A look at the headlines today:
1. On Babri Masjid demolition anniversary, security tightened
Barely a month after the Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, police are on high alert for the 27th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, today. Security is tight in the temple town with a senior Uttar Pradesh Police official saying the arrangements are similar to the plan they had devised for November 9, the day the apex court pronounced verdict on the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute. "The security plan for December 6 will be a continuation of the plan we had devised for November 9," Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) P.V. Ramasastry told PTI, adding that the precautions taken by them were the same they had adopted on the judgment day. Ayodhya SSP Ashish Tiwari said the entire district had been divided into four zones, 10 sectors and 14 sub-sectors. "The zone is headed by an additional superintendent of police, while the sector is looked after by a deputy superintendent of police. The sub-sectors are taken care of by SHO-level police officials," he said, adding that intensive checking was being carried out. Both Muslim and Hindi religious leaders are talking about downplaying the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri mosque, now that the Supreme Court has pronounced its verdict on the Ayodhya dispute. This time, although the AIMPLB said "a day of sorrow" would be observed, it added that "it is up to the individuals". The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has too decided against observing the 27th anniversary of the demolition as "Shaurya Diwas".
2. Campaigning for second phase of Jharkhand assembly polls ends
High-octane campaigning for the second of the five-phase assembly elections in Jharkhand came to a close on Thursday, two days before 20 constituencies in the state go to polls. A total of 260 candidates, including Chief Minister Raghubar Das, will fight it out in this phase, which will cover Baharagora, Ghatsila, Potka, Jugsalai, Jamshedpur (East), Jamshedpur (West), Seraikela, Chaibasa, Majhgaon, Jaganathpur, Manoharpur, Chakradharpur, Kharsawan, Tamar, Torpa, Khunti, Mandar, Sisai, Simdega and Kolebira. The nominees include 29 women candidates and 73 Independents, an Election Commission release here said. Sixteen of the 20 constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates and one for Scheduled Caste (SC), it said. An EC official said the updated total electorate figure for the second phase will be issued today.
3. Tight security in Mumbai for Ambedkar's death anniversary
Around 40,000 police personnel have been deployed for security in view of 63rd death anniversary of Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar today when lakhs of his followers will throng the city to pay homage to him at a memorial here. Chaityabhoomi, the site where Ambedkar was cremated after his death on December 6, 1956, attracts lakhs of his followers from various parts of the country on his death anniversary (Mahaparinirvan Diwas) every year. Over the years, Chaityabhoomi, located in Dadar in Central Mumbai, has become a place of pilgrimage for Dalits and Buddhists. Police are maintaining a strict vigil as lakhs of Ambedkar's followers are expected to visit the memorial to pay tributes to the chief architect of the Constitution on Friday, an official said. Besides the local police, personnel from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), the Riot Control Police (RCP), Quick Response Teams (QRTs), Bomb Disposal and Detection Squads (BDDSs), Special Branch, Crime Branch, traffic police and Home Guards will be deployed at important places to maintain law and order, he said.
4. AP CM Jagan Mohan Reddy in Delhi to meet Modi and central ministers
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached the national capital on Thursday evening and is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss pending issues of the state today. The chief minister is expected to call on Modi and central ministers. Sources said the YSR Congress party (YSRCP) chief is expected to discuss the issues of special category status and the financial help of Rs.2.58 lakh crore to the debt-ridden state. He is also expected to request both Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to fulfil all the commitments made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
5. Netanyahu says Israel has 'full right' to annex strategic Jordan Valley
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel has the "full right" to annex the Jordan Valley if it chose to, even as the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court warned the country against taking the bold step. Netanyahu said his proposal to annex the strategic part of the occupied West Bank was discussed during a late-night meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. He said they also agreed to move forward with plans for a joint defense treaty. The longtime Israeli leader, beleaguered by a corruption indictment and political instability at home, is promoting the two initiatives as a justification for staying in office. The Trump administration has already delivered several landmark victories to Netanyahu, such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights. Netanyahu says that thanks to his close relationship with Trump, he is singularly positioned to further promote Israeli interests at this junction before the 2020 U.S. election season heats up.
6. India to take on West Indies in a three-match T20 series
The likes of K.L. Rahul and Rishabh Pant will be aiming to cement their places in the squad as India continue auditions for next year's T20 World Cup when they take on the West Indies in a three-match T20 series, starting today. India will continue their preparations for the T20 World Cup in Australia and many players, whose places are not yet secure, will try to impress the team management and selectors with their performances against the West Indies. One such name is Rahul. In the absence of injured opener Shikhar Dhawan, the series will provide the stylish right-handed batsman, who holds a good record in T20s, a very good opportunity to secure his place as Rohit Sharma's partner up the order. In 31 T20 Internationals, Rahul has amassed 974 runs at an average of 42.74 with 110 not out being his highest score. He is also a prolific scorer in the IPL. Besides Rahul, another individual who would like to answer his critics with solid performances is Pant. Pant has, of late, come under the scanner for his inconsistent form with the bat and poor glove work.
