Enemy Property Act: Sword Hangs Over Pataudi Family Properties Worth Rs 15,000 Crore
New Age Islam News Bureau
22 January 2025
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has instructed Saif Ali Khan to appeal against the government's declaration of the Pataudi family's historical properties as enemy property. (Source: Instagram)
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• Enemy Property Act: Sword Hangs Over Pataudi Family Properties Worth Rs 15,000 Crore
• Mathura Mosque Panel Accuses Centre Of Stalling SC Hearing On Places Of Worship Act
• Strike Houthis While Iran Is Weak, UN-Backed Yemeni Government Urges West
• England Captain Jos Buttler Refuses To Boycott Match Against Afghanistan In ICC Champions Trophy 2025
• Kamala Harris Was Suppressing Negative Expressions, Biden Was Lost In Space: Experts On Trump Inauguration Body Language
India
• SC Extends Stay On Court-Monitored Survey Of Shahi Idgah Mosque Complex In Mathura
• STF Arrests Suspected Islamic Extremist From Assam’s Dhubri District
• CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary's Statement, Criticising Workout Sessions Involving Men And Women In Public, Irks Jamiat Ul Ulama General Secretary
• Muslim Ambulance Society To Be Feted For Health Services To All For 93 Yrs
• JPC on Waqf (Amendment) Bill meets Muslim clerics, UP govt representatives
• "Needs To End Now...": Court To Cops In Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam Bail Pleas
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Mideast
• Hamas And Islamic Jihad Call For General Mobilization To Confront Occupation's Aggression On Jenin
• Islamic Jihad Envoy Talks Gaza Ceasefire, Future Of Enclave During Tehran Times Visit
• War between Israel and Iran should be avoided, Saudi FM says
• Iran needs to strike nuclear understanding with Trump, IAEA chief says
• Iran army employs Cobra helicopters, Fajr-5 missiles in drill
• Iran executes man convicted of killing police officer
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South Asia
• Bangladesh Softens Stance, Calls For Dialogue With India
• Bangladesh eyes deeper ties with China as relations with India suffer
• Ambassador of Islamic Emirate Addresses Shanghai Cooperation Organization Meeting
• Afghan Taliban member freed from US custody in exchange for two Americans, Kabul says
• Chinese citizen killed by unidentified gunman in Takhar, Afghanistan
• Trump’s refugee ban leaves 2,000 Afghan allies in limbo: Refugee Support Organization
• Pakistan and Iran envoys discuss Afghanistan’s Affairs
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North America
• Donald Trump’s second term: Full list of executive orders signed on Day 1 of presidency
• 'They treat us very, very badly': Trump plans to hit European Union with tariffs, 10% rate on China
• Barron Trump launches real estate company as father Donald reclaims US presidency
• Did Barron Trump whisper this one word to the ears of Joe Biden at the inauguration event?
• Elon Musk to buy TikTok? What President Donald Trump after 75-days ban delay order
• 'Not just engineers but all levels': Donald Trump on H-1B visa says he wants competent people coming into US
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Pakistan
• Judicial Orders Versus Administrative Decisions: ‘Jurisdiction’ Becomes Bone Of Contention At Pakistan Apex Court
• Judicial Commission of Pakistan meeting tomorrow to finalise judges for SHC
• PTI gets more time to submit paperwork in party polls case
• Sindh Assembly rejects opposition resolution for holding elections of student unions
• BankIslami Pakistan named ‘Best Islamic Trustee’ at IFN Best Banks Poll 2024
• PTCL Group injects Rs4bn into U Bank to fuel Islamic banking growth
• Malik Riaz and son should face courts, present their defence: info minister
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Africa
• Video Shows Nigeria Supporting France's Fight Against Islamists In Northern Mali In 2013, Not The Deployment Of French Troops To Northern Nigeria
• Selimiye mosque ‘to be complete before Ramadan’
• Abuja-Kaduna road: Northern Professionals back Umahi on re-award of contract to new company
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Arab World
• Saudi Book Club Brings Together Readers And Writers From Around The Globe
• Unified Database Of Official Government Policies On Arabic Language Launched
• HM King condolences with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
• Saudi Arabia’s FM announces landmark visit to Lebanon
• Saudi deputy minister meets newly appointed Bangladesh ambassador
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Europe
• Prestwich Mosque Set To Be Demolished To Make Way For Larger Building
• Regulator Disqualifies Trustee After Finding Brighton Mosque “Poorly Managed”
• Police clarify reports of ‘attacks’ on Bayraktar mosque
• UK economy: Borrowing overshoots expectations as interest bill spikes
• The Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons are surprisingly easy to remove
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Southeast Asia
• Was Money In Accounts ‘Gift’, ‘Political Donation’ Or ‘Financial Support’ From Saudi? Najib Says It’s All The Same
• Najib: I Didn’t Ask MACC Chief To Do Me Favour On 1MDB Probe; AGC Official Was Just Briefing Me
• PJ police: Malaysian cosplayer reports AI-manipulated explicit photos being sold online
• Fahmi: No plans for online age restrictions, focus on balancing access and safety
• Rafizi: Kedah’s project hold-up due to state land issues, not federal govt
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/enemy-property-pataudi-family-worth/d/134403
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Enemy Property Act: Sword Hangs Over Pataudi Family Properties Worth Rs 15,000 Crore
by Anand Mohan J
Mumbai: January 22, 2025
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has instructed Saif Ali Khan to appeal against the government's declaration of the Pataudi family's historical properties as enemy property. (Source: Instagram)
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The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed actor Saif Ali Khan to approach the appellate authority against the central government declaring historical properties of the Pataudi family, estimated to be worth Rs 15,000 crore, as enemy property.
Provisions of the Enemy Property Act allow the Centre to claim properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan post-Partition. It was promulgated in 1968, after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
In 2014, the Custodian of Enemy Property Department issued a notice declaring the Pataudi family’s properties in Bhopal as “enemy property.” The dispute intensified after a 2016 ordinance by the Government of India, which explicitly stated that heirs would have no rights over such properties belonging to the Pataudi family.
Prominent properties under scrutiny include the Flag Staff House, where Saif spent his childhood, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace and Kohefiza Property. The court had been hearing Khan’s challenge since 2015.
During a hearing on December 13, Deputy Solicitor General Pushpendra Yadav apprised the court that an “appellate authority has been constituted for adjudication of disputes in regard to enemy property.”
Justice Vivek Agarwal, while delivering the order, also said a statutory remedy exists under the amended Enemy Property Act, 2017, and said the parties concerned could file a representation within 30 days.
“It is directed that if representation is filed within 30 days from today (December 13), then the appellate authority shall not advert to the aspect of limitation and shall deal with the appeal on its own merits,” the court said.
As per the court order, Khan was to approach the tribunal by January 12, but there is no official confirmation whether he did. Bhopal Collector Kaushlendra Singh told The Indian Express, “I have not seen the order yet. We will study the order first before taking any steps. We have not received any information on whether Khan has appealed before a tribunal.”
As of 1947, Bhopal was a princely state, and Nawab Hamidullah Khan was its last Nawab. He had three daughters, and his eldest, Abida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan in 1950.
Sajida’s grandson, Saif Ali Khan, inherited a share of the properties. However, Abida Sultan’s migration became the focal point for the government’s claim to the properties as “enemy property.”
Source: Indianexpress.Com
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Mathura Mosque Panel Accuses Centre Of Stalling SC Hearing On Places Of Worship Act
January 22, 2025
The top court is seized of a clutch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 1991 Act as well as some seeking its enforcement. (File Image)
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The Committee for the management of the Shahi Masjid Eidgah in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura has moved the Supreme Court with an application accusing the Centre of “deliberately not filing” its response to petitions challenging the Places of Worship Act, 1991 and urged the top court to “close the right of the Union of India to file the counter affidavit/ reply/ pleadings/ submissions.”
The Committee alleged that this was being done “with the intention to delay the hearing of the” petitions “thereby obstructing those who are opposing the challenge to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 in filing their respective written submissions/responses, as the stand of the Union of India would have a bearing on the same.”
The application pointed out that by an order dated September 9, 2022, the top court had “noticed that even though the notice in writ petition… was issued on 12.03.2021, the Union of India had not filed its counter affidavit/reply and the Union of India was granted two weeks’ time to file its counter affidavit/reply. However, the Union of India failed to file its counter affidavit/reply as directed…”
It added that by an order dated October 12, 2022, “the time to file a counter affidavit by the Union of India was extended by this Hon’ble Court and the Union of India was directed to file its counter affidavit on or before 31.10.2022. However, the Union of India again failed to file its counter affidavit on or before 31.10.2022 as directed by” the court.
The Committee said that since the apex court has fixed February 17, 2025 to hear the petitions next, “it would be in the interest of justice if the right of the Union of India to file its Counter Affidavit/Reply/Pleadings/Submissions, is closed.”
The top court is seized of a clutch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 1991 Act as well as some seeking its enforcement.
Hearing the petitions on December 12, 2024, a bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan barred civil courts across the country from registering fresh suits challenging the ownership and title of any place of worship and from ordering surveys of disputed religious places until further orders.
The bench also noted that the Centre is yet to file its response in the matter, and asked the government to file its reply in four weeks time. “We want the Union of India’s position to be brought on record,” the CJI had observed.
It had asked the Centre to furnish copies of its response to the petitioners and to upload the e-copy online so that those can be downloaded.
The 1991 Act was brought in by the then Congress government of Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao at a time when the Ram temple movement was at its peak. The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.
Hearing the suits related to the dispute over the Gyanvapi mosque complex, the Supreme Court had earlier taken the stand that “the whole question is really on what is the religious character as on August 15, 1947” and determining this is not barred under the Act.
Source: Indianexpress.Com
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Strike Houthis while Iran is weak, UN-backed Yemeni government urges west
Patrick Wintour
21 Jan 2025
Houthi supporters rallying in Sana’a. Photograph: Yahya Arhab/EPA
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The west should seize the opportunity to target the Tehran-backed Houthi leadership in Yemen while the Iranian government is weakened, the vice-president of the UN-backed government in Aden has said.
Aidarus al-Zoubaidi said that Iran’s reverses in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza had left the country “massively weakened”. “They have one remaining domain and that is Yemen,” Zoubaidi told the Guardian. “Now is the time to counter the Houthis and push them back into their position.”
Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, he also called on the new US administration to designate the Houthis a foreign terrorist organisation, and praised Donald Trump for showing “decisive leadership”.
His remarks suggest that the Presidential Leadership Council, based in the Yemeni city Aden, regards the weakening of Iran and the return of Trump as an opportunity to launch a joint military offensive against the Houthis, including the potential use of ground forces.
He predicted: “Iran will not give up on the Houthis, but on the contrary double down on its support for the Houthis as the last remaining component of its chain of proxy forces. So this is the right time for us also to double time and push them to the maximum”. Iran says the Houthis are an independent political force.
Zoubaidi said the Aden government was willing to provide intelligence advice to all those mounting attacks on Houthi positions. “We are willing to work with everyone on this”, he said, in remarks that suggest some cooperation could take place even with Israel.
He said the attacks mounted so far largely by the US and the UK on the Houthis “had not been effective because it’s not targeting the Houthi leadership, or their main locations or headquarters. It’s not joined-up, or comprehensive. It’s just airstrikes. Joined-up means also a military operation on the ground”.
The US attacks have been designed to deter the Houthis from firing on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, attacks the Houthis say have been acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The group gained control of the capital of Yemen, Sana’a, in 2014.
The Houthi leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, said on Monday that during the Gaza ceasefire, Houthi forces would only attack shipping directly linked to Israel, meaning British- or US-owned ships would be spared. The Houthis say they are in talks to release the crew of the Galaxy Leader, who have been held hostage by the group since November 2023.
Zoubaidi said the social structure of Houthi support was different from that of Hezbollah and Hamas, so simply going after its leadership would not be enough.
He also criticised the Biden administration for “a lack of assertiveness”, highlighting the decision to lift the foreign terrorist designation in favour of a lesser classification. Zoubaidi, who is also the president of the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), said “the decision had given the Houthis space in which to work and to do what they have done”.
The STC enjoys support from the United Arab Emirates, and it is not clear whether Zoubaidi’s call for a tougher military approach has the support of Saudi Arabia or the new US foreign policy team.
Source: Www.Theguardian.Com
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England captain Jos Buttler refuses to boycott match against Afghanistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
by Staff Writer
January 21, 2025
He will be skipping the upcoming fixture against Himachal Pradesh on January 23 due to workload management but has made himself available for the last fixture of the season.
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LONDON (AP) — England captain Jos Buttler believes their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan next month should go ahead despite calls for a boycott. This month, more than 160 U.K. politicians signed a letter arguing that England should refuse to play the men’s one-day international in Lahore, Pakistan, on Feb. 26 to take a stand against the Taliban regime’s assault on women’s rights.
“Political situations like this, as a player you’re trying to be as informed as you can be,” Buttler was quoted as saying by British media ahead of his side’s first Twenty20 against India on Wednesday. “The experts know a lot more about it, so I’ve been trying to stay in dialogue with (England director of men’s cricket) Rob Key and the guys above to see how they see it. I don’t think a boycott is the way to go about it.”
Female participation in sport has effectively been outlawed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, a move that puts the Afghanistan Cricket Board in contravention of International Cricket Council rules.
“As a player, you don’t want political situations to affect sport,” Buttler added. “We hope to go to the Champions Trophy and play that game and have a really good tournament.”
Source: Crictoday.Com
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Kamala Harris was suppressing negative expressions, Biden was lost in space: Experts on Trump inauguration body language
Jan 22, 2025
It was not easy for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to hide their feelings as thousands of cameras flashed on them as Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States after a bitterly fought election. Donald Trump had to fight both of them as Joe Biden was initially the presidential candidate until he was forced t0 bow out in favor of Kamala Harris. Trump debated both of them in two presidential debates in the blitzkrieg campaign.
Biden and Kamala Harris, however, showed courtesy as they handed over the power to Donald Trump and JD Vance, respectively. Biden in fact greeted Donald Trump saying 'Welcome home'.
Body language experts, however, decoded what they were suppressing as Donald Trump took the oath. Expert Susan Constantine told Newsweek that Kamala Harris' face was tense as she seemed uncomfortable. "The body language between Trump, Harris, and Biden was contentious, stonewalling one another intentionally not to acknowledge or show respect through eye contact, eyebrow glance, or handshake," Constantine said.
"Harris's face was tense, as she seemed uncomfortable, and she was leaning away from Biden. She appeared to hug the chair to create further distance between her and Biden. Biden appeared lost in space," the expert said adding that Kamala Harris displayed visible signs of deep emotion throughout the inauguration. She took a deep breath and looked tense.
Body language expert Blanca Cobb noted that during Donald Trump's inauguration speech, Biden and Harris did not clap. "Their body language spoke volumes: Harris maintained a sharp, unwavering stare, her arms crossed on her lap, a posture that conveyed disapproval and restrained tension. Meanwhile, Biden's subtle smirk added a layer of quiet disagreement," he said.
According to a lip reader, Barack Obama asked George W Bush how they could "stop what's happening" during the inauguration. Lip reader Jackie Gonzalez interpreted that Obama greeted Bush and said, "Good to see you". Obama then turned to the crowd thanking them for the cheers and asked Bush, "How can we stop what's happening?"
There was another viral moment from the inauguration when Donald Trump's son Barron Trump leaned towards Joe Biden after a handshake. Forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman said he believes Biden said, "It's good to see you man" to which Barron said, "Exactly".
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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India
SC extends stay on court-monitored survey of Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura
January 22, 2025
The Supreme Court Wednesday extended the stay on the Allahabad High Court’s December 14, 2023, order allowing an application for the inspection of the Shahi Idgah complex in Mathura by a court-appointed commissioner in connection with the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute.
A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan, which took up appeals filed by the Mosque Committee challenging the HC order, directed that the stay be continued.
Ordering the stay for the first time on January 16 last year, the Supreme Court said there were legal issues arising which needed to be decided.
Source: Www.Deccanherald.Com
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STF arrests suspected Islamic extremist from Assam’s Dhubri district
By Biswa Kalyan
Jan 21, 2025
Assam Police's STF arrests Islamic extremist Ajibar Rahman linked to Ansarullah Bangla Team in Dhubri, part of ongoing "Operation Praghat" against terror groups.
Silchar: Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested another suspected Islamic extremist linked to the Bangladeshi terror outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) from Assam’s Dhubri district, officials said on Tuesday.
This is the second arrest in four days, and the inspector general (IG) of STF, ParthasarathiMahanta, said that under “Operation Praghat,” they have made multiple arrests in the last two months from Assam and neighbouring states as part of operations against Global Terrorist Organisations (GTO).
“Based on the inputs from intelligence agencies, we launched the operation last month, and a case was also registered. Under this, we have arrested several suspected jihadis (Islamic extremists),” he said.
Source: Www.Hindustantimes.Com
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CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary's Statement, Criticising Workout Sessions Involving Men And Women In Public, Irks Jamiat Ul Ulama General Secretary
22 January 2025
Thiruvananthapuram: Muslim cleric and Jamiat ul Ulama general secretary A P AboobackerMusliar has come out against CPI(M) Kerala state secretary M V Govindan for criticising the former’s remarks on workout sessions involving men and women in publ...
“The CPI(M) secretary need not try to insult us when we say something about what to practice in our religion. We have not said anything about other religions,” he said on Tuesday.
He also sought to ridicule Govindan for speaking against male domination, asking why a single woman could not be found among the 18 area secretaries selected by his party in his home district of Kannur.
Source: Www.Deccanherald.Com
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Muslim Ambulance Society To Be Feted For Health Services To All For 93 Yrs
Jan 22, 2025
Mumbai: Hundreds are expected to turn up at the iconic Islam Gymkhana near Marine Lines on Jan 24 to commemorate the city-based Muslim Ambulance Society which is turning 93 this year. Besides running ambulances, including hearse vans, it manages a free immunisation centre, maternity homes, childcare centres, diagnostic centres, sample collection centres and hospitals.
Perhaps few know the society better than its president since 2007—Dr Rauf Sumar, 81, who has been associated with it for the past 55 years. "The society was created by a group of six selfless individuals at a shop in Chakala Street to serve the injured and needy without discrimination against caste or creed," says Dr Sumar, seated at his first-floor office at MH Saboo Siddique Maternity and General Hospital at Imambada Road in Dongri. The society has been managing this 110-bed hospital since 2004. "We operate on 400 to 450 patients per month, including major and super-major surgeries," says Dr Sumar.
But much before the society began managing MH Saboo Siddique Hospital, Fauziya Maternity and Nursing Home at Arab Gali and Haji Karim MS Maternity and Child Care Hospital at Mohammed Ali Road, the society's ambulance division had reached out to non-Muslims with its services.
Soon after six members— Ibrahim Haroon, Ayub Haroon, Noor Mohammed Dhiyaan, Mohammed Hussain Sumar, Akbarali Khan and Abdul Raheem Bachuseth — inaugurated the society in 1932, legendary poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal (he gave the country the patriotic song Sare Jahan Se Achcha) congratulated it. In his letter from Lahore, Iqbal wrote: "I welcome the inauguration of the Bombay Muslim Ambulance Society and heartily congratulate the Bombay Muslims on their truly Islamic form of service." To emphasise his point, Iqbal quoted the Persian poet Saadi:"The way to God is through service of humanity and not by the mere counting of beads and wearing of holy garments."
Source: Times Of India.Com
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JPC on Waqf (Amendment) Bill meets Muslim clerics, UP govt representatives
Sanjay Pandey
21 January 2025,
Lucknow: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill held its meeting here on Tuesday in which senior Muslim clerics, UP ministers and members of the committee took part and exchanged views on the contentious Bill.
The meeting was attended by JPC chairman Jagadambika Pal, UP Shia Waqf Board chairman Ali Zaidi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, UP minority affairs minister Om Prakash Rajbhar and others.
JPC chairman Jagadambika Pal later said that the committee invited suggestions and objections from different stakeholders on the matter.
"This law is being enacted to ensure better functioning of the Waqf Board. It's our last meeting here. We have held meetings in different states," he said.
According to the sources, Rajbhar said in the meeting that the state government had conducted a large scale survey of the claimed Waqf properties.
Source: Www.Hindustantimes.Com
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"Needs To End Now...": Court To Cops In Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam Bail Pleas
Jan 21, 2025
New Delhi:The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said it cannot "endlessly" hear the submissions in the bail hearing of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others in a February 2020 riots' case under UAPA.
A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur observed the accused persons claimed there was "nothing" against them, and therefore, asked the police to show the specific roles attributed to each of them in the alleged conspiracy behind the violence.
"This has to end. This can't go on like this.. This needs to end now. We can't give you endless time," the bench told the police counsel.
He said the present batch of matters did not comprise simple bail pleas but appeals against trial court orders refusing the relief and therefore required a substantial hearing.
Khalid, Imam and others were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the IPC for allegedly being the "masterminds" of the violence, which left 53 dead and several injured.
While challenging the trial court orders refusing bail, Khalid and others cited their long incarceration and parity with other co-accused who were granted bail.
On Tuesday, SPP Prasad reiterated the stand that Imam and others gave inflammatory speeches calling for a "chakka jam" and protests were not organic.
Source: Www.Hindustantimes.Com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-riots-umar-khalid-sharjeel-imam-bail-high-court-police-7526623
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Mideast
Hamas and Islamic Jihad call for general mobilization to confront occupation's aggression on Jenin
21 Jan 2025
On Tuesday, Hamas and Islamic Jihad called on the Palestinian people to mobilize and confront the large-scale Israeli aggression on the city of Jenin and its camp, which the occupation launched under the name "Iron Wall".
In its statement, Hamas urged the Palestinian people, especially in the West Bank, to escalate the confrontation with the occupation forces at all points of contact, stressing that the Israeli military operation will fail as previous operations failed in the face of the steadfastness and resistance of the Palestinian people. Hamas criticized the withdrawal of the Palestinian security services from the vicinity of the camp at the start of the aggression, describing it as a reflection of negligence in performing its duty to protect the resistance fighters.
For its part, the Islamic Jihad movement considered that this aggression reflects the crisis of the occupation and its failure to achieve its goals in Gaza, noting that the head of the occupation government, Benjamin Netanyahu, seeks through this operation to save his troubled government coalition. The movement stressed that the Palestinian resistance fighters are waging a heroic battle against the occupation in Jenin and the rest of the cities and camps, stressing that the enemy will not succeed in breaking the will of the Palestinian people.
The two movements renewed their call to the Palestinian people in the West Bank to confront the aggression by all possible means, praising the bravery of the resistance fighters who are confronting the occupation despite the bombing and siege.
Source: Www.Saba.Ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3427042.htm
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Islamic Jihad envoy talks Gaza ceasefire, future of enclave during Tehran Times visit
January 21, 2025
TEHRAN - The Palestinian Islamic Jihad Resistance movement’s envoy to Tehran, Nasser Abu-Sharif, stated that the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement were consistent with the group’s initial demands since the start of the conflict.
He emphasized that the group’s core condition for the ceasefire was the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of a long list of Palestinian civilians jailed by Israel.
Speaking during a visit to the Tehran Times building, where he met with the CEO, Abu-Sharif stated, "The Resistance never changed its stance. It was Israel that needed to concede." He highlighted that despite Israel's extensive military campaign in Gaza, which included "carpet-bombing, the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, and violations of every international law," Israel had failed to achieve its primary objective of eliminating Hamas and other Resistance factions.
Abu-Sharif further stressed that the future of Gaza must be determined solely by the will of the Palestinian people, rejecting any external interference. "This is an internal issue that the people of Gaza should decide. Different Palestinian groups, including Hamas, have always prioritized the demands of the people and will continue to do that."
Source: Www.Tehrantimes.Com
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War between Israel and Iran should be avoided, Saudi FM says
By JOANIE MARGULIES
JANUARY 21, 2025
A war between Israel and Iran should be avoided, the Saudi Foreign Minister said in Davos on Tuesday, adding that he did not see the administration of US President Donald Trump contributing to the risk of such conflict.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud also told the Davos gathering he hoped President Trump's approach to Iran would be met with a willingness by Tehran to positively engage with the US administration and address the issue of its nuclear program.
"Obviously, a war between Iran and Israel, any war in our region, is something we should try to avoid as much as possible," Prince Faisal said, speaking during the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland.
Source: Www.Jpost.Com
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https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-838602
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Iran needs to strike nuclear understanding with Trump, IAEA chief says
21 January ,2025
Iran needs to reach an understanding over its atomic activity with the administration of Donald Trump in order to avoid being dragged into another military conflict in the Middle East, according to the world’s top nuclear regulator.
Six-and-a-half years after Trump abrogated an agreement that gave the Islamic Republic sanctions relief in exchange for strict limits on its nuclear activities, Iran’s stockpile of near bomb-grade enriched uranium is surging to new record highs.
“There was an agreement that existed before President Trump decided that was not the path he wanted to follow,” International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Tuesday in Davos. “Now we need to come to terms with how we deal with this, excluding of course, a war. We don’t want more wars.”
The IAEA chief confirmed Iran continues producing large quantities of highly-enriched uranium. In December, Tehran’s engineers increased capacity sevenfold, to about 34 kilograms (75 pounds) a month in response to a diplomatic censure in November.
Source: English.Alarabiya.Net
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Iran army employs Cobra helicopters, Fajr-5 missiles in drill
Jan 21, 2025
The military drill featured various units of the Army Ground Forces, including artillery, armored divisions, airborne units, drone squads, electronic warfare units, and missile groups, all participating to enhance their operational readiness and effectiveness in potential combat scenarios.
Brigadier General Karim Cheshak, deputy commander for Army’s Ground Forces for Operations, said on Tuesday that the exercise involved the use of Fajr-5 missiles and precision-guided artillery, supported by heavy fire from Cobra helicopters targeting simulated terrorist group locations.
He further noted that the drill aimed to demonstrate Iran’s military edge and power in the face of psychological operations by the enemy while bolstering national morale, unity, and cohesion.
The commander noted that the exercise also sought to promote deterrence and disrupt enemy calculations. “We rehearsed pre-planned strategies using the latest weapons and equipment of the Army Ground Forces,” he added.
Source: En.Mehrnews.Com
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/227256/Iran-army-employs-Cobra-helicopters-Fajr-5-missiles-in-drill
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Iran executes man convicted of killing police officer
22 January ,2025
A man was executed in Iran on Wednesday for the murder of a police officer in a central part of the country, the judiciary’s official news agency reported.
“The killer intentionally ran over the police commander of the city of Zarandieh with his car while he was stopping smugglers on the side of a highway,” Mizan Online said.
The defendant was sentenced to death under an Iranian law applied in murder cases when the victim’s family requests the death penalty.
Source: English.Alarabiya.Net
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South Asia
Bangladesh softens stance, calls for dialogue with India
UbeerNaqushbandi
Jan 22, 2025
The change in Dhaka’s stand comes after it had earlier termed the India’s border fencing project within Indian territory as “unauthorised” and a move that could escalate the tension along the border
In a shift from its hardened stance, Bangladesh has called for dialogue to resolve border issues with India, following weeks of heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries. The change in Dhaka’s stand comes after it had earlier termed the India’s border fencing project within Indian territory as “unauthorised” and a move that could escalate the tension along the border.
“Bangladesh firmly believes that any issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue under the framework of existing bilateral agreements to maintain peace along the border,” Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said. Bangladesh also said the border issue with India will be resolved under framework of the existing Land Boundary Agreement between the two countries.
Source: Www.Tribuneindia.Com
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Bangladesh eyes deeper ties with China as relations with India suffer
Jan 21 2025
Bangladesh is planning to build closer economic ties with China, and other East Asian economies, at a time when the relationship with India remains strained.
“We would see more linkages” between China and Bangladesh, Lutfey Siddiqi, an economist and special envoy on international affairs for the interim government of the South Asian nation, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Tuesday. The country, which has historically been a close ally of India, is “very excited” about looking toward East Asian countries, he added.
In an effort to build closer ties with Beijing, Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain is on a state visit to China this week.
Source: Www.Business-Standard.Com
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Ambassador of Islamic Emirate Addresses Shanghai Cooperation Organization Meeting
2025-01-22
KABUL(BNA): Mawlavi Bilal Karimi, the Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to China, delivered a significant speech at the opening session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, emphasizing the importance of enhancing economic, trade, and cultural ties between Afghanistan and China.
In his address, Ambassador Karimi highlighted the potential for exporting Afghan products to China, outlining the various opportunities available for collaboration. He called for increased support and facilities for Afghan traders to facilitate smoother trade relations and bolster economic growth.
Following his speech, Ambassador Karimi engaged in bilateral discussions with key leaders, including the Deputy Secretary General of the SCO.
Source: Www.Bakhtarnews.Af
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Afghan Taliban member freed from US custody in exchange for two Americans, Kabul says
January 22, 2025
KABUL, Jan 21 (Reuters) - The United States has freed an Afghan convicted by an American court on charges of drug smuggling and terrorism in exchange for two U.S. citizens held in Afghanistan, authorities in Kabul said on Tuesday.
Afghan officials said the man, Khan Mohammad, had landed in Kabul after being released. Mohammad was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2008 by a U.S. court, which was the first conviction on narco-terrorism charges, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
"Thanks to the support and assistance of the Islamic Emirate and, by God's grace, I was freed," he said, referring to the Taliban's name for its government.
The prisoner exchange was the result of "long and productive" negotiations between Afghan and American authorities, Afghanistan's foreign ministry said in a statement.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban administration, confirmed that two Americans had been released, but declined to identify them.
Source: Reuters.Com
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Chinese citizen killed by unidentified gunman in Takhar, Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
January 22, 2025
Unidentified gunmen killed a Chinese citizen on Tuesday evening in Takhar province, Afghanistan.
Sources reported that unidentified gunmen killed a Chinese citizen on Tuesday evening, January 21, in Khwaja Bahauddin district of Takhar province, Afghanistan. The interpreter and driver accompanying the victim fled the scene and sought refuge at a Taliban checkpoint.
Local Taliban officials confirmed the death of the Chinese citizen, identified as “Li,” according to the spokesperson for the Taliban police command in Takhar.
Mohammad Akbar Haqqan, spokesperson for the Taliban’s security command in Takhar, stated that the victim, along with his interpreter, had traveled without informing Chinese office authorities or security officials. They were attacked by unidentified assailants in the Dasht Qala area of Takhar.
Source: Khaama.Com
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Trump’s refugee ban leaves 2,000 Afghan allies in limbo: Refugee Support Organization
By Fidel Rahmati
January 22, 2025
The head of an organization assisting Afghan refugees, Shawn VanDiver, expressed concerns over President Trump’s executive order suspending refugee admissions. He noted that at least 2,000 eligible Afghan refugees, already approved by the U.S. government for resettlement, are now left in limbo.
A White House adviser, Tom Homan, stated that the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including the refugee program, are under review. He cited security concerns as a significant issue that needs to be addressed before continuing with the admissions process.
VanDiver, representing the Afghan Evac initiative, highlighted the plight of Afghan refugees who remain in hiding and uncertainty, particularly those who collaborated with the U.S. government during the Afghanistan war. He emphasized the urgent need to ensure their safety.
According to Trump’s new executive order, signed yesterday, refugee admissions have been suspended for at least 90 days starting January 27. During this period, the Departments of Homeland Security and State will evaluate whether the program serves U.S. interests.
Source: Khaama.Com
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Pakistan and Iran envoys discuss Afghanistan’s Affairs
By Fidel Rahmati
January 21, 2025
The Special Representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan stated that he held discussions with his Iranian counterpart regarding international geopolitical issues and regional challenges faced by both nations. Mohammad Sadiq Khan noted that both sides agreed to jointly address these challenges.
In a post on his social media account on X, the Special Representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan wrote: “Today, I hosted Hashem Ashjazadeh, the Special Representative of Iran for Afghanistan and the Director General for South Asia at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
Sadiq Khan added that the meeting was also attended by Reza Amiri Moghaddam, Iran’s Ambassador to Islamabad, and Mohammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tehran.
Source: Khaama.Com
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North America
Donald Trump’s second term: Full list of executive orders signed on Day 1 of presidency
Jan 21, 2025
Donald Trump wasted no time after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, signing a series of executive actions aimed at delivering on his campaign promises and reversing many of his predecessor Joe Biden's policies. The orders touch on a broad range of issues, including immigration, climate change, federal regulations, and the economy.
Rescinded Biden administration orders: Revocation of 78 executive actions from the previous administration, targeting policies on climate change, racial equity, ethics, and immigration.
Declared a national emergency on the Southern border: Declaration of border emergency, halting refugee resettlement for four months and prioritizing border security infrastructure.
Capital punishment: Mandates strict enforcement of capital punishment, directs the Attorney General to pursue death penalties for severe crimes, and aims to overturn legal barriers against the death penalty to ensure public safety and justice.
Establishing Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Establishment of a new agency, led by Elon Musk, to modernise federal technology and implement the President's DOGE Agenda for improved efficiency.
Federal workforce changes: Ending of remote work for federal employees, reinstated hiring freezes, and removed employment protections for specific roles.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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'They treat us very, very badly': Trump plans to hit European Union with tariffs, 10% rate on China
Jan 22, 2025
US President Donald Trump has warned of slapping tariffs on the European Union with plans for a 10 per cent duty on Chinese imports, starting on 1 February.
Speaking at the White House a day after he was sworn in as the President, Trump argued that the measures are necessary to address trade imbalances and combat fentanyl trafficking.
Earlier, Trump also targeted the EU for indulging in unfair trade practices alleging that the latter did not import enough American products, in response to which, he would be imposing duties or urge for increasing oil and gas purchases to ‘straighten that out.’
Turning to China, Trump linked his tariff threat to the country’s alleged role in fentanyl trafficking, which he claimed was fuelling illegal activity in Mexico and Canada.
“Probably February 1st is the date we’re looking at,” he stated when asked about the timeline for implementing the 10 per cent duty.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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Barron Trump launches real estate company as father Donald reclaims US presidency
Jan 22, 2025
Barron Trump, the youngest child of US President Donald Trump, is launching a luxury real estate company. Partnering with two of his high school classmates, Cameron Roxburgh and Carter Fulcher, Barron co-founded Trump, Fulcher & Roxburgh Capital Inc. last July.
Following Donald Trump’s victory, the company temporarily paused operations just four months after its launch. According to co-founder Cameron Roxburgh, the decision was made to avoid unwanted media attention during the political season, according to The Post.
The company, incorporated in Wyoming, plans to focus on high-end properties and golf course projects in states like Utah, Arizona, and Idaho. Its principal address was listed as Mar-a-Lago, the Trump family estate in Florida, according to The Post.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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Did Barron Trump whisper this one word to the ears of Joe Biden at the inauguration event?
Jan 22, 2025
Donald Trump's youngest son Barron Trump was seen greeting both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris at the inauguration event in a show of courtesy that was well-received by social media users. Many praised the upbringing of all Trump children including Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump who rallied behind their father at the inauguration.
Barron Trump's handshake with Joe Biden was called mysterious as apparently there was a brief exchange between the two. Biden said something to Barron Trump and Barron leaned towards Biden and replied.
Social media users surmised that Barron Trump said 'You're done' to Biden but forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman told LADbible what he thinks was the exchange between Biden and Barron Trump. "It's good to see you man," Biden apparently told Barron Trump. "Exactly," Barron Trump told Biden.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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Elon Musk to buy TikTok? What President Donald Trump after 75-days ban delay order
Jan 22, 2025
US President Donald Trump has expressed openness to tech billionaire Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, acquiring the Chinese-owned app TikTok.
Trump's comments come amidst ongoing legal challenges faced by TikTok in the United States, with a law mandating the company's divestment from its Chinese owner ByteDance or face a nationwide ban.
When asked about possibility of Musk, the world's richest man and the head of a budget-cutting initiative in the new administration, buying the popular social media platform Trump told reporters, "I would be if he wanted to buy it," as quoted by AFP.
In one of his first acts upon returning to office, Trump ordered a 75-day pause on enforcing the law that would have effectively made TikTok illegal in the country on Sunday, a day before his second term began. The executive order directed the attorney general to delay the implementation of the law.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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'Not just engineers but all levels': Donald Trump on H-1B visa says he wants competent people coming into US
Jan 22, 2025
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he likes "very competent people" coming into the country and noted that he is not just talking about engineers, but also about people at all levels during a joint news conference at the White House. The US President expressed a balanced view on H-1B visa programme during a joint news conference at the White House with Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Open AI CEO Sam Altman.
"I like both sides of the argument, but I also like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping other people that may not have the qualifications they do. But I don't want to stop -- and I'm not just talking about engineers, I'm talking about people at all levels," Trump told reporters at the White House.
A notable divide exists within Trump's support base regarding the H-1B visa system. Whilst Elon Musk of Tesla advocates for the programme as a means to recruit qualified tech professionals, other supporters contend it diminishes job opportunities for American workers.
Trump highlighted his familiarity with the H-1B programme, citing his personal experience in utilising it for various positions including Maître d', wine specialists, and high-calibre waiters. He emphasised the technology sector's crucial need for engineers, specifically mentioning the requirements of business leaders like Larry and Masa.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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Pakistan
Judicial Orders Versus Administrative Decisions: ‘Jurisdiction’ Becomes Bone Of Contention At Pakistan Apex Court
Nasir Iqbal
January 22, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Contempt proceedings, initiated by the Supreme Court against Additional Registrar (Judicial) Nazar Abbasi over a jurisdictional matter, have evolved into a debate on the primacy of judicial orders versus administrative decisions.
Taking up the contempt case on Tuesday, a two-member regular bench comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi asked why a case regarding the regular benches’ jurisdiction was transferred to the constitutional bench.
The bench sought assistance from the attorney general on ramifications for ignoring a judicial order and appointed senior lawyers Munir A. Malik and Hamid Khan as amici curiae.
The issue involves ‘mismanagement’ in the fixing of certain cases that were required to be heard by the constitutional bench, but were ‘mistakenly’ fixed before the regular bench.
Consequently, it led to wastage of time, resources of the institution as well as the parties, according to a Supreme Court announcement.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1886819/jurisdiction-becomes-bone-of-contention-at-apex-court
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Judicial Commission of Pakistan meeting tomorrow to finalise judges for SHC
Malik Asad
January 22, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) will meet tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the candidates to be appointed as Sindh High Court (SHC) judges.
The commission will consider 46 candidates vying for 12 vacant posts. The list included four female candidates — two lawyers and two district and sessions judges (DSJ).
The JCP will consider the overall performance of all candidates. However, in a recent meeting to appoint judges to the Islamabad High Court judges, the commission examined the overall performance of candidates, with a focus on their case disposal rate.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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PTI gets more time to submit paperwork in party polls case
Iftikhar A. Khan
January 22, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday gave more time to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf to submit documents related to the intra-party polls case against it and adjourned hearing till Feb 11.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan appeared before a three-member bench of the commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.
The petitioners who challenged the party polls, including Akbar S. Babar, were also present. The chief election commissioner reminded Barrister Gohar that this case has been going on since April 30, 2024, and his party has not yet submitted a written response.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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Sindh Assembly rejects opposition resolution for holding elections of student unions
Tahir Siddiqui
January 22, 2025
KARACHI: The numeric majority of the Pakistan Peoples Party prevailed during the Sindh Assembly session on Tuesday as the treasury shot down an opposition resolution calling for holding elections of students’ unions.
The resolution, tabled by lone Jamaat-i-Islami member Muhammad Farooq, pertained to the demand of immediate holding of elections of students’ unions in educational institutions and implementation of the Sindh Students’ Union Restoration Act.
The JI member resolution said that the house had in 2022 passed the Sindh Students’ Union Restoration Bill 2019, according to which all educational institutions were required to formulate rules and regulations within two months to hold students’ unions elections every year.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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BankIslami Pakistan named ‘Best Islamic Trustee’ at IFN Best Banks Poll 2024
January 22, 2025
KARACHI: BankIslami Pakistan has been recognised as the ‘Best Islamic Trustee’ at the IFN Best Banks Poll 2024, marking a significant achievement in the global Islamic finance sector.
The award, introduced this year, recognises the bank’s excellence in providing Sharia-compliant fiduciary and custody services to third-party managers. The IFN Best Banks Poll, now in its 20th year, received input from stakeholders across 35 countries, reflecting the growing importance of Islamic finance globally.
This recognition underscores BankIslami’s commitment to operational reliability and its role in supporting the growth of the Islamic finance ecosystem.
Source: Www.Thenews.Com
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PTCL Group injects Rs4bn into U Bank to fuel Islamic banking growth
January 22, 2025
KARACHI: PTCL Group announced on Tuesday a Rs4 billion ($15 million) capital injection into its subsidiary, U Microfinance Bank, to bolster its Islamic banking offerings and digital initiatives.
The investment comes as U Bank embarks on its ‘Year of Transformation’, focusing on operational conversion to Islamic banking and expanding its digital footprint to cater to the growing demand for Sharia-compliant financial solutions.
“This investment underscores our confidence in U Bank’s potential to transform the microfinance landscape in Pakistan,” said President and Group CEO of PTCL &Ufone 4G Hatem Bamatraf. “By empowering U Bank to expand its Islamic banking services and enhance its digital capabilities, we are investing in the economic empowerment of underserved communities.”
Source: Www.Thenews.Com
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Malik Riaz and son should face courts, present their defence: info minister
January 22, 2025
Information Minister Attaullah said on Wednesday that Malik Riaz and his son should “face the courts and present their defence,” a day after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) said the government was reaching out to the United Arab Emirates to seek the business tycoon’s extradition in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Meanwhile, Riaz termed the NAB’s action against him a “new demand for blackmail” and asserted that he would not testify, without specifying in what case.
The development comes on the heels of ex-premier Imran Khan and his spouse’s conviction last week in the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which Riaz and his son are also co-accused and proclaimed offenders. As PTI and legal experts pointed to the need for accountability for all those involved, Tarar had said that consultation was ongoing on how to bring the other absconders back.
A day ago, the NAB, saying it was to seek Riaz’s extradition, stated it was conducting inquiries and investigations against him and his associates for “fraud, deceptive practices and cheating the public at large.”
In a televised address today, Tarar recalled the NAB’s press release, quoting the accountability watchdog as saying it had concrete evidence in those inquiries.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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Africa
Video shows Nigeria supporting France's fight against Islamists in northern Mali in 2013, not the deployment of French troops to northern Nigeria
22 January 2025
The post claims that French soldiers have arrived in northern Nigeria despite the Nigerian government’s denial of this.
The short video accompanying the claim shows the Nigerian army unpacking materials, and senior officers, including a white soldier, speaking to the media.
The message then concludes: “As can be evidently seen, a joint section of both nation's army were pictured unpacking the military hardwares, munitions alongside other undetailed properties from the French aircraft.”
Source: Africacheck.Org
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Selimiye mosque ‘to be complete before Ramadan’
22-01-2025
Renovations at northern Nicosia’s central Selimiye mosque will be complete by the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar was informed on Tuesday.
He was visited by a group of people working to renovate the mosque, and after the meeting said he hopes to be able to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the mosque this year. The month of Ramadan is set to begin on March 1, with Eid al-Fitr set to begin on March 30.
“The Turkish Cypriot people, who are part of the Islamic world, have continued their fight with the sound of the call to prayer,” he added.
The Selimiye mosque was originally built as a church named Hagia Sophia, with ground having been broken in 1209 and the church having been consecrated over a century later in 1326.
Source: Cyprus-Mail.Com
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https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/01/21/selimiye-mosque-to-be-complete-before-ramadan
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Abuja-Kaduna road: Northern Professionals back Umahi on re-award of contract to new company
By John Gabriel
January 22, 2025
Northern Professionals have backed the decision of the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to re-award the revoked section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to a new company.
DAILYPOST recalls that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, had revoked a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway contract handled by Julius Berger Construction Company over a price dispute and completion timeline.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman and Secretary of Northern Professionals, Dr. Isa SamailaGetso and Comrade Ibrahim Mohammad Geidam, expressed joy over the re-award of the contract and said the initial fears raised over possible delays and abandonment had finally been allayed.
According to the statement, the decision to re-award the road contract for such an important route linking northern states after Julius Berger failed to deliver on the scheduled date is laudable.
Source: Dailypost.Ng
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Arab World
Saudi book club brings together readers and writers from around the globe
Tamara Aboalsaud
January 21, 2025
RIYADH: Bookworms and aspiring writers alike were given space to explore their creative talent and learn from seasoned authors at Al Jalees Book Club’s “Writing Across Nations” dialogue session in Riyadh this week.
The club was founded in 2014 by Rana Hajjar, a Jeddah native who wanted to create a productive and welcoming community for local readers and writers.
“Al Jalees is my passion project, I started it because I wanted a space to fit in, a community that understands my interest,” she said.
Hajjar said that although the literary community has very much always been alive in Saudi Arabia, it was very difficult to find each other. So the main goal of the club was for her and others to feel less alone.
Elizabeth Willis, professor of poetry at the University of Iowa at Al Jalees Book Club “Writing Across Nations” dialogue session in Riyadh. (Supplied, Al Jalees Book Club)
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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Unified Database Of Official Government Policies On Arabic Language Launched
HebshiAlshammari
January 21, 2025
RIYADH: A new unified database of official government policies on the Arabic language from 22 countries was launched on Monday.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Academy for the Arabic Language, in partnership with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, launched the Language Policy System Project in Arab States at ALECSO’s headquarters in Tunis.
The system has gathered language policy data from 22 Arab states, aiming to provide a resource that enables decision-makers, researchers, scholars and experts to undertake strategic linguistic work.
It was also attended by representatives of Arab states in the organization and secretaries of national committees, with more than 50 attendees in total.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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HM King condolences with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
21 Jan 2025
Manama, Jan. 21 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a cable of condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, following the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Source: Www.Bna.Bh
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Saudi Arabia’s FM announces landmark visit to Lebanon
DANIEL FOUNTAIN
January 21, 2025
DAVOS: Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Tuesday in Davos he would visit Lebanon later this week, the first such trip by a Saudi foreign minister in more than a decade.
The one-day trip on Thursday will mark the first visit by a high-ranking Saudi official to Lebanon since 2015, after years of strained relations due to Lebanon’s perceived alignment with Iran, its role in drug smuggling to Gulf countries, and ongoing instability.
Prince Faisal described the recent election of a president in Lebanon, following a prolonged political vacuum, as a highly positive development.
He said the Kingdom welcomed the potential formation of a government but emphasized the need for real reforms and a forward-looking approach to ensure sustainable progress.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587300/saudi-arabia
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Saudi deputy minister meets newly appointed Bangladesh ambassador
Arab News
January 21, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met with the newly-appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom Delwar Hossain in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom AnatoliiPetrenko in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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Europe
Prestwich mosque set to be demolished to make way for larger building
By Chris Gee
22-01-2025
The proposals, which have been lodged in the past week to demolish the existing Masjid E Bilal Islamic centre on Bury Old Road, Prestwich, will see it replaced with a bigger, new building.
The Islamic centre has been operating from the site since 1999 and is described in documents in support of the plans as a "popular community facility for both adults and children in the surrounding local area".
During evenings and weekends, the centre also provides a facility for teaching Islamic studies, including Quran classes and also provides services including dispute resolution, marriage counselling and support for women.
Source: Www.Burytimes.Co.Uk
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https://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/24871989.prestwich-mosque-set-demolished-make-way-larger-building/
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Regulator disqualifies trustee after finding Brighton Mosque “poorly managed”
22 January 2025
The report is critical of the charity’s former trustees for failing to resolve a serious dispute which damaged the charity’s governance and management.
The dispute arose after one of the charity’s former trustees was convicted of encouraging terrorism. The failure to resolve it threatened the charity’s ability to prevent future harm, leading to intervention by the regulator.
As a result of the inquiry and the work of an interim manager and a newly appointed board, the regulator notes that the charity’s management and governance has improved.
The inquiry was opened over a failure to resolve a dispute between the charity’s then trustees and a group claiming to have taken over as new trustees.
The Commission had initially begun engaging with the charity to assess concerns after a former trustee was charged by the police with encouraging terrorism, in a speech which he made at the charity’s premises in November 2020.
In response, the Commission issued an Official Warning to the charity after determining that the then-trustees knew, or ought to have known, of the risk posed by the former trustee. The warning set out that the trustees had failed to adequately safeguard the charity and its beneficiaries and required actions to be taken to prevent similar abuse in the future.
Source: Www.gov.Uk
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Police clarify reports of ‘attacks’ on Bayraktar mosque
By Tom Cleaver
21 January 2025
The police on Tuesday clarified the circumstances surrounding attacks on Nicosia’s Bayraktar mosque following media reports.
Turkey’s Anadolu Agency had reported earlier in the day that two attackers armed with knives had entered the mosque on January 12, injuring one person and causing damage to the mosque, before returning a week later to do more damage to the building.
Instead, a spokesperson told the Cyprus Mail, the police had received a call on January 12 regarding an individual who was “threatening to harm himself” at the mosque, but found that the individual had left when they arrived.
Source: Cyprus-Mail.Com
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https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/01/21/police-clarify-reports-of-attacks-on-bayraktar-mosque
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UK economy: Borrowing overshoots expectations as interest bill spikes
22 January 2025
Government borrowing overshot expectations last month, new figures show, as ministers promised to take a hard line to tackle government “waste”.
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the government borrowed £17.8bn in December, well ahead of the £14.6bn expected by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
“Compared with December 2023, spending on public services, benefits, debt interest and capital transfers were all up, while an increase in tax receipts was partially offset by a reduction in National Insurance contributions, following the rate cuts earlier in 2024,” ONS Deputy Director for Public Sector Finances Jessica Barnaby said.
The interest payable on central government debt was £8.3bn in December, nearly £4bn higher than last year and the third highest December figures since January 1997. This figure does not include the effect of January’s spike in gilt yields.
Source: Www.cityam.Com
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https://www.cityam.com/borrowing-overshoots-expectations-as-interest-bill-spikes/
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The Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons are surprisingly easy to remove
By Jon Mundy
January 22, 2025
A fresh little snippet of information has been gleaned from official Nintendo sources concerning the Switch 2 and its Joy-Con release mechanism.
While we received a brief hardware rundown for Nintendo’s new Switch 2 console last week, there are still plenty of unanswered questions. Such as, how do those new larger Joy-Con controllers actually affix to the Switch 2 console? And how do you remove them?
The answer to the latter of those two related questions, at least, was there in plain site on Nintendo’s website – presumably since the console’s unveiling.
Source: Www.Trustedreviews.Com
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https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/so-thats-how-you-remove-the-switch-2-joy-con-controllers-4585085
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Southeast Asia
Was money in accounts ‘gift’, ‘political donation’ or ‘financial support’ from Saudi? Najib says it’s all the same
By Ida Lim
22 Jan 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 22 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today appeared to downplay the four different ways he had described the alleged Saudi royal promise which purportedly led to more than RM2 billion being sent to his personal bank accounts, saying that it all pointed to a “present” from Saudi Arabia to him.
Najib said this while testifying in his trial involving 25 charges and over 1Malaysia Development Berhad’s (1MDB) RM2 billion which allegedly entered his bank accounts.
Najib’s lead defence lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the prosecution had suggested that there were discrepancies in Najib’s previous court testimony, as his written witness statement had interchangeably referred to the money sent to his accounts as “support”, “financial support”, “gift” and “political donation” from Saudi Arabia.
Najib replied: “Yang Arif, it is semantics, I could use other terms like ‘present’, ‘gift’, or something, but it all means the same.”
Previously, the prosecution had challenged Najib over the different phrases used in his testimony, suggesting that the late Saudi ruler King Abdullah had never specifically said he would give “financial” support to Najib. But Najib had disagreed to this suggestion.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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Najib: I didn’t ask MACC chief to do me favour on 1MDB probe; AGC official was just briefing me
By Ida Lim
22 Jan 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 22 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today told the High Court that he did not ask the then Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed for a “favour” on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) investigation.
Testifying in his own defence in the 1MDB trial where he is accused of receiving and laundering over RM2 billion of 1MDB funds, Najib claimed that Abu Kassim did contact him about the 1MDB investigation and claimed that “he indicated I was not involved”.
Asked by his lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah if he had asked Abu Kassim to “do me this favour”, Najib said “no” and said that he would have been in trouble if he did ask the MACC chief for a favour.
Najib was being asked about an audio clip recording of the Attorney General’s Chambers’ (AGC) then deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad’s near-midnight phone call to him on January 5, 2016. At that time, Najib was the prime minister.
Based on a transcript of that phone call, Dzulkifli was speaking to Najib about an investigation paper on MACC’s probe which had mentioned Najib’s involvement, while Najib questioned how he could be said to be involved and said Abu Kassim had said he was not involved.
In the transcript of that conversation, Najib had also said he would be meeting the attorney general — then Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali — later that week.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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PJ police: Malaysian cosplayer reports AI-manipulated explicit photos being sold online
By Malay Mail
22 Jan 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — A Malaysian cosplayer has filed a police report after discovering explicit images of herself, allegedly edited using artificial intelligence (AI), being circulated and sold online.
“We have since handed over the case to the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for further investigation,” he said, adding that a formal statement will be released soon.
The individual, @Elyanasparks, claims the perpetrator is also targeting other victims, including minors, with similarly altered photos.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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Fahmi: No plans for online age restrictions, focus on balancing access and safety
22 Jan 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 22 — The government currently has no plan to follow the lead of other countries in imposing age restrictions for online access, said Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Instead, he said Malaysia would adopt a more balanced approach to addressing online safety issues, particularly those involving children, by taking into account the country’s socio-cultural background and legal landscape.
“For example, many have asked whether the government intends to follow Australia’s lead in imposing a 16-year age limit for access to social media.
“At present, we do not intend to follow exactly what other countries are doing, but we will strike a balance by considering the socio-cultural background and the existing legal and regulatory landscape in our country,” he told a press conference after being a panellist at the Asia International Security Summit & Expo (AISSE) 2025 here today.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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Rafizi: Kedah’s project hold-up due to state land issues, not federal govt
By Malay Mail
22 Jan 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — The delay of development projects in Kedah is not a result of the federal government’s actions, but rather issues within the state government itself, according to Economy Minister Datuk Seri RafiziRamli.
In a post on platform X today, Rafizi clarified that the Kedah government had previously requested a loan from the federal government for the fifth phase of the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) development.
However, Rafizi explained that the project had been unable to proceed because of land-related problems that arose after the loan was approved.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/enemy-property-pataudi-family-worth/d/134403