Nasheman

India's largest selling Urdu weekly, now also in English

You are here: Home / 2024 / Archives for September 2024

Archives for September 2024

BJP MLA Munirathna Naidu arrested in rape case after he was released on bail in caste slur case

by

BJP MLA Munirathna Naidu arrested in rape case after he was released on bail in caste slur case

Bengaluru: BJP MLA Muniratna has been arrested once again, this time in connection with a rape case.

After being held in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Jail over a caste slur case, he was released on conditional bail just yesterday.

Reports suggest that Muniratna’s lawyer submitted the bail order to the jail authorities, and shortly after the formalities were completed, officers from Kaggalipura Police Station in Ramnagar district took him into custody.

The Ramnagar police had been stationed near the jail since Thursday night, awaiting his release in order to arrest him.

One Nation One Election against Federal structure practically impossible: CM Siddaramaiah

by

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said, ‘one nation, one election’ is against the federal structure and practically impossible to implement, as he termed the Union cabinet’s decision to accept the recommendation in this connection as a “gimmick” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cover up his failures.

The Congress party will oppose the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, which carries the hidden agenda of the ruling BJP, both inside and outside the Parliament, Siddaramaiah said. The public opinion across the country is also against the proposed system.

Moving ahead with its “one nation, one election” plan, the union government on Wednesday accepted a high-level panel’s recommendations for holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies in a phased manner after a countrywide consensus-building exercise.

“The One Nation, One Election proposal approved by the Union Cabinet is not only against the federal structure but also practically impossible to implement. The fact that such an important proposal is being rushed through without any consultation with opposition parties reveals the malicious intent of the Narendra Modi government,” Siddaramaiah said in a release.

It seems the central government and the Prime Minister lack even basic knowledge of what should be the priorities of a government, he said.

“Unemployment is rampant across the country, inflation is destabilizing the economy, and people are suffering due to rising prices of essential commodities. Law and order has broken down nationwide, with atrocities against Dalits and women reaching alarming levels,” he alleged.

“Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the Prime Minister is trying to divert public attention with the gimmick of ‘One Nation, One Election’ to cover up his failures,” he added.

In its report submitted to the government in March, just before the general election was announced, the panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind had recommended implementing “one nation, one election” in two phases — simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in the first phase and elections for local bodies like panchayats and municipal bodies within 100 days of the general election in the second phase.

It also recommended a common electoral roll, which would need coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and state election commissions.

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ system ws entirely anti-democratic, the CM said, adding, the proposal offers no solution to the crisis that would arise if the ruling party in either the Lok Sabha or a state assembly loses a vote of confidence.

“In such cases, a midterm election is the only proper solution. Allowing a minority party that has failed to win a vote of confidence to remain in power would be a betrayal of the democratic system,” he said.

The current Election Commission does not have the capacity or resources to conduct simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across the entire country, Siddaramaiah said. The electoral system would need to be expanded to double its current capacity, which cannot be done in haste.

“For a new electoral system to be implemented, amendments must first be made to the Representation of the People Act. In addition, at least five chapters of the Constitution would need to be amended. Even for the NDA, it would be difficult to get the necessary support to pass constitutional amendments under the current system,” he opined.

“Despite knowing all this, the Narendra Modi government has approved this proposal just to create confusion among the people and cover up its failures,” he alleged.

Irreparable loss for all of us EY says on death of 26-year old CA due to workload

by

Ernst & Young on Wednesday issued a statement after the death of a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant allegedly due to extreme work pressure at the firm, went viral on social media and turned the spotlight on work-related stress.

“We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing in July 2024,” EY said.

Since the death, EY has been in touch with the family, helping them but it is only now that her family has chosen to write to the company, complaining about the “excessive workload”.

EY said it would continue to improve and provide a healthy workplace in its offices throughout the country.

Anna Sebastian Perayil, who passed her CA exams in 2023, worked at EY Pune office for four months before she succumbed. Her mother this month wrote to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani flagging the ‘glorification’ of overwork at the multinational consulting firm.

“Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us,” the EY said in the statement.

It went on to state that while no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, the firm has provided all the assistance and will continue to do so.

“We are taking the family’s correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India,” it added.

Simultaneous polls: Not possible in a democracy like India says Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

by

Simultaneous polls: Not possible in a democracy like India, says Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said simultaneous elections are not possible in a democracy like India.

The state Congress President stressed on the need for “bringing in consensus and unanimity in opinion among all parties” in this regard.

Moving ahead with its “one nation, one election” plan, the government on Wednesday accepted a high-level panel’s recommendations for holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies in a phased manner after a countrywide consensus-building exercise.

“The ‘one nation, one election’ that they are planning to do, aimed at saving the government’s money, is not possible in a democratic country like ours. Who thought about ‘Operational Lotus’? (toppling non-BJP governments by luring opposition MLAs), it is BJP. They are the ones who caused several elections. How can it (multiple elections) be stopped?” Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he alleged that the BJP is trying to destabilise several opposition-ruled State governments.

“As regional parties are growing, they don’t want them to grow, so they are making these efforts. All parties should give an equal opportunity in this country,” Shivakumar added.

In its report submitted to the government in March, just before the general election was announced, the panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind had recommended implementing “one nation, one election” in two phases — simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in the first phase and elections for local bodies like panchayats and municipal bodies within 100 days of the general election in the second phase.

It also recommended a common electoral roll, which would need coordination between the Election Commission of India and state election commissions.

Noting that ‘one nation, one election’ was in place earlier, Shivakumar said: “In our state we have held elections (both Lok Sabha and assembly) together in the past, but was it possible later? Cabinets (of state) decided to go for polls either three or six months early sometimes, in some states Assemblies were dissolved, all these things are there. There should be clarity.”

Without a two-thirds majority, the central government’s decision to go ahead is not right, he said. “There is no such option in democracy….Bring consensus among all parties and let there be a unanimous opinion, without unanimous opinion, such decisions are a waste.”

First Muslim IAS officer from Kashmir Valley Mohammad Shafi Pandit passes away

by

Srinagar: Mohammad Shafi Pandit, the first Muslim IAS officer from Kashmir, passed away on Thursday. He was 80.

Pandit was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi after he was detected with cancer about a month ago, his family said.

Pandit was the first Muslim from Kashmir to qualify the civil services examinations in 1969. His final assignment with the government was as the head of autonomous Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission.

In the bureaucratic circles, Pandit was widely viewed as a chief secretary that Jammu and Kashmir never had.

The soft-spoken Pandit was part of many civil society and philanthropic initiatives in Kashmir. He also played a key role in rolling out of the Mandal Commission report as he was the joint secretary in the Government of India in 1992.

Pandit’s body will be flown to Srinagar later in the day.

“If possible, he will be laid to rest today,” his family said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condoled the death of the IAS officer.

“My good friend of many years. Mohammed Shafi Pandit, has just passed away.He was a 1969-batch IAS officer who occupied important positions with distinction, both in J&K and at the Centre,” Ramesh wrote in a post on X.

“After retirement, he devoted himself to various public causes and emerged as a leading voice of civil society. Soft-spoken and extremely gentle by nature, he epitomised the glorious composite heritage of J&K and was a role model for youth from the Valley to join the civil services,” the Congress leader added.

59 percent voter turnout in first phase in J-K, polling peaceful: CEO

by

However, these are tentative figures and may rise after the final reports are received about postal ballots, and from remote pockets like Marwah, Wadwan, Dachhan and Machail in Kishtwar, the officer said.

Briefing mediapersons here after polling ended at 6 pm, Pole said the elections — which covered 24 seats in seven districts — ended peacefully without any untoward incident.

There are reports of some minor incidents of scuffle or argument from a few polling stations but “no serious incident” occurred that could have forced a repoll, he said.

Over 2.3 million voters were eligible to cast the ballot to determine the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 Independents.

“The polling percentage of 59 percent is highest in the past seven elections — four Lok Sabha polls and three assembly elections,” he said, attributing the increase in the voter turnout to various factors including improved security situation, active participation of political parties and candidates and a campaign by the department.

He said Kishtwar district recorded the highest 77 percent turnout, while Pulwama district witnessed the lowest 46 percent.

Doda district recorded a turnout of 69.33 percent, Ramban district 67.71 percent, Kulgam district 61.57 percent, Anantnag district 54.17 percent and Shopian district 53.64 percent.

In the 2014 assembly elections, the district wise poll percentage was: Pulwama 44 percent, Shopian 48 percent, Kulgam 59 percent, Anantnag 60 percent, Ramban 70 percent, Doda 73 percent and Kishtwar 76 percent.

In Kishtwar districts, he said, the Padder-Nagseni segment recorded the highest 80.67 percent voting followed by Inderwal (80.06 percent) and Kishtwar (78.11 percent).

In the nearby Doda district, Doda west segment recorded 75.98 percent, Doda (70.21 percent) and Bhaderwah (65.27 percent).

In Ramban district, Banihal segment recorded 71.28 percent and Ramban 67.34 percent, he said.

Among the seven constituencies of Anantnag district, Pahalgam recorded the highest voter turnout at 67.86 percent, followed by Kokernag (58 percent), Dooru (57.90 percent), Srigufwara-Bijbehara (56.02 percent), Shangus-Anantnag (52.94 percent), Anantnag West (45.93 percent) and Anantnag 41.58 percent, Pole said.

In Pulwama district, the CEO said, the Pulwama segment witnessed 50.42 percent polling, followed by Rajpora 48.07 percent, Pampore 44.74 percent and Tral 43.21 percent.

In Shopian district, the Shopian segment recorded a voter turnout of 54.72 percent and Zainapora 52.64 percent.

In Kulgam district, D H Pora recorded a turnout of 68 percent, Kulgam 62.70 percent and Devsar 57.33 percent, Pole said.

He said seven districts of south Kashmir had been traditionally low poll percentage constituencies and in some of the past elections, the percentage had not even crossed the single digit.

Asked about a social media video purportedly showing a policeman losing temper and aiming his gun before being overpowered by his colleagues outside a polling station in Kishtwar, he said the district election officer and the returning officer concerned have taken note and issue was resolved amicably.

PDP and BJP candidates were involved in an argument at the polling station.

Pole expressed hope that the remaining two phases on September 25 and October 1 will also see high polling percentage.

Meanwhile, the election commission expressed satisfaction over the long queues of voters at the polling stations showcasing the entire world, the deep trust and confidence of the people of J&K in the democratic exercise.

The polling was held across 3,276 Polling Stations in the seven districts and 24 special polling stations set up for migrant pandits in Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi.

According to officials, 31.42 percent of the more than 35,000 eligible kashmiri migrant voters exercised their franchise. While 27 percent cast their votes at 19 polling stations in Jammu, 40 percent at four polling stations in Delhi and 30 percent at one polling station in Udhampur.

In each of the seven districts where voting was held in the first phase, the voter participation exceeded the participation during the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, the election commission said in a release.

The performance builds on the trend witnessed during the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir which saw a voter turnout of 58.58 percent at polling stations, highest in the last 35 years.

Voting began at 7 am and proceeded steadily through the day. Men and women, the young and old, some too frail to walk and others patiently waiting their turn, queued up outside polling booths across Kashmir Valley and Jammu.

Security forces fanned out to ensure that there was no trouble. The day was largely without incident except for reports of clashes between political workers in some areas of Bijbehara and D H Pora.

K’taka targets $17 billion economic boost in space sector:Min Priyank Kharge

by

Bengaluru: Karnataka’s IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge on wednesday highlighted about the state positioning itself as a key player in the space technology industry, aiming to generate $17 billion in economic value by capturing 40% of the national market share.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024, held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Center on Wednesday, Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and development in the space sector.

Kharge highlighted the government’s role in building an ecosystem that supports space technology through progressive policies, MSME support, and infrastructure development. “We are creating an environment for future space technology, making Karnataka a hub for this industry,” he said.

The state has already made significant strides in the space sector, with the government working on a dedicated state policy for space technologies. This policy is expected to attract investment, encourage innovation, and establish a center for space technologies. Kharge noted that Karnataka has emerged as a driving force in the space industry, thanks to government support for space technology startups and businesses.

A recent partnership between Bengaluru-based spacetech startup PixCell and NASA, as part of a $476 million commercial program, further reinforces Karnataka’s growing influence in the global space sector. The collaboration showcases the state’s evolution from a hub for ISRO-linked startups to a global leader in space technology.

Kharge underscored that the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024 serves as a platform to showcase the state’s advancements in space technology, while also reaffirming its commitment to contributing to India’s ambitious space goals.

BJP conspiring to eliminate Rahul Gandhi, alleges CM Siddaramaiah

by

Shivamogga: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has alleged that the BJP is conspiring to politically and physically eliminate Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Speaking at a press conference at his Home Office, Krishna, on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah expressed alarm over the threats to Gandhi’s life, urging immediate legal action against those involved.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Gandhi, who comes from a family that has sacrificed much for the nation, remains undeterred by these threats. “Rahul Gandhi is from a family of martyrs, including former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Despite the dangers, he continues his fight for the country,” said Siddaramaiah.

He accused the BJP of threatening Gandhi, with some even warning that he might meet the same fate as his grandmother, Indira Gandhi. Siddaramaiah also pointed to remarks by a Union Minister of State for Railways, who allegedly called Gandhi a terrorist.

Further intensifying his criticism, Siddaramaiah condemned Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad (Shinde faction) for reportedly offering a ₹11 lakh reward for cutting out Gandhi’s tongue. Gaikwad allegedly made death threats against Congress workers as well. The Chief Minister demanded immediate criminal action against Gaikwad, calling for his arrest.

Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for its inaction against such threats. He condemned a minister from Uttar Pradesh for labeling Rahul Gandhi as the country’s “number one terrorist,” noting that no strict measures had been taken against him.

In a broader political attack, Siddaramaiah predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not complete his five-year term, citing current political dynamics. He suggested that key allies, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, would soon part ways with the central government.

Siddaramaiah also addressed the controversy surrounding BJP MLA Muniratana, who has been accused of making derogatory remarks against women, the Dalit community, and the Vokkaliga community. Legal action has been initiated, and Muniratana has been arrested and presented in court.

The Chief Minister called for the formation of a special investigation team to probe the case further.

Gruhalakshmi Scheme helped me pay son’s school fee says woman

by

Mangaluru: 'Gruhalakshmi helped me pay son's school fee', says woman

Mangaluru: Gayathri, a beneficiary of ‘Gruhalakshmi’, stated that she saved the money received in ten installments of the scheme to pay the school fee of her son. Guarantee schemes had helped single parents like her to educate their children, she said while urging the government to continue the program. She was in conversation with Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee state vice-president Dr Pushpa Amaranath, along with other beneficiaries, at DK Zilla Panchayat’s Nethravati Auditorium in Mangalore on Wednesday.

Ashwini, another beneficiary from Shanthigiri near Moodbidre, said that she used to get only 50 rupees from her husband when she needed a hundred to shop for basic needs of her house. “As we get 2000 rupees directly in our hands now, we need not ask anybody for minor expenses. We use ‘Gruhalakshmi’ money if we need to get the children something or to buy other items like soaps and toothpaste”, she added.

“My family of five has availed the benefit of all Guarantee schemes except ‘Yuvanidhi’. Our money reaches the coffers of the state again as tax when we buy anything from the outside with this amount. The four guarantees provide our family 4300 rupees in a month which amounts to 51000 rupees annually. Hats off to Siddaramaiah for such a scheme. The real lazy are those who call the guarantee schemes as ‘bitti bhagya’ and claim that it makes people lazy. Only those who have seen hunger and poverty in their lives will know the value of these schemes”, Bharathi Bolar, a beneficiary from Mangaluru, stated.

Athika from Harekala explained how Anna Bhagya, Gruha Jyothi and Gruha Lakshmi had helped her family of ten which included her three children and grandchildren. As she was a widower, this had helped her to take care of her family in the absence of her husband, she said. “We can never forget this help of Siddaramaiah. He must become the Prime Minister”, she added.

Lalitha, another beneficiary from Moodbidre, said that she was a daily wager and had to take loans to get one of her daughters married. “My son is physically challenged. Another daughter has only been employed recently. Son’s medicines cost 2000 rupees per month. I am using Gruhalakshmi money for that now”, she stated.

Explaining how Anna Bhagya and Gruhalakshmi benefited her, Laveena of Ullal said that she got daily wages as a manual labourer. “There is no work in the rainy season. It was difficult for us to even pay the electricity bill then. But now free electricity and other benefits are available”, she added.

An unmarried woman named Leela from Muliki said that she stayed with her brothers. She was using the Gruhalakshmi amount for medicines, she said. “Now I don’t have to seek anybody’s help. These schemes must continue to benefit poor like us”, she stated.

Responding to the rumors about the termination of the schemes, Dr Pushpa Amaranath said that this was the work of people who were jealous of the good work. She said that CM Siddaramaiah had assured that the schemes, which were a ray of hope for many, wouldn’t be stopped. “This program has been popular in the country as ‘5-I program’. Others are also copying this and even the name of the scheme was stolen. Those who opposed the schemes earlier are implementing it now”, she added.

District nodal officer for the implementation of the guarantee schemes and Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr Anand and District Implementation Committee President Bharat Mundodi were present.

Sourav Ganguly lodges police complaint alleging cyberbullying

by

Sourav Ganguly lodges police complaint alleging cyberbullying

Kolkata: Kolkata Police on Wednesday started a probe after receiving a complaint from former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly, accusing a person of defamation and cyberbullying, a senior officer said.

In an email to Kolkata Police’s cyber section on Tuesday night, Ganguly’s secretary lodged the complaint, while sharing a link to a video.

“We have received an email and are looking into it,” the officer said.

In the email, Ganguly’s secretary wrote, “I am writing to bring to your attention a case of cyberbullying and defamation involving a person named Mrinmoy Das. This individual has posted a video on a social media platform that targets Sourav Ganguly, using abusive language and making derogatory remarks, which are harmful to his reputation.”

“The context of the video constitutes not only an attack on Ganguly but also violates the dignity and respect that every individual is entitled to. We request your intervention in this matter and kindly ask that appropriate legal action be taken against Das for defaming and bullying Ganguly in this manner. We trust that the cyber department will take swift and necessary steps to address this issue and ensure that justice is served,” she added.

KNOW US

GET INVOLVED

PROMOTE

Archives