NEW YORK: A 21 year old student of Indian-origin was killed and his room-mate seriously injured, in a shooting incident at their apartment near the school campus. Shani Patel, a junior economics major at Rutgers University was shot and killed, in a shooting that was not random as per the Rutgers police department. It also said the campus that holds around 12,000 students, was not under threat. Essex county prosecutor's office and Newark public safety director issued a statement saying no suspects were identified so far, and no arrests have been made. The room-mate, whose identity remains under the wraps, has been gravely injured.
China court rejects first gay marriage
CHANGSHA: A ruling against a gay couple in China's first same-sex marriage case has attracted hundreds of supporters to the courthouse. A court in Changsha dismissed the suit brought against civil affairs bureau, for refusing to issue Sun Wenlin and Hu Mingliang, a marriage certificate. “It goes against the spirit of the laws of the People's Republic of China,” said Shi Fulong, the couples' lawyer. Though homosexuality is legal in China, it doesn't legally recognise same-sex marriage and officials saying they do not see the law changing soon. “I hope I can pave the way as far and wide as possible so that people who want to do the same will see how much we have tried and what possibilities can be there,” said Sun.
Obama appoints MasterCard CEO to key post
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama appointed Indian-American MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga to a key administration post as a member of the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. He is one of the nine members appointed by the president, as per a White House announcement. “I have charged the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity with the critically-important task of identifying the steps that our nation must take to ensure our cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to this important role, and I look forward to receiving the Commission's recommendations.” Before joining MasterCard, Banga held important position in Citigroup.
Bangladesh police arrest elderly editor for sedition
DHAKA: Bangladesh police arrested a well-known magazine editor for sedition, part of a series of detentions for pro-opposition journalists. Three plain-clothes officers entered 81-year old Shafik Rehman's home claiming to be from a private television station, and took him away as said by his wife Taleya Rehman. It was only later that the police announced Rehman was arrested for sedition. They also said they had found evidence linking the editor to a conspiracy to murder Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Rehman is the third pro-opposition editor to have been arrested by the government of Hasina, triggering repeated calls by rights groups for their release. Two other top journalists, who edit the country's leading Bengali and English newspapers, were also charged in criminal lawsuits including dozens of defamation and sedition cases.
Pak comedian describes minority Hindus as 'dogs'!
ISLAMABAD: In one of the most unfortunate moments in Pakistan's television industry, a performer crossed all limits and used offensive and derogatory remarks against a specific religious group in the country. According to a newspaper, a comedian used terms like 'Hindu kutta' in a show that aired on television in Pakistan. What was even more derogatory was the way the audience laughed and clapped for him. Also surprising was the fact that the show was allowed on air despite the large Hindu population who have called the country home.
Hijab-clad woman taken off plane in US
CHICAGO: In yet another incident, a hijab-clad woman in the US was reportedly removed from a Southwest Airlines plane, when she asked to switch seats. Hakima Abdulle, a Muslim from Maryland said she was removed from the flight from Chicago to Seattle “without any credible explanation”. She said all she wanted was to change her seats, but instead, had to get off the plane. Official with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Zainab Chaudry addressed a news conference saying Abdulle had boarded the Seattle-bound aircraft when a flight attendant said she would not be permitted to remain on board. She was then escorted to the ticket counter where she waited several hours for a later flight.
3 injured in gurudwara blast in western Germany
BERLIN: A Sikh priest was among three injured in an explosion that ripped through a gurudwara in Essen, Germany. A police spokesman said a masked person reportedly fled the scene right after the blast. Spokesperson Lars Lindeman called the explosion “quite violent”, blowing out several windows. He said police are working on the assumption that the explosion was caused deliberately, however, there are no indications of it being a terrorist incident. The temple had hosted a wedding earlier in the day and those injured are believed to have been among the guests.
