinema

Banner: Channel U Entertainment
Producer: Atif
Director: R. Viraaj
Star Cast: Bhau Kadam, Rajesh Bhonsale, Chinmay Udgirkar, Girja Joshi, Aarti Solanki, Sanjay Mohite etc
Music: Praful Karlekar

Director R. Viraaj has dished out a perfect masala entertaiment recipe in his latest offering ‘Vajlach Pahije! Game Ki Shinema’ which will cater to the rural masses of the Maharashtrian belt, but will it cater to the classy cine goers of the urban arenas?

The plotted scenario of ‘Vajlach Pahije! Game Ki Shinema’ is based on a cinematic background itself and it recounts the story of 2 budding filmmakers and their trials, tribulations & struggles to make a decent film. The plot of ‘Vajlach Pahije! Game Ki Shinema’ further entails the comic story of 2 boys who think & finally decide to produce a cinema. They struggle a lot in the process and face many obstacles. Which creates funny situations galore.

Director R. Viraaj has indeed displayed his directional skills aptly and music composer Praful Karlekar has indeed given a good music topped with one or two extremely catchy numbers. But some of the scenes are clichéd which are so typical in Marathi Films. Besides ‘Vajlach Pahije! Game Ki Shinema’ is a situational funny take off on the Late Dada Kondke’s double entendre brand of slapstick comedy which will be lapped up by the mass audiences.

Performance wise Bhau Kadam comes up with a perfect finesse and the excellent performance has been delivered by Rajesh Bhonsale, Chinmay Udgirkar, Girja Joshi, Aarti Solanki, Sanjay Mohite et al but not necessarily in that order.

Tail Piece: Worth giving a try with family and friends.

High Court bans sale of beef in Jammu and Kashmir

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beef-export

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has imposed a ban on sale of beef in the state.

The HC directive came on Wednesday but was widely reported in the media on Thursday.

A division bench of the J&K HC passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation against cow slaughter.

The court also directed the state DGP to instruct local police officials to ensure that the ban is strictly imposed.

The court has also ordered the police to take strict action against those who violate the ban.

(Agencies)

AAP leader Somnath Bharti booked for domestic violence, may face arrest

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Somnath Bharti

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Law Minister Somnath Bharti has been booked for domestic violence following a complaint by his wife Lipika Bharti.

After the couple’s stranded relationship became public, Somnath Bharti and Lipika underwent counseling for over three months to sort out their martial feuds.

However, when things didn’t work out between them, Lipika approached the Dwarka North police on Wednesday and filed an FIR against her husband.

Somnath Bharti has been booked for dowry harassment, attempt to murder, subjecting his wife to physical torture and cheating.

Earlier, Lipika Bharti had levied these allegations against her husband in the month of June. As all the means of reconciliation have failed, Lipika now wants an action to be taken against her husband.

The AAP leader may soon be arrested following the FIR lodged by his wife.

(Agencies)

Sikh-American assaulted, called ‘Bin Laden’ in alleged hate crime

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The Sikh Coalition’s Legal Director Harsimran Kaur said the group believes that Mukker was “targeted and assaulted because of his Sikh religious appearance, race or national origin.”

Inderjit Singh Mukker was assaulted on Tuesday when the assailant pulled up to his car yelling racial slurs, including, “Terrorist, go back to your country, Bin Laden!” (Source: The Sikh Coalition)

Inderjit Singh Mukker was assaulted on Tuesday when the assailant pulled up to his car yelling racial slurs, including, “Terrorist, go back to your country, Bin Laden!” (Source: The Sikh Coalition)

Chicago: An elderly Sikh-American man was brutally injured and called “terrorist” and “Bin Laden” in an apparent hate crime case in Chicago, just days before the US commemorates the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Inderjit Singh Mukker was assaulted on Tuesday when the assailant pulled up to his car yelling racial slurs, including, “Terrorist, go back to your country, Bin Laden!”

Mukker, a US citizen and father of two, was on his way to a grocery store and was repeatedly cut off by a driver. He pulled over to the side of the road to let him pass but the driver instead pulled in front of his car and aggressively approached Mukker’s vehicle, according to information by the Sikh Coalition, a community-based organisation said.

The assailant then reached into the car and repeatedly punched Mukker in the face, causing him to lose consciousness, bleed profusely and suffer a fractured cheekbone and a laceration to his cheek.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he received six stitches, treatment for lacerations, bruising and swelling. The suspect is in custody.

“No American should be afraid to practise their faith in our country,” Mukker said.

“I’m thankful for the authorities’ swift response to apprehend the individual but without this being fully investigated as a hate crime, we risk ignoring the horrific pattern of intolerance, abuse and violence that Sikhs and other minority communities in this country continue to face.”

The Sikh Coalition’s Legal Director Harsimran Kaur said the group believes that Mukker was “targeted and assaulted because of his Sikh religious appearance, race or national origin.”

“We request an immediate investigation and call on local and federal agencies to investigate this attack as a hate crime,” Kaur said.

Sikh Coalition said the attack, on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, is just the latest in a line of violent attacks on Sikhs in America.

Last August, Sandeep Singh, a Sikh father in New York City, was run over and dragged 30 feet after being called a “terrorist.” In 2012, a gunman walked into a Sikh house of worship and shot and killed six innocent Sikh victims in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

(PTI)

Karnataka HC today allowed mayoral poll as per present provisions

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BBMP poll

Bengaluru: Days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the elections for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the election for the mayor and deputy mayor (reserved for a woman), is scheduled to take place on Friday.

Karnataka HC today allowed mayoral poll as per present provisions under the law meaning that MPs, MLAs and MLCs can vote.

However, the court will decide the validity of the present provisions after a full hearing. That means the court can invalidate the election of mayor if provisions are found unconstitutional.

The BJP had won 100 wards out of 198 at the BBMP polls held on August 22. The Congress had bagged 76, Janata Dal Secular (JD-S) 14 and others 8.

Sania-Martina reach US Open semis

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sania-mirza-martina-hingis

New York: The Indo-Swiss tennis combine of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis earned a straight sets victory to enter the women’s doubles semi-finals of the US Open at the Flushing Meadows here.

The top seeds took just an hour and 25 minutes to beat Chinese Taipei ninth seeds Yung-Jan Chan and Hao-Ching Chan 7-6(5), 6-1 on Tuesday. They will next take on Italian 11th seeds Sara Errani and Flavia Pennetta on Thursday for a place in the final.

Playing at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, the world’s top two players were equally matched in the first set by the Chan sisters. Both pairs broke the other twice which led the set into the tie-breaker where Sania and Martina lived up to their billing to take the lead in the match.

Having lost a closely fought first set, the Chan sisters were not as feisty in the second set and were broken twice to lose the second set and the match.

Overall, Sania and Martina won 70 of the 121 points played in the match and had more winners and less unforced errors.

Later, India’s Karman Kaur Thandi defeated Russian Evgeniya Levashova 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to enter the girls singles third round where she will take on Hungarian second seed Dalma Galfi.

But it was the end of the road for Pranjala Yadlapalli, who partnering Mexican Jessica Hinojosa Gomez, lost the girls doubles opener 1-6, 0-6 to American pair of Tornado Alicia Black and Ingrid Neel.

(IANS)

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