Assam: Notices Being Served To Miyas, Not Hindus And Assamese Muslims Amid Revision Of Voter Rolls, Says Himanta Sarma
New Age Islam News Bureau
25 January 2026
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma | Himanta Biswa Sarma/Facebook
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• Assam: Notices being served to Miyas, not Hindus and Assamese Muslims amid revision of voter rolls, says Himanta Sarma
• Pakistan, Bangladesh foreign ministers commit to build closer ties
• Iran declares readiness for action against US - media
• National Service Programme aims to nurture responsible youth devoted to Islamic values, ethics and nationhood: Presidentof the Republic of Maldives
• Where can we pray? As Muslim tourism grows, Japan rethinks public spaces to meet needs
• Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
• Sydney man, 70, charged after allegedly sending threatening letter to Lakemba Mosque
• ‘Possession of gun does not make him criminal’: Former US air force officer defends Minneapolis man shot by federal agents
• I rely on Allah for reelection in 2027 – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State
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India
• 'You Told Us To Pray In Graveyard': Madhya Pradesh's Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Dispute Returnsto Court
• Bengal SIR hearing centre violence: FIR against Trinamool MLA registered after EC warning
• Muslims might face bias: Amartya Sen says 'rushed' Bengal SIR risks democracy
• Muslims Not Allowed to Offer Namaz in Rightful Place Within Bhojshala Complex, Alleges Community Leader
• 'Where can they go?': After Shakeel Ahmed, Rashid Alvi flags 'communication gap' within Congress
• Shopowner shot on way to mosque in West Burdwan
• Prized epics at Anjuman’s restored library: Persian Mahabharata, Urdu Ramayana
• KGMU orders removal of mazars from campus in 15 days, sparks outcry from Muslim leaders
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Pakistan
• India Joins China And Pakistan In Voting Against UNHRC Resolution Targeting Iran
• Pakistan’s Trump-linked crypto MoU lacks binding commitments
• Pakistan, Bangladesh Foreign Ministers commit to build closer ties
• Mohali police arrest Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti’s associate
• Pakistan court sentences lawyers Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years
• Ekavali Khanna slams pro-Pakistan claims against Ikkis, comparisons with Dhurandhar: ‘Ikkis is a pro-humanity film’
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Mideast
• Iran says two Islamic State‑linked men executed for 2023 bus bombing
• Gazan people want Hamas out of the Strip, fear war will reignite if terror group stays - report
• Iran's ayatollah and his guards falter after storm of war, protests
• Turkish intelligence chief meets Hamas delegation on Gaza ceasefire plans
• Gaza peacekeeping deployment – five clear questions Fiji cannot ignore
• Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace draws mixed international response
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South Asia
• Afghanistan to host next working groups meeting under UN-led Doha process
• Islamic Foundation rejects ‘9-minute adjustment’ claims in Ramadan Sehri-Iftar schedules
• As Muslim tourism grows, Japan rethinks where visitors can pray
• As Muslim tourism grows, can Japan adapt to travellers’ prayer needs?
• Afghan FM, UN Political Chief discuss engagement, Doha process in Kabul
• Ramadan 2026: Bangladesh releases sehri and iftar timetable
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Southeast Asia
• Govt to update SARA essential items by Ramadan, may add fish, chicken and other fresh produce, says finance minister’s pol-sec
• Car skids into mosque foyer in Senawang, father and son injured
• Zahid: BN unity strengthened with PPP return, MIC’s Perikatan decision up to party
• Zahid says QL Innofood Park will be Malaysia’s gateway to RM22.88t global halal market
• Immigration vows tough action against ‘duit kopi’ bribery at border crossings, warns of national security risks
• King departs for special visit to Russia at President Putin’s invitation
• MACC seizes RM9.7m in assets linked to alleged RM300m investment fund misappropriation
• Perlis MB should stop meddling in PAS affairs, says party info chief Ahmad Fadhli
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Arab world
• Iraq Shia alliance nominates former PM Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate
• Iraqi prominent Sunni blocs back Nouri Al-Maliki bid, dispute NPC stance
• Awqaf opens registration for annual school Qur’an memorisation contest
• Ramadan 2026: Capsule collections from Dolce & Gabbana and Dior to homegrown brands
• Iraq’s Dawa Party endorses Al-Maliki PM bid under Al-Sistani guidance
• Sunni bloc demands new faces for premiership post
• Nasser bin Hamad directs organisation of second Al Fursan Sports Tournament during Ramadan
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Europe
• Shotgun thug, mosque stabbing duo and extradited paedophile among those locked up in Lancashire this week
• Zelenskyy urges more air defence as Russian strikes cripple Kiev’s heating system
• 1,676 high-rises in Kyiv still lack heating after Russia’s winter attacks
• At least 1 killed, 9 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day
• New book exploring the connections between Islam and Wales to be published next month
• Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi ‘constructive,’ Zelenskyy says
• Ukrainian MiG-29 Strikes FPV Drone Operators’ Base
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North America
• 'Let ICE do their job': Trump reacts after federal agents fatally shoot Alex Pretti in Minnesota
• 'We're buying Canadian': PM Mark Carney hits back at Trump’s 100% tariff threat
• Kamala Harris explodes after ICU nurse shot by ICE agents, calls Minneapolis a ‘murderous occupation’
• 'What did you just do!' US Federal agents fire 10 shots in five seconds, killing Minneapolis man - video captures horror
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Africa
• New Tax Regime: Billions could come from churches, mosques – Oye, ex NACCIMA boss
• Giporoso mosque to relocate ahead of road expansion
• ADC Seeks Postponement of FCT Council Polls over Ramadan
• 2027: Tinubu planning to remove Shettima, replace with sitting gov – Primate Ayodele
• Islamic finance to incorporate financial reporting system
• Ramadan: ADC Writes INEC, Seeks FCT Elections Postponement
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Assam: Notices being served to Miyas, not Hindus amid revision of voter rolls, says Himanta Sarma
25-01-2026
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma | Himanta Biswa Sarma/Facebook
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday that only Miyas, and not Hindus or Assamese Muslims, were being served notices under the special revision of electoral rolls in the state, reported PTI.
“There is no controversy over the special revision,” the chief minister was quoted as saying by the news agency. “Which Hindu has got notice? Which Assamese Muslim has got notice? Notices have been served to Miyas and such people, else they will walk over our heads.”
“Miya” is a derogatory term for Bengali-speaking Muslims. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam has often labelled the community as “infiltrators” who are allegedly taking over resources, jobs and land of the indigenous people.
On December 27, the Election Commission said that the names of more than 10 lakh voters were identified to be deleted in Assam after a house-to-house verification process under the ‘special revision’ exercise. The final list will be published on February 10.
Unlike in 12 states and Union Territories, the Election Commission is not conducting a special intensive revision exercise in Assam. Instead, on November 17, it had directed the state chief electoral officer to conduct a “special revision” of electoral rolls.
The door-to-door verification took place in the state between November 22 and December 20. The process did not involve document verification, unlike the special intensive revision.
Several Opposition parties have accused the BJP of conspiring to delete the names of a large number of genuine voters from the state’s electoral rolls amid the exercise and filed police complaints.
“We are giving them trouble,” said the chief minister, referring to his earlier statements that Miyas would face problems in his regime, according to the news agency.
“They have to understand that at some level, people of Assam are resisting them,” said the BJP leader. “Otherwise, they will get a walkover. That is why some will get notices during SR, some for eviction, some from border police.”
Sarma added: “We will do some utpaat [mischief], but within the ambit of law… we are with the poor and downtrodden, but not those who want to destroy our jati [community].”
This came a day after the Assam Congress and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi filed separate complaints with the police against the BJP for allegedly attempting to tamper with voter lists in the Boko-Chhaygaon Assembly constituency.
In a complaint filed at the Boko Police Station on Friday, Boko Block Congress Committee chief Tuleswar Rabha claimed that BJP leaders, along with a few locals and office staff, entered the election branch of the Boko co-district commissioner’s office in the evening a day earlier.
He alleged that the group attempted to access the electoral roll revision portal using a government password to delete and include names using data from Form 7.
Form 7 of the Election Commission is the official application used to object to the inclusion of a name or to request the deletion of a name from an existing electoral roll.
In his complaint in Jorhat, Gogoi said that he had received video footage a day earlier showing four persons “unlawfully entering and operating inside the Boko co-district commissioner’s office, Kamrup (Rural), Assam”.
“As such, there may be every possibility to illegally adding fictitious voters’ names and deleting names of genuine voters, without any lawful authority,” the Sivasagar MLA said.
On January 7, the Congress, the Raijor Dal, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) and the Assam Jatiya Parishad also filed a police complaint, accusing Assam BJP president and MP Dilip Saikia of being involved in an alleged conspiracy to delete the names of a large number of genuine voters from the state’s electoral rolls.
The parties claimed that Saikia had directed the Hindutva party MLAs to ensure the deletion of the names of “anti-BJP voters” in at least 60 of the state’s 126 Assembly constituencies.
Source: scroll.in
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Pakistan, Bangladesh Foreign Ministers commit to build closer ties
January 25, 2026
The Foreign Office said the two leaders in a telephonic conversation reviewed Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, including trade and economic cooperation. File | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday (January 25, 2026) talked to his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammad Touhid Hossain and the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to build closer ties in various fields, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.
The Foreign Office said the two, leaders in a telephonic conversation reviewed Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, including trade and economic cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors.
Source: www.thehindu.com
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Iran declares readiness for action against US - media
January 25 2026
Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, stated that Iranian forces are on high alert as US warships head to the Middle East. This was reported by Fox News, according to UNN.
According to the publication, IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour warned the United States about the readiness of Iranian paramilitary forces for action.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and dear Iran are ready, as never before, with a finger on the trigger, to carry out the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief
The statement came amid the deployment of American warships to the Middle East region. At the same time, the US has been increasing pressure on Iran in recent weeks "amid widespread anti-government protests and brutal government crackdowns, in which the IRGC played a key role."
US President Donald Trump announced a large-scale deployment of naval forces to the shores of Iran. This deployment comes after a softening of rhetoric regarding strikes on Iran.
Source: unn.ua
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https://unn.ua/en/news/president-of-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-celebrates-his-48th-birthday
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National Service Programme aims to nurture responsible youth devoted to Islamic values, ethics and nationhood: Presidentof the Republic of Maldives
24 January 2026
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the National Service Programme aims to nurture responsible youth devoted to Islamic values, ethics and the revival of nationhood.
The President made the remarks on his official X account ahead of the departure of the second batch to Lh. Maafilaafushi for National Service training, conveying his best wishes to the participants.
Noting that the departure of the participants coincided with the International Day of Education, the President said the National Service Programme was introduced to nurture a capable and competent generation. The second batch of the programme comprises 350 participants, who will complete their basic training within a period of three months.
Participants in the National Service Programme will receive training in national identity, responsible citizenship, education, leadership and language proficiency, alongside physical training, fitness and discipline. They will also be trained in first aid, firefighting and self-defence.
President Dr Muizzu stated that the National Service Programme fosters adherence to the pillars of Islam and Islamic values among young people, while nurturing a productive and responsible generation. He added that the programme ensures the development of participants’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Source: presidency.gov.mv
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https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/36071
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Where can we pray?: As Muslim tourism grows, Japan rethinks public spaces to meet needs
25 Jan 2026
This photo taken on April 8, 2025 shows a tourist (left) taking a photo of a figure of classic film monster Godzilla (top centre) pictured at the top of a building in the red-light entertainment area of Kabukicho in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. — AFP pic
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KOCHI (Japan), Jan 25 — As Japan welcomes a growing number of Muslim visitors, a quieter but increasingly visible question is unfolding across airports, shopping malls and sightseeing hubs: where can these travellers pray?
According to Kyodo News Agency, the number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a record last year, including those from Muslim-majority regions, drawn by the country’s food, pop culture and seasonal scenery.
Between January and November last year alone, about 560,000 travellers came from Indonesia, 540,000 from Malaysia and 240,000 from the Middle East, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. For many, however, navigating daily prayer obligations in a country where dedicated facilities remain unevenly available detracts from an otherwise rich travel experience.
The issue, it seems, is less about building grand mosques than about flexibility. The Japan Tourism Agency has issued a guide for serving Muslim travellers, encouraging hotels, transport hubs and commercial facilities to designate quiet, clean spaces for prayer where possible.
In places where purpose-built rooms are not feasible, experts say that simple accommodations — temporary partitions, clear signage or staff awareness — can make a significant difference, helping Japan project an image of hospitality that extends beyond culture.
At last year’s World Exposition in Osaka, which saw many Muslim visitors and staff members, a prayer room was set up near the Forest of Tranquility, in the centre of the venue, to accommodate worshippers who are required to pray five times a day.
Availability of prayer spaces has expanded at big airports and major cities too. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, for example, opened a prayer room at Terminal 3, which handles international flights, in 2014. It was used by almost 2,000 people per month on average in fiscal 2024, according to its operator.
Prayer rooms have also been installed at JR Tokyo and Osaka stations, while local governments and firms have set up facilities around stations in tourist destinations like Kyoto and Nara.
Still, due to factors such as space constraints and low demand, few prayer spaces are available at stations in regions like Shikoku and Kyushu in western and southwestern Japan, respectively.
Hirofumi Tanada, a Waseda University professor emeritus who specialises in Muslim affairs in Japan, said that the frequency and duration of prayers can vary greatly from person to person when travelling. He advises taking a flexible approach, even if the availability of facilities lags behind.
Akiko Komura, an adjunct lecturer at Rikkyo University, said: “It is important to involve Muslims living in the community and work together to identify accessible locations,” adding that this should serve as an opportunity to understand the realities faced by Muslims around the country.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
25 Jan 2026
Occupied Quds - Saba: Zionist settlers stormed the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Quds this morning, Sunday, under the protection of Israeli occupation forces.
Palestinian local sources, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, reported that dozens of settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa courtyards in groups, conducting provocative tours and performing Talmudic rituals, under the protection of occupation forces.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments and Affairs, settlers, under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque 280 times during the past year, during which they performed Talmudic rituals daily, such as prostration, blowing the shofar, and wearing prayer garments.
Source: www.saba.ye
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Sydney man, 70, charged after allegedly sending threatening letter to Lakemba Mosque
By Isobel Roe
25-01-26
A Sydney man has been charged with allegedly sending a threatening letter to a mosque, which also included threats towards Aboriginal Australians and some politicians.
NSW Police arrested the 70-year-old during a raid of a home in Belmore, in Sydney's west, on Saturday night, where officers seized more than 100 letters, stamps, notepads and several electronic devices.
It is one of four racial or religious hate-related incidents dealt with by NSW Police in recent days as officers prepare for heightened tensions at competing protests on Australia Day.
Police will allege officers were first called to Lakemba Mosque, Australia's largest mosque, on Thursday, January 22, after staff received a threatening letter.
The ABC has seen the letter, which makes violent threats to several groups, including Middle Eastern communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who protested against Australia Day.
The man has been charged with three counts of sending document threatening death or grievous bodily harm, and was due to appear before court on Sunday.
Police also arrested and charged a 55-year-old man for making threatening phone calls to Triple Zero (000) on Saturday night from a phone box on George Street in the CBD.
Gunther Mosslacher appeared in Bail Division court on Sunday, charged with three counts of making a vexatious call to an emergency service number, and one count of use of a carriage service to menace/harass/offend.
Magistrate Robert Rabbidge told the court he acknowledged the Jewish community's angst in the wake of the October 7, 2023 terror attacks, but that MrMosslacher had allegedly made "appalling verbal attacks".
In a third hate-related incident, a 40-year-old man has been charged with common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm after allegedly attacking a 51-year-old man handing out religious material in Bankstown in Western Sydney.
Police allege the pair, who had different religious beliefs, got into an argument about the material and the younger man struck the older man.
Assistant Commissioner McFadden did not say whether the incidents represented a spike in hate speech, but said there had been an increase in reports of both Islamophobia and antisemitism.
"That's something that's coming to our attention, but we're taking and assessing that information diligently and most professionally to make sure that we're having a timely response to the nature of the information that's being provided," he said.
He added that there would be a high visible police presence across Sydney on January 26, with competing March for Australia and Invasion Day rallies planned.
"Anyone that turns up tomorrow for Australia Day for any activity, engages in any antisocial, threatening or intimidating conduct, will be arrested, will be charged and be removed from the environment," he said.
On Sunday police charged a 37-year-old Blue Mountains man for allegedly inciting violence through online social media posts earlier this week.
Police will allege the man made a number of menacing posts inciting violence towards certain politicians on a social media site on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Source: www.abc.net.au
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‘Possession of gun does not make him criminal’: Former US air force officer defends Minneapolis man shot by federal agents
Jan 25, 2026
A former US Air Force officer has defended the man shot dead by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, saying carrying a gun does not make someone a criminal.
Adam Kinzinger, an American politician and former Air Force and Air National Guard officer, criticised attempts to justify the shooting because the man was armed.
In a video message on X, he said: "So let's do an update for the ICE shooting. I'm seeing a lot of comments by people on the right trying to justify this, saying the guy was armed. So let's just take that where it is. First off, I want to point out there is a lot of video that shows that an agent actually took the guy's gun from him and disarmed him prior to nine shots being fired point blank into his body and killing him. If the video is telling us the truth, then you cannot shoot a guy once he's been disarmed."
He added that every state in the US legally allows one to carry a gun above the age of 21 years: "Every state in the union has a concealed carry provision. Every state in the union allows you to carry a gun. So his mere possession of a gun does not make him a criminal nor give your right to shoot him at all."
The incident follows the recent death of Renee Good, an American woman shot by an immigration officer in Minneapolis earlier this month in "self-defence."
US President Donald Trump weighed in on the shooting, accusing Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota governor Tim Walz of encouraging an "insurrection". Walz said he had spoken to the White House and insisted that the state would investigate the incident. He also demanded that ICE leave Minnesota immediately.
Kinzinger also said that officers would only be justified in using lethal force if the gun had been drawn and pointed at them. "So when you hear people say, well look they found the gun on him, that does not give them right to shoot," he said. The former officer also claimed that ICE is creating problems in Minnesota, but he did not elaborate further.
Source: timesofindia.com
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I rely on Allah for reelection in 2027 – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State
January 24, 2026
By Muhammad Bukar
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, for the first time since the controversies surrounding his defection to the All Progressives Congress, has stated that he believes in Allah as the ultimate source of power and guidance.
“In 2023, it was God who gave me power, not anybody else, and I still thank and appreciate Him as the only one who will allow me to continue in 2027,” Governor Yusuf declared while presenting motorcycles to his social media handlers on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf added, “Even all the talk about 2027 is a misplaced priority, because who knows whether he will make it to tomorrow, let alone 2027.”
He emphasised that his major concern at present is Kano, saying, “We have to get it right to have our full peace and security before talking about anything, and that is my major concern now, not anything else.
“Let me remind everybody that, to me, Kano comes first, not loyalty to anybody. Everyone should know that no one is bigger than Kano; we shall all be loyal to Kano.”
Speaking on the historical creation of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the former Deputy Governor of the State, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, stated, “Myself and five others created the Kwankwasiyya Movement and even gave it a Red Cap symbol, not Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”
He added, “Dr Yunusa Adamu Dangwani, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, myself and others constructed the acronym of Kwankwasiyya when the going was tough and we were somewhat sidelined.
“At that time, we gave every support to Kwankwaso to survive the political tsunamis directed at him by the political bigwigs in Kano, and that was how we created the movement.”
“That bad behaviour drove all those loyal to him away, leaving him alone. We thought Kwankwaso would act like the late Mallam Aminu Kano, who always acknowledged that others created NEPU, PRP and the Sawaba movements, giving them credit at every opportunity. Alas, that was not the case with Kwankwaso,” he said.
Source: dailypost.ng
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https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/24/i-rely-on-allah-for-reelection-in-2027-governor-yusuf/
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India
'You Told Us To Pray In Graveyard': Madhya Pradesh's Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Dispute Returnsto Court
by: Anurag Dwary
Jan 24, 2026
Bhopal:"You cannot ask us to offer namaz in kabristan (graveyard)." That single accusation has now pushed the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque dispute back to the doors of the court.
Barely hours after the district administration showcased Madhya Pradesh's Dhar as a model of constitutional compliance, senior leaders of the Muslim community accused the authorities of deception, staging a 'dummy prayer'.
They alleged the authorities have committed a contempt of the Supreme Court, claiming that Muslims were directed to offer prayers on cemetery land rather than at the designated place inside the disputed complex.
"We objected clearly and in writing. You showed us an ASI map that places our so-called prayer spot on survey numbers 317, 316, 312, 912 and 918 all registered Waqf kabristan land," said Abdul Samad, president of the Muslim Society and chairman of the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society, Dhar.
Samad described Friday's events as "reprehensible" and announced that the community would return to court with a contempt petition, accusing the administration of deliberately misleading both Muslims and the judiciary.
Source: www.ndtv.com
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Bengal SIR hearing centre violence: FIR against Trinamool MLA registered after EC warning
January 24, 2026
The District Magistrate, also the District Electoral Officer, of Murshidabad district in West Bengal on Saturday afternoon finally lodged an FIR against the Trinamool Congress legislator from the Farakka Assembly constituency, who has been accused of leading party activists in vandalism at a centre for hearings on claims and objections on the draft voters’ list at Farakka over a week ago.
However, the FIR was registered almost 48 hours after the deadline set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the same. The Commission had directed the District Electoral Officer of Murshidabad to register an FIR against Manirul Islam by 5 p.m. on Thursday and also inform the ECI accordingly.
As the FIR was not registered against the Trinamool Congress legislator till Saturday morning, the ECI took exception to the delay, following which the FIR was finally lodged on Saturday afternoon.
Reacting to the development, Islam told media persons that if he ended up behind bars for speaking on behalf of the common people, he would welcome it. “Currently, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ECI are the same, with the latter operating just as an extended arm of the ruling party at the Centre,” Islam alleged.
Source: www.thestatesman.com
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Muslims might face bias: Amartya Sen says 'rushed' Bengal SIR risks democracy
By: Akshat Trivedi
Jan 24, 2026
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has warned that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal is being carried out with 'undue haste' and could undermine democratic participation, with Muslims and other vulnerable groups at risk of exclusion ahead of the assembly elections due in a few months.
Speaking to PTI, Sen said electoral roll revisions can strengthen democracy only when conducted carefully and with adequate time — conditions he believes are absent in Bengal’s case.
“A thorough review of electoral rolls done carefully with adequate time can be a good democratic procedure, but this is not what is happening in West Bengal at this time,” Sen said.
He said the hurried process denies voters sufficient opportunity to submit documents to establish their eligibility. “The SIR is being done in a hurry, with inadequate time for people with voting rights to have sufficient opportunity to submit documents to vindicate their entitlement to vote in the coming assembly elections. This is both unjust to the electorate and unfair to Indian democracy,” he said.
Drawing on his own experience during the SIR, Sen said time pressure was evident even among officials. “Sometimes, the officials of the Election Commission themselves seem to lack enough time,” he said.
He recalled being questioned about his right to vote from Santiniketan, his home constituency where he has voted earlier and where his details already exist in official records. “When they questioned my right to vote from my home constituency in Santiniketan they questioned me about my deceased mother’s age at my date of birth, even though, as a voter herself, my mother’s details, like mine, were stored also in their own official records,” he said.
Sen highlighted documentation hurdles faced by many Indians born in rural areas. “Like many Indian citizens born in rural India (I was born in the then village of Santiniketan), I do not have a birth certificate, and my eligibility to vote required further paperwork to be presented on my behalf,” he said.
Although the issue was eventually resolved, he expressed concern for citizens who lack similar support. “Even though I could happily say (like the Beatles) – ‘Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends’ – I worried about others who do not have so many loyal friends. My friends helped me to get through the rigid gates of the formidable EC,” he said.
Sen was summoned for a hearing after a “logical discrepancy” was flagged regarding the age difference between him and his mother.
Asked whether the SIR could advantage any political party, Sen said he could not say so with certainty. “I am not an election expert, so I cannot answer the question with certainty. I have been told by those who seem to know more, that the BJP will benefit from the under-accounting,” he said.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
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Muslims Not Allowed to Offer Namaz in Rightful Place Within Bhojshala Complex, Alleges Community Leader
24 January 2026
A Muslim leader on Saturday alleged that despite a clear order from the Supreme Court, community members were not allowed to offer namaz in the rightful place inside the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district.
Abdul Samad, a member of the Kamal Maula Welfare Society, alleged that the Muslim community wanted to offer namaz within "four walls" inside the complex, but the place allocated to them on Friday is shown as Waqf graveyard as per the land records.
"We expressed our objection both verbally and in writing to the Collector in the meeting, yet they ignored our request and a dummy namaz took place...Our premises (the place claimed by Muslims as a mosque) are inside the four walls, we should be allowed to offer namaz in our place," he told reporters.
He said that the minority community extended full cooperation to the administration by agreeing to reduce the number of devotees who would offer namaz, yet it was "cheated".
Source: www.outlookindia.com
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'Where can they go?': After Shakeel Ahmed, Rashid Alvi flags 'communication gap' within Congress
Jan 25, 2026
NEW DELHI: A day after former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed’s scathing remarks against Rahul Gandhi, veteran leader Rashid Alvi on Sunday said that the lack of an effective platform for dialogue and limited access to the top leadership has created a serious communication gap within the organisation.
“I haven’t seen Shakeel ji’s statement, but a major problem in the Congress party is that there is no forum where issues can be discussed. It is generally difficult to meet leaders. If people want to express their concerns, where can they go? Not everyone is a member of the CWC. There is definitely a communication gap. This is a major problem within the Congress party, and many people complain that it is not easy to meet the Congress high command. This communication gap must be eliminated,” Alvi said.
Alvi also raised concerns over the exit of several Muslim leaders from the grand old party and said that if Muslim leadership continues to be ignored, leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi will keep emerging.
“Muslim leaders have not left out of greed for power. They have left, and this is a matter of concern, because Muslim leadership has been ignored in the Congress party,” Alvi said.
“If Muslim leadership is ignored, then leaders like Owaisi will continue to emerge in the country. Today, Owaisi is becoming a powerful force,” he added.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Shopowner shot on way to mosque in West Burdwan
Jan 25, 2026
Hirapur: An unidentified bike-borne assailant shot dead a 45-year-old shopowner on his way to offer prayers at a nearby mosque in Karim Dangal in West Burdwan's Hirapur on Saturday morning. The deceased has been identified as Md Sarfuddin, the owner of a grilles and other steel structures shop in the area, reports Mohammad Asif.
Police have arrested three people, including two relatives of the deceased. Locals said the assailant arrived on a motorcycle and fired at Sarfuddin at close range and fled the scene. A pistol was also found at the scene.
Police took Sarfuddin to the Asansol District Hospital where he was declared dead. The body was sent for post-mortem. Police have also cordoned off the area and are going through CCTV footage as part of their probe.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Prized epics at Anjuman’s restored library: Persian Mahabharata, Urdu Ramayana
Jan 25, 2026
The group of workers who smudged the glass cases of the almirahs clean or hanged the massive chandeliers from the high ceiling, may not be aware of it. But they have just helped restore a piece of history. The refurbished iconic Karimi Library at the first-floor heritage building of Anjuman-i-Islam near CST is awaiting inauguration on the Republic Day (January 26).
Unknown to most of Mumbaikars, Karimi Library, a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom, houses some of the rare manuscripts and tomes.
The pages of the Persian translation of the Mahabharata, commissioned by Mughal emperor Akbar and prepared under the supervision of Abul Fazl in the late 16th century, are intact. There are many copies of the Ramayana in Urdu, An 1896 edition of Hanuman Chalisa jostles for space with the 1892 edition of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, both in Urdu.
The pages are yellowing and brittle, but happily these timeless tomes have been digitalized. The printed books may not last till eternity, but the digitalized versions are immortal.
Source: timesofindia.com
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KGMU orders removal of mazars from campus in 15 days, sparks outcry from Muslim leaders
by Manish Sahu
January 25, 2026
Amid the controversy over the arrest of its doctor on allegations of religious conversion and claims that a “love jihad” network is running from its campus, the King George’s Medical University administration has directed the removal of five mazars (shrines) on its campus.
Issuing notices to the management of the mazars on Friday, the university directed that the “encroachments” be removed within 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice, failing which further legal and administrative action would be initiated including “forcible removal”.
The shrine management committees and religious leaders associated with them have protested the move and demanded that the notices be withdrawn.
According to the university administration, the shrines were allegedly constructed without valid permission or official approval on illegally encroached public land, making their existence unlawful.
It claimed that the presence of these shrines has led to frequent and unnecessary gatherings within the university premises, causing obstruction to free movement and disturbing the peaceful academic and medical environment of the campus.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Pakistan
India Joins China And Pakistan In Voting Against UNHRC Resolution Targeting Iran
Jan 25, 2026
India has voted against a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution condemning Iran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests, joining six other countries including China and Pakistan in opposing the Western-backed measure.
The resolution, which passed 25-7 with 14 abstentions during the council's 39th special session on Friday (23 January), strongly deplored Iran's suppression of peaceful protests that have resulted in thousands of deaths since demonstrations began on 28th December.
The resolution extended the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran for two years and renewed the Special Rapporteur's mandate for one year.
It also called for an urgent investigation into allegations of serious human rights violations linked to the protests, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, sexual violence and torture.
Source: swarajyamag.com
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Pakistan’s Trump-linked crypto MoU lacks binding commitments
By: Abhinandan Mishra
January 25, 2026
New Delhi: Pakistan’s Finance Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SC Financial Technologies LLC on 14 January, an affiliate of World Liberty Financial linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump, to explore the use of stablecoins for cross-border payments, according to official statements.
The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and World Liberty Financial chief executive Zach Witkoff, and is intended to examine digital finance innovation within Pakistan’s regulatory framework.
Pakistani officials described the MoU as building on earlier engagements with the company and positioned Pakistan as a participant in the global digital finance landscape and a global business partner of Washington. However, U.S. regulatory filings and the legal structure of the agreement indicate that the MoU is non-binding, carries no financial commitment, and does not obligate either Pakistan or the United States to implement stablecoin payments or deploy capital.
U.S. securities filings linked to World Liberty Financial show that the company’s core fundraising and control-building activity has proceeded independently of Pakistan. A Form D filing discloses a private offering of $288.5 million, of which only $2.7 million had been raised at the time of filing, while a separate amended Form D shows a fully subscribed $52.13 million offering, with $50.71 million earmarked for payments to executive officers, directors, and promoters, including Trump-linked entities.
Source: sundayguardianlive.com
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Pakistan, Bangladesh foreign ministers commit to build closer ties
Jan 25, 2026
Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday talked to his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammad Touhid Hossain and the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to build closer ties in various fields, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.
The Foreign Office said the two leaders in a telephonic conversation reviewed Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, including trade and economic cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the current regional and international developments and underscored the importance of sustained engagement to advance shared interests and promote regional peace and prosperity, the statement added.
Source: economictimes.com
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Mohali police arrest Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti’s associate
Jan 25, 2026
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Mohali, has arrested Raman Kumar, a resident of Gangyal in Jammu, for his alleged links with Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, officials said.
Kumar was arrested on January 21, in connection with an Arms Act case registered on December 10 last year, at the SSOC Mohali police station. After obtaining a production warrant, the accused was brought from Ambala jail to Punjab and produced before a district court.
SSOC AIG Deepak Pareek said, “A .30 bore pistol was recovered from the accused on January 23 based on his disclosure. The accused had been in contact with Bhatti for long and was working on his directions.”
During interrogation, Kumar revealed that he ran a meat shop at Gangyal and was involved in local rivalries. He said that he came in contact with Bhatti through Instagram and remained in touch.
Source: www.tribuneindia.com
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Pakistan court sentences lawyers Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years
January 25, 2026
In Pakistan, a court sentenced lawyers Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years in prison yesterday. Authorities arrested the couple in Islamabad after claiming their social media posts were against the state and its security. Judge Afzal Majoka stated that Mazari’s tweets supported the goals of banned groups.
Rights groups have asked for their release and called the move a form of harassment. Mazari and Chattha had often helped people held by security forces. Mazari’s mother, a former minister, called the decision illegal.
India has frequently expressed concern over the human rights situation in Pakistan. Indian officials have stated that concepts like democracy are missing in Pakistan and have criticized the country for its treatment of dissenters and minorities.
Source: www.newsonair.gov.in
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Ekavali Khanna slams pro-Pakistan claims against Ikkis, comparisons with Dhurandhar: ‘Ikkis is a pro-humanity film’
by Ritika Kumar
Jan 25, 2026
Actor Ekavali Khanna, who plays Jaideep Ahlawat's character's wife in Ikkis, has spoken out against the criticism surrounding the film, firmly rejecting claims that the film glorifies Pakistan and calling such allegations “absurd.” Emphasising that the film is rooted in emotion, Ekavali said the outrage ignores the story’s intent to portray loss, grief, and the impact of war.
Ekavali, who plays Maryam in Ikkis, addressed the backlash following the film’s January 2026 release in a conversation with Bollywood Hungama. Responding to accusations that the film presents Pakistan in a positive light, she said she does not judge those who feel uncomfortable but clarified her own perspective.
"It is an anti-war film. These days, we are so lost in this whole jargon of animosity, enemy camp, etc. This particular film reflects a lot beyond it. It is a moving story of a father and son. Also, it is a moving story even from the perspective of the Pakistani counterpart. For him to acknowledge to the father (that he was the one who killed his son) is a great human story. But a certain segment has reduced it by saying, ‘This is a Pro-Pakistani film’."
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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Mideast
Iran says two Islamic State‑linked men executed for 2023 bus bombing
JANUARY 24, 2026
Iran executed two men for the 2023 bombing of a bus carrying pilgrims, identifying them as linked to Islamic State, the judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported on Saturday.
The news agency said the attack killed a toddler and injured several others on a bus traveling from Tehran to Ilam, a province in the west that borders Iraq.
The Iranian regime frequently conducts executions. Outside of dissidents, the regime regularly executes individuals it alleges to be working against the interests of the country, including individuals suspected of working with Mossad.
Source: www.jpost.com
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-884383
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Gazan people want Hamas out of the Strip, fear war will reignite if terror group stays - report
JANUARY 25, 2026
Gaza Strip residents on Wednesday revealed that they would gladly leave the Strip forever, but fear that those who stay behind would throw Gaza into more violent conflict, according to Israeli news outlet N12.
"[Hamas] are criminals. Their leaving Gaza is far better than the destruction brought about by Sinwar," Khaled, a Gazan opposition activist, told N12. "They are...criminals that trade in the blood of the Palestinian people."
Khaled told the Israeli news outlet that the best solution, in his opinion, would be to let Hamas simply leave the Gaza Strip. He said that the world has failed to adequately support Gazan groups that oppose Hamas; so, getting Hamas out would be the first meaningful step in the right direction.
Senior leaders of the Hamas terror group are preparing a "safe exit" from the Gaza Strip, sources within the terror group revealed to Saudi outlet Asharq al-Awsat on Tuesday.
This comes after the US announced the start of Phase II of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, which calls for establishing a technocratic government to administer the Strip.
Source: www.jpost.com
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-884416
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Iran's ayatollah and his guards falter after storm of war, protests
By Declan Walsh
January 24, 2026
Weeks after Israeli warplanes pounded Iran’s capital last June, the country’s top generals stood in their socks at the entrance of a mosque in northern Tehran, mourning the men who had been killed in the strikes -- leaders they would now replace. The strikes had caused the greatest single blow to Iran’s military in decades, wiping out the top leadership of the Revolutionary Guard, the feared praetorian guard to the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Now the question was how this new generation of leaders, catapulted to the top, would guide the country through a singularly challenging period, including growing economic stress, the prospect of new international sanctions and regular threats of yet more military strikes from President Donald Trump and Israel. The answer came in recent weeks when those new leaders responded to nationwide protests with breathtaking brutality, opening fire on unarmed protesters and massacring thousands of people. At least one Iranian human rights group based in the United States said it had confirmed 5,002 deaths, including 207 members of the security forces, during the protests from Dec. 28 to mid-January. In their first official toll Wednesday, Iranian authorities said that 3,117 people had died. On the surface, the bloody crackdown affirmed the unity of Iran’s ruling system -- centered on the ayatollah and the Revolutionary Guard, estimated to number about 150,000 -- and its willingness to take ruthless action to ensure its survival. But Iran experts said the bloody response was also a sign of the system’s growing weakness, exposing the limits of Khamenei’s 37-year rule as he wrestles with surging domestic unrest and intense foreign pressure at the same time. On Thursday, Trump said that a U.S. “armada” was heading toward Iran but that he hoped he would not have to use it. He again warned the Iranian government against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program. That combination of factors put the ruling system under immense strain, said Afshon Ostovar, an Iran expert at the Naval Postgraduate School in California and the author of “Vanguard of the Imam,” a history of the Revolutionary Guard. “Right off the bat, they saw the protests as an existential threat,” he said. “They turned to live fire really quickly because their weakness was acute, and they knew it.” With the ayatollah’s legitimacy under open challenge, the Revolutionary Guard is emerging as the core of the system. “You have this aging theocrat whose days are numbered,” Ostovar said. “And you have security forces that are taking an increasingly aggressive response to any threat to the regime.” The upheaval has renewed comparisons between the Islamic Republic and the Soviet Union in the 1980s, before it collapsed. Iran has seldom faced a greater array of challenges. Its network of regional proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas, is in tatters. Its contentious nuclear program, estimated to cost tens of billions of dollars, failed to bring deterrence. Supplies of water and electricity are running low. Ed
Source: www.sanluisobispo.com
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https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/nation-world/world/article314439225.html
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Turkish intelligence chief meets Hamas delegation on Gaza ceasefire plans
25/01/2026
Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief İbrahim Kalın held discussions with a senior Hamas delegation in Istanbul on Saturday, focusing on the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement as it transitions into its second phase, according to security sources.
The meeting brought together Kalın and Khalil al-Hayya, who heads Hamas's negotiation team and serves on the group's Political Bureau, along with other Hamas representatives. The consultations addressed practical measures for advancing the truce agreement that has temporarily halted hostilities in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on several critical issues, including increasing the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and facilitating the reopening of the Rafah Border Crossing for bidirectional movement. The talks also covered the commencement of operations by the National Committee for Gaza Management (NGAC), the administrative body designated to oversee the territory's reconstruction and governance during the ceasefire period. These elements represent crucial components for sustaining the fragile peace arrangement.
Source: en.yenisafak.com
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Gaza peacekeeping deployment – five clear questions Fiji cannot ignore
January 25, 2026
The recent announcement by Fiji’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs that Fiji will consider contributing troops to a proposed international stabilisation force in Gaza imposes a responsibility on all of us to ask the hard questions before the decision is finalised by Cabinet.
At the outset, let’s all be clear on one thing — Gaza is not a routine peacekeeping environment. It is a highly contested battlespace where the legitimacy, consent, and enforceability of any international force remain uncertain.
Before Fiji government commits its soldiers to Gaza, the public deserves clear answers to a number of questions about the risks such a deployment would pose to those on the ground.
Source: asiapacificreport.nz
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Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace draws mixed international response
2026/01/25
Damascus, Jan. 25 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump announced on January 16 the formation of Gaza’s Board of Peace as part of the second phase of a 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza and rebuilding the territory.
The announcement coincided with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s declaration that the plan’s second phase would move forward, including the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian transitional administration in Gaza.
Gaza’s Board of Peace was formed following a ceasefire that came into effect in Gaza on October 10, and after an international peace summit held in Sharm el-Sheikh that brought together representatives from more than 31 countries and international organizations.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement included the release of 20 Israeli detainees and the handover of 28 bodies, in exchange for the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,718 other detainees.
Source: sana.sy
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https://sana.sy/en/international/2292319/
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South Asia
Afghanistan to host next working groups meeting under UN-led Doha process
January 25, 2026
The development was announced following a meeting in Kabul between the Minister of Interior Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, and a United Nations delegation led by Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
During the talks, both sides discussed advancing engagement between Afghanistan and the international community, cooperation in combating narcotics, strengthening economic stability, and addressing restrictions affecting the private sector. Discussions also focused on improving the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance coordinated by the United Nations, according to a statement released by the Interior Ministry.
Minister Haqqani said the Islamic Emirate has taken serious and practical measures to prevent the cultivation, production, and trafficking of narcotics, noting that these efforts have yielded positive results.
Source: www.ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/afghanistan-to-host-next-working-groups-meeting-under-un-led-doha-process/
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Islamic Foundation rejects ‘9-minute adjustment’ claims in Ramadan Sehri-Iftar schedules
25 Jan 2026
The Islamic Foundation has dismissed reports claiming that Sehri and Iftar times for Ramadan should be adjusted by adding or subtracting nine minutes from the Dhaka time, calling such information misleading and baseless.
In a clarification issued on Sunday, the foundation said it has not published or endorsed any guidance suggesting a nine-minute variation for different parts of the country, contrary to reports carried by some media outlets.
However, confusion arose after some outlets reported that people outside Dhaka would need to adjust the published timings by up to nine minutes, depending on their geographical location and distance from the capital -- a practice followed in previous years.
Source: bdnews24.com
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https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/30fbe58fadea
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As Muslim tourism grows, Japan rethinks where visitors can pray
January 25, 2026
KOCHI, Japan (Kyodo) -- As Japan welcomes a growing number of Muslim visitors, a quieter but increasingly visible question is unfolding across airports, shopping malls and sightseeing hubs: where can these travelers pray?
The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a record last year, including those from Muslim-majority regions, drawn by the country's food, pop culture and seasonal scenery.
Between January and November last year alone, about 560,000 travelers came from Indonesia, 540,000 from Malaysia and 240,000 from the Middle East, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. For many, however, navigating daily prayer obligations in a country where dedicated facilities remain unevenly available detracts from an otherwise rich travel experience.
The issue it seems is less about building grand mosques than about flexibility. The Japan Tourism Agency has issued a guide for serving Muslim travelers, encouraging hotels, transport hubs and commercial facilities to designate quiet, clean spaces for prayer where possible.
Source: mainichi.jp
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https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260125/p2g/00m/0bu/015000c
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As Muslim tourism grows, can Japan adapt to travellers’ prayer needs?
25 Jan 2026
As Japan welcomes a growing number of Muslim visitors, a quieter but increasingly visible question is unfolding across airports, shopping centres and sightseeing hubs: where can these travellers pray?
The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a record last year, including those from Muslim-majority regions, drawn by the country’s food, pop culture and seasonal scenery.
Source: www.scmp.com
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Afghan FM, UN Political Chief discuss engagement, Doha process in Kabul
January 24, 2026
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held talks in Kabul with Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, focusing on engagement between the Islamic Emirate and the United Nations and the UN-led Doha process.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting covered ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the Islamic Emirate and the UN, as well as consultations related to the Doha talks.
Muttaqi briefed the UN delegation on Afghanistan’s political and security situation, efforts to stabilize the economy, and the management of returning migrants, describing recent measures by the Islamic Emirate as positive. He emphasized that lifting banking restrictions and unfreezing Afghanistan’s central bank assets are critical to supporting the private sector and facilitating humanitarian assistance, allowing the economy to function normally.
Source: www.ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/afghan-fm-un-political-chief-discuss-engagement-doha-process-in-kabul/
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Ramadan 2026: Bangladesh releases sehri and iftar timetable
24 Jan 2026
The Islamic Foundation has published the sehri and iftar timetable for the upcoming month of Ramadan, covering all districts across the country.
Based on the assumption that the first day of fasting falls on Feb 19, the final sehri time in Dhaka on that day will be 5:12am, while iftar will be at 5:58pm.
For the first time, separate schedules have been issued for all 64 districts, removing the need for worshippers outside Dhaka to calculate sehri and iftar times based on distance from the capital.
Source: bdnews24.com
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https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/5146921eb2c9
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Southeast Asia
Govt to update SARA essential items by Ramadan, may add fish, chicken and other fresh produce, says finance minister’s pol-sec
24 Jan 2026
SUNGAI PETANI, Jan 24 — The list of essential items under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme will be updated at the latest by Ramadan this year.
Political secretary to the finance minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, said there have been requests to include additional essential items in the list, including fresh produce.
“Several parties have suggested adding more items, and the ministry is considering including fresh goods such as fish, chicken and others.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Car skids into mosque foyer in Senawang, father and son injured
25 Jan 2026
SEREMBAN, Jan 25 — A father and his son were injured after the car they were travelling in skidded into the foyer of a mosque in Senawang here last night.
The Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Control Centre said it received a report about the incident involving the 62-year-old man and his 12-year-old son at 9.16 pm.
“The incident involved an Inokom Atos car driven by the elderly man, which skidded into the mosque’s foyer. At the time of the incident, several congregants had just completed their prayers.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Zahid: BN unity strengthened with PPP return, MIC’s Perikatan decision up to party
25 Jan 2026
BAGAN DATUK, Jan 25 — Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed hope that cooperation among the coalition’s core parties, including the MIC, will continue to be strengthened.
“MIC has been a core party since the days of the Alliance, together with MCA and Umno, and we hope that the core parties within BN will continue to be reinforced,” Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, told reporters at the ground-breaking of the QL Innofood Park project here today.
Yesterday, MIC president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran said the party will convene an emergency meeting soon to discuss its official participation in Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Zahid says QL Innofood Park will be Malaysia’s gateway to RM22.88t global halal market
25 Jan 2026
BAGAN DATUK, Jan 25 — Local halal food manufacturing companies play a strategic role, not only in supporting the domestic market, but also as Malaysia’s gateway to the global halal market.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the national halal food sector holds vast growth potential, with the global halal market currently valued at more than RM16.02 trillion and projected to expand to RM22.88 trillion by 2030.
“This is where I see QL Innofood Park playing a significant role. Halal is not only for Muslims - it is for all religions - and QL is a company certified with halal standards.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Immigration vows tough action against ‘duit kopi’ bribery at border crossings, warns of national security risks
25 Jan 2026
KOTA BHARU, Jan 25 — Although the amounts may seem small, the practice of giving duit kopi (coffee money - bribe) at border crossings can pose a serious threat to national security.
The Immigration Department said it is determined to stamp out the practice and will transparently investigate all allegations of small bribes involving its officers, with firm action to follow, including referrals to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Its director-general, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, said the department welcomes public complaints on the issue, whether by phone or via the whistleblower channel on its official website.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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King departs for special visit to Russia at President Putin’s invitation
25 Jan 2026
JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 25 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today departed for Saint Petersburg, Russia, for a special visit until Tuesday (Jan 27).
The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and TunkuTemenggong Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj, were present to bid farewell to Sultan Ibrahim.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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MACC seizes RM9.7m in assets linked to alleged RM300m investment fund misappropriation
25 Jan 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has so far seized assets worth RM9.7 million in connection with an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of nearly RM300 million in investment funds linked to an individual with the title Tan Sri.
According to sources, the seized assets include six houses valued at RM6.54 million, a plot of land worth RM1.8 million and two luxury vehicles valued at RM1.35 million.
“In addition, 14 bank accounts have also been seized to assist in the investigation, although the total value involved is still being verified by the respective banks,” the sources said.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Perlis MB should stop meddling in PAS affairs, says party info chief Ahmad Fadhli
By Malay Mail
25 Jan 2026
PETALING JAYA, Jan 25 — PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has pushed back against Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd. Shukri Ramli’s successor Abu Bakar Hamzah, over the latter’s proposal to reinstate three former PAS assemblymen as independents.
In a Facebook post today, Ahmad Fadhli said the three former PAS assemblymen had their memberships terminated for breaching party discipline, as stipulated in PAS’s constitution, and that the party cannot compromise on such disciplinary issues.
He added that Abu Bakar, who is from Bersatu, should concentrate on running the state and warned that he could end up being the shortest-serving Perlis menteribesar in history if he continued to meddle in party affairs.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Arab world
Iraq Shia alliance nominates former PM Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate
By Al Jazeera Staff
24 Jan 2026
Iraqi former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is on the verge of a return to power after being nominated as the country’s next premier by an alliance of Shia political blocs that hold a majority in parliament.
The Shia Coordination Framework said on Saturday that it had picked al-Maliki, leader of the Islamic Dawa Party, as its nominee for the post based on his “political and administrative experience and his role in managing the state”.
A central figure in Iraq’s politics, the 75-year-old first became prime minister in 2006, as the country appeared to be unravelling amid a wave of violence unleashed by the United States-led invasion of 2003.
He stepped down after ISIL (ISIS) seized large parts of the country in 2014, but has remained an influential political player, leading the State of Law coalition and maintaining close ties with Iran-backed factions.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
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Iraqi prominent Sunni blocs back Nouri Al-Maliki bid, dispute NPC stance
2026-01-25
Iraq’s Al-Hasm and Al-Azm alliances, two prominent Sunni political blocs, on Saturday supported the nomination of former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership, distancing themselves from a statement by the National Political Council (NPC) that cautioned against repeating past leadership experiences.
Al-Hasm, led by Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi, said the statement circulated in the name of the umbrella body bringing together Sunni parties represented in parliament “does not represent the council’s position and does not reflect the views of all its members,” adding, “It did not result from a consensus and instead expressed the views of specific parties only.”
The alliance urged media outlets to verify information and avoid generalizing political positions, citing the need to preserve credibility and transparency before public opinion.
Meanwhile, Al- Azm, headed by Muthanna al-Samarrai, said the National Council had held a meeting to discuss several political issues but failed to reach an official agreement on the circulated statement. While emphasizing that “any positions issued outside official frameworks do not represent the NPC’s decisions or final orientations,” it underlined the importance of unity and prioritizing national interests during “a sensitive phase” for Iraq.
Source: shafaq.com
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https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraqi-alliances-back-al-Maliki-bid-reject-Sunni-council-stance
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Awqaf opens registration for annual school Qur’an memorisation contest
January 25, 2026
The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), in co-operation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, announced the opening of registration for the 62nd edition of the Annual School Qur’an Memorisation Competition, held under the patronage of HE the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem al-Ghanem.
In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry said the competition is one of the oldest and most prestigious Qur’anic competitions in Qatar, having been established in 1961. Over the decades, it has served as an educational and faith-based platform that brings generations together around the Holy Qur’an, fostering spiritual values and moral development.
In this context, Director of the Department of Da’wah and Religious Guidance at Awqaf, Jassim bin Abdullah al-Ali said that the school competition continues to witness notable development each year, particularly through the integration of modern technologies in judging and evaluation committees to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Al-Ali noted that the ministry has allocated valuable financial prizes and certificates of appreciation for all successful participants, in addition to special awards for first-place winners. He stressed that the competition aims to motivate students to continue their blessed journey with the Book of Allah and to advance steadily in their levels of Qur’an memorisation.
Source: www.gulf-times.com
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Ramadan 2026: Capsule collections from Dolce & Gabbana and Dior to homegrown brands
By Sarah Maisey
25 January, 2026
With Ramadan expected to begin on February 18, dedicated collections from both global fashion houses and regional designers are arriving in stores.
What was once a novelty has, in recent years, become a key moment on the international fashion calendar, reflecting the Gulf’s growing importance as a market for the world’s biggest luxury groups.
The era of simply gilding existing designs has gone. Designers are showing a deeper understanding of the Holy Month and the reconnection with family and friends at its heart, resulting in collections that are more thoughtful, elegant and aligned with each brand’s core codes.
Regional labels have long led the way, championing modest dressing well before it became a global trend. With more choice than ever, there is no shortage of ways to approach Ramadan this year – and to do so in style.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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Iraq’s Dawa Party endorses Al-Maliki PM bid under Al-Sistani guidance
2026-01-25
Islamic Dawa Party, led by former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, on Saturday welcomed Iraq’s largest bloc’s decision to nominate him for the post of prime minister, describing the step as coming at a critical moment marked by major internal and external challenges.
In a statement, the party expressed “high appreciation” for the trust placed in al-Maliki as a candidate for prime minister and tied the success of his task to a set of political and national conditions, foremost among them “commitment to the valuable guidance” of the country’s top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and the adoption of a cohesive national discourse that reassures all domestic and international parties.
Advancing the task, it added, requires broad cooperation among Islamic and national political forces, including the formation of a cabinet composed of “qualified and trustworthy” figures capable of meeting public expectations.
Source: shafaq.com
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https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-s-Dawa-Party-endorses-Al-Maliki-PM-bid-under-Al-Sistani-guidance
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Sunni bloc demands new faces for premiership post
2026-01-24
The National Political Council (NPC), a body bringing together Sunni parties that won seats in the 2025 parliamentary elections, urged on Saturday the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) to assume “historic responsibility” in selecting Iraq’s next Prime Minister, warning against repeating leadership approaches that have failed to ensure stability or restore public trust.
In a statement, the council stressed that Iraq’s current challenges require decisions that place the country’s interests above personal or political considerations. It raised concerns about potential candidates linked to past periods marked by political turmoil, security lapses, and economic crises whose consequences remain evident today.
Clarifying that these concerns are neither sectarian nor strictly political, the NPC invoked the repeated calls of religious authorities in Najaf for leaders capable of managing crises, cooperating with diverse communities, and safeguarding national unity.
The council’s statement comes after the Framework nominated former Prime Minister and head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki, as its candidate for Iraq’s next premier.
Source: shafaq.com
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https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Sunni-bloc-demands-new-faces-for-premiership-post
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Nasser bin Hamad directs organisation of second Al Fursan Sports Tournament during Ramadan
24 Jan 2026
Manama, Jan. 24 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, directed the organisation of the second edition of the Al Fursan Sports Tournament during the holy month of Ramadan in 2026, following the positive outcomes of the first edition.
His Highness noted that the first edition achieved positive sporting and social impact during Ramadan, which provided an incentive to proceed with organising a second edition and further developing the tournament as an established sporting platform.
His Highness highlighted that the tournament contributes to encouraging youth participation, providing a competitive sporting environment, and supporting sports federations in identifying and developing promising talent across various sports.
Source: www.bna.bh
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https://www.bna.bh/en/news?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2bDoDXNTAxQ4YCw9a4BSnnsqQ%3d
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Europe
Shotgun thug, mosque stabbing duo and extradited paedophile among those locked up in Lancashire this week
Rachel Smith
24 Jan 2026
Each week, dozens of defendants work their way through the justice system and here at LancsLive we have dedicated reporters to bring you the most serious cases.
This week we have been following the trial of a mother and her two children who are accused of murdering a man on his doorstep in Blackburn. Joanne Maxwell, 47, Liam Donlin, 25, and Amie Clegg, 22, deny murdering Paul Scott in revenge for a fight at a party in which Maxwell claimed she was hit by a friend of Mr Scott's.
We have also been following the trial of university student Matthew Bennett, whose childhood friend died when Bennett's Audi collided with a tree after they left the pub in Parbold. Bennett denies causing the death of Christopher Tromp by dangerous driving.
Source: www.lancs.live
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https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/shotgun-thug-mosque-stabbing-duo-33284017
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Zelenskyy urges more air defence as Russian strikes cripple Kiev’s heating system
25-01-2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought more air defence support from allies on Sunday as hundreds of buildings in Kiev were still without heating for a second day after Russian strikes.
Russia has hit Ukrainian energy infrastructure throughout the nearly four-year war, but Kiev says this winter has been the toughest yet, with hundreds of Russian drones and missiles overwhelming air defences during particularly fierce frosts.
"This week alone, the Russians have launched more than 1,700 attack drones, over 1,380 guided aerial bombs, and 69 missiles of various types," the president said as he arrived in Vilnius.
Source: www.trtworld.com
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https://www.trtworld.com/article/97fb3113a2da
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1,676 high-rises in Kyiv still lack heating after Russia’s winter attacks
by Yuri Zoria
25/01/2026
In Kyiv, nearly 1,700 apartment apartment blocks remain without heating following a series of Russian missile and drone attacks earlier this month, according to Mayor Vitalii Klitschko. The capital is still struggling to restore basic services after its critical infrastructure was damaged during the strikes on 9, 20, and 24 January.
The heating crisis is only part of a broader disruption. Several massive Russian air assaults this month severely damaged power supply in Kyiv Oblast. According to local authorities, Kyiv had earlier restored water supply to the city’s left bank half, although upper floors of some buildings may still experience issues. Efforts to fully restore electricity and stabilize water distribution remain ongoing.
Vitalii Klitschko reported on 25 January that 1,676 high-rise apartment buildings in Kyiv are still disconnected from the heating supply after the most recent Russian assault on 24 January. The city had lost heating in nearly 6,000 buildings that day due to widespread infrastructure damage, and restoration efforts are still underway.
“Currently, 1,676 apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without heating after the enemy’s attack on the capital on 24 January,” Klitschko said this morning
Source: euromaidanpress.com
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At least 1 killed, 9 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day
by Yuliia Taradiuk
January 25, 2026
At least one person was killed, and nine others were injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities said Jan. 25.
Russia launched 102 drones and two Iskander ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Air defenses intercepted 87 drones, while at least 15 made it through, striking 10 locations. Officials were still clarifying information about the ballistic missiles at the time of publication.
Source: kyivindependent.com
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New book exploring the connections between Islam and Wales to be published next month
24 Jan 2026
A new book exploring the historic connections between Wales and Islam is due to be published in February.
Published by Seren Books, the book examines the lesser known history of Islam in Wales.
Describing the book on their website Seren Books said: “In Muslim Wales Abdul-Azim Ahmed explores the stories of nine places which trace this shared history across centuries.
Source: nation.cymru
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Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi ‘constructive,’ Zelenskyy says
By Martina Sapio
January 24, 2026
Ukraine, Russia and the United States concluded a second day of U.S.-brokered trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, which Kyiv described as “constructive” despite continued attacks by Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the two days of meetings in the United Arab Emirates — the first in trilateral format in years — focused on possible parameters for ending the war and the security guarantees required to make any agreement credible.
“All sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “A lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive.”
Source: www.politico.eu
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https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-russia-second-day-us-peace-talks-abu-dhabi/
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Ukrainian MiG-29 Strikes FPV Drone Operators’ Base
Dmytro Shumlianskyi
January 25, 2026
Ukrainian Air Force aircraft destroyed a building used by Russian FPV drone operators in the northern sector using high-precision aerial munitions.
A Ukrainian reconnaissance drone had previously identified the building as a base for Russian drone operators. The drone also recorded a Russian serviceman exiting the building and launching an FPV drone from the courtyard.
After this, Ukrainian defenders requested air support to eliminate the enemy position, as Russian FPV drone operators are considered one of the priority targets on the frontline.
Source: militarnyi.com
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https://militarnyi.com/en/news/ukrainian-mig-29-strikes-fpv-drone-operators-base/
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North America
'Let ICE do their job': Trump reacts after federal agents fatally shoot Alex Pretti in Minnesota
Jan 25, 2026
US President Donald Trump has reacted to the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, calling the incident a “cover-up” and launching a multi-pronged attack on Minnesota’s Democratic leaders.
Trump posted a series of statements on Truth Social less than two hours after federal agents shot dead Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis resident and US citizen who police later said was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. The GOP leader shared an image of a handgun and accused state and city officials of neglecting immigration enforcement in the Blue region.
Trump said the man killed was armed: “This is the gunman’s gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go – What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers?”
Trump went on to accuse Minnesota officials of corruption involving millions of dollars, asking, “Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota?”
Source: timesofindia.com
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'We're buying Canadian': PM Mark Carney hits back at Trump’s 100% tariff threat
Jan 25, 2026
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has urged citizens to back domestic businesses and workers under a new “Buy Canadian” policy, hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa proceeded with trade deals with China.
“With our economy under threat from abroad, Canadians have made a choice: to focus on what we can control. You're choosing to put your hard earned dollars behind Canadian businesses, and Canadian workers,” he said. “Canada’s new government is doing the same with our new Buy Canadian Policy.”
Carney said the government would prioritise domestic sourcing for major national projects, including housing, infrastructure and defence.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Kamala Harris explodes after ICU nurse shot by ICE agents, calls Minneapolis a ‘murderous occupation’
Jan 25, 2026
In a forceful social media outburst that quickly gained national attention, Kamala Harris, former US vice president and senior Democratic political figure, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse shot dead by federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Harris’s tweet crystallised widespread political and public outrage over the incident and intensified debate over federal law enforcement practices in US cities.
Harris tweeted, “Alex Jeffrey Pretti was an ICU nurse at a VA hospital. His life, through his profession, was dedicated to serving his community and our country. As so many have now seen on video, his final act before he was killed by federal agents was doing everything in his power to protect his community.”
She went on to write, “Alex and tens of thousands of Minnesotans have boldly defended their neighbours against the murderous occupation of an American city by the federal government.” The message concluded with a forceful expression of personal and national grief: “I am enraged and heartbroken for Alex, his family, Minneapolis, and America.”
Source: timesofindia.com
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'What did you just do!' US Federal agents fire 10 shots in five seconds, killing Minneapolis man - video captures horror
Jan 25, 2026
A second US citizen 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti was killed during a confrontation with ICE officials in Minneapolis on Saturday. Footage from the moment Pretti was killed shows him holding a mobile phone as officers move in, followed by a chaotic struggle on the ground. An agent is seen pushing people into the street and spraying Pretti with pepper spray when he steps forward.
Seconds later, several agents seize him and force him down. As he is restrained on his knees, one agent appears to pull a handgun from near Pretti’s hip while another draws his own weapon. Almost immediately, shots ring out at close range. Even after Pretti collapses, two agents continue firing. At least ten shots are heard within roughly five seconds, according to the videos.
The incident came just weeks after Minnesota resident Renée Good was shot dead by a federal immigration agent on January 7 , an earlier killing that sparked daily protests in the city.
One video, filmed from inside a coffee and doughnut shop, shows agents surrounding and tackling a man later identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti. An officer appears to strike him several times as they force him to the ground. Gunshots are then heard, and the man collapses.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Africa
New Tax Regime: Billions could come from churches, mosques – Oye, ex NACCIMA boss
By Nnamdi Ojiego
25-01-2026
Oye, who is the immediate past Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) and Chairman of the Nigeria-Türkiye Business Council (NTBC), said the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) and Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) represent the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s fiscal system in decades, with major implications for religious institutions that previously operated in legal grey areas.
He explained that the new regime centralises revenue collection, tightens the definition of charitable activities, and mandates digital records for financial transactions, thereby bringing the economic activities of churches, mosques, and other faith-based organisations under closer regulatory scrutiny.
In a paper titled “Harmonising Zakat, Waqf, and Christian Stewardship Under Nigeria’s 2025 Tax Act,” Oye noted that while the reforms modernise the tax system and reduce fragmentation, their success in the religious sector depends on professional financial management and collaboration between the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and faith-based stakeholders.
Source: www.vanguardngr.com
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Giporoso mosque to relocate ahead of road expansion
Michel Nkurunziza
January 25, 2026
Giporoso mosque, located near Hill Top Hotel, is set to be relocated following plans to begin the expansion of the Prince House–Masaka Road in February, Rwanda Muslim Community has announced.
As expropriation and demolition works get under way to pave the way for the road expansion, several major properties along the route will be affected.
At least 530 properties are expected to be impacted by the project, which aims to widen the road from two to four lanes and construct a flyover on a busy section to ease traffic congestion.
Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
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ADC Seeks Postponement of FCT Council Polls over Ramadan
By Baba Martins
25 Jan 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections because it coincides with the Ramadan fast.
But in a statement on Saturday, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, said the letter was guided by the need to protect inclusivity in the electoral process, stating that it was made “in pursuit of an inclusive electoral process that enables all eligible citizens, irrespective of faith, to fully exercise their constitutional rights without constraint or disadvantage.”
The letter to INEC was dated 22 January 2026 and signed by the National Chairman of the party, Senator David A. B. Mark, and the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
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https://dailytrust.com/adc-seeks-postponement-of-fct-council-polls-over-ramadan/
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2027: Tinubu planning to remove Shettima, replace with sitting gov – Primate Ayodele
By Seun Opejob
January 25, 2026
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima, ahead of the presidential election in 2027.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele reiterated his warning to Tinubu not to make use of a muslim-muslim ticket, stating that the disobedience is leading to the removal of the vice president from office.
He, however, warned that if the VP is removed acrimoniously, it will affect the party because Shettima will work against the interests of the party.
Source: dailypost.ng
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Islamic finance to incorporate financial reporting system
January 25, 2026
Islamic finance has received a major boost as the Federal Government has announced plans to integrate Islamic finance accounting and auditing standards into Nigeria‘s financial reporting system, a move aimed at boosting transparency, expanding financial inclusion, and positioning the country as a hub for non-interest finance in Africa.
The standards, developed by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), a Bahrain-based body established in 1991, are widely recognised across countries with strong Islamic finance markets, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan, Indonesia, and parts of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
AAOIFI standards are tailored to the unique nature of non-interest financial transactions such as profit-and-loss sharing, sukuk (Islamic bonds), takaful (Islamic insurance), and other Shari’ah-compliant products that conventional reporting frameworks often fail to capture.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/islamic-finance-to-incorporate-financial-reporting-system/
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Ramadan: ADC Writes INEC, Seeks FCT Elections Postponement
25-01-2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to request the postponement of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections currently scheduled for February 21, 2026, on account of the Ramadan fast.
In the letter dated January 22, 2026 and signed by the National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, and the National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the party drew the attention of the commission to the fact that “the scheduled election date falls within the period of the Ramadan fast, which is likely to be observed by a significant portion of the electorate in the Federal Capital Territory.”
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that the letter stated that, “given the profound cultural and religious significance of this period, and in the interest of robust and active participation in the democratic process by all eligible voters,” it was necessary to request a reconsideration of the election date.
Source: www.thisdaylive.com
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https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/25/ramadan-adc-writes-inec-seeks-fct-elections-postponement/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/assam-voter-revision-notices-miyas-not-hindus-assamese-muslims-himanta-sarma/d/138587