The Election Commission has refused to disclose its correspondence with social media giants including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Twitter under the Right to Information Act after objections raised by these companies, the poll panel had said.
The Election Commission had received an RTI query by Pune-based activist Vihar Durve seeking information on the EC's correspondence with social media companies between 2019 and 2022.
Applying the third party clause under section 11 of the Act, the Commission sought the views of the companies on disclosing the correspondence.
In case of an RTI applicant seeking third party information, section 11 of the Act directs the Central Public Information Officer to take views of the third party concerned before disclosing the record.
The final decision on disclosure rests with the officer.
Durve had sought the details of "correspondence, record, information, emails (with the notings) etc made by the ECI with twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, any other social media platform" exchanged between ECI and these companies between 2019 and 2022.
"Disclosure of any communication between ECI and Social Media platforms would attract Section 11 of the RTI Act, 2005 i.e third party disclosure. Third party is not in favour and made submission against disclosure," the ECI said in response to Durve’s query, while denying the information.
In the run up to General Elections in 2019, social media companies had agreed to a voluntary code which included a silence period of 48 hours before polling.
According to the code, no political campaign will be allowed to be run on social media platforms in the last 48 hours before polling ends. This period is referred to as "silence period" to allow voters take a considered decision without the heat and dust of campaign on whom to vote.
The code also facilitates transparency in paid political advertisements.
This was for the first time internet-based companies voluntarily adopted the norms for on-line poll campaign.

Election Commission refuses to release details of correspondence with social media giants: here's why

In the run up to General Elections in 2019, social media companies had agreed to a voluntary code which included a silence period of 48 hours before polling.

In the run up to General Elections in 2019, social media companies had agreed to a voluntary code which included a silence period of 48 hours before polling.

The Election Commission has refused to disclose its correspondence with social media giants including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Twitter under the Right to Information Act after objections raised by these companies, the poll panel had said.
The Election Commission had received an RTI query by Pune-based activist Vihar Durve seeking information on the EC's correspondence with social media companies between 2019 and 2022.
Applying the third party clause under section 11 of the Act, the Commission sought the views of the companies on disclosing the correspondence.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pil-in-sc-seeks-steps-to-regulate-poll-manifesto-make-them-legally-binding-1645268519557" target="_blank">PIL in SC seeks steps to regulate poll manifesto, make them legally binding</a>
In case of an RTI applicant seeking third party information, section 11 of the Act directs the Central Public Information Officer to take views of the third party concerned before disclosing the record.
The final decision on disclosure rests with the officer.
Durve had sought the details of "correspondence, record, information, emails (with the notings) etc made by the ECI with twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, any other social media platform" exchanged between ECI and these companies between 2019 and 2022.
"Disclosure of any communication between ECI and Social Media platforms would attract Section 11 of the RTI Act, 2005 i.e third party disclosure. Third party is not in favour and made submission against disclosure," the ECI said in response to Durve&rsquo;s query, while denying the information.
In the run up to General Elections in 2019, social media companies had agreed to a voluntary code which included a silence period of 48 hours before polling.
According to the code, no political campaign will be allowed to be run on social media platforms in the last 48 hours before polling ends. This period is referred to as "silence period" to allow voters take a considered decision without the heat and dust of campaign on whom to vote.
The code also facilitates transparency in paid political advertisements.
This was for the first time internet-based companies voluntarily adopted the norms for on-line poll campaign.

Amid the Gyanvapi mosque row, the MNS has claimed that two dargahs had been built on the Punyeshwar temple land in Maharashtra's Pune city.
MNS general secretary Ajay Shinde on Sunday said they have launched the 'Punyeshwar Mukti' (free the temple land) campaign, and appealed to people to support the Raj Thackeray-led party's fight in restoring the temple land.
Citing a recent survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, Shinde said government has started waking up in the wake of Raj Thackeray's stand on Hindutva.
"Like Gyanvapi, we are also fighting for the Punyeshwar temple in Pune," he said.
Shinde claimed that a commader of Khilji dynasty ruler Alauddin Khilji had demolished the Punyeshwar and Narayaneshwar temples in Pune and later dargahs were built on the land.

Gyanvapi row: now, Raj Thackeray's MNS claims dargahs built on Punyeshwar temple land, launches campaign

MNS claimed that a commader of Khilji dynasty ruler Alauddin Khilji had demolished the Punyeshwar and Narayaneshwar temples in Pune and later dargahs were built on the land.

Shinde claimed that a commader of Khilji dynasty ruler Alauddin Khilji had demolished the Punyeshwar and Narayaneshwar temples in Pune and later dargahs were built on the land.

Amid the Gyanvapi mosque row, the MNS has claimed that two dargahs had been built on the Punyeshwar temple land in Maharashtra's Pune city.
MNS general secretary Ajay Shinde on Sunday said they have launched the 'Punyeshwar Mukti' (free the temple land) campaign, and appealed to people to support the Raj Thackeray-led party's fight in restoring the temple land.
Citing a recent survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, Shinde said government has started waking up in the wake of Raj Thackeray's stand on Hindutva. Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/supreme-court-transfers-gyanvapi-case-to-district-judge-interim-order-to-continue-1653052463143">&nbsp;Supreme Court transfers Gyanvapi case to district judge; interim order to continue</a>
"Like Gyanvapi, we are also fighting for the&nbsp;Punyeshwar temple in Pune," he said.
Shinde claimed that a commader of Khilji dynasty ruler Alauddin Khilji had demolished the Punyeshwar and Narayaneshwar temples in Pune and later dargahs were built on the land.

Amid a speculation whether he will chalk a new political course for himself, Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has claimed that an inspector had warned him in jail that he could get encountered after his release.   Khan said, “When an inspector can threaten in the jail, ‘go underground, you have several cases against you, you can get encountered,’ then in the face of such dangers, it is difficult to say where I am headed.”  The Supreme Court granted him bail n a land-grabbing case exercising its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution as it flagged the “peculiar” circumstances of the matter.   Sitapur district jail superintendent Suresh Singh had said on the day of Azam’s release that that SP leader was in jail following 81 cases lodged against him and after receiving bail orders in all 81 cases he was released.   He remained in Sitapur jail for 27 months.  Addressing a press conference in Rampur, the 10-time MLA, said, “The BJP, BSP or the Congress are not a big question for me at this time. Thousands of cases have been lodged against me, my family and my people. I can only say that I have a role in my destruction and my own people contributed to it.”

Azam Khan: inspector in jail warned me of encounter

The Supreme Court granted him bail n a land-grabbing case exercising its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution as it flagged the &ldquo;peculiar&rdquo; circumstances of the matter. &nbsp;

Amid a speculation whether he will chalk a new political course for himself, Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has claimed that an inspector had warned him in jail that he could get encountered after his release. &nbsp; &nbsp; Khan said, &ldquo;When an inspector can threaten in the jail, &lsquo;go underground, you have several cases against you, you can get encountered,&rsquo; then in the face of such dangers, it is difficult to say where I am headed.&rdquo;&nbsp; &nbsp; The Supreme Court granted him bail n a land-grabbing case exercising its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution as it flagged the &ldquo;peculiar&rdquo; circumstances of the matter. &nbsp; Also Watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/azam-khan-released-what-does-the-political-swayamvar-look-like-for-up-s-powerful-muslim-leader-1653055364369">&nbsp;Azam Khan released: what does the political swayamvar look like for UP's powerful Muslim leader?</a> &nbsp; Sitapur district jail superintendent Suresh Singh had said on the day of Azam&rsquo;s release that that SP leader was in jail following 81 cases lodged against him and after receiving bail orders in all 81 cases he was released. &nbsp; &nbsp; He remained in Sitapur jail for 27 months. &nbsp; Addressing a press conference in Rampur, the 10-time MLA, said, &ldquo;The BJP, BSP or the Congress are not a big question for me at this time. Thousands of cases have been lodged against me, my family and my people. I can only say that I have a role in my destruction and my own people contributed to it.&rdquo;

Following the Union government's decision to provide relief from high petrol and diesel prices, some Opposition-ruled states have followed suit.
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Kerala announced a cut in Value Added Tax, or VAT on fuel after the Narendra Modi administration's decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel.
The Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress coalition government in Maharashtra reduced VAT by Rs 2.08 per litre on petrol, and Rs 1.44 per litre on diesel.
The Congress government in Rajasthan announced slashing of VAT by Rs 2.48 per litre on petrol, and Rs 1.16 per litre on diesel.
Meanwhile, the Left government in Kerala had announced a price cut just hours after the Union government's declaration on May 21. Kerala reduced tax by Rs 2.41 per litre on petrol, and Rs 1.36 per litre on diesel.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had put the onus on states after announcing the excise duty relief. The move came as retail inflation hit an 8-year high in India.

Petrol, diesel prices: 3 states reduce VAT after Modi govt's excise cut - Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala

Petrol, diesel prices: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Kerala announced a cut in Value Added Tax, or VAT on fuel after the Narendra Modi administration's decision to reduce excise duty.

Following the Union government's decision to provide relief from high petrol and diesel prices, some Opposition-ruled states have followed suit.
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Kerala announced a cut in Value Added Tax, or VAT on fuel after the Narendra Modi administration's decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel.
The Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress coalition government in Maharashtra reduced VAT by Rs 2.08 per litre on petrol, and Rs 1.44 per litre on diesel.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/economy/govt-s-mega-attack-on-inflation-food-fuel-farm-big-cut-in-prices-1653151783595" target="_blank">Govt's mega attack on inflation: food, fuel, farm big cut in prices</a>
The Congress government in Rajasthan announced slashing of VAT by Rs 2.48 per litre on petrol, and Rs 1.16 per litre on diesel.
Meanwhile, the Left government in Kerala had announced a price cut just hours after the Union government's declaration on May 21. Kerala reduced tax by Rs 2.41 per litre on petrol, and Rs 1.36 per litre on diesel.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had put the onus on states after announcing the excise duty relief. The move came as retail inflation hit an 8-year high in India.

In a fresh blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal, Arjun Singh, a Member of Parliament, switched to the Trinamool Congress. The move came days after Singh had accused BJP's state leadership of hindering the work of politicians with mass connect.
TMC leader and party chief Mamata Banerjee's nephew welcomed Arjun Singh into the party. Abhishek Banerjee tweeted, "Extending a warm welcome to Arjun Singh, who rejected the divisive forces at BJP and joined the TMC family today. People across the nation are suffering and they need us now more than ever. Let's keep the fight alive!"
Arjun Singh had been a TMC leader before defecting to the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Subsequently, he had won from the Barrackpore constituency.
Ever since TMC's victory in the 2021 state elections, a slew of BJP leaders has quit and joined the ruling party.

BJP loses another leader to TMC: MP Arjun Singh back in Mamata Banerjee's camp in West Bengal

Arjun Singh joins TMC: the move came days after the Barrackpore MP had accused BJP's state leadership of hindering the work of politicians with mass connect.

In a fresh blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal, Arjun Singh, a Member of Parliament, switched to the Trinamool Congress. The move came days after Singh had accused BJP's state leadership of hindering the work of politicians with mass connect.
TMC leader and party chief Mamata Banerjee's nephew welcomed Arjun Singh into the party. Abhishek Banerjee tweeted, "Extending a warm welcome to Arjun Singh, who rejected the divisive forces at BJP and joined the TMC family today. People across the nation are suffering and they need us now more than ever. Let's keep the fight alive!"
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/bengal-bjp-mp-alleges-interference-from-senior-leaders-says-not-being-allowed-to-work-1652697942380" target="_blank">Bengal BJP MP alleges interference from senior leaders, says not being allowed to work</a>
Arjun Singh had been a TMC leader before defecting to the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Subsequently, he had won from the Barrackpore constituency.
Ever since TMC's victory in the 2021 state elections, a slew of BJP leaders has quit and joined the ruling party.

The Congress is 'pained' after Supreme Court released one of the convicts in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi but what about his children Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Are they too like Congress in sorrow after AG Perarivalan got freedom at midlife?
When Rajiv was assassinated Rahul was 21 and Perarivalan was just 18. A lot of water has flown under the bridge in the three decades since then. 
The Gandhi siblings have on number of times spoken about the pain and the road that has led them to forgive their father’s killers. Remember, Rajiv was blown to pieces in a suicide bomb attack. 
But it was their mother Sonia Gandhi who first walked on the road to forgiveness.  
There are seven convicts in the case and one of them is Nalini. 
The year was 2000, Sonia had just started to establish herself as an assured Congress leader and Nalini, who was pregnant at the time of Rajiv’s assassination, was pleading in the apex court to save herself from walking the gallows. 
She lived as her death sentence was commuted to lifer after Sonia petitioned the court for the sake of Nalini’s daughter born in jail. 
Eight years later, an elusive Priyanka triggered a flutter as the press reported that she had met Nalini in Vellore jail. Priyanka reportedly asked Nalini: why she had kille`d her father. Jail authorities heard dirges of both the women but not the answer. 
In 2009, Priyanka finally spoke about how the anger she felt and the subsequent path to forgiveness. 
When LTTE chief Prabhakaran was killed in the same year, how must have Rahul felt? He spoke about those very feeling in 2018. In Singapore, Rahul told a gathering he had seen images of Prabhakaran on TV lying dead. Two feelings engulfed him: 
“I got two feelings – one was why they are humiliating this man in this way. And second was I felt really bad for him and for his kids and I did that because I understood deeply what it meant to be on the other side of that thing.”

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Rahul & Priyanka's road to forgiveness

The Congress is 'pained' after Supreme Court released one of the convicts in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi but what about his children Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Are they too like Congress in sorrow after AG Perarivalan got freedom at midlife?

When Rajiv was assassinated Rahul was 21 and Perarivalan was just 18. A lot of water has flown under the bridge in the three decades since then.&nbsp;

The Congress is 'pained' after Supreme Court released one of the convicts in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi but what about his children Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Are they too like Congress in sorrow after AG Perarivalan got freedom at midlife?
When Rajiv was assassinated Rahul was 21 and Perarivalan was just 18. A lot of water has flown under the bridge in the three decades since then.&nbsp;
The Gandhi siblings have on number of times spoken about the pain and the road that has led them to forgive their father&rsquo;s killers. Remember, Rajiv was blown to pieces in a suicide bomb attack.&nbsp;
But it was their mother Sonia Gandhi who first walked on the road to forgiveness.&nbsp;&nbsp;
There are seven convicts in the case and one of them is Nalini.&nbsp;
The year was 2000, Sonia had just started to establish herself as an assured Congress leader and Nalini, who was pregnant at the time of Rajiv&rsquo;s assassination, was pleading in the apex court to save herself from walking the gallows.&nbsp;
She lived as her death sentence was commuted to lifer after Sonia petitioned the court for the sake of Nalini&rsquo;s daughter born in jail.&nbsp;
Eight years later, an elusive Priyanka triggered a flutter as the press reported that she had met Nalini in Vellore jail. Priyanka reportedly asked Nalini: why she had kille`d her father. Jail authorities heard dirges of both the women but not the answer.&nbsp;
In 2009, Priyanka finally spoke about how the anger she felt and the subsequent path to forgiveness.&nbsp;
When LTTE chief Prabhakaran was killed in the same year, how must have Rahul felt? He spoke about those very feeling in 2018. In Singapore, Rahul told a gathering he had seen images of Prabhakaran on TV lying dead. Two feelings engulfed him:&nbsp;
&ldquo;I got two feelings &ndash; one was why they are humiliating this man in this way. And second was I felt really bad for him and for his kids and I did that because I understood deeply what it meant to be on the other side of that thing.&rdquo;

Amid reports that the Narendra Modi government had ordered excavation at the Qutub Minar complex in Delhi, Union culture minister issued a clarification. G. Kishan Reddy told reporters that the government had taken no such decision, and the Archaeological Survey of India, or ASI has been given no such task.
Earlier, some news reports had suggested that the Ministry of Culture had ordered excavation and iconographic survey at the 12th-century monument. The reports emerged amid claims that some idols of Hindu gods had been found at the minaret.
There is also a growing chorus that the monument was built by Raja Vikramaditya, a Hindu emperor. Some right-wing groups have demanded that the Qutub Minar be renamed Vishnu Stambh.
G. Kishan Reddy said, "A lot of things are reported in media. But Culture department's Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not taken any decision. We haven't received any directions from courts. There is no question of such us having such a discussion."

Qutub Minar row: Modi govt denies ordering excavation, rejects reports amid 'Vishnu Stambh' demand

Qutub Minar: Modi govt denies ordering excavation, rejects reports amid Gyanvapi mosque row


Qutub Minar: G. Kishan Reddy told reporters that the government had taken no excavation decision, and the Archaeological Survey of India, or ASI has been given no such task.

Amid reports that the Narendra Modi government had ordered excavation at the Qutub Minar complex in Delhi, Union culture minister issued a clarification. G. Kishan Reddy told reporters that the government had taken no such decision, and the Archaeological Survey of India, or ASI has been given no such task.
Earlier, some news reports had suggested that the Ministry of Culture had ordered excavation and iconographic survey at the 12th-century monument. The reports emerged amid claims that some idols of Hindu gods had been found at the minaret.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/qutub-minar-was-vishnu-stambh-built-by-breaking-27-hindu-temples-vhp-s-latest-claim-1649607133565" target="_blank">'Qutub Minar was Vishnu Stambh, built by breaking 27 Hindu temples': VHP's latest claim</a>
There is also a growing chorus that the monument was built by Raja Vikramaditya, a Hindu emperor. Some right-wing groups have demanded that the Qutub Minar be renamed Vishnu Stambh.
G. Kishan Reddy said, "A lot of things are reported in media. But Culture department's Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not taken any decision. We haven't received any directions from courts. There is no question of such us having such a discussion."

In a disturbing video doing the rounds on social media, an elderly person was repeatedly slapped by a man in Madhya Pradesh. The victim was later found dead.
The incident occurred in Neemuch. In the viral video, the assailant asks the victim whether his name is "Mohammad", and asks him to show his Aadhaar card.
The victim is seen not being able to reply coherently. It later emerged that the 65-year-old, identified as Bhanwarlal Jain, had a mental illness.
The man accused of killing Jain is Dinesh Kushwaha, who is reportedly the husband of a former BJP corporator.
The victim's family members protested at a police station, demanding justice. The deceased hailed from Sarsi in Ratlam district, and had gone missing on May 15 after attending a religious event in Rajasthan.
The Congress accused the BJP of turning MP from an "island of peace", to an "island of violence". Jitu Patwari said, "Tribals are being killed collectively in MP. Dalits are killed collectively. Minorities are killed collectively. Now, a person belonging to the Jain community - whose leader Mahavira taught the world about non-violence - is killed in the name of another minority group."
Madhya Pradesh's home minister said that a murder case had been filed against the accused. Narottam Mishra said, "He was an elderly man who got lost. He was not able to introduce himself properly. He used to get stuck on some words. After the incident, the person has been identified. A case under IPC Sections 302 and 304 has been filed against Dinesh Kushwaha."

On cam: old man beaten up, asked, 'Are you Mohammad?'; later found dead in MP; Congress slams BJP

The victim, 65-year-old Bhanwarlal Jain, had a mental illness. The alleged killer is Dinesh Kushwaha, the husband of a former BJP corporator, as per reports.

In a disturbing video doing the rounds on social media, an elderly person was repeatedly slapped by a man in Madhya Pradesh. The victim was later found dead.
The incident occurred in Neemuch. In the viral video, the assailant asks the victim whether his name is "Mohammad", and asks him to show his Aadhaar card.
The victim is seen not being able to reply coherently. It later emerged that the 65-year-old, identified as Bhanwarlal Jain, had a mental illness.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/do-you-eat-beef-muslim-man-lynched-in-bihar-claims-rjd-tweets-video-1645618480441" target="_blank">'Do you eat beef?': Muslim man lynched in Bihar, claims RJD; tweets video</a>
The man accused of killing Jain is Dinesh Kushwaha, who is reportedly the husband of a former BJP corporator.
The victim's family members protested at a police station, demanding justice. The deceased hailed from Sarsi in Ratlam district, and had gone missing on May 15 after attending a religious event in Rajasthan.
The Congress accused the BJP of turning MP from an "island of peace", to an "island of violence". Jitu Patwari said, "Tribals are being killed collectively in MP. Dalits are killed collectively. Minorities are killed collectively. Now, a person belonging to the Jain community - whose leader Mahavira taught the world about non-violence - is killed in the name of another minority group."
Madhya Pradesh's home minister said that a murder case had been filed against the accused. Narottam Mishra said, "He was an elderly man who got lost. He was not able to introduce himself properly. He used to get stuck on some words. After the incident, the person has been identified. A case under IPC Sections 302 and 304 has been filed against Dinesh Kushwaha."

Assam coordinator of National Register of Citizens or NRC Hitesh Dev Sarma has lodged a complaint with the CID against his predecessor, Prateek Hajela, and others accusing them of committing “anti-national” and criminal activities while updating the register.  In his complaint, Sarma has alleged anomalies in Family Tree Verification and other document verification processes. Family Trees were drawn to establish legacy data accurately during the updating process of the citizenship document. Sarma has alleged that no order for quality check during the Family Tree Matching phase was issued by Hajela. The complainant said the software used in the process also had no scope for quality checks, thus “giving the verifying officers a free hand to upload wrong results to fulfil their vested interests”. Sarma said Prateek Hajela might have intentionally avoided the mandatory quality checks by ordering the use of such a software and “facilitated entry of names of ineligible persons into the NRC which can be seen as an anti-national act affecting national security” The CID is, however, yet to register an FIR against those being accused who included several officers and data entry operators associated with the process.  The NRC, an official record of Indian citizens living in Assam, was updated under the supervision of the Supreme Court and released on August 31 in 2019, leaving out more than 19 lakh applicants.   However, it has not been notified by the Registrar General of India. Hajela, a 1995 batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, had been appointed by the apex court as the NRC state coordinator in 2013. He was released from the charge in November 2019, and the court ordered his transfer from Assam to his home state Madhya Pradesh. 

Assam NRC chief says his SC-appointed predecessor Prateek Hajela is anti-national, moves CID

The CID is, however, yet to register an FIR against those being accused who included several officers and data entry operators associated with the process. 

The complainant said the software used in the process also had no scope for quality checks, thus &ldquo;giving the verifying officers a free hand to upload wrong results to fulfil their vested interests&rdquo;.&nbsp;

Assam coordinator of National Register of Citizens or NRC Hitesh Dev Sarma has lodged a complaint with the CID against his predecessor, Prateek Hajela, and others accusing them of committing &ldquo;anti-national&rdquo; and criminal activities while updating the register.&nbsp; &nbsp; In his complaint, Sarma has alleged anomalies in Family Tree Verification and other document verification processes. Family Trees were drawn to establish legacy data accurately during the updating process of the citizenship document. Sarma has alleged that no order for quality check during the Family Tree Matching phase was issued by Hajela.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/devastating-floods-in-assam-affects-over-7-lakh-rain-warning-for-kerala-bengaluru-1653059041920" target="_blank">Devastating floods in Assam affects over 7 lakh; rain warning for Kerala, Bengaluru</a> The complainant said the software used in the process also had no scope for quality checks, thus &ldquo;giving the verifying officers a free hand to upload wrong results to fulfil their vested interests&rdquo;.&nbsp; Sarma said Prateek Hajela might have intentionally avoided the mandatory quality checks by ordering the use of such a software and &ldquo;facilitated entry of names of ineligible persons into the NRC which can be seen as an anti-national act affecting national security&rdquo;&nbsp; The CID is, however, yet to register an FIR against those being accused who included several officers and data entry operators associated with the process.&nbsp; &nbsp; The NRC, an official record of Indian citizens living in Assam, was updated under the supervision of the Supreme Court and released on August 31 in 2019, leaving out more than 19 lakh applicants. &nbsp; &nbsp; However, it has not been notified by the Registrar General of India.&nbsp; Hajela, a 1995 batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, had been appointed by the apex court as the NRC state coordinator in 2013. He was released from the charge in November 2019, and the court ordered his transfer from Assam to his home state Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

It was embarrassment for the West Bengal Education Minister Paresh Chandra Adhikari and his daughter when the Calcutta High Court ruled that she can’t keep her government teacher job and would have to return the salary she took from 2018.   The High Court dismissed Ankita Adhikari’s employment in a government-aided school and ruled that she deposit the salary paid to her since November 2018 in two instalments with the registrar. The high court was hearing a petition filed by a candidate who claimed that she was deprived of the position despite having secured higher marks than Ankita in the recruitment examination.   The CBI is also probing the minister over his daughter's alleged illegal appointment and in fact he was grilled by the central agency in their Kolkata office on Friday.  The central agency had on Thursday filed an FIR against Adhikari after he failed to meet the deadline set by the high court for appearance before its sleuths in connection with the case. Adhikari, along with his daughter, was booked for cheating and dishonesty, criminal conspiracy and corruption.  

Here's why Calcutta HC sacked Bengal education minister's daughter and asked her to refund salary

The High Court dismissed Ankita Adhikari’s employment in a government-aided school and ruled that she deposit the salary paid to her since November 2018 in two instalments with the registrar. 

Adhikari, along with his daughter, was booked for cheating and dishonesty, criminal conspiracy and corruption.

It was embarrassment for the West Bengal Education Minister Paresh Chandra Adhikari and his daughter when the Calcutta High Court ruled that she can&rsquo;t keep her government teacher job and would have to return the salary she took from 2018. &nbsp; &nbsp; The High Court dismissed Ankita Adhikari&rsquo;s employment in a government-aided school&nbsp;and ruled that she deposit the salary paid to her since November 2018 in two instalments with the registrar.&nbsp; The high court was hearing a petition filed by a candidate who claimed that she was deprived of the position despite having secured higher marks than Ankita in the recruitment examination. &nbsp; &nbsp; The CBI is also probing the minister over his daughter's alleged illegal appointment and in fact he was grilled by the central agency in their Kolkata office on Friday. &nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/first-ever-5g-call-telecom-minister-dials-in-1653015578745" target="_blank">First ever 5G call! Telecom Minister dials in</a> The central agency had on Thursday filed an FIR against Adhikari after he failed to meet the deadline set by the high court for appearance before its sleuths in connection with the case.&nbsp; Adhikari, along with his daughter, was booked for cheating and dishonesty, criminal conspiracy and corruption.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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After Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy threatened to step down over adverse comments by Congress lawmakers, the MLA is said to have apologised to the CM. Congress state chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said that statements which cross the lakshmanrekha of coalition politics will not be tolerated. He further said Congress legislator ST Somashekar has apologised to the Chief Minister for his comment. Somashekar's remark that there would have been "real development" if former CM Siddaramaiah had got another term didn't go down well with Kumaraswamy.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's foreign tour has caused yet another political controversy back home.
Gandhi met UK politician Jeremy Corbyn in London and a photograph was tweeted by Indian Overseas Congress. Party leader Sam Pitroda was also present.
The BJP slammed Rahul Gandhi for meeting Corbyn, former leader of the Labour party. Union minister Kiren Rijiju said that Corbyn is "known for his hatred and dislike for India" and is also an advocate of Kashmir&rsquo;s secession from India. Rijiju accused Gandhi of going against his country.
In response, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala tweeted a photograph of Corbyn meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asked whether it meant that Modi also endorses the UK politician's views. Surjewala added that meeting a person with divergent views is neither a crime, nor an act of terror.
The Congress leader received a response from BJP's Kapil Mishra. He claimed that PM Modi met Corbyn in 2015 when the latter was Leader of Opposition, and it was protocol.

Watch why Rahul Gandhi's meeting with UK politician Jeremy Corbyn made BJP angry

Union minister Kiren Rijiju slammed Rahul Gandhi's meeting with Jeremy Corbyn saying that the latter is "known for his hatred and dislike for India".

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's foreign tour has caused yet another political controversy back home.
Gandhi met UK politician Jeremy Corbyn in London and a photograph was tweeted by Indian Overseas Congress. Party leader Sam Pitroda was also present.
The BJP slammed Rahul Gandhi for meeting Corbyn, former leader of the Labour party. Union minister Kiren Rijiju said that Corbyn is "known for his hatred and dislike for India" and is also an advocate of Kashmir&rsquo;s secession from India. Rijiju accused Gandhi of going against his country.
In response, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala tweeted a photograph of Corbyn meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asked whether it meant that Modi also endorses the UK politician's views. Surjewala added that meeting a person with divergent views is neither a crime, nor an act of terror.
The Congress leader received a response from BJP's Kapil Mishra. He claimed that PM Modi met Corbyn in 2015 when the latter was Leader of Opposition, and it was protocol.

In a case which has sent ripples through Andhra Pradesh's political circles, a lawmaker has been accused of murdering his former driver. Ananta Udaya Bhaskar, a member of the Andhra Legislative Council, was arrested by police on May 23.
Bhaskar has been accused of beating up his former chauffeur Subramanyam, who later died. The YSR Congress Party leader reportedly took the victim's body to his family and claimed that Subramanyam died in an accident.
However, the family was not convinced, and the MLC reportedly confessed during police interrogation.
Different reports provided different accounts of what led to the death. Some reports suggested that Subramanyam was trying to blackmail MLC Bhaskar using details of his personal life. Other reports claimed that Subramanyam was thrashed for not repaying money he had borrowed from the politician.

Andhra lawmaker killed former driver, claimed road accident, but confessed in interrogation, say police

Ananta Udaya Bhaskar, a member of the Andhra Legislative Council, was arrested by police on May 23 for allegedly murdering a man who used to work as his driver.

In a case which has sent ripples through Andhra Pradesh's political circles, a lawmaker has been accused of murdering his former driver. Ananta Udaya Bhaskar, a member of the Andhra Legislative Council, was arrested by police on May 23.
Bhaskar has been accused of beating up his former chauffeur Subramanyam, who later died. The YSR Congress Party leader reportedly took the victim's body to his family and claimed that Subramanyam died in an accident.
However, the family was not convinced, and the MLC reportedly confessed during police interrogation.
Different reports provided different accounts of what led to the death. Some reports suggested that Subramanyam was trying to blackmail MLC Bhaskar using details of his personal life. Other reports claimed that Subramanyam was thrashed for not repaying money he had borrowed from the politician.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said he has shunted out Health Minister Vijay Singla from the state cabinet.
Mann said he took the decision after learning that the minister was allegedly demanding one percent commission for tenders.
Police have been directed to register a case against him.
“I am taking strict action against the minister. I am removing him from the cabinet,” the chief minister said in a video message.  Mann further claimed that Singla had admitted to wrongdoings.Preempting criticism by the Opposition, Mann said, “The Opposition parties will say that AAP’s minister was found involved in corruption within two months of forming the government. But I want to tell them that I have taken an action and the Opposition did not even know about it."Vijay Singla, who has been dismissed from cabinet, is an MLA from Mansa. He is a dentist by profession and runs a dental clinic in the city. Singla joined AAP about seven years ago.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann removes health minister Vijay Singla over corruption charge

Bhagwant Mann removes health minister over corruption charge: CM has this message for Opposition

Bhagwant Mann removes health minister over corruption charge: CM has this message for Opposition

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said he has shunted out Health Minister Vijay Singla from the state cabinet.
Mann said he took the decision after learning that the minister was allegedly demanding one percent commission for tenders.
Police have been directed to register a case against him.
&ldquo;I am taking strict action against the minister. I am removing him from the cabinet,&rdquo; the chief minister said in a video message.&nbsp; Mann further claimed that Singla had admitted to wrongdoings. Preempting criticism by the Opposition, Mann said, &ldquo;The Opposition parties will say that AAP&rsquo;s minister was found involved in corruption within two months of forming the government. But I want to tell them that I have taken an action and the Opposition did not even know about it." Vijay Singla, who has been dismissed from cabinet, is an MLA from Mansa. He is a dentist by profession and runs a dental clinic in the city. Singla joined AAP about seven years ago.

To chart the Congress' future course, its chief Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday formed three groups -- on political affairs for guidance on key issues, Task Force-2024 to implement the Udaipur 'Nav Sankalp' declaration and another to coordinate the October 2 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.
While Rahul Gandhi and two prominent members of the G23 -- Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma -- are part of the political affairs group, senior leaders P Chidambaram and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are members of the Task Force-2024.
G-23 is a group of dissenting Congress leaders who have demanded an organisational overhaul.
Sonia Gandhi has also set up another group to coordinate the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' planned from Kanyakumari to Kashmir from Gandhi Jayanti.
"Following the Udaipur Nav Sankalp Shivir, the Congress president has constituted a Political Affairs Group that will be presided over by her, a Task-Force-2024 and a Central Planning Group for the coordination of the "Bharat Jodo Yatra", an official communication from the party said.
The Political Affairs Group, headed by Sonia Gandhi, comprises Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ambika Soni, Digvijaya Singh, Anand Sharma, K C Venugopal and Jitendra Singh.
The members of the Task Force-2024 are P Chidambaram, Mukul Wasnik, Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Ajay Maken, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Sunil Kanugolu.
"Each member of the Task Force shall be assigned specific tasks related to organization, communications and media, outreach, finance and election Management.
"They shall have designated teams which will be notified subsequently," the statement said, adding the Task Force will also follow up on the Udaipur Nav Sankalp declaration.
The Central Planning Group for the Coordination of the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' includes Digvijaya Singh, Sachin Pilot, Shashi Tharoor, Ravneet Singh Bittu, K J George, Jothi Mani, Pradyut Bordoloi, Jitu Patwari and Saleem Ahmed.
All members of the task force and all heads of the Congress' frontal organisations will be ex officio members of the central group, the statement said.

Task Force-2024: Sonia Gandhi unveils Congress revamp model; G23 leaders included

All members of the task force and all heads of the Congress' frontal organisations will be ex officio members of the central group, the statement said.

To chart the Congress' future course, its chief Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday formed three groups -- on political affairs for guidance on key issues, Task Force-2024 to implement the Udaipur 'Nav Sankalp' declaration and another to coordinate the October 2 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.
While Rahul Gandhi and two prominent members of the G23 -- Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma -- are part of the political affairs group, senior leaders P Chidambaram and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are members of the Task Force-2024.
G-23 is a group of dissenting Congress leaders who have demanded an organisational overhaul.
Sonia Gandhi has also set up another group to coordinate the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' planned from Kanyakumari to Kashmir from Gandhi Jayanti.
"Following the Udaipur Nav Sankalp Shivir, the Congress president has constituted a Political Affairs Group that will be presided over by her, a Task-Force-2024 and a Central Planning Group for the coordination of the "Bharat Jodo Yatra", an official communication from the party said.
The Political Affairs Group, headed by Sonia Gandhi, comprises Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ambika Soni, Digvijaya Singh, Anand Sharma, K C Venugopal and Jitendra Singh.
The members of the Task Force-2024 are P Chidambaram, Mukul Wasnik, Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Ajay Maken, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Sunil Kanugolu.
"Each member of the Task Force shall be assigned specific tasks related to organization, communications and media, outreach, finance and election Management.
"They shall have designated teams which will be notified subsequently," the statement said, adding the Task Force will also follow up on the Udaipur Nav Sankalp declaration.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/congress-mla-feeds-dalit-community-s-swami-narayana-eats-same-chewed-food-1653293523455" target="_blank">Congress MLA feeds Dalit community's Swami Narayana, eats same chewed food</a>&nbsp;
The Central Planning Group for the Coordination of the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' includes Digvijaya Singh, Sachin Pilot, Shashi Tharoor, Ravneet Singh Bittu, K J George, Jothi Mani, Pradyut Bordoloi, Jitu Patwari and Saleem Ahmed.
All members of the task force and all heads of the Congress' frontal organisations will be ex officio members of the central group, the statement said.

A senior functionary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS, criticised "negative journalism" and said that it originated in the West.
Narendra Kumar, who is RSS' Akhil Bharatiya Sah Prachar Pramukh, or a senior leader in the publicity wing, said that it is the responsibility of reporters to reduce "negativity" in news.
He was speaking at an event organised by Vishwa Sanvad Kendra in Maharashtra's Nagpur on May 23. The RSS leader said that journalism began in India with positive views.
He added, "The theory of negative journalism has come from the West. Their thoughts mostly move towards negative things...they are directed towards negativity only as they have never done good works. When they (the West) moved around the world with their thoughts and thinking, they destroyed the culture of others, finished their beliefs and signs of faith."
Kumar also criticised efforts to form a particular narrative in news, education, and history.

RSS slams 'negative journalism practice brought to India by West', gives advice to reporters

Narendra Kumar, who is RSS' Akhil Bharatiya Sah Prachar Pramukh, or a senior leader in the publicity wing, said that it is the responsibility of reporters to reduce "negativity" in news.

A senior functionary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS, criticised "negative journalism" and said that it originated in the West.
Narendra Kumar, who is RSS' Akhil Bharatiya Sah Prachar Pramukh, or a senior leader in the publicity wing, said that it is the responsibility of reporters to reduce "negativity" in news.
He was speaking at an event organised by Vishwa Sanvad Kendra in Maharashtra's Nagpur on May 23. The RSS leader said that journalism began in India with positive views.
He added, "The theory of negative journalism has come from the West. Their thoughts mostly move towards negative things...they are directed towards negativity only as they have never done good works. When they (the West) moved around the world with their thoughts and thinking, they destroyed the culture of others, finished their beliefs and signs of faith." Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/rss-wades-into-gyanvapi-mosque-row-truth-always-finds-a-way-to-come-out-1652935900749">RSS wades into Gyanvapi mosque row: 'truth always finds a way to come out'</a>
Kumar also criticised efforts to form a particular narrative in news, education, and history.

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