Tag: Indians

Sensitise police that Indian Muslims are Indians; learn from Telangana: Ex SC judge

[ad_1]
Former Supreme Court judge Rohinton Nariman, in a foreword to a report on the violence during last year’s Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti festivities, praised the Telangana police force as well as Telangana High Court for ensuring peace and harmony existed between Hindu and Muslim communities during the 2022 Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti festivities.
In a forward to a report called Routes of Wrath, written by the Citizens and Lawyers Initiative, which speaks about the violence that took place in April 2022 in several Indian states, Justice Nariman pointed out that there is an urgent need to sensitise ‘Indian Muslims’ to various state police forces.
“Given the preamble and the Fundamental Duties chapter of the Constitution of India, it is of primary importance to sensitise the police force in all the states of India to these constitutional values and fundamental duties of the citizens. This can be done by first informing them that Muslims situated in India are Indians,” Nariman wrote.
The report documents nine Indian states that reported widespread acts of hooliganism and violence. “In just three states, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, it has found that during these processions at least 100 persons from the minority community were injured and two killed,” the former SC judge wrote.
He stressed that Indian Muslims are not a homogenous group of people but are as Indian as the rest of the country.
“Once this basic fact is drilled into the police force in all the states, things could become much better. Also, some way must be found to stop political interference with the functioning of the police in all the states. All this should ensure a new beginning on the long and hard road to achieving fraternity, which alone ensures the dignity of every individual citizen,” Nariman wrote in the foreward.
Justice Nariman stated that India chose to be democratic and secular and rejected the British’s divide-and-rule policy.
“States have to maintain law and order in a neutral fashion without favouring any religious community. It also means that freedom of speech and expression alone leads to an orderly change of government by democratic means. Above all, the cardinal value of fraternity, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation is also highlighted in the preamble to the Constitution of India,” Justice Nariman said.

[ad_2]
#Sensitise #police #Indian #Muslims #Indians #learn #Telangana #judge
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 26, 2023
Haj 2023: Last date to submit online applications extended for Indians
[ad_1]
The last date for the submission of Haj 2023 application form has now been extended from March 10 to March 20, 2023, according to the Ministry of Minority Affairs notice.
The submission of online applications along with documents started from February 10, 2023.
According to the new notice, Haj aspirants can submit the forms till 5 pm, Monday, March 20, 2023.
The circular released by Haj Committee of India (HCOI) on Friday, states that, “Consequently, applicants in possession of machine readable Indian International Passport issued on or before March 20, 2023 and valid up to February 2, 2024 are eligible to apply.”
The interested can submit their applications directly through the Haj website/HCOI Mobile App.
Haj 2023: Here is how to apply on Haj website
Visit the official Haj website and click on Haj 2023
Select the “Online Application Form” and click on “New Registration”
Enter the details including user ID, password, first name, last name, state, province, and security code
After entering all the details click on Register
Upon successful sending of OTP, a confirmation message will appear on the screen
Enter your User Id (Mobile number) and password
Choose the appropriate application category. Select the number of persons and infants. Click on the “GO NEXT” button.
After successful submission of details, the applicant has to upload the documents – passport photograph, first page of passport, last page, copy of canceled cheque, vaccination certificate
Click on Final Submit and you will receive the alert message. Click OK
After clicking on Final Submit, a system-generated unique group ID indicating successful completion of the HAF will be displayed.
Download the filled Haj application form by clicking on the “Download HAF2023” button
On January 9, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia tweeted that India had signed the bilateral Hajj 2023 agreement with Saudi Arabia. According to the agreement, a total of 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims will be able to perform the Haj, which is said to be the highest in history.
The Haj pilgrimage to Makkah is a mandatory religious duty that must be performed by those Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in a lifetime.
Subscribe us on
[ad_2]
#Haj #date #submit #online #applications #extended #Indians
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )
March 10, 2023
Indians get lion’s share of Pakistani citizenship to foreigners in last 5 years

[ad_1]
Islamabad: The Pakistan Interior Ministry has granted Pakistani citizenship to 214 foreigners during the last five years over multiple reasons, including marriage, and family relationships among others, media reports said on Sunday.
As per official documents, 214 foreigners were granted Pakistani citizenship in the last five years, Samaa TV reported.
As per documents, these included as many as 159 Indians, it said.
The documents reveal two Indians got Pakistani nationality last month, while 55 were granted nationality in 2019, 43 in 2018, 27 each in 2020 and 2021, and 18 last year.
They also revealed that there were thousands of applications still pending with the ministry for approval, Samaa TV reported.
The citizenship was granted due to marriages, family relationships, professions, or living in Pakistan for a long, officials said.
The documents further revealed that Pakistani authorities granted citizenship to four Afghans in 2022, one in 2021, three in 2020, two in 2019, and one in 2018.
Three Chinese citizens were also granted Pakistani nationality in the past five years, while four Bangladeshis, one Italian, one Swiss, three Americans, two Canadians and four British nationals got Pakistani nationality during this period.

Over 20 nationals of Burma, Philippine, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal also got Pakistani nationality in the same period, Samaa TV reported.
[ad_2]
#Indians #lions #share #Pakistani #citizenship #foreigners #years
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 26, 2023
Turkish Embassy thanks ‘Dost Indians’ for earthquake relief support

[ad_1]
New Delhi: The Turkish Embassy in India expressed its gratitude towards the “Dost Indians” for standing in solidarity with Turkey by contributing towards the relief efforts after a devastating earthquake hit the country in January.
In a press release, the Turkish Embassy expressed its heartfelt gratitude towards the Indian citizens who donated generously towards the relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey.
The statement read, “The Turkish Embassy in New Delhi would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Dost Indians for their solidarity and support in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey in January.”
The Embassy went on to highlight that the “Dost Indians” stood in solidarity with the people of Turkey, not only by donating money but also through their prayers and good wishes.
The earthquake that struck Turkey on January 24, 2023, measured 7.0 on the Richter scale and caused widespread damage in the country. The earthquake was centered in the Aegean Sea, near the city of Izmir, and was felt as far away as Athens and Istanbul.
The Turkish Government has been working tirelessly to provide relief and aid to those affected by the earthquake, and the contributions of the “Dost Indians” have been a significant source of support.
The Turkish Embassy’s statement continued, “The contributions of the Dost Indians are an affirmation of the close and friendly ties between the people of Turkey and India. We are grateful for their support and kindness during this difficult time.”
The relationship between Turkey and India is a long-standing one, with the two countries sharing deep cultural and historical ties. The expression of solidarity from the people of India towards Turkey is a testament to the strong bond between the two nations.

The Turkish Embassy’s expression of gratitude towards the “Dost Indians” serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity and the importance of supporting one another during times of crisis. It is heartening to see people from different parts of the world coming together to help those in need.
[ad_2]
#Turkish #Embassy #Dost #Indians #earthquake #relief #support
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 21, 2023
Indians send help to Turkey, Ambassador says ‘Thank you, India’

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Turkish Ambassador to India Firat Sunel took to Twitter and thanked the Indian citizens for extending help and donating essential items to the people affected by the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6.
A Turkish Airlines flight took off from Delhi carrying material donated by the Indians on Monday.
The Ambassador tweeted: “Thank you, India! Each tent, each blanket or sleeping bag are of vital importance for the hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors.”
THANK YOU INDIA! 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Each tent, each blanket or sleeping bag are of vital importance for the hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors. https://t.co/v9rsXtdzjL
— Fırat Sunel फिरात सुनेल فرات صونال (@firatsunel) February 13, 2023
India has been running ‘Operation Dost’ in Turkey and Syria, ever since the countries were hit by the calamity.
Sunel had previously tweeted: “Another batch of emergency in-kind donations from the people of India is on the way to Turkey. @TurkishAirlines @TK_INDIA carries the aids on a daily basis to the earthquake hit region, free of charge.”
The death toll in Turkey and Syria has reached around 34,000. The Indian government has sent search and rescue teams to dig through the rubble and rescue survivors.
Along with this, several medical teams have also been sent with medical supplies.

Subscribe us on

[ad_2]
#Indians #send #Turkey #Ambassador #India
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 13, 2023
We do not discriminate between Marathis, North Indians: Uddhav Thackeray

[ad_1]
Mumbai: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said his party doesn’t discriminate between Marathi-speaking people and north Indians settled in Mumbai, remarks viewed as an outreach to the key vote bank ahead of the crucial city civic polls.
Addressing a gathering of north Indians, the former Maharashtra chief minister called for unity and said Hindutva doesn’t mean spreading hate and dividing people.
“I fell out with BJP but I never abandoned Hindutva. The BJP is not Hindutva. Uttar Bharatiyas want answers on what Hindutva is. Hating each other is not Hindutva. We don’t discriminate between Marathi-speaking and north Indian people residing in Mumbai,” Thackeray said and appealed to the community to sink the past misunderstandings.
Significantly, the Shiv Sena has always projected itself as the sole guardian of the sons-of-the-soil and had led violent agitations against north Indians in the past.
Thackeray said he walked out of the alliance with BJP to protect his dignity and joined hands with the NCP and Congress to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) after the 2019 Assembly polls.
“…..Otherwise I would have been a slave with a belt around my neck just like some of my people have now become,” he said in an apparent reference to the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs who belong to the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Thackeray said he becomes a victim of the smear campaign whenever he meets north Indians or Muslims and questioned are raised on his Hindutva.
“My meeting with you has been criticised. If I meet Muslims, it is said I have given up Hindutva. When PM Narendra Modi came to Mumbai two days back, whose kitchen did he go to? If I had done that I would have been called anti-Hindu. But if the prime minister does that then it is said he has a big heart. I want to make it clear we have nothing against the Bohra community. They are with us,” he said.

During his latest visit to Mumbai, the prime minister inaugurated the new Marol campus of the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy, a prominent educational institution of the Bohra community, and said he had come there as a family member of the community.
Thackeray accused the BJP of creating a rift among Hindus.
“I come here to open your eyes and not provoke you. Shiv Sena never discriminates among people while helping them when it comes to blood donation or taking patients to hospitals in their ambulances. If we are together for five years why should we be separate during elections? “he asked.
He said everyone should come together to protect the freedom achieved from the British and ensure we don’t become slaves of our own people.
“These people don’t have the daring to call for elections- be it for Lok Sabha, Maharashtra Assembly or municipal corporations. They don’t have guts to face challenges and they call themselves leaders of Hindus,” he said targetting the BJP.
Thackeray also said that unity among people is the “security kavach” for him.
He took a dig at Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari quitting the office, saying it was a good day for the state.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation was performed by a priest from north India, and today the person who insulted Shivaji Maharaj has been sent back,” he said.
In the 2017 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, the BJP made giant strides by winning 82 seats, just two seats behind the Shiv Sena in the 227-member civic body.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which shares power with the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena faction, has said it would register a record win in the Mumbai civic polls, due since early last year.
[ad_2]
#discriminate #Marathis #North #Indians #Uddhav #Thackeray
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 12, 2023
Court order against five Indians for ‘exploiting’ students in UK

[ad_1]
London: A UK government investigative agency for labour exploitation has said that it has succeeded in getting a court order against five people from Kerala for suspected labour abuse of more than 50 Indian students.
Investigators from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) were granted a Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) indefinitely against the defendants at Mold Magistrates’ Court last week.
The GLAA said in a release that its probe identified “more than 50 Indian students as being potential victims of modern slavery and labour abuse over the last 14 months” while working at care homes in North Wales.
The five, between the age groups of 25 to 47, have been identified as Mathew Issac and Jinu Cherian from Abergele, Eldhose Cherian, Eldhose Kuriachan and Jacob Liju from Pwllheli, a statement released by the AGLAA said.
They were arrested by the GLAA between December 2021 and May 2022. Investigations are ongoing but there have been no criminal charges at this stage.
Reacting to the report, the Indian High Commission in the UK on Friday appealed to the Indian students to reach out for help and counselling.
“We were concerned to read this news. Indian students who have suffered this, please contact us at pol3.london@mea.gov.in, and we will provide help/counselling. We assure you of confidentiality in our response,” the Indian High Commission tweeted.
GLAA said Issac and his wife Jinu Cherian also supplied workers through Alexa Care Solutions, a recruitment agency registered in May 2021.

Reports to the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline three months later claimed that Indian workers employed by Alexa Care were not being paid correctly or were having their wages withheld.
Significant concerns were raised at the same time about the workers’ appearance and that they always appeared to be hungry, the agency revealed.
The STRO orders all five to inform the GLAA of any change of name or address within seven days, and allow GLAA access, at any reasonable time, to where they are living to establish and confirm that the STRO is being complied with.
Breaching the order is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
“We are all aware that staffing levels have been a cause concern in the care sector for some time, and have not been helped by the Covid pandemic,” GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Martin Plimmer said.
“Unfortunately, where labour shortages exist, there is an increased risk of opportunists using the situation for their own financial gain, usually at the expense of workers that they are exploiting.
“Tackling the exploitation of workers in care homes is one of the GLAA’s top priorities, and this order is crucial in restricting the activities of those we suspect would otherwise commit slavery or trafficking offences,” Plimmer said in a GLAA statement.
In the UK, the number of people identified as victims of modern slavery has been rising year on year, with over 12,000 people referred to the authorities in 2021, according to rights body Anti-Slavery International.
The real number of people trapped in slavery is estimated to be much higher — more than 130,000 people — and is estimated to cost the UK 33 billion pounds per year, it said.
[ad_2]
#Court #order #Indians #exploiting #students
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 11, 2023
62% of Indians want ChatGPT to write love letters this Valentine’s

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Around 62 per cent of Indians who were surveyed are planning to use the AI chatbot ChatGPT to help write their love letters this Valentine’s Day, the highest out of all the countries surveyed, with 73 per cent also using AI to boost their dating profiles, a report showed on Thursday.
With ChatGPT starting to infiltrate every aspect of our daily lives, 78 per cent of Indians surveyed were also unable to spot the difference between a love letter written by the AI chatbot and the one written by a human, according to the report by cyber-security company McAfee.
The vast majority (60 per cent) of Indian respondents preferred a machine-generated love note.
The most popular reason given for using AI as a ghost-writer was that it would make the sender feel more confident (59 per cent), others cited lack of time (32 per cent) or lack of inspiration (26 per cent), while 14 per cent said it would just be quicker and easier, believing they would not be found out.
However, 57 per cent of respondents said they would be offended if they found out the note they had received was produced by a machine.
“With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s important to stay vigilant and use security solutions that can help safeguard your privacy and identity and protect you from clicking on malicious links a scammer might send,” said Steve Grobman, McAfee Chief Technology Officer.
“It is easy to drop your guard when chatting to a potential partner but it’s important to be on alert if you’re asked suspicious requests for money or personal information,” Grobman added.
With the rise in popularity of artificial intelligence, particularly tools such as ChatGPT that anybody with a web browser can access, the chances of receiving machine-generated information are on the rise.

In fact, 76 per cent of Indians admit to being catfished — which is when somebody pretends to be someone they’re not online — or knowing somebody who has.
Additionally, 89 per cent of Indian respondents have engaged in direct conversations with strangers on social media across platforms, compared to 66 per cent globally.
“Those looking for love are often more vulnerable to scams, and cybercriminals use that to their advantage, engaging in long, sophisticated attempts to steal from their victims,” said the report.
[ad_2]
#Indians #ChatGPT #write #love #letters #Valentines
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 9, 2023
Rising number of Indians renouncing citizenship, 2.25L in 2022

[ad_1]
New Delhi: The number of Indian citizens renouncing citizenship has gone up significantly in the last couple of years, with 1.63 lakh doing so in 2021 and 2.25 lakh in 2022, the Parliament was told on Thursday.
“As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indians who renounced their Indian citizenship was 1,31,489 (in 2015); 1,41,603 (in 2016); 1,33,049 (in 2017); 1,34,561 (in 2018); 1,44,017 (in 2019); 85,256 (in 2020); 1,63,370 (in 2021) and 2,25,620 (in 2022). For reference purposes, data was 1,22,819 (in 2011); 1,20,923 (in 2012); 1,31,405 (in 2013); 1,29,328 (in 2014),” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha.
“As per available information, 5 Indian nationals obtained the citizenship of UAE during the last three years,” the reply added.
[ad_2]
#Rising #number #Indians #renouncing #citizenship #2.25L
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 9, 2023
10 Indians stuck in remote areas of quake-hit Turkey, but safe: MEA

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Ten Indians are stuck in remote parts of earthquake-hit Turkiye but they are safe while one citizen is missing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.
Secretary (West) in the MEA Sanjay Verma said the Indians in Turkiye are relatively safe.
He said the government is in touch with the family members of the Indian who is missing in Turkiye.
India has already sent relief materials to Turkiye in four military transport aircraft.
The death toll in Turkiye and Syria due to the 7.3-magnitude earthquake has gone past 11,000.
Subscribe us on
[ad_2]
#Indians #stuck #remote #areas #quakehit #Turkey #safe #MEA

( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 8, 2023