Modi To Nehru, Obama To Musharraf — A Look At Ajmer Sharif Dargah’s Enduring Political, Cultural Resonance
New Age Islam News Bureau
01 December 2024
Over the centuries, the Ajmer Dargah has established itself as one of the most important Sufi sites in the subcontinent. (FB/Ajmer Sharif Dargah)
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• Modi To Nehru, Obama To Musharraf — A Look At Ajmer Sharif Dargah’s Enduring Political, Cultural Resonance
• Sambhal Mosque: ASI Seeks Control, Management Of Shahi Jama Masjid, A Mughal-Era Structure In Court Filing
• Assisted Dying Will Change Society And Its Views Towards The Elderly, Sick And Disabled - Mufti Zubair Butt, From Bradford
• Gun Battle Rages On Between Shia, Sunni In Pakistan: Death Toll In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rises To 124
• Egypt: Al-Azhar University And ICRC Explore Similarities Between International Humanitarian Law And Islamic Sharia
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India
• National Conference Condemns ‘Flood Of Petitions’ Calling For Surveys Of Mosques, Muslim Shrines
• Shimla Court Rejects Application Of Muslim Organisation Against Order To Demolish 3 Storeys Of SanjauliMosque
• Judicial panel in Sambhal to probe violence that occurred over mosque survey
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Europe
• Did Russia Kill The Leader Of The Islamist Group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Hours After His Men Stormed Syria's Aleppo?
• ‘Critical’ lack of Muslim burial plots
• Zelensky suggests war could end if unoccupied Ukraine comes under NATO
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Pakistan
• KP CM vows indiscriminate action against ‘militants’ in Kurram
• Shah Mehmood Qureshi urges reconciliation as PTI feels the heat
• Bilawal for use of ‘talks or force’ to bring stability
• No ‘attacker’ to be allowed from KP in future, says Asif
• SC to take up PTI plea against tweaks to Elections Act on Dec 4th
• 139 PTI workers sent on five-day physical remand in Islamabad
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Arab World
• Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani discusses developments in Syria with Bashar al-Assad
• Al Ghorrah holds workshops on Arabic calligraphy, Islamic geometric patterns
• KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan
• Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cameroon’s president
• Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity
• Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network
• Saudi Arabia arrests 19,024 illegals in one week
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Mideast
• Israel National Security Minister Initiates Policy To Regulate Mosque Noise Level
• Syrian Military Says Dozens Of Soldiers Killed In Major Islamist Attack On Aleppo
• Al-Qassam Brigades broadcast message from Israeli-American hostage to Trump
• Ex-minister Yaalon accuses Israel of 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza
• Israeli strike in Gaza kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity
• Iran, Russia foreign ministers say they support Syria in confronting rebels, Iran state media reports
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South Asia
• UN Commissioner: Justice For Women And Girls In Afghanistan Is Non-Negotiable
• India needs to address Dhaka’s concerns; optimistic about good bilateral relations: Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser
• Snowfall, freezing weather leave three kids dead in Afghanistan
• ICC Prosecutor: Significant progress in Gender Discrimination Investigation in Afghanistan
• ‘Undeniable reality’: Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser says relation with India changed after August 5
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North America
• Major Canadian News Outlets Sue OpenAi, Maker Of The Artificial Intelligence Chatbot ChatGPT, In New Copyright Case
• US suspends strategic partnership with Georgia over EU accession halt
• Kamala Harris Faces Criticism Over Post-Election Fundraising Blitz
• Biden's Thanksgiving holiday is part of a longer farewell as Trump's return to White House nears
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Southeast Asia
• Religious Minister: Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council Allocating RM5m For Flood Victims
• Mosque cleaning campaign marks volunteer day
• DPM Zahid: Current flood situation worse than 2014
• Frozen accounts means Bersatu skating on thin ice financially, Rina Harun says
• Abang Jo wants Sarawak airline to cover Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Germany.
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Africa
• How Abacha would have executed Obasanjo – Gowon
• NLC: FCT council workers to begin strike December 1
• Economic reforms: What President Tinubu should know
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/ajmer-sharif-dargah-political-musharraf/d/133883
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Modi To Nehru, Obama To Musharraf — A Look At Ajmer Sharif Dargah’s Enduring Political, Cultural Resonance
By Hamza Khan
Jaipur: December 1, 2024
Over the centuries, the Ajmer Dargah has established itself as one of the most important Sufi sites in the subcontinent. (FB/Ajmer Sharif Dargah)
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Last Wednesday, a local court in Rajasthan’s Ajmer issued notices to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and the Ajmer Dargah Committee over a petition filed by Hindu Sena, which claimed that there was a Shiva temple at the widely revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, and that a survey should be conducted there.
Over the centuries, the Ajmer Dargah has established itself as one of the most important Sufi sites in the subcontinent. Owing to its cultural, historical and spiritual relevance, it has also become important politically, with the Presidents and the Prime Ministers paying their obeisance at the shrine and sending Chadars (sheets as ritual offerings) during the annual Urs festival, which commemorates the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who has been among the most highly regarded Sufi saints in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too has been regularly sending Chadars to the Ajmer Dargah during the Urs festival. In March 2016, addressing the World Sufi Forum attended by delegates from 20 countries, the PM said that for the Sufis, service of God meant service to humanity. “In the words of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, of all the worships, the worship that pleases the Almighty God the most is the grant of relief to the humble and the oppressed,” Modi had said.
Sufism is the voice of peace, co-existence, compassion and equality; a call to universal brotherhood, the PM had said, contrasting it with terrorism.
The message of Sufism, he added, is not just confined to combating terrorism, but also encompasses his creed of “sabkasaath, sabkavikas”.
This August, Union Minister of Minority Affairs KirenRijiju said, “Bharat’s Sufi heritage is a testament to our centuries-old tradition of unity in diversity. Under the visionary guidance of PM Narendra Modi ji, the Sufi Corridor project will preserve this rich legacy and inspire future generations. It’s a journey to connect hearts around the world to the soul of our nation.” The proposed Sufi corridor, which is to start from Ajmer, aims to build infrastructure to support and improve Sufi shrines around the country.
The Ajmer Dargah has been part of India’s cultural diplomacy too, especially with its neighbours. While former US President Barack Obama has offered a chadar, political leaders from the neighborhood, including Pervez Musharraf, General Zia-ul-Haq, Benazir Bhutto, and Sheikh Hasina, among others, have personally visited the Dargah.
Back home, top politicians including Presidents, Chief Ministers and Union ministers, and Bollywood superstars have all paid their respects at the shrine. The Dargah is frequented so much by the celebrities that there exists a “Bollywood Duago” in Ajmer, run by Syed Qutbuddin Sakhi, who facilitates their pilgrimage.
The Dargah has also been a means for political outreach to Muslims in the country, with PM Modi sending chadars there through the BJP’s Muslim faces including former Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and former Rajasthan party leader Amin Pathan.
However, amid the fast-changing political landscape, all this seems to be changing too. The Ajmer court’s move to admit the Hindu Sena petition and issue notices has been met with surprise and disbelief from many in Ajmer who see the development as “unimaginable” and “unprecedented”.
In part, it is because the Dargah’s history has been relatively well documented over the centuries – in coming January, its 813th Urs will be commemorated – and has been revered for centuries, including by Emperor Akbar, who was known to have had a special affection for the shrine.
“The Dargah has been around for 800 years… Prime Ministers beginning with Jawaharlal Nehru have sent chadars,” said AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, questioning why the lower courts aren’t abiding by the Places of Worship Act, which freezes the status of religious sites as they existed on August 15, 1947.
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said, “People from across the world go there (Ajmer Dargah) to offer chadars. And Prime Ministers from (Jawaharlal) Nehru, (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee to Modi have offered chadars, which has a meaning. So, you are offering chadar and people from your party are filing cases in the court and spreading confusion. What kind of message is being sent?” He alleged that the moves of the BJP and RSS have been creating distance and hatred between communities.
Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore said, “I would not like to comment on it as it in the courts but RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji, all have said that humein ab zyadavivadpaidanahikarnehain (we don’t have to create any more controversies). There are examples across India of structures that were damaged or taken over during Mughal rule. And the courts have given their decision on them and we got some structures back.”
Ajmer North MLA and Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani said, “Everyone should follow whatever the court says. There have been other (cases) like this that have been decided through the courts. I would request everyone to not do politics over it.”
Recently, the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government renamed Ajmer’s famed Hotel Khadim – an undertaking of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation – as Ajaymeru. Calling for the name change, Devnani had claimed Ajmer was famous as Ajaymeru during the reign of Rajasthan’s 12th-century warrior king Prithviraj Chauhan and that it was called Ajaymeru in ancient texts and history books.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, who is also the Ajmer BJP MP, did not respond to calls for comments.
Source: Indianexpress.Com
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Sambhal Mosque: ASI Seeks Control, Management Of Shahi Jama Masjid, A Mughal-Era Structure In Court Filing
Dec 1, 2024
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has filed its response in court regarding control and management of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a protected heritage structure. ASI's legal representative, Vishnu Sharma, confirmed the submission of counterarguments on Friday, noting difficulties faced from the mosque's committee and local residents during site surveys.
Sharma referenced a January 19, 2018 incident where the mosque's management committee faced legal action for the unauthorised installation of steel railings. The mosque, designated as an ASI-protected monument in 1920, should allow public access under ASI guidelines.
The ASI maintains that it should retain authority over the monument's management and structural modifications. The organisation expressed concerns about unauthorised alterations by the management committee, deeming such changes unlawful. The court's deliberation on this matter is anticipated shortly.
On November 24, a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal resulted in violent clashes, causing four fatalities and numerous injuries. A judicial commission comprising three members is scheduled to visit Sambhal on Sunday to investigate the incident.
Moradabad divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed that two commission members arrived on Saturday, with the third member expected to join on Sunday. The survey was conducted following claims about a former Harihar temple at the mosque's location.
The commission, established through a November 28 notification, operates under a two-month deadline, with extensions requiring governmental approval. Led by retired Allahabad high court judge Devendra Kumar Arora, alongside former officials Amit Mohan Prasad and Arvind Kumar Jain, the commission will investigate whether the violence was spontaneous or premeditated.
Their responsibilities include evaluating police and administrative readiness during the incident, examining factors leading to the violence, and suggesting preventive measures for similar situations.
Source: Times Of India
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/115860707.cms
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Assisted Dying Will Change Society And Its Views Towards The Elderly, Sick And Disabled - Mufti Zubair Butt, From Bradford
Adam Laver
01-12-2024
Mufti Zubair Butt said the assisted dying bill went against Islamic principles
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Legalising assisted dying would change society and its views towards the elderly, sick and disabled, an Islamic leader has said.
Under draft legislation being considered by Parliament, terminally ill adults expected to die within six months could seek help to end their own life.
Mufti Zubair Butt, from Bradford - which is home to the highest proportion of Muslims in the UK - said the bill went against Islamic principles.
"I believe that the giving of life and the taking of life is the sole right and preserve of God," he said, speaking before MPs debated the changes.
Mufti Zubair, who is also a hospital chaplain in Leeds and a trustee at the Bradford Council for Mosques, added: "There is always wisdom in God's decisions, but we may not understand that."
He said the bill "would alter, not just Muslims', but society's view towards the elderly, towards those who are seriously ill and disabled people".
Following Friday's vote, Mufti Zubair said: "Now we must work together to make sure the proper safeguards are adhered to in full and protect our most vulnerable from any unintended consequences."
Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South, did not vote, while Anna Dixon, MP for Shipley; Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West; Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East; and Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, all voted against the bill.
The bill was put forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who urged politicians to focus on the families affected by "harrowing deaths" of some terminally ill people when voting.
have the mental capacity to make the choice and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish, free from coercion or pressure
satisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible - with at least seven days between each assessment - and seek approval from a High Court judge
The bill will now face months of debate and scrutiny by MPs and peers, who could choose to amend it, with the approval of both Houses of Parliament required before it becomes law.
Following the vote, Leadbeater said: "If there are things that need to change, amendments that need to be put forward, let's have that conversation.
Source: Www.Bbc.Com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgldrgdkzyo
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Gun Battle Rages On Between Shia, Sunni In Pakistan: Death Toll In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rises To 124
01.12.24
File photo
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Death toll in Khurram tribal sectarian violence rose to 124 with two more deaths on Saturday as a gun battle continued between Shia and Sunni groups despite a ceasefire in Pakistan's northwestern Province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Province's governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday extended an offer to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to personally visit the disturbed area.
Clashes between Alizai and Bagan tribes in the district started on November 22, after an attack on a convoy of passenger vans near Parachinar in which 47 people were killed a day earlier.
At least 37 people have been killed and scores injured over the last two days alone in the violence that began in Bagan Bazaar area and spread to other parts such as Balishkhel, Khar, Kali, JunjAlizai, and Maqbal.
The government had on Sunday brokered a seven-day ceasefire between the Shia and Sunni communities. The truce was later extended to 10 days.
Governor Kundi also planned to dispatch members of a grand peace jirga (council of the tribal leaders) from Kohat division to Khurram district for engaging with leaders from both warring factions to negotiate peace.
Source: Telegraph India.Com
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Egypt: Al-Azhar University and ICRC explore similarities between International Humanitarian Law and Islamic Sharia
01-12-2024
(Cairo - ICRC) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Al-Azhar University, one of the world’s oldest institutions of Islamic learning, hosted a seminar on "The Principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and their Commonalities with Islamic Sharia" on 27-28 November at Al-Azhar University’s faculty of Sharia and Law in Cairo.
The seminar featured lectures and discussions on the protection of civilians and the humane treatment of prisoners during armed conflicts, exploring these issues from both IHL and Islamic Sharia perspectives. The aim was to promote the universal acceptance of IHL and to highlight the humanitarian values and protective provisions enshrined in Islamic jurisprudence.
“Islam has always emphasized the importance of humanitarian principles, both in peace and in times of war. In the event of conflict, it prohibits aggression against others, except in response to an aggressor, and instructs its followers to refrain from cutting down trees, harming the elderly, women, or children, and to treat prisoners with dignity," stated Dr. Mahmoud Siddiq, Vice President of Al-Azhar University for Graduate Studies and Research, during the opening session of the seminar.
Mr. Alfonso Verdu Perez, head of the ICRC delegation in Egypt, concurred, emphasizing the universality and significance of IHL. “At the ICRC we always remind that even wars have limits. These limits are defined by the IHL, a catalogue of principles born of the desire to limit suffering in wartime,” he stated in his opening remarks. “These principles serve as a bridge between war and peace, brutality and compassion, dehumanization and dignity,” he added.
He noted that the similarities between IHL and Islamic Sharia are not coincidental, but rather reflect universal values, and emphasized that respecting these values is more important today than ever before.
The seminar was attended by 70 students and 35 professors and faculty members from the Faculty of Sharia and Law, representing several governorates across Egypt.
It provided an opportunity for ICRC experts, as well as Al-Azhar scholars and students, to exchange knowledge on the shared principles between these two legal frameworks, both of which aim to preserve human dignity in armed conflicts.
The seminar is part of the ICRC Egypt delegation’s ongoing collaboration with Al-Azhar and is also part of the broader dialogue the ICRC maintains with Islamic intellectuals and academics worldwide, aimed at highlighting the common principles and values that apply to all of humanity.
Source: Www.Icrc.Org
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India
National Conference Condemns ‘Flood Of Petitions’ Calling For Surveys Of Mosques, Muslim Shrines
November 30, 2024
National Conference (NC) on Saturday condemned the filing of petitions across the country which call for surveys of mosques and Muslim shrines.
In a statement, the party’s provincial president Kashmir, Showkat Mir, expressed “deep concern over the flood of petitions” that have been submitted calling for surveys of mosques and Muslim Shrines.
“The recent petition calling for a survey at the revered shrine of Khawaja Moin Ud Din Chisti (RA) in Ajmer Sharief has deeply offended millions of individuals, regardless of their background, who hold the Shrine in high regard,” he said. The NC leader said each year, millions of pilgrims from all corners of the globe, regardless of their faith or nationality, make a pilgrimage to the shrine.
“This shrine stands as a symbol of unity and diversity. The destruction of old mosques and historic structures by certain individuals is a clear attempt to sow discord and division within our nation,” he said.
Source: Indianexpress.Com
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Shimla court rejects application of Muslim organisation against order to demolish 3 storeys of Sanjauli mosque
by Saurabh Parashar
November 30, 2024
Shimla’s Additional District and Sessions Judge Praveen Garg on Saturday dismissed the plea of All Himachal Muslim Organisation (AHMO) challenging the October 5 order of the Municipal Commissioner (MC)’s Court to demolish three “illegally” built storeys of Sanjauli mosque.
The Muslim body had also challenged the authority of Mohammed Latif, president of Sanjauli mosque committee, who on September 12 submitted before the Shimla MC Commissioner Bhupender Attri that the committee is ready to demolish the illegal part of the mosque.
“The court has dismissed our plea. We are yet to receive copy of the detailed order. After reading the order, we will decide the further course of action,” said Advocate Vishav Bhushan, who represented AHMO.
Source:
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Judicial panel in Sambhal to probe violence that occurred over mosque survey
Abhinav Mathur
Dec 1, 2024
A three-member judicial inquiry commission arrived at the site in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal where clashes occurred over a court-ordered mosque survey in a Mughal-era mosque, claiming five lives. The panel inspected the site of the incident with Sambhal's District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP).
The delegation, headed by Justice Devendra Kumar Arora, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, took information about the incident from the police and district administration officials of Sambhal district present at the site. The other members of the panel include Amit Mohan Prasad, a retired IAS officer, and Arvind Kumar Jain, a retired IPS officer.
The commission will investigate whether the violence in Sambhal was a planned conspiracy or a sudden incident. It will also investigate the role of people behind the clashes and submit a report in two months.
It will probe the arrangements made by the district administration and police to maintain law and order and the circumstances leading to the clashes and police using force on protesters opposing the mosque survey.
Source: Www.Indiatoday.In
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Europe
Did Russia Kill The Leader Of The Islamist Group Hayat Tahrir al-ShamHours After His Men Stormed Syria's Aleppo?
December 01, 2024
The leader of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who entered the Syrian city of Aleppo on Saturday, may have died in a Russian missile strike, according to reports.
Ahmed Hussein al-Shar’a, known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, died in a Russian airstrike, hours after his men stormed into Aleppo killing the Syrian troops fighting for President President Bashar al-Assad, The Times of Israel quoted Arab media reports.
However, Russia has not confirmed or denied the news reports. However, pictures purportedly showing the dead body of Al-Julani have been circulating on social media.
Russian Defence Ministry, however, claimed on Saturday that its air force conducted strikes on Syrian rebels in support of the Syrian army. As per the statement, the air raids were focused on "militant concentrations, command posts, depots, and artillery positions" in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
Source: Www.Theweek.In
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‘Critical’ lack of Muslim burial plots
by Andrew Batt
December 1, 2024
Only two burial spaces for Muslims currently remain within Wokingham borough.
The spaces – one each at Mays Lane cemetery in Earley, and at Shinfield cemetery – were discussed at last week’s full council meeting.
Cllr Stephen Conway, the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said the authority recognises the ‘critical issue’ of providing more spaces within the borough, but that he ‘can’t say how quickly we will be able to do this’.
The issue was raised by Wokingham Borough councillors Basit Alvi and Majid Nagra, as well as by the MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang.
Basit Alvi said he had been approached by ‘multiple residents and community representatives’ across the borough regarding the problem.
Source: Wokingham.Today
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https://wokingham.today/critical-lack-of-muslim-burial-plots/
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Zelensky suggests war could end if unoccupied Ukraine comes under NATO
30 November 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed that NATO membership could encompass the parts of Ukraine currently under Kyiv's control to halt the "hot phase" of the war, provided the alliance first recognizes Ukraine's full territory within its internationally recognized borders, Azernews reports via sources.
In an interview with Sky News, Zelensky emphasized that NATO guarantees are crucial for lasting peace, dismissing ceasefire proposals as ineffective without mechanisms to prevent further Russian aggression. He stated, “You can't give an invitation to just one part of a country... it would recognize the other part as Russia.”
Source: Www.azernews.az
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https://www.azernews.az/region/234580.html
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Pakistan
KP CM vows indiscriminate action against ‘militants’ in Kurram
Umer Farooq
December 1, 2024
PESHAWAR / KURRAM: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has ordered security forces to carry out indiscriminate action against ‘militants’ in Kurram district, where violence has killed around 100 people.
The chief minister visited the neighbouring district of Kohat on Saturday and attended the meeting of a grand jirga constituted by the provincial government to address the violence in Kurram district.
The grand jirga took place amid ongoing violent clashes, which started last week when a convoy of passenger vehicles came under attack in Lower Kurram, killing more than 40 people.
Since then, reprisal attacks and intermittent firing have resulted in the death of around 57 more people despite a ceasefire agreement.
Source: Dawn.Com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1875862/kp-cm-vows-indiscriminate-action-against-militants-in-kurram
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Shah Mehmood Qureshi urges reconciliation as PTI feels the heat
Mansoor Malik
December 1, 2024
LAHORE: As the opposition PTI reels from the Nov 26 crackdown, party vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who is in jail along with other key leaders, on Saturday advocated for national reconciliation and national consensus to achieve political stability.
In a media talk after his appearance in an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, the former foreign minister expressed the hope that politically astute people in all political parties would play a role for a national dialogue since a ban on the PTI would only complicate the situation.
Mr Qureshi requested that he be provided an opportunity to meet party founder Imran Khan so that he could present his point of view towards national reconciliation and national consensus.
The remarks by the PTI leader came amid reports that the federal government had purportedly been deliberating a ban on the former ruling party and a governor’s rule in the PTI-run Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to repeated ‘onslaughts’ on the federal capital by the opposition party.
Mr Qureshi cautioned that crushing PTI would not be in the interest of Pakistan and the purported plan to proscribe the party and impose a governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was sheer absurdity.
He said political leadership had no idea about the consequences of such a decision, adding that Balochistan was facing insurgency, terrorism was rising in KP, and Sindh was protesting the federal government’s approach towards the water issue.
The PTI vice chairman said the incumbent government’s consideration to impose the governor’s rule in KP would be tantamount to desecrating the will of the people that gave a “two-thirds majority” to the PTI. “I do hope that the politically savvy people in the PML-N will oppose the idea of imposing the governor’s rule and warn their leadership that it will be a political and historical blunder,” Mr Qureshi said.
Source: Dawn.Com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1875863/shah-mehmood-qureshi-urges-reconciliation-as-pti-feels-the-heat
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Bilawal for use of ‘talks or force’ to bring stability
Imran Ayub
December 1, 2024
KARACHI: In light of disruptive protests and a deteriorating security situation in the country, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday called for political stability which needed to be achieved whether through “dialogue or force”.
“In my opinion, now political stability will have to be established, either through dialogue or by force,” he said in an address that was broadcast in 150 districts via video link to mark the PPP’s 57th foundation day.
“The political stability is essential so that economic stability can be achieved in Pakistan, so we can fight terrorism. Disappointed with PML-N over its economic, security policies;, and the writ of the state can prevail. The state must function. The PPP’s historic stance has always been ‘dialogue, dialogue, and dialogue’,” he said, adding that solutions could be found through talks.
Reiterating the PPP’s ‘historic opposition’ to banning political parties or dissolving provincial governments to impose governor’s rule, Mr Bhutto-Zardari emphasised that the party would strive to resolve such issues through consensual and collaborative decisions.
“The problem with the opposition is that they refuse to engage in dialogue. They only want to talk to the establishment and non-democratic forces. If this continues, it will harm both — the opposition party and Pakistan,” he added.
Source: Dawn.Com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1875864/bilawal-for-use-of-talks-or-force-to-bring-stability
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No ‘attacker’ to be allowed from KP in future, says Asif
December 1, 2024
SIALKOT / ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Mohammad Asif has said in categorical terms that from now onwards, “no attacker” will be allowed from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to enter Islamabad, describing the recent PTI’s protest in capital as part 2 of May 9 tragedy. “We have to destroy the evil intentions of our enemies,” he told a press conference at his residence in the cantonment on Saturday.
He said PTI always practised the politics of chaos and was still spreading false propaganda about the bodies. “Everyone knows what the PTI did on Nov 24. It is spreading false propaganda on bodies. It martyred police and Rangers personnel whose funerals were also held. The PTI should not spread false propaganda on the bodies of its workers. We pay tribute to all the martyrs, including Rangers and police, who did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for our beloved homeland.
“I should make it clear that no attacker will come from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa now. Those who made big claims left the field and ran away at the first obstacle,” he said, adding that the way KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi left the party workers and fled had no example in the past.
“We’d offered them to sit and hold a rally at other places, yet this lady did not accept. Latif Khosa and other PTI leaders are giving different numbers of their ‘martyrs’, initially in thousands, then in hundreds and now 10 or 12. But no testimony has been received from grieving families in this regard,” he added.
The defence minister said PTI leader Omar Ayub, who claimed he was shot in the chest, was fit to hold a press conference. He reiterated the PTI had always done politics of chaos. “It held its first sit-in in 2014, resulting in the cancellation of the visit of the Chinese premier to Islamabad. Then they announced a sit-in to sabotage the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Islamabad, but by the grace of Allah, the meeting took place and now, during the visit of the president of Belarus, the PTI tried to hold another sit-in in Islamabad. This shows their ‘anti-nationalism’. Gandapur ran away from Islamabad and now he is shouting and saying that the sit-in is still going on. It is beyond understanding what kind of sit-in is this?” the minister wondered.
Source: Dawn.Com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1875857/no-attacker-to-be-allowed-from-kp-in-future-says-asif
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SC to take up PTI plea against tweaks to Elections Act on Dec 4th
Nasir Iqbal
December 1, 2024
ISLAMABAD: A six-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court will take up on Wednesday challenges by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to implementation of the amendments to the Elections Act, 2017 with retrospective effect.
Headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, the constitutional bench will take up the petitions moved by PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Mohammad Qayyum Khan and Chaudhry Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan.
The bench, consisting of Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, will hear both the appeals against the objections raised by the registrar as well as the main challenges to amendments to the Elections Act.
The petition was filed on Aug 7 after both houses of parliament approved the Elections (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2024. The PTI termed the bill an attack on the top court and said it would challenge the changes.
Source: Dawn.Com
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139 PTI workers sent on five-day physical remand in Islamabad
Malik Asad
December 1, 2024
ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Saturday approved a five-day physical remand of 139 PTI workers arrested in connection with the party’s protest in Islamabad.
The court also sent two female workers to judicial remand and extended by four days the physical remand of 17 other workers in a related case.
The capital police presented 141 individuals, including two women, before ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra. The arrests were made in cases registered at the Secretariat police station.
The arrested women told the court they had been detained since November 24 and were denied basic necessities, including food and water.
Source: Dawn.Com
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Arab World
Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani discusses developments in Syria with Bashar al-Assad
HaydarKaraalp
01.12.2024
Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani spoke late Saturday with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on the telephone to discuss developments in Syria.
A statement from Sudani's office said in the conversation, which also covered developments regarding the situation in the region, the prime minister emphasized that Syria's security and stability are closely linked to Iraq's national security.
Sudani also noted that the security and stability of both countries can be affected by regional security developments.
Source: Www.Aa.com.tr
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Al Ghorrah holds workshops on Arabic calligraphy, Islamic geometric patterns
December 01, 2024
Techniques from the heart of Arab-Islamic cultural heritage are being learned by children and adults alike as Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts continues to take people on a journey of creativity.
From musical and theatrical performances to storytelling, culinary experiences, and interactive workshops, the five-day event at Education City is a showcase of artistic and cultural expression for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
And within Al Ghorrah’s Multicultural Zone and Multaqa (Education City Student Centre), visitors have been experiencing the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, and discovering the rich history of Islamic geometric patterns, through specialised workshops that allow them to try their hand at learning these ancient skills.
Source: Www.gulf-times.com
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KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan
Arab News
December 01, 2024
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) activities in Lebanon and Sudan continues, with its latest humanitarian and medical outreach for needy individuals.
In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian agency distributed vouchers on Thursday, enabling beneficiaries to purchase winter clothing according to their needs from approved stores.
The latest undertaking benefited 520 individuals from Syrian and Palestinian refugee families, as well as host communities in Lebanon’s Naema and Sidon, as part of the center’s Kanaf-3 project for 2024.
Source: Www.Arabnews.com
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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cameroon’s president
SPA
December 01, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Cameroon, Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, on Saturday presented his credentials to President Paul Biya of Cameroon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Ambassador Al-Ghamdi conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Biya, wishing the people of Cameroon and the government continued progress and prosperity.
Source: Www.Arabnews.com
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Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity
Arab News
November 30, 2024
RIYADH: The 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims is being held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, under the theme “Shariah education in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and its impact on preserving identity,” from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
Organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the three-day event brings together ministers, scholars, researchers and specialists from Arab, Islamic, Latin American and Caribbean countries.
The conference promotes Islamic education among Muslim minorities, the religion’s role in preserving identity and social cohesion, and addressing challenges facing Muslim minority communities.
Saudi Arabia’s presence reflects its commitment to supporting Islam and Muslims, promoting moderation and balance, and strengthening the connection of Muslim minority communities to Islamic values that foster harmony, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Awwad Al-Anzi, undersecretary for Islamic affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, represented the Kingdom and delivered the opening speech on behalf of Minister Abdullatif Al-Asheikh.
He said that education is the “foundation of virtuous deeds,” guiding correct beliefs and practices, and highlighted the role of Shariah education in clarifying concepts and combating ignorance.
Source: Www.Arabnews.com
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Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network
HebshiAlshammari
November 30, 2024
RIYADH: The first three lines of the Riyadh Metro will begin operating on Sunday, forming part of the largest urban rail network in the Middle East.
Riyadh Metro, which is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, is a crucial step toward reducing traffic congestion in the capital, and improving quality of life for the city’s residents.
The first phase of the Riyadh Metro starts with three lines: the Blue line, connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha; the Yellow line, running along King Khalid International Airport Road; and the Purple line, covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street.
The Red line, covering King Abdullah Road, and the Green line, spanning King Abdulaziz Road, are both scheduled to begin operating on Dec. 15, while the Orange line, which covers Madinah Road, starts on Jan. 5, 2025.
The Riyadh Metro was launched 12 years after the project was announced in April 2012, when the Saudi Cabinet approved the implementation of the public transport project and formed a high-level committee to oversee it. Despite the challenges faced by the project, including the global pandemic, it was ultimately completed.
Contracts for the Riyadh Metro project were awarded in 2013 to three global consortiums, with a total value of about $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion).
Source: Www.Arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia arrests 19,024 illegals in one week
Arab News
November 30, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,024 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 11,268 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,773 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,983 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,212 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 73 percent were Ethiopian, 25 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 122 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
Source: Www.Arabnews.com
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Mideast
Israel National Security Minister Initiates Policy To Regulate Mosque Noise Level
DECEMBER 1, 2024
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has led a new policy to stop "unreasonable" loud noise from mosques and other sources, the National Security Ministry announced on Saturday.
According to the ministry, the policy will be aimed at stopping "unreasonable noise from mosques and other sources that have become a nuisance for Israeli residents."
The Security Ministry added that during discussions regarding the new policy, it was noted that many Western and Arab countries regulate noise and "have extensive legislation on the matter—only in Israel has the issue been neglected."
"Prayer is a fundamental right but cannot come at the expense of the quality of life of residents who suffer from unbearable noise. For decades, this issue has been ignored. Now, the minister [Ben-Gvir], together with [Environmental Protection Minister] IditSilman, is determined to improve the situation for the benefit of all residents, Jews and Arabs alike," the National Security Ministry added.
There have been mixed reactions to the new policy initiative, according to a Saturday N12 News report, which added that Ben-Gvir also has stated his intention to pursue political avenues that would increase fines in cases of noise violations.
Source: Www.Jpost.Com
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-831420
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Syrian military says dozens of soldiers killed in major Islamist attack on Aleppo
01-12-2024
The Syrian army said on Saturday dozens of its soldiers had been killed in a major attack led by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels who swept into the city of Aleppo, while Russia’s DefenseMinistery reportedly said its air force had carried out strikes on Syrian rebels in support of the country’s army.
The rebels’ assault, the boldest rebel for years in a civil war where the front lines had largely been frozen since 2020, forced the army to redeploy in the biggest challenge to President Bashar Assad in years.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, once known as the Nusra Front, is designated a terrorist group by the US, Russia, Turkey and other states. Assad is a close Moscow ally.
Hebrew media reported on Saturday that Israel was watching the jihadist rebels’ advances in Syria with considerable wariness, with intelligence chiefs that the developments could ultimately spell trouble for Israel.
The war, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced many millions, has ground on since 2011 with no formal end, although most major fighting halted years ago after Iran and Russia helped Assad’s government win control of most land and all major cities.
“I am a son of Aleppo, and was displaced from it eight years ago, in 2016. Thank God we just returned. It is an indescribable feeling,” said Ali Jumaa, a rebel fighter, in television footage filmed inside the city.
After the army said it was preparing a counterattack, airstrikes targeted rebel gatherings and convoys in the city, the pro-Damascus newspaper al-Watan reported. One strike caused casualties in Aleppo’s Basel Square, a resident told Reuters.
The state-run Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of the Enemy Parties in Syria said missile and bomb strikes against the rebels had targeted “militant concentrations, command posts, depots, and artillery positions” in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. It claimed about 300 rebel fighters had been killed in the attacks.
Overnight, images from Aleppo showed a group of rebel fighters gathered in the city’s Saadallah al-Jabiri Square, with a billboard of Assad looming behind them.
The Syrian military command said militants had attacked in large numbers and from multiple directions, prompting “our armed forces to carry out a redeployment operation aimed at strengthening the defense lines in order to absorb the attack, preserve the lives of civilians and soldiers.”
Two rebel sources also said the insurgents had captured the city of Maraat al Numan in Idlib province, bringing all of that area under their control.
The fighting revives the long-simmering Syrian conflict as the wider region is roiled by wars in Gaza and Lebanon, where a truce between Israel and the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday.
“My message to the Israeli people is to worry about Iran and Hezbollah. We’re taking care of them. Brother, you should be afraid of Bashar al-Assad, Iran and Hezbollah (not us),” Suhail Mohammed Hamoud, known by his nom de guerre, Abu Tow, told Kan.
Source: Www.Timesofisrael.Com
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Al-Qassam Brigades broadcast message from Israeli-American hostage to Trump
Mohamed Majed
01.12.2024
Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released a video Saturday that featured an Israeli hostage with US citizenship in the Gaza Strip addressing US President-elect Donald Trump.
"To President Trump, I am an American-Israeli citizen currently held captive in the Gaza Strip. As an American, I have always believed in the power of the United States, and now I am sending my message," Eden Alexander said in the video.
"Please use your influence and the full power of the United States to negotiate for our freedom. Every day here feels like an eternity, and the pain within us grows from day to day. Please do not make the same mistake Joe Biden has been doing,” he said. "The weapons he has sent are now killing us, and the unlawful sieges are now starving us. I don’t want to end up dead.”
In a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Alexander said: "I heard that you will give $5 million to whoever brings us back alive."
Source: Www.Timesofisrael.Com
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Ex-minister Yaalon accuses Israel of 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza
01 December, 2024
Israel's former defence minister Moshe Yaalon on Saturday accused the Israeli army of "ethnic cleansing" in the Gaza Strip, sparking an outcry in the country.
"The road we are being led down is conquest, annexation and ethnic cleansing," Yaalon said in an interview on the private DemocratTV channel.
Pressed on the "ethnic cleansing" appraisal, he continued: "What is happening there? There is no more Beit Lahia, no more Beit Hanoun, the army intervenes in Jabalia and in reality the land is being cleared of Arabs."
Source: Www.Newarab.Com
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Israeli strike in Gaza kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity
1 December 2024
GAZA, 30 November 2024 - It is with profound sadness that we confirm that a staff member of Save the Children was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis yesterday (Saturday, Gaza time), the second Save the Children colleague killed in Gaza since the war began.
Ahmad Faisal Isleem Al-Qadi, 39, had worked for the administrative team in Gaza since May 2024. He was killed early Saturday afternoon as he was returning home to his wife and three-year-old daughter from the mosque. Up to 17 people were reported killed in at least two separate attacks in Khan Younis on Saturday.
Ahmad, who was deaf, will be remembered for his determination to help others, for his pride in his daughter, and for his ability to brighten others’ days. He had shared his dream with colleagues of rebuilding his home that was destroyed in a previous airstrike.
Source: Www.Newarab.Com
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Iran, Russia foreign ministers say they support Syria in confronting rebels, Iran state media reports
By Reuters
November 30, 2024
Nov 30 (Reuters) - The foreign ministers of Iran and Russia voiced support for Syria on Saturday during a major attack by rebel groups, Iranian state media reported.
Iran's Abbas Araqchi told Russia's Sergei Lavrov in a phone call that the attacks were part of an Israeli-U.S. plan to destabilise the region, state media said.
According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry about the call, both sides "expressed extreme concern about the dangerous escalation of the situation in Syria due to the terrorist offensive by armed groups in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces".
Source: Www.Reuters.com
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South Asia
UN Commissioner: Justice for women and girls in Afghanistan is non-negotiable
By Fidel Rahmati
November 30, 2024
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has spoken out against the restrictive measures imposed by the Taliban on women and girls in Afghanistan, stating that justice and equality for Afghanistan’s women and girls are non-negotiable.
In a statement made on Friday, November 29, as part of the 16-day campaign to eliminate violence against women, Volker Turk highlighted the severe erosion of human rights for women in Afghanistan over the past three years.
Turk pointed to the Taliban’s restrictions on education and employment for women, stating that these actions have effectively excluded women and girls from public life, turning them into “virtual prisoners in their homes.”
Source: Newsroomodisha.Com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-commissioner-justice-for-women-and-girls-in-afghanistan-is-non-negotiable/
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India needs to address Dhaka’s concerns; optimistic about good bilateral relations: Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser
November 30, 2024
Bangladesh has called on India to address its unresolved concerns to strengthen bilateral relations, even as tensions simmer over the recent arrest of a Hindu priest. Speaking on Saturday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain expressed optimism about the future of ties while emphasising the importance of protecting mutual interests.
Hossain acknowledged a shift in Bangladesh-India relations since August 5, describing it as a “reality.” He highlighted the imbalance in addressing each other’s priorities, stating, “While the previous Bangladeshi government took steps to address India’s concerns, Dhaka’s issues have largely remained unaddressed by New Delhi.”
The change in dynamics followed the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5 amidst protests over a controversial job quota system. Her departure paved the way for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to assume the role of Chief Adviser in the interim government three days later.
The diplomatic row erupted between India and Bangladesh after Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday.
Source: Www.Indianexpress.com
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Snowfall, freezing weather leave three kids dead in Afghanistan
By Newsroom Odisha Network
Nov 30, 2024
Faizabad: Heavy snowfall and freezing weather have claimed the lives of three children in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, a local official said on Saturday.
The tragic incident took place in Nawabad village of the Raghistan district on Friday afternoon, where the three children travelling to another village lost their lives on the spot due to heavy snowfall and severe cold conditions, Provincial Director for Information and Culture Hekmatullah Mohammadi said, Xinhua news agency reported.
Heavy snowfall and cold weather have also caused road blockades in some provinces, including the Salang Pass, the essential highway connecting the national capital Kabul to nine northern provinces and onward to Central Asian states.
Badakhshan province experiences severe cold and heavy snowfall annually, which creates significant challenges for its residents.
Source: Newsroomodisha.Com
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ICC Prosecutor: Significant progress in Gender Discrimination Investigation in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
November 30, 2024
The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed that it has received a case regarding human rights violations against women in Afghanistan, submitted by six countries.
The six countries—Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, France, Luxembourg, and Mexico—referred the case to the ICC on November 29, 2024. This is in response to the worsening human rights situation, particularly for women and girls in Afghanistan.
The ICC’s Chief Prosecutor welcomed the referral, stating that his office’s investigations into human rights violations in Afghanistan have made significant progress and the results will be announced soon.
Source: Www.khaama.Com
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‘Undeniable reality’: Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser says relation with India changed after August 5
Nov 30, 2024,
Amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute over the arrest of a Hindu priest, Bangladesh reiterated that India must address Dhaka’s longstanding concerns to enhance bilateral relations, while expressing optimism about maintaining positive ties with mutual interests safeguarded.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Touhid Hossain, acknowledged a shift in the relationship between the two nations since August 5, referring to it as an undeniable “reality”.
“After August 5, relations with India have been changed and this is the reality,” said Hossain. He emphasised that Bangladesh have to build a relationship with India “in view of this reality.”
Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to flee her country on August 5 afternoon following a swift and violent regime change. Hasina narrowly escaped a violent mob and was forced to take refuge in India after arriving in a Bangladesh Air Force.
Hossain emphasised that India must address Bangladesh’s persistent concerns to improve their bilateral ties. He pointed out that while Bangladesh’s previous government made efforts to address India’s concerns, India had not reciprocated by addressing Bangladesh’s issues.
Source: Www.Businesstoday.in
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North America
Major Canadian News Outlets Sue OpenAi, Maker Of The Artificial Intelligence Chatbot ChatGPT, In New Copyright Case
Dec 1, 2024
Toronto: A coalition of Canada's biggest news organisations is suing OpenAI, maker of the artificial intelligence Chatbot ChatGPT, accusing the company of illegally using their content in the first case of its kind in the country.
Five of the country's major news companies, including the publishers of its top newspapers, newswires and the national broadcaster, filed the joint suit in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Friday morning.
While this is the first such lawsuit in Canada, it is similar to a suit brought against OpenAI and Microsoft in the United States in 2023 by The New York Times, claiming copyright infringement of news content related to AI systems. The two companies have denied the suit's claims.
In response to the Canadian lawsuit, a spokesperson for OpenAI said, "We have not yet had the opportunity to review the allegations," but added "our models are trained on publicly available data, grounded in fair use and related international copyright principles that are fair for creators and support innovation."
Source: Times Of India.com
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US suspends strategic partnership with Georgia over EU accession halt
by Yuri Zoria
01/12/2024
Late on 30 November, the US Department of State announced the suspension of its strategic partnership with Tbilisi following the decision by the country’s pro-Russian Georgian Dream ruling party to halt the Georgia’s European Union accession process.
Georgia has faced unrest after the government suspended EU accession talks until 2028 last week, reversing a constitutional commitment. Protests in Tbilisi led to clashes with police, who used water cannons and tear gas, resulting in numerous arrests and injuries.
In a statement, Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the move, describing it as unconstitutional and a betrayal of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic commitments.
“By suspending Georgia’s EU accession process, Georgian Dream has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin,” Miller stated.
Source: Euromaidanpress.com
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Kamala Harris faces criticism over post-election fundraising blitz
Dec 1, 2024
Weeks after her election defeat, Vice President Kamala Harris continues to solicit donations through frequent fundraising emails. Critics claim the aggressive approach is alienating supporters while raising questions about her campaign’s financial management.
Emails from Harris’ team, dubbed the "Harris Fight Fund," have urged donors to contribute immediately, warning of the urgent need to counteract President-elect Donald Trump’s nominations and policies.
According to the New York Post, one email received chastised recipients, stating, “Our records show that you haven’t pitched in yet. We know the election didn’t turn out as we’d hoped, but we’re not backing down.”
Harris' campaign, which raised $1.5 billion over 15 weeks, ended with an alleged $20 million in debt, according to insiders cited by Politico. However, Harris’ team disputes these claims.
Source: Times Of India.com
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Biden's Thanksgiving holiday is part of a longer farewell as Trump's return to White House nears
Dec 1, 2024
NANTUCKET: Joe Biden is wrapping up his final Thanksgiving holiday as president on Nantucket, a family tradition that this year seems to be part of a broader farewell to his time in the White House.
The Democrat's four years as president will be bookended by Republican Donald Trump, whose Cabinet nominations, tariff threats and glitzy evenings at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida club, have captured the public's attention since the November election. Biden dropped out of the presidential contest in July and was replaced on the ticket by Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump.
During his five days on the Massachusetts island, with its picturesque wood shingle homes and sea-shelled beaches, the 82-year-old Biden was still dealing with questions of his legacy. He returned to Washington late Saturday and will leave for Angola the next day for his only visit to Africa as president.
On Friday, as Biden and his family walked along the quaint brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets that have made Nantucket a wealthy and desirable summer vacation spot, passersby shouted "We love you, Joe." The Biden contingent included the president's daughter, Ashley, and son, Hunter, as well as Hunter's 4-year-old son, Beau.
Over the past year, Biden has called Trump's falsehoods about the government's hurricane relief "un-American" and repeatedly warned that the incoming president could undermine U.S. democracy and foreign alliances.
Source: Times Of India.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/115857220.cms
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Southeast Asia
Religious minister: Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council allocating RM5m for flood victims
01 Dec 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has prepared an allocation of RM5 million to help flood victims throughout the country, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr MohdNa’im Mokhtar said.
He added that the initial aid will be channelled to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia’s (JAKIM)/YayasanWaqaf Malaysia’s Musaadah Fund as well as the Islamic religious councils in states affected by floods.
Source: Www.malaymail.com
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Mosque cleaning campaign marks volunteer day
01-12-2024
In conjunction with International Volunteer Day 2024, Al-Muflihun Learning Centre, in collaboration with Al-Mashor Sungai Mau Mosque Takmir Committee, organised a community service programme titled ‘MasjidkuBersih’ at Al-Mashor Mosque in Kampong Sungai Mau, Belait District.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the programme’s organiser and founder of Al-Muflihun Learning Centre, Awangku Abdul Qayum bin Pengiran Bakar.
A total of 45 participants, including members of the mosque’s Takmir Committee, youth and Kampong Sungai Mau residents cleaned the mosque’s interior and exterior.
The initiative was supported by Mosque Affairs Officer imam Haji Akup bin Haji Lamat. Cleaning supplies were also donated to the imam of Al-Mashor Mosque, PengiranMd Abdul Malik Syafi’ie bin Pengiran Haji Md Abdul Aziz. –
Source: borneobulletin.com
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DPM Zahid: Current flood situation worse than 2014
01 Dec 2024
SHAH ALAM, Dec 1 —The flood situation across the country, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu, is deeply concerning as it is worse than in 2014, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said what is more worrying is that the situation may worsen due to the phenomenon of major high tides in the South China Sea and the Straits of Melaka, which will peak during this period.
However, he hopes the situation will not escalate following the forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), which predicts a reduction in rainfall surges.
Source: Malaymail.com
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Frozen accounts means Bersatu skating on thin ice financially, Rina Harun says
By Muhammad Yusry
01 Dec 2024
SHAH ALAM, Dec 1 — Newly appointed PartiPribumi Bersatu Malaysia treasurer Datuk Seri Rina Harun today said the party's financial situation remained critical.
She said Bersatu's bank account has been frozen since February last year by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which made it difficult to carry out activities, particularly at the grassroots level.
“I also want to mobilise the treasurers at the state and division levels to generate income and economic activity, at least to allow the divisions to function independently,” she added.
On Feb 1 last year, the MACC confirmed that Bersatu's accounts were frozen as part of investigations into the party's source of funds.
Source: Malaymail.com
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Abang Jo wants Sarawak airline to cover Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Germany.
01 Dec 2024
KUCHING, Dec 1 — Frankfurt in Germany is among six international destinations for Sarawak’s own airline after the finalisation of the the sale and purchase agreement for MASwings, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari TunOpeng.
In a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Abang Johari mentioned that the other destinations of choice are Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok in Thailand, and Jakarta in Indonesia.
According to Abang Johari, the Sarawak government will purchase several new aircraft to fly to these destinations once the acquisition of MASwings is completed, which he hopes will be finalised sometime this month (December).
“We can travel and at the same time bring tourists to Sarawak, so that they can (do things such as) eat ‘kolomee’. And for these flights to continue to be ‘laku’ among tourists,” he said during the Excellent Service Award (APC) and Appreciation Dinner organised by the Sarawak Financial Secretary’s Office and the Ministry of Finance and New Economy Sarawak at Damai Beach Resort last night.
Source: Malaymail.com
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Africa
How Abacha would have executed Obasanjo – Gowon
1st December 2024
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, says he pleaded with late Gen. Sani Abacha not to execute former President Olusegun Obasanjo for alleged coup plot in 1995.
Gowon said this at the maiden edition of the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organised by the Plateau State Government.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Obasanjo was arrested in 1995 by Gen. Sani Abacha and convicted of being part of planned coup to overthrow his government.
“I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja; I pleaded with him that such a thing should not happen.
Source: Punchng.Com
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NLC: FCT council workers to begin strike December 1
November 30, 2024
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council, has directed all workers in the six area councils to begin an indefinite strike from December 1.
Mr Adalo explained that this was in adherence to a communique by the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on November 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
Mr Adalo, however, said the chairs had refused to respond to the demand for implementation of the minimum wage in their respective area councils.
He said that in response to this inaction, the organised labour in its state administrative council meeting on November 12 unanimously resolved to adhere strictly to the national directive to embark on an indefinite strike.
Source: Gazettengr.Com
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https://gazettengr.com/nlc-fct-council-workers-to-begin-strike-december-1/
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Economic reforms: What President Tinubu should know
1st December 2024
By OmoniyiSalaudeen
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have to rethink his reform policies to turn the current hopelessness of the nation’s economy into the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
Like other parts of the global community, Nigeria’s economy is in dire strait. Despite the presumed courage driving the audacity of a change of narrative, economic and financial experts believe that the government’s IMF-guided reforms are fundamentally flawed and inherently fraught with inconsistencies.
As they argue, any policy decision is only as good as the theories which have informed its formulation. So, wrong theories of a problem can only produce a wrong diagnosis of it and wrong decisions as to how to deal with it.
Notwithstanding the rhetoric supporting the aggressive implementation of the new policy of the administration, it has become obvious that the IMF and the World which are backers of the reform do not consider the peculiarity of the Nigerian situation in making their recommendations. For instance, the IMF while betraying its hypocrisy of sympathy for the masses due to the hardship of the fuel and electricity subsidy removal, urged the Federal Government not to drag more people into poverty, and at the same time, postulated that the reform would take 15 years for the positive impact of it to show on the economy.
Yet, the government is basking in the euphoria of the IMF commendation and its self-comforting belief that things are on the right track even though evidence is the contrary.
This is without regard to the structural defects of the reform on the various sectors of the economy. While the populace is grappling with rising food inflation, virtually all sectors of the economy are groaning under the heavy burden of multiple taxations, incessant hikes in the lending rate, epileptic power supply, and the resultant high cost of production.
Economists believe that increase in productivity across all sectors is the only way to shore up the foreign reserve vis-à-vis the strength of the naira against the dollar.
A distinguished economist, Prof SegunAjibola, attributed the current dilemma to the imposition of western ideological theory of a free market economy by the IMF, warning the government to take the peculiarity of the Nigerian situation into consideration while adopting its recommendations.
He said: “IMF and World Bank imbibe western ideology in economic management. And the West is the originators and apologists of a free market economy where everything is left to the market forces or what some people will refer to forces demand and supply. They will hardly and openly support anything different from that.
“These institutions are not out to sympathise with your domestic economy. Their policies are not rolled out for the welfare of individual economy. Their sole mandate is to protect the global economy, especially the IMF. So, they will do whatever that is necessary to ensure that your own economy does not affect the rest of the world.
“But most times we miss this point. They don’t have your country as an individual as a priority. They are only concerned about the global environment. So, policies and programmes they will recommend to any country will be those ones they consider as best conditions for the global environment. If something is happening to your economy, they will make sure that it does not become cancerous to the global economy. And they are not usually bothered about the implications of the policies they recommend to individual countries which are affected.
Source: Thesun.Ng
Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://thesun.ng/economic-reforms-what-president-tinubu-should-know/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/ajmer-sharif-dargah-political-musharraf/d/133883