Islamic State justifies enslaving, having sex with 'non-believers'

Islamic State justifies enslaving, having sex with 'non-believers'

Baghdad: The Sunni jihadi organisation Islamic State (IS) has justified the enslavement of non-Muslim women and children and sexual intercourse with them, not sparing even pre-pubescent girls.

This message has been propagated by an IS pamphlet titled "Question and Answers on Female Slaves and their Freedom", which was distributed to the people of the Iraqi city of Mosul, which the extremists control, after sunset on Friday, media reported on Saturday.

The pamphlet also claimed that non-Muslim women and children could be sold off and given as gifts to others.

"Most (of us) are shocked, but (we) cannot do much about it," said a resident of Mosul about the IS pamphlet.

Many accounts of the IS kidnapping, selling and raping women and children have surfaced since the group began its brutal run through Syria and Iraq, according to the CNN report.

These are on top of other allegations, such as the killings of innocent civilians simply because they did not subscribe to the IS's extreme take on the Sharia law.

The IS militants have justified their actions -- like the beheadings of journalists and aid workers -- in god's name.

Even then, it is rare to see its rationale being laid out as plainly as in this pamphlet distributed in Mosul, the report noted.

The document explained that capturing women is permissible if they were "non-believers". The pamphlet added that female slaves were women that Muslims took from their enemies.

Much of the pamphlet talks about the IS's policy on having sexual intercourse with a female slave, something that the group cites the Islamic holy text Quran to justify.

The pamphlet lays down other rules as well and makes it clear that the captors have full control of their captives.

This document marks the most detailed, albeit not the first, justification for enslaving "non-believers", as defined by the IS, according to the report.

"IS is drawing these rulings from ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean codes of conduct for war and prisoners," said Abbas Barzegar, professor of religious studies at Georgia State University in the US.

"Muslim leaders and lay practitioners the world over continue to condemn the IS and find its alien interpretation of Islam grotesque and abhorrent," Barzegar noted.

None of the IS's rationalisations hold up however, Seton Hall University law school professor Bernard Freamon wrote on the CNN website last month.

"This argument is plainly wrong, hypocritical and astonishingly ahistorical, relying on male fantasies, inspired by stories from the days of imperial Islam," said Freamon.

Saradha scam: West Bengal Minister Madan Mitra calls his arrest a political conspiracy

Kolkata: West Bengal Transport Minister and Trinmool Congress leader Madan Mitra on Saturday evening called his arrest by Central Bureau of Investigation in multi-crore chit fund scam a political conspiracy against him and his party by Centre. Mitra is remanded in CBI custody till December 16 in the case after being arrested on Friday evening.

Earlier on Saturday the standoff between TMC and Bharatiya Janata Party continued, as TMC workers protested outside Alipore court over West Bengal Minister
Madan Mitra's arrest in the multi-crore Saradha chit-fund scam. Reacting to the arrest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had dared Prime Minister

Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership to arrest her. "Kalidas axed the branch of the tree he was sitting on. Those in power in Delhi are doing the same. Governments come and go, democracy remains forever. Those in power in Delhi must remember this," said the Chief Minister.

Mitra is the first Cabinet Minister in the Mamata government to be held by the CBI in the scam. So far, the arrested persons included TMC members of Parliament Kunal Ghosh and Srinjoy Bose.

India vs Pakistan Live: Gurjinder Singh gives India the lead

Bhubaneswar hasn't seen anything as big as this - India vs Pakistan in one of the elite international hockey tournaments - FIH Men's Champions Trophy.

PREVIEW: India have never been in a Champions Trophy final, and a win on Saturday will not only assure them a second medal in the tournament's 36-year history but also a shot at their maiden title. India won bronze in 1982, beating Pakistan 5-4, but lost the third-match playoff to their archrivals four times after that.

"This team can create history," Oltmans said on the eve of the match. "We want to show the world that we are right up there with the very best," the Dutchman added. "We hope to execute our strategies and keep emotions in check."

Eunuchs contribute constructively to 'Swachh Abhiyan' in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Gopal Bhargava on Saturday said roping in of eunuchs into the cleanliness drive under the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' across the state has yielded encouraging results.

"We have roped in more than 200 members of the third gender including a former mayor and ex-MLA in the cleanliness drive. And their involvement has borne fruits," Bhargava told reporters.

He said that were not charging a penny from the government and are voluntarily working towards making MP a clean state.

Bhargava said that with the help of eunuchs, the problem of open defecation has become a thing of the past as they actively campaigned against the social evil.

Also, eunuchs are glad to have been approached for an initiative involving social good.

In a novel step, each eunuch has been assigned 15 villages to spread the message of cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene, he said.

Besides, Self Help Groups (SHG) too were given a target to build three lakh toilets in the state.

The third gender has also been involved in the ambitious 'School Chalo Abhiyan' to enhance enrolment in schools at primary and other levels.

The Minister also informed that in order to address the problem of lack of toilet facilities in households, the government has decided to provide homes with a toilet to newly wed brides under the Kanyadaan Yojna besides other goods.

For connecting each and every village with an all-weather road, it has been decided that Rural Road Development Authority (RRDA) will construct roads in villages with a population of 500 and above while for levels below that, Rural Engineering Services will build roads under Chief Minister Gramin Sadak Yojna (CMGSY) which has been constituted on the lines of PMGSY.

Irish director of Dutch firm hangs self in Mumbai

Irish director of Dutch firm hangs self in Mumbai

MUMBAI: An Irish national and consulting director at a Dutch animation firm was found hanging on Monday in the toilet of his fourth-floor room at a five-star hotel in Powai. Darren Campbell (40) had been at the hotel for 23 days and was supposed to check out around midnight the same day.

In the room, the police found a suicide note in which Campbell had named an Indian woman who worked at a firm that was making an animation film in partnership with the Dutch company. The woman, who quit a few days ago, was called for questioning by the police. An officer said she had been in touch with Campbell after quitting her job. "His call record showed they had exchanged 100 text messages and at least 200 calls during his stay in Mumbai. The woman told us they were just good friends and frequently met. The time they met was two days before he ended his life," the officer said.

"We have kept Campbell's autopsy report in reserve. His viscera have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Kalina," said senior inspector Y L Jadhav of the Powai police station. The police handed over Campbell's body to the Irish consulate on Thursday.

Around midnight on Monday, a hotel staffer went to Campbell's room realizing that though it was the departure time of his flight, he had not checked out. When Campbell didn't answer the bell, the hotel's management called the Indian animation firm.

"The door was opened using a spare key in the presence of the animation company's officials. Campbell was found hanging from a steel hangar in the bathroom. He had used a bed sheet," the hotel management told the police in its statement. "Campbell had checked in on November 16 and was supposed to check out on December 8."

Campbell frequently visited Mumbai on official tours and this was his fourth stay at the hotel. The police have filed an accidental death report.

Hinduja group acquires UK's iconic building

Hinduja group acquires UK's iconic building

LONDON: The Hinduja Group, in partnership with a Spanish industrial company, has acquired UK's iconic Old War Office building that was once occupied by Britain's war-time Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The heritage building was acquired by the Hinduja Group, headed by S P Hinduja, chairman, and G P Hinduja, co-chairman, in partnership with Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD).

The landmark building at 57 Whitehall in central London will now be restored and re-developed into a five star hotel and residential apartments, and will also feature a series of private function rooms as well as a spa and fitness facility.

Previously inaccessible to the public, a commitment has also been made to grant new access to the building with an outdoor public space also part of the re-development plans.

Britain's Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Hinduja Group, in partnership with OHLD, who's main shareholder is Grupo Villar Mir, has been successful in the acquisition of the Old War Office.

The 580,000 square-feet property was sold on a 250-year lease arrangement to the companies for an undisclosed sum following a competitive marketing process, it said on Friday.


The equestrian statue of Prince George, Duke of Cambridge in front of the Old War Office Building. (Getty Images)

Srichand P Hinduja and Gopichand P Hinduja, on behalf of the company, said, "We will make every efforts to honour the heritage and restoration of this national monument, elevate its status and reconnect it with the public."

"We will forge a new future for the site, creating a vibrant and sustainable destination that retains and enhances the historical importance of the building. We are proud to be playing such a crucial role in this new chapter for the Old War Office," the Hinduja brothers said.

Juan-Miguel Villar-Mir, Chair of the OHLD Group and Grupo Villar Mir, said: "We are very proud to be participating in one of the most important development projects in the world."

"We have a thorough understanding and appreciation of heritage and conservation issues and our commitment now as custodians of this landmark building is to leverage its untapped historical value and potential cultural and social significance," he said.

Once the office of Churchill, the building was constructed in the years between the start of the 20th century and the outbreak of the First World War.

With an almost incalculable contribution to the history and heritage of Whitehall, the Old War Office has been witness to events of utmost importance, most notably the World Wars, with crucial decisions having been taken within its walls, especially significant in this centenary year of remembrance.

As the historical, architectural and social importance of the building cannot be underestimated, both strategic partners will use their considerable experience in the re-development of heritage properties and work closely with English heritage and specially chosen restoration experts to ensure the building is accorded the respect it deserves.

Recent examples of their expertise in this area include the restoration of Carlton House Terrace in London by the Hinduja Group and OHLD's Canalejas project in central Madrid.

The lead investor on this project is the Hinduja Group of Companies, one of the largest diversified business groups in the world with a multi-billion pound turnover, employing over 80,000 people in more than 100 countries.

Their partners Grupo Villar Mir, is one of the largest privately owned Spanish industrial groups, with a major international presence and a diversified portfolio of activities.

Co-developer OHLD has unique and significant international experience in the development of the highest category of mixed use real estate projects with heritage and natural preservation sensitivities.

Heavy rain lashes Maharashtra

Heavy rain lashes Maharashtra

NASHIK/PUNE: Spells of heavy rain drove away the winter chill from the city on Friday, even as parts of northern Maharashtra, particularly Nashik district, witnessed hailstorms and unseasonal showers which destroyed crops.

Pune received 34.5mm rain till 8.30pm, while Lohegaon received 8mm rainfall. The IMD has forecast rain and thundershowers for the next 48 hours in Pune. The minimum temperature on Friday touched 18.5 degree C, a staggering 7.3 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature was 29.4 degrees C, about 0.8 degrees above normal.

Weathermen attributed Friday's heavy showers to a trough in the easterlies from the Lakshadweep area to north Gujarat. Oficials said winter may be warmer than usual this year.

In the meantime, over 100 farmers from Rui village in Niphad taluka of Nashik scaled hightension electricity transmission towers demanding immediate and suitable compensation for crop loss, a day after hail and unseasonal rain battered parts of the district.

"The state government has announced relief to villagers only in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. Why not anything for those from the rest of Maharashtra"? said Rajendra Kangne, a farmer from Rui village, who scaled a tower.

Sweaters and jackets were replaced by umbrellas and raincoats in the city as heavy rainfall drove away the winter chill here on Friday .

Pune received 34.5mm rain till 8.30pm while Lohegaon received 8mm rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and thundershowers for the next 48 hours for Pune.

Moreover, the minimum temperature on Friday touched 18.5 degree C, a staggering 7.3 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature was 29.4 degrees C, about 0.8 degrees above normal. The city received heavy showers on Friday due to a trough in the easterlies from Lakshadweep area to north Gujarat. The rising temperature and showers are uncharacteristic of December, said officials, adding that winter may be warmer than usual this year, considering that Pune experiences winter chill primarily in December.

IMD officials said that the flow of air is moving from the warm southern latitude (a typical north-east monsoon area) towards western India, adjoin ing the coastal region, which is causing warmth in the city .

"The sun has already gone to the tropic of Capricorn, which means that southern parts are warmer. The flow of the air currently is south-easterly. Normally , during this time, western India gets a north-easterly flow," the official said.

Winds that start blowing from the easterly direction can be either north-easterly or south-easterly . When the easterly component strengthens and comes from the southeast, it leads to warmer temperatures, said officials.

The south-easterly flow is therefore doing two things: bringing in warmth from the southern regions towards western India and also bringing in moisture. This moisture is being lifted by the westerly trough, which is causing significant clouding. The clouding in turn is causing night temperatures to rise, said officials. The trough caused clouding all along the west coast, resulting in rains.

The general trend this time indicates that winter may be warmer than usual and this phenomenon is particularly prevalent in the deccan region.Officials said that the tropical convergence zone in the Indian Ocean is very active, causing the easterlies to become very strong this time. "The northeast monsoon continues till December end, and we expect temperature to drop once the period ends," the official added.

Meanwhile, on Friday , the minimum temperature of 18.5 degrees was the highest minimum temperature recorded for Pune since December 1. The highest minimum temperature in November was 20.4 degrees, on November 13.

The highest maximum temperature of the season till now was 33.3 degrees on November 6. The highest maximum temperature in December this time was 31.9 on December 10.

Train services, traffic affected

PUNE: Train services on the Lonavla-Pune section were affected after heavy rains caused an overhead electric wire between Pune and Shivajinagar to snap on Friday evening. Railway officials said the incident took place around 8.10pm on the down line. A suburban was train stranded near Shivajinagar and was later pulled by an engine. The rains also caused traffic jams.P

When I promise, I do my best to deliver: Fadnavis

When I promise, I do my best to deliver: Fadnavis

With more than 15 meetings a day and hundreds of visitors to attend to, it is difficult to catch up with CM Devendra Fadnavis. But, known to deliver what he promises, he does make time for a chat with us. Excerpts from the interview:

Ever since you took over as the CM, the youngsters are looking up to you for a better future. Will you be able to live up to their expectations?
I don't make tall promises, but when I promise something, I do my best to deliver. And if the youngsters of Maharashtra expect a better future in our government's tenure, it is their right to do so. They deserve better life, better job opportunities and greater educational facilities. And they will get all this and more.We have already started fast-tracking the MIHAN project. Big players have already started giving very positive signals.

The general feeling is that things have started moving, but it will be another 10-15 years for big employers to set shop.
I can assure the youngsters that it will not take 10-15 years for big-time employers to come to Nagpur. Things will happen at jet speed now.

So, the well-qualified youngsters who leave Nagpur for metros in search of better career prospects, have some hope?
Of course. I will not allow brain drain from Nagpur. We will create a dynamic atmosphere for the youngsters in the city, which will give them all kinds of opportunities to grow. And same goes for Maharashtra. The youth from the state will get all the opportunities at home turf and will not have to look elsewhere.

The recent rape case of a young executive by the Uber cabbie in Delhi has created ripples all over the nation. There have been so many rape cases in Maharashtra too. Any plans to curb these brutal violations?

Women's safety is a major issue in the state. I want to empower all my sisters in Maharashtra. We are taking a series of steps to ensure this. We will take a tough stance against anyone who dares to violate women's modesty and it will be a deterrent for all those who have perverted minds. Moreover, there will be free registration of complaints and the cops will have to register the FIR without asking for all those documents etc. These integrated efforts will curb the heinous crimes against women in Maharashtra. I'm working hard towards this.

With all these plans to be executed and tough working hours, how do you make time for your wife Amruta and daughter Divija?

My time is not my own any more. It belongs to the people of the state. But whenever possible, I spend quality time with them and pamper them. I know it is tough for my family, but they understand that people need me more at this juncture.

If US imposes new sanctions, Russia will 'react'

If US imposes new sanctions, Russia will 'react'

MOSCOW: Russia will take counter measures if Washington imposes new sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis, Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday.

The US Congress has readied new sanctions on Russian weapons companies and investors in the country's high-tech oil projects, but US President Barack Obama has yet to sign a corresponding bill into law.

"We will not be able to leave that without an answer," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying. He did not say what form of counter-measure Moscow might take.

Relations between Russia and the United States are at their lowest since the Cold War because of Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in March and its support for pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.

The west says it has firm evidence that Russia has armed the rebels, an accusation that Moscow rejects, and has, together with the European Union, imposed several rounds of economic sanctions on Russian individuals and large companies.
READ ALSO: US frowns on India-Russia defence deals, presence of Crimean leader in Putin team

Putin, shunned by west, visits India, a friend whose interests may lie elsewhere
Russia retaliated to the earlier sanctions by restricting food imports from a range of western countries.

Russia on Friday criticized the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, which foresees further sanctions, saying Washington was doing its utmost to "destroy the carcass of cooperation" between the two countries.

India face Pak in Champions Trophy semifinal

India face Pak in Champions Trophy semifinal

BHUBANESWAR: The Kalinga Stadium is all set to witness something that dreams are made of when India take on Pakistan in the semifinals of the 35th edition of the Champions Trophy on Saturday.

Schedule & Results

Even before the tournament began, both the captains had said they would love to play each other in the knockout stage. Their wish has been granted and the stage is now set for a humdinger that a clash between these two traditional rivals mostly turns out to be.

READ ALSO: Six best India-Pakistan Champions Trophy clashes

Although both the teams began on a poor note, they have benefitted hugely from the format. India lost to Germany and Argentina before beating the Netherlands and got past Belgium in the knockout match.

Pakistan finished last in their group after losing to England, Australia and Belgium but came back from behind to beat the Dutch in the quarterfinals.

Saturday's match should be a whole different ball game as Pakistan clash with India, in India, for the first time since the 2010 Commonwealth Games. India had beaten them in that match and also came on top in their last meeting in the Asian Games, but Saturday won't be an easy ride for Sardar & Co.

Pakistan played some great counter-attacking hockey on Thursday and have been more than impressive in converting their penalty corners. Against the world No. 2 side, they won three penalty corners and converted all of them leaving world's No. 1 goalkeeper Jaap Stockmaan stunned.


India will be eager to take advantage of the chinks in Pakistan's defence. (AP Photo)

Their defence, however, remains a concern. The three-time Champions Trophy winners have already conceded 15 goals in four matches, including a thrashing at the hands of England. And India, who like Pakistan played a brilliant counter-attacking game, against the Red Lions, will be eager to take advantage of the chinks in Pakistan's defence.

India themselves have a host of issues to worry about. Their defence has been shaky and it was only in the quarterfinals that they held strong.

In the forward line, Akashdeep Singh, SV Sunil and Danish Mujtaba have done a good job. Sardar Singh has played the impressive pivot but Gurbaj Singh and Dharamvir Singh have been the most impressive in the midfield.



Except for the match against Argentina, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has also been in good form.

On a crucial note, India have not won many penalty corners but their drag-flickers have made the most of the few chances that have come their way. Rupinder has scored twice while Gurjinder has sounded the board once during PCs.