News Analysis India

Tag: 2021

  • As facial burn survivor, I represented everyone who felt excluded: Shree Saini on Miss World 2021

    By PTI

    WASHINGTON:  Indian-American Shree Saini who was declared the first runner-up at the Miss World 2021 pageant has said that “being a heart patient and a facial burn survivor, I represented every disabled person and everyone who felt excluded or defeated”.

    As a heart patient, Shree was installed with a pacemaker at the age of 12 and was told by her doctors that she can never dance. But she never gave up.

    “Being a heart patient and a facial burn survivor, I represented every disabled person and everyone who felt excluded or defeated,” Shree told PTI after she was declared the first runner-up at the beauty pageant, which was won by Poland’s Karolina Bielawska.

    Manasa Varanasi, Miss India World 2020, who represented India at the Miss World 2021 pageant, could make it only to the top 13 contestants.

    Shree Saini, “I am so grateful to be the Miss World’s Global Ambassador of Beauty with the purpose and the 1st Runner up. I proudly represented 333 million Americans and billions of Indians all over the world.”

    She said she wants to continue serving the world by giving the gift of encouragement by building people up and by uplifting spirits all around the world.

    “There are more hearts to be healed all around the world,” she said. Shree was Miss India USA and Miss India Worldwide 2018. Her parents migrated to the US from Punjab.”

    Shree Saini winning the First Runner Up and Ambassador Beauty With Purpose shows that Indian-origin girls living outside India can also excel on the world stage.

    I foresee in very near future Indian origin girls living outside of India winning the titles of Miss World and Miss Universe,” said Dharmatma Saran chairman and founder of Miss India USA and Worldwide.

  • Bombay HC stays provisions of IT Rules that mandate adherence to ‘code of ethics’ by digital media

    By Express News Service

    MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Saturday granted an interim stay to the operation of parts of the recently notified Information Technology Rules, 2021 which require that all online publishers follow a “code of ethics” and norms of conduct.

    A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni stayed sub-clauses 1 and 3 of clause 9 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

    It is found “prima facie” (on the face of it) that these sub-clauses violated the petitioners’ constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19, the high court said.

    Provisions of clause 9 also went beyond the scope of the substantive law (the Information Technology Act of 2000), it said.

    The order came on petitions filed by legal news portal The Leaflet and journalist Nikhil Wagle which challenged several provisions of the new IT Rules claiming that they were vague and likely to have a “chilling effect” on a citizen’s right to free speech guaranteed by the Constitution.

    The Rules went beyond the scope of the main IT Act and also the `reasonable restrictions’ on freedom of speech and expression allowed by Article 19 (2) of the Constitution, the petitioners said.

    The HC, however, refused to stay clause 14 that pertains to the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee with powers to regulate online content and deal with grievances and breach of rules, and clause 16 which is about blocking of online content in case of an emergency.

    As such a committee was yet to be formed, it did not see any reason to stay clauses 14 and 16 at present, the court said.

    The HC also did not stay sub-clause (2) of clause 9 which provides for action in case of the contravention of any law in force for the time being.

    ALSO READ | Rajasthan Madarsa Act: High Court notice to Centre, state government

    The petitioners had sought an interim stay on the implementation of the new IT Rules till the court gives its final decision in the matter.

    Senior counsel Darius Khambata, a lawyer for The Leaflet, had argued that the new IT Rules were beyond the rule-making power of the Union government as the “parent Act”, that is the Information Technology Act, did not provide for anything seeking to regulate ethics and content of online publishers.

    On Friday, the HC had asked the Union government what was the need to introduce the new IT Rules, 2021 without superseding the existing IT Rules of 2009.

    The Union government’s lawyer Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh had defended making code of ethics mandatory, saying the Press Council of India (PCI) also prescribes a code of ethics for journalists.

    The norms prescribed by the PCI along with the Cable TV code would be mandatory for digital media under the new rules, he had said.

    But the judges had pointed out that the PCI’s guidelines were in the nature of advisory norms of behaviour, and did not carry any drastic punishment for a breach.

    ASG Singh had contended that the need to bring in new rules was felt for checking the spread of fake news and illegal content in the digital space.

    “We may observe that as far as (clause) 14 is concerned, (there is) no immediate urgency as Committee is not set up. In these circumstances, oversight committee itself has not taken effect. We urge petitioners to come as and when it is set up,” the court order said.

    “We find no case is made out for stay on (clause) 16. Hence that is not stayed. (Clause) 9 prima facie seems to be against the freedom of speech. We have stayed 9 (1) and (3) and not (2),” the court said.

    The bench refused the Centre’s request to stay the order for a few weeks. It also directed the Union government to file a detailed affidavit replying to the issues raised by the petitioners within three weeks. The high court will hear the petitions further on September 27.

    (With agency inputs)

  • Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid Opposition din; retrospective tax bill passed

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day shortly after noon on Friday after passage of two bills, including the one which proposes to end a controversial retrospective tax policy, amid protests by Opposition members over Pegasus and other issues.

    As the House convened for the day at 11 am, Speaker Om Birla took up the Question Hour.

    However, the members resorted to sloganeering over Pegasus snooping controversy and farm laws.

    As the protests continued, the Speaker urged the agitating members to go back to their seats.

    The proceedings lasted for around 15 minutes after which Birla adjourned the House till noon.

    When the House resumed at noon, Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, allowed discussions on ‘The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021’, which proposed amendments to the Income Tax and Finance Act 2012 to make it clear that no tax demand will be raised for any indirect transfer of Indian assets if the transaction was undertaken prior to May 28, 2012.

    After a brief statement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and clause-wise consideration of the bill, it was passed by voice vote.

    Similarly, another bill ‘The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2021’, to set up a central university in Ladakh was passed by the House following a brief statement by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

    After the two bills were passed, the chair announced the adjournment of the House for the day.

    Lok Sabha will now resume on Monday after the weekend break.

  • Two bills passed without debate as chaos continues in Parliament

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  Ruckus ruled in both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, amid a breakdown of communication between the government and the Opposition. The Pegasus snooping issue is threatening to wash out the monsoon session. Sensing the Opposition’s strategy, the government pushed ahead with legislative business, while both House witnessed relentless sloganeering, tearing and throwing of papers.

    The Lok Sabha saw the Question Hour taken upon amid the din and the passing of the IBC (Amendment) Bill and the supplementary demands, making clear that the treasury benches will seek the nod to legislative proposals to replace the ordinances issued recently.

    While Lok Sabha for the first time in the monsoon session completed the Question Hour, it also witnessed angry Opposition MPs throw torn papers at the Chair. There’s a likelihood of the treasury benches pushing for the suspension of  TN Prathapan, Hibi Eden, Ravneet Singh Bittu, AM Ariff, Manickam Tagore, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, V Vaithilingam and Jothimani Sennimalai for disrespecting Chair.   

    Rahul Gandhi (picture left) demands discussion on Pegasus controversy inNew Delhi on Wednesday;

    It was no different in Rajya Sabha, with the Opposition demanding discussion on Pegasus and the Centre going ahead with legislative business amidst the din. The House passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021 without discussion. 

    Opposition MPs pushed for adjournment notices given by them to take up the discussion and trooped into the well of the House with posters and resorted to sloganeering. While the Zero Hour could not be taken up, the Deputy Chairman managed to take all questions listed for the Question Hour .

    The Opposition held a joint strategy meeting featuring 14 parties to discuss a strategy to corner the government. “The Pegasus row for us is an issue of nationalism, treason. This is not a matter of privacy. It is anti-national work. We are not disturbing Parliament, we are only fulfilling our responsibility. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah have hit the soul of India’s democracy by using Pegasus against India, its institutions,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, flanked by others.

    BJP MPs demand OBC quota in NEETWith an eye on next year’s Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, a delegation of BJP MPs called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the demand to include OBC reservation in NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test). They argued there’s no provision for OBC quota in the all India entrance test for medical education and other courses.

  • Bihar Assembly passes Bill to set up first-ever sports university in state

    Express News Service
    PATNA: Nalanda, the home district of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, is all set to have the state’s first ever sports university. 

    Decks have been cleared for Bihar Sports University, which will be India’s eighth such varsity, with allocation of over 150 acres, specialised wings and latest facilities to explore the hidden talents among sports aspirants. 

    The state Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Bihar Sports University Bill, 2021 amid a walkout by the Opposition. 

    The Bill was prepared by a team of officials of art, culture and youth department that included secretary Bandana Preyashi. Speaking to The New Indian Express, she said that all  formalities to kickstart the infrastructure are being completed. “The Sports University will be set up in Rajgir. It will also include a sports academy, Preyashi said, further adding that the government will give a grant in aid amoung which will be decided later through the state budget. 

    Apart from this, the Bihar Legislative Assembly also passed the bill for Bihar Health Sciences university.

    In both these universities, one-third of total seats would also be reserved for women and girls.

  • Government plans to introduce 17 bills in Monsoon session, including three to replace ordinances

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The government has listed 17 new bills for introduction in the Monsoon session of Parliament beginning July 19.

    Three of the bills seek to replace ordinances issued recently.

    Once a session starts an ordinance has to be passed as a bill within 42 days or six weeks, else it lapses.

    One of the ordinances was issued on June 30 prohibiting any agitation and strike by anyone engaged in the essential defence services.

    The Essential Defence Services Ordinance 2021 came in the backdrop of the announcement by major federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to go on indefinite strike from the later part of July to protest the government’s decision to corporatise the OFB.

    The Essential Defence Service Bill, 2021 has been listed to replace the ordinance, according to a Lok Sabha bulletin issued on July 12.

    The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021 is another bill that seeks to replace an ordinance.

    According to the government, the ordinance was brought to provide a permanent solution and establish a self-regulated, democratically monitored mechanism for tackling air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas, rather than limited ad-hoc measures.

    The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021 also seeks to replace an ordinance issued recently.

    The proposed bill seeks to provide speedier, cost-effective, semi-formal and less disruptive framework for insolvency resolution of corporate debtors in distress.

    The government has also listed The Indian Antarctica Bill, 2021 for introduction.

    The proposed bill seeks to provide a harmonious policy and regulatory framework for India’s Antarctic activities and to provide national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystem as per the Antarctic Treaty, according to the details available in the Lok Sabha bulletin.

    The Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Amendment) Bill, 2021 seeks to make the system of laying of pipelines for transportation of Petroleum and Minerals, robust.

    The government has also listed ‘The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021’ fr introduction in the session.

    “The proposed amendments entail de-licensing of the distribution business and bring in competition, the appointment of a member from law background in every Commission, strengthening of APTEL, penalty for non-compliance of RPO, prescribing rights and duties of consumers,” according to details available in the bulletin.

    The proposed ‘The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021 listed for introduction seeks to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children.

    It is aimed at providing care, protection, assistance and rehabilitation to the victims, while respecting their rights, and creating a supportive legal, economic and social environment for them, and also to ensure prosecution of offenders.

    According to the financial business listed in the bulletin, there would be a presentation, discussion and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2021-22.

    There would also be a presentation, discussion and voting on Excess Demands for Grants for the year 2017-18.

    Six other bills are pending in various stages before the two Houses and parliamentary panels.

  • 5 Indian Players Who Might Be Benched In The ICC WTC Final 2021

    India is all set to face New Zealand in the final of the ICC World Test Championship. The ICC WTC final 2021 will be played in England and start on June 18. The Rose Bowl Cricket Stadium in Southampton, London is set to host the much-awaited match. India and New Zealand qualified for the final after competing with 7 other teams in the tournament.

    ICC World Test Championship started in 2019 and 9 teams were part of the tournament. These teams played multiple bilateral Test series during the tournament and were ranked according to their performances. After the completion of all the Test series, India topped the points table and New Zealand bagged the 2nd spot. As a result, both teams secured a berth in the WTC final.

    BCCI has already announced the 20-men squad for ICC World Test Championship along with 5 standby players. Among the batsmen, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, and Hanuma Vihari has made it to the squad. For wicketkeepers, Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha are the two choices.

    All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are also part of the squad.  For bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohd. Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav are among the selected players.

    However, only 11 players will play against New Zealand in the final match and many will be benched. Here we look at 5 Indian players who might be benched in the ICC WTC final against New Zealand.

  • Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021 passed in Assembly

    Express News Service
    BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Monday passed the ‘anti-Love Jihad’ Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021.

    The Bill had been approved earlier in December 2020 by the state Cabinet in a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

    After BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh becomes the third state to pass the law.

    The passed legislation has the provision of up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh as punishment for religious conversion through coercion, force, allurement and fraudulent means and misrepresentation, including marriages solemnized through fraudulent means.

    The state’s home minister Narottam Mishra, while replying to the debate before passing of the Bill by voice vote informed that a total of 23 cases were lodged under the law which was first cleared as an Ordinance in January 2021.

    While the Narendra Modi-led central government had last year informed the Parliament that no cases of ‘Love Jihad’ were reported by any central agency, the state’s home minister said, “hum love ke khilaf nahin hain, hum Jihad ke khilaf hain. (We are not against Love, but are against Jihad).

    Mishra added, “We are vehemently against all such love which hurts our sentiments and leaves our sisters and daughters in agony”. 

    Opposing the Bill, former parliamentary affairs minister and senior Congress MLA Dr Govind Singh said there was no need for any such Bill, as existing laws, including the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code have sufficient provisions against forced and fraudulent religious conversions. “This Bill was passed in MP after the passage of bills on similar lines by UP and Uttarakhand, to ensure that our home minister can win plaudits from union home minister Amit Shah”.

    The Congress veteran further alleged that the Bill also violates the spirit of Articles 21 and 25 of the Indian Constitution which guarantee individuals personal freedom and also freedom of choosing the religion at one’s own will.”

    The state Assembly’s former Deputy Speaker and Congress MLA from Lanji (Balaghat) Heena Kanware also questioned the need for such a Bill, when the MP Freedom of Religion Act 1968 already existed. “Has any survey been conducted in the state for understanding the need for such a Bill”.

  • Goal Cleanliness Survey 2021, cleaning done under the leadership of the Mayor and Commissioner,

    Keeping in view the Cleanliness Survey 2021, a cleanliness drive is being carried out by the Municipal Corporation in various places of the city. In this series, on Saturday, cleaning was done around the Triveni complex and Rani Sagar Budha Sagar under the leadership of Mayor Hema Sudesh Deshmukh and Corporation Commissioner Chandrakant Kaushik. The PTS jawans, members of the Mother Teresa Youth Foundation, Nirankari Samaj supported the officers and employees of the Municipal Corporation. The garbage was picked up by cutting thorn bushes with cleanliness. Regarding the cleanliness drive, Mayor Deshmukh said that special emphasis is being laid on cleanliness by the Municipal Corporation to keep the city clean and beautiful and to achieve high position in the Cleanliness Survey 2021 For this, cleaning is being done daily on a war level by the cleaning friends of the Municipal Corporation. Door-to-door garbage collection is being done on clean days even during holidays. At the same time, the message of cleanliness is being given to citizens and businessmen by linking them to the cleanliness drive. In this episode, a cleaning drive was conducted around the old Sagar, Rani Sagar.