Month: July 2024

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201 Indians died during Hajj pilgrimage 2024

Rijiju highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims….reports Asian Lite News

Over 200 Indian pilgrims died during the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024, with the majority of deaths attributed to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, in a written reply to a question, emphasized the government’s commitment to the successful conduct of Hajj operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian pilgrims.

“As of July 21, 2024, 201 Indian pilgrims have died during the Hajj pilgrimage, with most deaths due to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests,” Rijiju stated. He noted that more than 70 percent of the fatalities occurred among pilgrims aged 60 and above.

Rijiju highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims. He mentioned that several progressive reforms introduced in recent years have led to a qualitative improvement in the Hajj experience. In Hajj 2024, the number of Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (KuH) deployed by the Hajj Committee of India to assist pilgrims increased to 641, more than double the previous year’s number. Additionally, the number of temporary deputationists (administrative and medical staff) deployed for Hajj management and administration rose to 620, up from 461 in Hajj 2023.

Special provisions were made for the 4,558 women who traveled to Saudi Arabia, including dedicated buildings for accommodation and medical services. To address the adverse climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia, specific interventions were introduced. In Mecca, three medical centers with a total capacity of 100 beds were operationalized, along with 14 medical dispensaries, a command control center, 20 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, and a 24-hour helpline available throughout the Hajj period.

In Madinah, a 20-bed medical center was established, supported by two dispensaries, a control command center, four BLS ambulances, and a 24-hour helpline. Additionally, a medical dispensary and helpline were operationalized at the Jeddah Hajj Terminal to cater to pilgrims’ healthcare needs during arrival and departure.

“For the first time, emergency teams were deployed at Haramain High-Speed Railway stations, providing on-ground medical assistance. A dedicated task force consisting of six teams provided medical aid during Friday prayers at the Holy Mosque,” Rijiju added.

The government remains dedicated to improving the overall Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims through these and other measures.

In June, Saudi Arabia said that as many as 1,301 people died during the Hajj pilgrimage, with “numerous cases” due to heat stress and “unauthorized” trips accounting for over four out of five of the deaths.

ALSO READ: Lanka Rebuts Canadian PM’s ‘Genocide’ Claim

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India leads security cooperation efforts at BIMSTEC meet

It aims to strengthen relationships and foster economic development among its member states, which include- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand…reports Asian Lite News

In a significant stride towards enhancing regional security cooperation, India took the helm as the lead country for security sector collaboration within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

This development was highlighted during the Senior Officials’ Meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw to prepare for the upcoming 4th Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs.

The meeting in Myanmar’s capital city convened to strategize and coordinate initiatives crucial for addressing common security challenges faced by member states.

“Indian delegation participated in Senior Officials’ Meeting to prepare for the 4th Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in Nay Pyi Taw. India is the Lead Country for security sector cooperation in BIMSTEC,” said Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, on Thursday.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted the foreign ministers from member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for BIMSTEC grouping gathered in the national capital to bolster cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries.

BIMSTEC is a regional organisation that connects countries around the Bay of Bengal to promote economic growth, trade, and cooperation in areas like transportation, energy, and counter-terrorism.

It aims to strengthen relationships and foster economic development among its member states, which include- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

BIMSTEC stands as a beacon of regional collaboration, striving to achieve rapid economic development and social progress through joint initiatives among its member states. Founded on principles of equality and partnership, BIMSTEC aims to address common challenges and capitalise on shared opportunities across seven strategic sectors.

Each member nation leads specific sectors, reflecting their expertise and commitment to collective advancement:

Bangladesh spearheads trade, investment and development, including the blue economy, leveraging its strategic location and maritime resources.

Sri Lanka focuses on science, technology and innovation, including health and human resource development, fostering advancements in research and human capital.

Bhutan leads efforts in environmental and climate change, including the mountain economy, emphasising sustainable practices in the face of ecological challenges.

India takes charge of security, including energy and disaster management, contributing expertise in disaster preparedness and strategic energy management.

Myanmar oversees agriculture and food security, including fisheries and livestock, supporting food sustainability and rural development.

Nepal drives people-to-people contact, including poverty alleviation, promoting cultural exchange and poverty reduction initiatives.

Thailand leads connectivity efforts, enhancing regional infrastructure and transport networks to facilitate seamless connectivity among member states.

BIMSTEC also emphasises cooperation with international and regional organisations, aligning its goals with global development agendas to maximise impact. With a commitment to mutual assistance, joint projects, and capacity building, BIMSTEC seeks to translate its collaborative efforts into tangible benefits that improve living standards and promote inclusive growth across the Bay of Bengal region. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Lanka Rebuts Canadian PM’s ‘Genocide’ Claim

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Embassy of India in Philippines facilitates medical visits to India

The Embassy has ensured language support with IVRS available in English, Hindi, and Tagalog to assist in the process…reports Asian Lite News

The Embassy of India in Manila has announced special provisions for Filipino nationals and foreign residents seeking urgent medical treatment in India.

In an advisory issued recently, the Embassy highlighted that individuals requiring medical care for critical conditions such as life-threatening diseases, congenital illnesses, organ transplants, oncology, and paediatric ailments should contact the Consular Wing of the Embassy.

“All Filipino Nationals (including Children) and Foreign Nationals who wish to go to India for availing Urgent Medical Treatment/Care including for life threatening diseases/congenital illnesses/transplantation/oncology/pediatrics complaints among others are kindly requested to approach the Consular Wing of the Embassy,” a statement from Indian Embassy in Philippines read.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Consular Wing in person at their office located in Bonifacio Global City or reach out via email or telephone for assistance in obtaining the necessary visas and facilitation for medical visits to India. The Embassy has ensured language support with IVRS available in English, Hindi, and Tagalog to assist in the process.

Additionally, the advisory extends the invitation to those interested in alternative medicine services such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) available in India.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and philanthropic groups from the Philippines focused on improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for Filipino nationals are also encouraged to collaborate with the Embassy to facilitate medical treatments.

“Non-Government/Philanthropic Organizations who are based in the Philippines and working towards making healthcare affordable and accessible to Filipinos seeking Urgent/Tertiary/Advanced Medical Treatment/Care are also invited to approach the Consular Wing of the Embassy,” statement added.

In cases of emergencies requiring immediate medical attention during closed holidays or weekends, a dedicated emergency mobile number has been provided for direct assistance.

The Embassy further emphasized the convenience of obtaining E-Medical Visas through their online portal, ensuring a hassle-free application process.

This initiative underscores India’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions and facilitating medical tourism for international patients, especially from the Philippines, seeking advanced medical treatments in various specialties. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Lanka Rebuts Canadian PM’s ‘Genocide’ Claim

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-Top News Arab News USA

Biden, Netanyahu Seek Unity on Gaza Ceasefire

US Vice-President Kamala Harris later met Netanyahu and said she had voiced “serious concerns” over casualties in Gaza….reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Thursday to close the remaining “gaps” in the push for a Gaza ceasefire deal, the White House said quoting media reports.

The meeting at the White House came a day after Netanyahu gave a fiery speech before the US Congress as thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside, BBC reported.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris later met Netanyahu and said she had voiced “serious concerns” over casualties in Gaza.

The Prime Minister faces pressure both at home and abroad to bring an end to the Israel-Gaza war, now in its ninth month.

He said he had known the US President for 40 years – and that Biden had known every Israeli PM over the last half a century.

“From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel,” Netanyahu added.

Netanyahu also said he looked forward to working with Biden “on the great issues before us” over the next several months.

The meeting follows months of tension over the war in Gaza, with Biden reaching the point in May, according to his friend and former Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, where he said “enough is enough”.

Biden also previously publicly threatened to hold back weapons shipments if Israel launched a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah, prompting anger in Israel, BBC reported.

Netanyahu said in June that it was “inconceivable” for the Biden administration to withhold weapons and ammunition from Israel.

At a news briefing, National Security Spokesman John Kirby said the pair discussed the urgent need for a hostage release deal, the potential of conflict spilling over into Lebanon, the threat of Iran and the need to reach “compromises” in peace talks.

While Kirby added that “gaps remain” in the US-Israel relationship, it was still “healthy”.

“By healthy, I mean they’re not going to agree on everything,” he said, adding that Biden was “very comfortable with the relationship he has with the Prime Minister”.

Speaking to reporters after she met with Netanyahu, Vice-President Harris said the discussion was “frank and constructive”.

Harris is the likely Democratic presidential nominee now that Biden has stepped down from his re-election campaign.

She said she has an “unwavering commitment” to Israel and its right to defend itself, BBC reported.

Harris also expressed, however, “serious concerns” about Israeli operations in Gaza and the “dire humanitarian situation there”.

“I will not be silent,” she added.

“It is time for this war to end.”

“Let’s get the deal done so we can get a ceasefire to end the war,” she said.

“Let’s bring the hostages home, and let’s bring much-needed relief to the Palestinian people.”

The US and Israeli leaders also held a closed-door meeting with the families of seven US citizens still being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Following the meeting, Jonathan Dekel-Chen – whose son Sagui was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 last year – told reporters that the meeting was “productive and honest,” although he did not provide details.

“We feel probably more optimistic than we have since the first round of releases in late November, early December,” he said.

Speaking in the House Chamber on Wednesday, Netanyahu defended Israel’s war in Gaza, while attempting to rally support from US politicians, BBC reported.

“Our enemies are your enemies,” he said, condemning protesters as “Iran’s useful idiots”.

The White House pushed back on Netanyahu’s characterisation of the protesters, with Kirby saying that “it’s not a phrase we would use” and “not a reflection of what we think” of the “mostly peaceful” protests.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Washington to accuse Netanyahu of being a “war criminal”.

Their loudspeakers and chanting could be heard from the White House as Netanyahu arrived on Thursday.

Police arrested 23 people on Wednesday, including five inside the Capitol building.

Netanyahu’s speech was occasionally met with rapturous applause, mostly led by Republicans.

The Gaza war has deepened political divides in Washington and led to infighting among Democrats, whose left wing has been critical of US support of Israel.

Harris did not attend Netanyahu’s speech due to scheduling conflicts, the White House said.

Harris has expressed steadfast support for Israel. However, such a stance has been politically costly for the Democrats.

Hundreds of thousands of protest votes were cast against Biden during the presidential primaries by those wanting him to stop sending military aid to Israel.

Some of those angered by his war stance see Harris as a chance to mend the fracture in the party and win back the votes.

Netanyahu is expected to visit Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Friday.

ALSO READ: Lanka Rebuts Canadian PM’s ‘Genocide’ Claim

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-Top News Asia News Canada

Lanka Rebuts Canadian PM’s ‘Genocide’ Claim

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday rejected the allegation made by the Canadian Prime Minister…reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lanka has once again rejected allegations of the Tamil minority ‘genocide’ charge by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and claimed the accusation was ‘arising from local domestic vote bank politics.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday rejected the allegation made by the Canadian Prime Minister in a statement issued on July 23 to mark the 1983 alleged “anti-Tamil violence” day in Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka vehemently reiterates its rejection of the allegation of genocide in their country in the statement issued on July 23, 2024, by the Canadian Prime Minister. Sri Lanka’s position on this matter has been previously reiterated to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,” Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stressed.

“This allegation arising from local domestic vote bank politics in Canada is not conducive to unity and communal harmony in both Sri Lanka and Canada,” the Sri Lanka government complained.

Marking 41 years on the violence against Tamils on July 23, 1983, which is known as ‘Black July’, PM Trudeau said, “Forty-one years ago today, violent attacks targeting Tamil civilians and businesses started in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Thousands of innocent lives were lost, and many more Tamils were injured, subjected to sexual violence, and forced to flee the country.”

“The anti-Tamil pogrom, known as ‘Black July’, escalated tensions in what became a decade-long armed conflict. It remains one of the darkest chapters in Sri Lanka’s history,” the Canadian PM has said.

Referring to May 18, 2009, the day Sri Lanka’s security forces militarily defeated Tamil Tiger rebels, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) after killing its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, Canadian PM last May said that in 2022, the Parliament of Canada unanimously adopted a Motion to mark May 18 as the Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day — a recognition of Canada’s commitment to stand in solidarity with Tamil-Canadians and Tamil communities around the world in remembering and honouring the victims and survivors of these senseless acts of violence.

“As a steadfast defender of human rights, the Government of Canada will continue to demand accountability for human rights violations and abuses against vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka,” PM Trudeau reiterated.

In May, the Sri Lankan government immediately rejected PM Trudeau’s allegation and hit out at him claiming that the Prime Minister was engaging in electoral votebank politics.

Last year in September India strongly criticised PM Trudeau for claiming the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India immediately rejected the allegation, saying it was “absurd” and “motivated”.

In May, Sri Lanka joined India, which had already confronted Canada referring to Khalistani separatist elements, and said that the Canadian government was sending a message that its vote bank was more powerful than its rule of law.

Last year in September India strongly criticised PM Trudeau for claiming the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India immediately rejected the allegation, saying it was “absurd” and “motivated”.

India has said that the main issue was Canada giving space to pro-Khalistani elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

ALSO READ: Sri Lanka to Promote China-India Unity to Develop Asia

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-Top News Politics USA

US Senator Backs India vs. China

India, China military-level talks end on positive trajectory.

The legislation would set a Statement of Policy that the US will support India in its response to growing threats to its territorial integrity…reports Asian Lite News

US Republican senator Marco Rubio on Thursday said he has introduced a bill — US-India Defense Cooperation Act — to enhance the strategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi to counter China.

“Communist China continues to aggressively expand its domain in the Indo-Pacific region, all while it seeks to impede the sovereignty and autonomy of our regional partners. It’s crucial for the US to continue its support in countering these malicious tactics. India, along with other nations in the region, is not alone,” Rubio said in a statement announcing his legislation.

The legislation would set a Statement of Policy that the US will support India in its response to growing threats to its territorial integrity, provide necessary security assistance to India to deter adversaries, and cooperate with India with respect to defence, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments;

When passed into law, it would provide a limited exemption for India from CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions) sanctions for purchases of Russian equipment that are currently used by the Indian military and set a Sense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defence articles, defence services, design and construction services, and major defence equipment to India is consistent with US interests and it is in the interest of peace and stability of India to have the capabilities needed to deter threats.

The bill proposes to treat India as if it were of the same status as US allies such as Japan, Israel, Korea, and NATO allies regarding technology transfers; authorise the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation; expedite excess defence articles to India for two years and grant India the same status as other allies and expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi.

It requires a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups, against India; and bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India.

ALSO READ: China pushes for more talks with India

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-Top News UK News

Police officer suspended after airport kicking video

The footage showed a uniformed male officer holding a Taser over the man who was lying on the ground at Terminal 2 before kicking him twice at about 20:30 BST…reports Asian Lite News

A police officer has been suspended after a video circulated online of a man being kicked and stamped on the head at Manchester Airport.

An officer had been removed from all duties after a “thorough review of further information” of the incident, which took place on Tuesday, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.

The footage showed a uniformed male officer holding a Taser over the man who was lying on the ground at Terminal 2 before kicking him twice at about 20:30 BST.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who has met the home secretary over the incident, has appealed for calm. After the meeting, Yvette Cooper said she understood the “the widespread distress” the footage had caused, adding she had spoken to police about the “urgent steps” they are taking.

She said it was “essential” police had the trust of communities, and the public “rightly expect high standards from those in charge of keeping us safe”. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it understood the “deep concerns” that had been “widely raised”.

The footage sparked a protest outside Rochdale police station on Wednesday night, with hundreds of people gathered, and chants of “shame on you” heard. In the build-up to the incident shown in the clip, a police spokesman said that firearms officers had been punched to the ground after trying to make an arrest following a fight in the airport.

There was a “clear risk” their weapons could be taken from them, the police spokesman said, adding all three had been taken to hospital, one with a broken nose. Four men were later arrested on suspicion of assault and affray, and all have since been bailed. It remains unclear what led to the incident, but Burnham said he thought there had been “an issue on a flight coming into Manchester”.

“When the flight landed, two individuals were waiting for their mum, who said there had been an issue,” he said. “She pointed somebody out and there was an altercation in the arrivals hall.”

He said those involved had been “followed by camera through the airport and then we get to the scene that people have seen in the car park area”. Burnham said he had seen “the full footage” that showed a “fast-moving and complicated situation in a challenging location – it’s not clear cut”.

“Time has been taken to get a clearer picture of what has happened,” he said, adding that an investigation needed to proceed now “in a thorough and measured way”. Anderson remarks on airport video irresponsible – Burnham Amar Minhas from Leeds was travelling through the terminal with his family when he saw officers approach the man to arrest him.

“They pinned him up against a wall”, he told the BBC, before another man tried to intervene and a fight broke out, with the pinned man throwing punches until he was Tasered to the floor, when the officer kicked him.

Prime Minster Keir Starmer has said he “completely understands” the public’s concern over the footage. Starmer said the home secretary was being kept updated. Former chief superintendent of the Met Police, Dal Babu, said the police actions were “appalling and unnecessary” and in his opinion racism played a part in the incident.

He said the men were arrested for affray and assault, not offences at the “serious end” like attempted murder, gross bodily harm, or malicious wounding.

“I think racism played a significant part in this,” he said, adding GMP had been “slow out of the block in understanding the seriousness” of the incident at a time when trust in police was “so low”. Outside view of Rochdale police station. A blue sign with a police badge says Rochdale Divisional Headquarters.  Crowds gathered to protest outside Rochdale police station on Wednesday night

The force said in its latest statement that it would “continue to meet” with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives to discuss concerns raised about the footage.

It said it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident.

The MP of the man who was filmed being kicked told the House of Commons the video was “truly shocking and disturbing”.

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Hate preacher Anjem convicted for leading terror group

Choudary’s licence conditions expired in July 2021 and it was nearly a year later in June 2022 when he hosted his first online lecture for ITS. He went on to hold about 40 lectures or classes for the group until April 2023…reports Asian Lite News

The Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary has been found guilty of directing the terrorist group al-Muhajiroun (ALM) and drumming up cross-border support for the banned organisation online.

After a trial at Woolwich crown court in south London, Choudary was convicted of having a “caretaker role” in directing ALM.

Prosecutors said Choudary directed the terrorist organisation for a significant period of time from 2014 onwards and encouraged support for the group by addressing online meetings of the New York-based Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS).

The 57-year-old, of Ilford in east London, gave lectures to ITS, which prosecutors said was “the same” as ALM.

Choudary came as close to becoming a household name as an extremist can get in the UK through his media appearances and controversial actions such as protesting at UK soldiers’ funerals. Security experts have claimed Choudary influenced dozens of British jihadists.

But the trained solicitor’s apparent ability to act just within the bounds of the law ended in 2016 when he was convicted of supporting Islamic State and he served half of a six-month prison sentence before being released on licence.

Choudary’s licence conditions expired in July 2021 and it was nearly a year later in June 2022 when he hosted his first online lecture for ITS. He went on to hold about 40 lectures or classes for the group until April 2023.

But unknown to Choudary, ITS was infiltrated by undercover law enforcement officers in the US, who were present at online lectures in 2022 and 2023, held over the Element messaging platform.

ALM was proscribed as a terror organisation in the UK in 2010, though it was said in court that the group had continued to exist under various names.

The conviction followed investigations by the Metropolitan police, the New York police department (NYPD), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Cmdr Dominic Murphy, the head of the Metropolitan police’s counter-terrorism command, said: “There are individuals that have conducted terrorist attacks or travelled for terrorist purposes as a result of Anjem Choudary’s radicalising impact upon them.”

During a press conference, Murphy added: “ALM’s tentacles have spread across the world and have had a massive impact on public safety and security.”

Rebecca Weiner, an NYPD deputy commissioner, said it was a “historic case”, describing Choudary as a “shameless, prolific radicaliser”.

She added: “It is usually the foot soldiers, the individuals who are brought into the network who go on to commit the attacks who are brought to justice.

“And it’s rarely the leader, which is what makes this a particularly important moment.”

Omar Bakri Muhammad, who founded ALM, was in prison in Lebanon between 2014 and March 2023, and Choudary stepped in and “filled the void”, the court heard.

Khaled Hussein, 29, who prosecutors said was a “follower and dedicated supporter” of Choudary, was also found guilty of membership of ALM.

Choudary was convicted of directing a terrorist organisation and addressing meetings to encourage support for a proscribed organisation. He and Hussein will be sentenced on 30 July.

ALSO READ-Arab League condemns Israel over UNRWA terror tag

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Reeves to reveal ‘true scale of damage’ to economy  

When Reeves sets out the findings of her Treasury audit on Monday, she will also announce the date of the spending review and the budget in October…reports Asian Lite News

Rachel Reeves is expected to reveal a £20bn hole in government spending for essential public services on Monday, paving the way for potential tax rises in the autumn budget.

Labour sources said the blame lay with the Tory government, describing it as a “shocking inheritance” and accusing the former chancellor of “presiding over a black hole and still campaigning for tax cuts”.

They pointed to spending concerns on the asylum system, welfare, defence and prisons. However, work is still being done on the audit and the final figure of £20bn could shift as officials examine the spending commitments of each department.

When Reeves sets out the findings of her Treasury audit on Monday, she will also announce the date of the spending review and the budget in October.

Experts expect she will be forced to announce tax changes in the budget, with options including capital gains or inheritance taxes and slashing other tax reliefs. Reeves has ruled out changes to income tax, VAT, national insurance and corporation tax – the largest revenue raisers.

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, told business leaders this week that the public finances were “in the worst place since the second world war”.

A Labour source said: “On Monday, the British public are finally going to see the true scale of the damage the Conservatives have done to the public finances.

“They spent taxpayers’ money like no tomorrow because they knew someone else would have to pick up the bill. It now falls to Labour to fix the foundations of our economy and that work has already begun.”

Economists have predicted Reeves will “kitchen sink” the bad news about the economy, in an expected excoriation of the previous government’s record. The review is likely to conclude that existing spending plans are unsustainable and would require substantial cuts to public services, a position that economists had highlighted repeatedly before the election.

Presenting her Treasury audit to the Commons on Monday, the chancellor is expected to say her review has revealed state and privatised services at risk of collapse under current plans.

Further billions are also committed in schemes like compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal and of the Horizon failures at the Post Office. The Cabinet Office minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, told the House of Commons on Thursday that final compensation payments to patients infected with contaminated blood products and bereaved partners will begin to be made by the end of this year.

On Monday, Reeves will also set out the government’s response to the public sector pay recommendations, which are about 3% higher than in current spending plans. Government sources have suggested she is minded to accept the independent pay bodies’ recommendations in full – a symbol of a new government approach – due to the costs of provoking potential further industrial action.

The former chancellor Jeremy Hunt is said to have believed that pay demands would have eaten all of the Conservative government’s fiscal headroom – one of the key reasons for Rishi Sunak calling an early election as it became clear there could be no promised tax cuts.

Reeves is expected to make it explicit that she believes her predecessor deliberately did not act to address the looming spending shortfall. “Jeremy Hunt is going to have a lot of explaining to do,” said one source.

She will make references to how she will address the pressures in her speech on Monday, but frame it as the first in a two-stage process that will be followed in the October budget with work kicked off by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The economist Michael Saunders, a former external member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee, said the Reeves review could be used to “justify significant extra tax hikes, perhaps an extra £10bn-£25bn”.

He said in a report this week: “We suspect the Reeves review will conclude that a more realistic and sustainable outlook is likely to require a mix of higher public spending, greater headroom versus the fiscal rules and a more plausible path of fiscal tightening over the five-year forecast period.

“Any political costs from higher taxes could be outweighed by the scale of Labour’s majority and, using the cover of the review, putting the blame on the weak fiscal position left by the previous Conservative government.”

Tax-raising options on offer to Reeves include generating about £3bn a year, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, by limiting inheritance tax relief on agricultural and business assets, bringing pension pots within inheritance tax and removing the capital gains uplift on inherited assets

But the targeting of inheritance assets or pensions savings in particular is extremely contentious and is likely to draw heavy criticism from the Conservatives.

As well as setting out the major gaps in public spending projections, which experts had already said were likely to require austerity-level cuts, Reeves will highlight wasted opportunities for growth, including planning and investment.

ALSO READ-Chancellor Reeves to bring back housebuilding targets

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Education India News Karnataka

Karnataka passes resolution against NEET exam

Earlier on Tuesday, July 23, the Supreme Court declined to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam, realising that giving direction for a fresh NEET-UG for the present year would be replete with serious consequences for over 24 lakh students who appeared in this exam…reports Asian Lite News

Raising its strong voice against the all-India medical entrance exam NEET, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government on Thursday passed a resolution in both houses of the state government against the exam and demanded the Centre for allowing the state to revert back to the earlier system of CET for medical admissions in Karnataka.

Pointing out the flaws and the recent irregularities in the NEET exam, the resolution urged the Union Government to exempt the State of Karnataka from this examination and allow it to provide admissions to medical colleges based on the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the state government.

While the State Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, moved the resolution in the legislative assembly, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar presented it in the legislative council.

“The NEET examination system severely affects the medical education opportunities of poor rural students and deprives the rights of the state governments to admit students in the state government medical colleges and considering the repeated irregularities in the NEET examination, the Union Government should make necessary amendments in the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 (Central Act 30 of 2019) so that the NEET system is given up at the national level. Also, the Karnataka Legislative Council unanimously urges that the Union government should immediately exempt the state of Karnataka from examination and provide medical admission based on the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the state government,” the resolution said.

” Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil has been continuously opposing the NEET exam by highlighting the massive irregularities and how this system was affecting the chances of underprivileged and rural students and their dream of a medical profession,” it added.

On Wednesday, the ruling TMC government in West Bengal moved a resolution in the West Bengal Assembly demanding the scrapping of the NEET and restoration of the previous system of individual state governments conducting such examinations. The resolution was passed in the assembly.

Earlier on Tuesday, July 23, the Supreme Court declined to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam, realising that giving direction for a fresh NEET-UG for the present year would be replete with serious consequences for over 24 lakh students who appeared in this exam.

The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas seeking direction to recall NEET-UG 2024 results and to conduct the examination afresh, alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the test held. (ANI)

UPSC to overhaul exam system amid Puja Khedkar row

Amidst new revelations in the controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to enhance its examination security measures using advanced technologies like Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition systems, and AI-driven CCTV surveillance, according to several media reports.

This overhaul aims to uphold the integrity of UPSC exams following widespread allegations of cheating in the NEET medical entrance exams. The UPSC conducts 14 examinations annually, including the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE), and various recruitment tests and interviews for Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts within the Government of India. In 2023, over 1.01 million people applied for the CSE, with approximately 590,000 candidates appearing for the exam. The CSE recommends candidates for esteemed services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).

The move comes in light of several lapses reported during the NEET 2024 exams and follows a controversy involving trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, alleged to have forged documents to appear for the CSE 12 times, exceeding the allowed number of attempts. The UPSC has filed a criminal case against Khedkar.

On June 20, the UPSC issued a tender seeking bids from public sector undertakings (PSUs) to revamp its examination process. The Commission aims to utilize the latest digital technology to match and cross-check candidates’ biometric details and monitor activities during the exams to prevent cheating, fraud, and impersonation.

Changes to the UPSC exams will include using data and images submitted during online registration for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition to verify candidates on exam day. Fingerprint scanners and facial recognition devices will be deployed at examination centers to ensure accurate identity verification. The UPSC also proposes a real-time attendance monitoring system with GPS coordinates to confirm enrollment within the designated shift. The QR code on the Admit Card, containing the candidate’s roll number, will be scanned to retrieve information from the Application Database. If the QR code cannot be scanned, the roll number will be entered manually from the Admit Card.

The UPSC plans to implement CCTV/video surveillance with recording and live broadcast capabilities to monitor candidates and exam personnel nationwide. The service provider will be required to install an adequate number of CCTV cameras in every classroom, ensuring at least one camera for every 24 candidates. Cameras will also be placed at entry and exit gates and control rooms where sensitive pre- and post-examination materials are handled. Additionally, remote live viewing of CCTV footage will be arranged at the UPSC’s control room, ensuring real-time monitoring and enhancing overall security during the examinations.

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