Today News Diary on 25 February 2021

1. Indian team celebrates a wicket on day 2 of the third Test against England
2. President’s rule in Puducherry notified
3. Nirav Modi can be extradited to India in PNB scam case, says U.K. court
4. PNB-Nirav Modi case | Chronology of events
5. Why is Facebook banning Myanmar military pages?

News in Detail

1. Indian team celebrates a wicket on day 2 of the third Test against England
Indian team celebrates a wicket on day 2 of the third Test against England, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on February 25, 2021.

India need to win the fourth and final Test at the same venue from March 4 to seal the WTC final spot.
The result was their lowest total against India — 81 all out in 30.4 overs leaving the hosts with a target of 49 which they achieved with minimum fuss taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. The visitors were also knocked out of contention from the WTC final.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (15-3-48-4) proved to be an ideal foil for Patel, becoming the fourth Indian bowler and second fastest in the world to complete a commendable milestone of 400 Test wickets with the dismissal of Jofra Archer.

When Patel sent back Ben Foakes, he became the first spinner to get 11 wickets in a pink ball Test match.

Following the two-day finish, ICC will be watching the Motera track with a 'Hawk Eye' even though the debate can continue for ages whether it was the turn that did the batsmen in or the lack of it.

The turn on offer was standard for any sub-continental track and no deliveries misbehaved. However, all eyes will now be on ICC match referee Javagal Srinath from India and his assessment of the 22-yard strip. A case in point would be the wickets taken by the two left-arm spinners -- Patel and Jack Leach.

They bowled deliveries at a speed between 88 kmph and 92 kmph with a round arm action and pitched them on good length leaving batsmen in two minds -- whether to play forward or go backwards.

Ravichandran Ashwin (17) and Ishant Sharma (10 not out), who hit his first ever six in his 100th Test appearance, scored a few which proved to be priceless in the end.
India need to win the fourth and final Test at the same venue from March 4 to seal the WTC final spot.

Brief Scores:
England: 112 and 81 in 30.4 overs (Ben Stokes 25, Axar Patel 5/32, Ravichandra Ashwin 4/48).
India: 145 all out and 49 for no loss in 7.4 overs (Rohit Sharma 25 not out, Shubman Gill 15 not out).

List of Test matches which ended on Day 2

Following is the list of Tests worldwide which ended on Day 2 with a result before India's win over England in the day-night third match in Motera on Thursday.

1) England vs Australia at The Oval on 28 Aug 1882: Australia won
2) England vs Australia at Lord's on 16 Jul 1888: Australia won
3) England vs Australia at The Oval on 13 Aug 1888: England won
4) England vs Australia in Manchester on 30 Aug 1888: England won
5) South Africa vs England in Port Elizabeth on 12 Mar 1889: England won
6) South Africa vs England in Cape Town on 25 Mar 1889: England won
7) England vs Australia in The Oval on 11 Aug 1890: England won
8) South Africa vs England in Port Elizabeth on 13 Feb 1896: England won
9) South Africa vs England in Cape Town on 21 Mar 1896: England won
10) Australia vs South Africa in Manchester on 27 May 1912: Australia won
11) England vs South Africa in The Oval on 12 Aug 1912: England won
12) England vs Australia in Nottingham on 28 May 1921: Australia won
13) Australia vs West Indies in Melbourne on 13 Feb 1931: Australia won
14) South Africa vs Australia in Johannesburg on 15 Feb 1936: Australia won
15) New Zealand vs Australia in Wellington on 29 Mar 1946: Australia won
16) England vs West Indies in Leeds on 17 Aug 2000: England won
17) Australia vs Pakistan in Sharjah on 11 Oct 2002: Australia won
18) South Africa vs Zimbabwe in Cape Town on 4 Mar 2005: South Africa won
19) Zimbabwe vs New Zealand in Harare on 7 Aug 2005: New Zealand won
20) South Africa vs Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth on 26 Dec 2017: South Africa won
21) India vs Afghanistan in Bengaluru on 14 Jun 2018: India won.

2. President’s rule in Puducherry notified

A day ago, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal by the MHA to dissolve the Assembly and impose President’s rule in the UT.
President’s rule was imposed in the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry and the Legislative Assembly was placed under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday.

A day ago, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal by the MHA to dissolve the Assembly and impose President’s rule in the UT.
The notification said President Ram Nath Kovind had received a report from the administrator of the UT on February 22 and “after considering the report and other information”, the President was “satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the administration of the Union Territory of Puducherry cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 (20 of 1963).”

The notification issued by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla said the “Legislative Assembly of the said Union Territory is hereby placed under suspended animation.”

UTs are administered in accordance with the provisions of Article 239 to 241 of the Constitution, and according to the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961, certain subjects pertaining to the UTs- Legislative matters, Finance and Budget and Services have been allocated to the MHA .
The notification said, “in relation to the said Union territory, unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in sections 23 [special provisions as to financial Bills], 27 to 31 [Annual financial statement, Procedure in Legislative Assembly with respect to estimates, Appropriation Bills, Supplementary, additional or excess grants, Votes on account and section 49 [audit reports] of the Act to the Administrator shall be construed as a reference to the President and any reference in those sections and in section 48 [Contingency Fund of the Union territory] to the Legislative Assembly of a Union Territory by whatever form of words shall, in so far as it relates to the functions and powers thereof, be construed as a reference to Parliament.”
It added, “in relation to the said Union Territory, the reference to the Legislative Assembly of a Union Territory in section 26 [Requirements as to sanction and recommendations to be regarded as matters of procedure] only shall be construed as including a reference to Parliament.”

The decision comes days after the Congress-led government lost power in a vote of confidence.

3. Nirav Modi can be extradited to India in PNB scam case, says U.K. court

District Judge Samuel Goozee rules diamantaire must face trial in India.

The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursday allowed India’s extradition request against businessman Nirav Modi, who is wanted in connection with the ₹13,758-crore Punjab National Bank fraud, ruling that a prima facie case had been made out.

The order will be sent to the Secretary of State for the United Kingdom's Home Department for further action. The Secretary of State has to take a decision within two months, or can seek an extension from the High Court. Appealing the Secretary of State’s decision in the High Court is only possible with the High Court's permission.

Notice of application for approval to appeal has to be sought within 14 days of extradition, or discharge, ordered by the Secretary of State. “Unless there is an appeal, a requested person must be extradited within 28 days of the Secretary of State’s decision to order extradition (subject to any appeal),” according to the U.K.'s official website.

In its order, the Westminster Magistrates Court held that there were sufficient grounds warranting Mr. Nirav Modi's trial in India. It also accepted the evidence put forth by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate that he had conspired to destroy the proof against him and intimidate witnesses.

It was alleged that he forcibly kept his employees, some of who were dummy directors in the firms floated by him, in illegal custody in Cairo and got their mobile phones destroyed in Dubai.

The U.K. court observed that Barrack 12 in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was spacious enough for Mr. Nirav Modi and that he would get sufficient security. It was convinced that he would not be denied justice in India. The court also turned down the argument of him suffering from severe mental health issues as a ground to deny extradition request, stating that his condition was “far from unusual”.

The testimony of retired Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju was also rejected. “I attach little weight to Justice Katju’s expert opinion... despite having been a former Supreme Court judge in India until his retirement in 2011 his evidence was in my assessment less than objective and reliable,” said the order.

The Judge said: “His [Justice Katju's] evidence in Court appeared tinged with resentment towards former senior judicial colleagues. It had hallmarks of an outspoken critic with his own personal agenda. I found his evidence and behaviour in engaging the media the day before giving evidence to be questionable for someone who served the Indian Judiciary at such a high level appointed to guard and protect the rule of law.”

Mr. Nirav Modi faces the allegation of siphoning off funds through fraudulently issued Letters of Undertaking and laundering them. The ED has accused him of diverting more than ₹4,000 crore using over a dozen shell entities based in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. While his properties worth hundreds of crores have been attached in India and overseas, he has also been declared a fugitive economic offender by a special Mumbai court.

The businessman had fled the country along with his family members in January 2018. On India's request, he was arrested on March 19, 2019, and since then he has been in judicial custody there.

On January 8, the court had heard arguments from both the sides on the applicability of Section 91 of the UK’s Extradition Act in the case of Mr. Nirav Modi, given his purported mental health condition. Based on the same provision, the extradition of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was recently blocked.

Mr. Nirav Modi's uncle Mehul Choksi is facing extradition proceedings in Antigua. He had taken Antiguan citizenship before he flew out of India in 2018.

In May last year, the UK High Court had rejected a plea of businessman Vijay Mallya for approval move the Supreme Court against the dismissal of his appeal, paving way for his extradition to India. However, an executive decision in this regard is pending in the Home Department there.

4. PNB-Nirav Modi case | Chronology of events

Following is the chronology of the case and its origin.
A U.K. court on Thursday ruled that fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated $2 billion.

Following is the chronology of the case and its origin:

January 29, 2018: Punjab National Bank (PNB) files police complaint against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and others accusing fraud to the tune of ₹2.81 billion.

February 5, 2018: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launches an investigation into the alleged scam.

February 16, 2018: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seizes a cumulative ₹56.74 billion worth of diamonds, gold and jewellery from Nirav Modi’s home and offices.

February 17, 2018: The CBI makes first arrest in the case. Two PNB employees and an executive of Nirav Modi’s group were detained.

February 17, 2018: Government suspends passports of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi for four weeks in connection with the PNB fraud.

February 21, 2018: CBI arrests CFO of Nirav Modi’s firm and two other senior executives of his firms. It also seals his farmhouse in Alibaug.

February 22, 2018: The ED seizes nine luxury cars belonging to Nirav Modi and his firms.

February 27, 2018: A magistrate’s court issues a bailable arrest warrant against diamond trader Nirav Modi.

June 2, 2018: The Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi for money laundering.

June 25, 2018: The ED moves a special court in Mumbai seeking Nirav Modi’s extradition.

August 3, 2018: The Indian Government sends a request for the extradition of Nirav Modi to the UK authorities.

August 20, 2018: The CBI officials request Interpol Manchester to detain Nirav Modi after the latter informs about his presence in London to Indian authorities.

December 27, 2018: The UK informs India that Nirav Modi is living in the country.

March 9, 2019: British newspaper ‘The Telegraph’ confronts Nirav Modi on London’s streets and confirms his presence in the country.

March 9, 2019: The ED says the government of the UK has sent an extradition request of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi to a UK court for further proceeding.

March 18, 2019: Westminster Court in London issues arrest warrant against fugitive Nirav Modi after the Indian government request was forwarded to the court by the UK Home Office March 20, 2019: Nirav Modi arrested in London and produced in Westminster Court, which denies him bail.

March 20, 2019: Nirav Modi sent to Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Wandsworth till March 29

March 29, 2019: A Westminster Magistrates Court in London rejects Nirav Modi’s second bail application, saying there are “substantial grounds” to believe that he will fail to surrender. The judge fixes April 26 as the next date of hearing when he will appear via video link from jail.

May 8, 2019: Nirav Modi denied bail for a third time, to remain in UK jail.

June 12, 2019: UK court rejects Nirav Modi’s bail for fourth time over fears he would abscond.

August 22, 2019: Nirav Modi’s remand extended till September 19, UK extradition trial expected in May 2020.

November 6, 2019: UK court rejects Nirav Modi’s new bail application

May 11, 2020: Nirav Modi’s five-day extradition trial in PNB fraud case begins in UK

May 13, 2020: Indian govt submits more proof against Nirav Modi in money laundering case

September 7, 2020: UK court given fresh video tour of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail

December 1, 2020: Nirav Modi’s remand extended, final hearings in 2021

January 8, 2021: UK court decides to pronounce judgement in Nirav Modi’s extradition case on February 25

February 25, 2021: UK court rules Nirav Modi can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering.

5. Why is Facebook banning Myanmar military pages?

Facebook announced on Thursday that it is removing all remaining Myanmar military and military-controlled pages from its site and from Instagram, which it also owns.

It said it will also block advertising from military-linked businesses.

The decision follows a February 1 coup in which the military removed elected leaders from power and jailed others. Days after the coup the military temporarily blocked access to Facebook because it was being used to share anti-coup comments and organize protests.

Here's a look at Facebook's role in Myanmar and what the banning of the military pages means.

What is Facebook’s role in Myanmar?

For decades Myanmar was one of the least-connected countries in the world, with less than 5% of the population using the internet in 2012, according to the International Telecommunication Union. When telecommunications began to be deregulated by a quasi-civilian government in 2013, the price of SIM cards for cellphones plummeted, opening a new market of users.

Facebook was quick to capitalize on the changes, and soon began to be used by government agencies and shopkeepers alike to communicate.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, had over 22.3 million Facebook users in January 2020, more than 40% of its population, according to social media management platform NapoleonCat. For many in the country, Facebook effectively is the internet.

“The role of Facebook is vital in the country," said Nickey Diamond, a Myanmar human rights specialist with the group Fortify Rights. “In Myanmar, Facebook is one of the most important communication platforms to the people.”

What issues has Facebook faced in Myanmar?

The social media platform has faced accusations of not doing enough to quell hate speech in the country.

In a 2018 report on army-led violence which forced more than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, Marzuki Darusman, head of the U.N. Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, said Facebook “substantively contributed to the level of acrimony and dissension and conflict.”

He added, “Hate speech is certainly of course a part of that.” Under pressure from the U.N. and international human rights groups, Facebook banned about 20 Myanmar military-linked individuals and organizations in 2018, including Commander in Chief Min Aung Hlaing, for involvement in severe human rights violations.

Why is Facebook banning more military-linked pages now?

After the coup, Facebook said it would reduce distribution of all content from Myanmar's military, called the Tatmadaw, on its site, while also removing content that violates its community standards, including hate speech.

Facebook announced Thursday that it will ban all remaining Myanmar military-related entities from Facebook and Instagram, as well as ads from military-linked businesses.

“Events since the February 1 coup, including deadly violence, have precipitated a need for this ban. We believe the risks of allowing the Tatmadaw on Facebook and Instagram are too great,” the company said a statement.

The ban covers the air force, the navy, the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Border Affairs, Facebook Policy Communications Manager Amy Sawitta Lefevre said.

Facebook said it will leave up pages contributing to public welfare, including those of the Ministry of Health and Sports and the Ministry of Education.

What impact will it have?

The decision deprives the military of its largest communication platform.

“This is a welcome and long overdue step by Facebook,” Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign U.K., said in an emailed statement.

“In a country where Facebook has been so incredibly popular, it's a psychological blow for the military. They have put a lot of resources into using Facebook for propaganda purposes, to recruit soldiers and to raise funds.” Facebook said it expects the military will attempt to regain a presence on the platform.

“In cases like these, we are working to be as precise as possible, but we know we may miss some and we'll keep refining our enforcement," Ms. Lefevre said.

Facebook declined to say how much revenue it expects to forgo from the loss of advertising from military-linked companies.