Hate speech against Muslims in India surged by 75% in 2024, mostly in BJP-ruled states: Hate Lab
New Age Islam News Bureau
11 February 2025
In Rajasthan's Balotra, a Hindu monk on Saturday gave calls to mass violence against Muslims calling them "demon" and "cannibals".
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· Hate speech against Muslims in India surged by 75% in 2024, mostly in BJP-ruled states: Hate Lab
· Military Confirms 800 Former Boko Haram Members In Deradicalisation Programme
· 9 terrorists killed in Karak, North Waziristan
· Former UK Supreme Court judge claims Israel’s Gaza assault is ‘grossly disproportionate’
· Saudi FM discusses developments in Palestine with PM Mohammad Mustafa
· Lukashenko reflects on his special relations with Muslims
· FIRST-PERSON: Southern Baptists encouraged to pray for salvations during Ramadan
· Malaysia spinning its wheels in Transparency International’s latest corruption perceptions index
· Islamic Emirate Assesses Refugee Challenges, Plans Resettlement
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India
· 'This is Bharat, its primary language has been Sanskrit': LS Speaker Om Birla to DMK
· Nine Maha Kumbh pilgrims killed, five injured in two road accidents in Madhya Pradesh
· Delhi High Court grants 2-day custody parole to Engineer Rashid
· New English translation of the Holy Quran released in Delhi
· Raids at AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan’s house after FIR registered by Delhi Police
· Number Theory: How did the Muslims vote in Delhi this time?
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Africa
· Sharia panels good for religious harmony in South-West – Prof Oloyede, Council for Islamic Affairs’ scribe
· Nigeria Should Have At Least 1000 Universities – Peter Obi
· Tinubu mourns Islamic scholar Sheikh Daware
· AbdulRazaq urges Kwara pilgrims to be good ambassadors
· Benue Crisis: Ortom Slams Alia For Claiming Killings Have Stopped
· Why you should acquire properties before 50 – Bishop Funke Felix-Adejumo
· Gbenga Dahunsi Ministries awards scholarships to Loyola College students
· Fubara Downplays Supreme Court Ruling, Says Budget Appeal Was Irrelevant
· Rivers Crisis: Opposition Coalition Denies Supreme Court Ruling Against Fubara, Speaker Oko Jumbo
· Troops Launch Manhunt For Lakurawa Terrorists In Northwest Nigeria
· Zuma’s party files treason complaint against AfriForum
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Pakistan
· Ramadan moon sighting in Pakistan expected on THIS date!
· Lawyers to challenge 'unilateral selection' of SC judges, says Hamid Khan
· PTI's Qureshi, Rashid indicted in May 9 violent protests case
· President Zardari expresses condolences on demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan in Lisbon
· ‘Nation looking towards you’: PTI founder urges CJP Afridi to stand by law, justice
· Imran petitions for open hearing of cases
· Court summons FPSC chief to address aspirants’ concerns
· Erdogan due in Pakistan this week
· Undeterred by protests, JCP picks six new SC judges
· Global experts demand release of Idris Khattak
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Mideast
· Dozens of Palestinian families flee Israeli operation in West Bank
· Qalibaf: Iran stands firm in defence of Islamic values
· Shura Council reviews Awqaf's plan for overseeing, directing Islamic affairs
· Palestinian president scraps prisoner payment system criticized by US
· Israel opposition accuses Netanyahu’s government of ‘burying’ October 7 probe
· Hezbollah, Ansarullah issue statements on Iran Islamic Rev.
· State Administration Coalition meeting derailed due to Kurdish, Sunni boycott
· Speaker lauds Iranians’ support for Islamic Republic
· Islamic Republic strives to thwart all enemies’ plots
· Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II as he escalates pressure on his Gaza resettlement plan
· Syria forces accuse Hezbollah of attacks, sponsoring smuggling at border
· Lebanon turns the page with new president and new government
· Syrians back to famed Palmyra ruins scarred by Daesh
· Cautious calm on border with Syria after Lebanese army deploys
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia is already making strides in AI technology, says Abdullah Al-Swaha
· Red Sea Fund broadens film support to include Asian filmmakers
· Japanese gaming expert sees potential in Saudi industry
· Jazan Book Fair celebrates arts and literature
· Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Morocco
· Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says
· Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat
· MENA tech start-up launches first AI-powered Arabic phone bot
· Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard
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Europe
· Azerbaijani envoy slams Armenia for offering alcoholic drinks to tourists at Tepebashi Mosque PHOTO
· Oxford mosque stabbing: Police photograph released
· CoE grants £2 million to support struggling clergy
· MP behind assisted dying bill suggests scrapping High Court approval
· UK must respect Trump's mandate, new US ambassador Mandelson tells BBC
· Smuggling gangs have taken hold, Cooper says during border debate
· Oliver Ryan suspended as Labour MP over WhatsApp messages
· Family 'heartbroken' as missing sailor named as London father
· Church risks further crisis if it doesn't act, says ex-child abuse inquiry chair
· King makes rare joint visit with PM and Rayner
· MoD investigates air crew cancers after helicopter claims
· EU to mimic Trump’s approach to foreign aid – Bloomberg
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North America
· CAIR-Florida Calls for Censure of Councilman for Anti-Muslim Remarks, Ties to Notorious Xenophobe Sen. Randy Fine
· Trump announces 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports
· UK must respect Trump's mandate, new US ambassador Mandelson tells BBC
· Trump pardons disgraced ex-Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich
· Suspect in Salman Rushdie attack goes on trial in New York
· US justice department tells prosecutors to drop NYC mayor's corruption case
· Musk-led group makes $97.4bn bid for ChatGPT maker OpenAI
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Southeast Asia
· Private Company To Manage Ramadan Bazaar At Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium
· Anwar and Erdoğan review Malaysia-Türkiye ties in high-level meeting
· Mosques, Surau To Hold Special Prayers Tomorrow For King's Well-Being
· MACC remands Perlis fire station chief over false claims
· Setia Alam mall shooter will be caught soon: Selangor police chief
· Expedite Sebiew River deepening project to curb flooding - Tiong
· Azalina, Cambodian DPM exchange views on enhancing bilateral legal cooperation
· GOF foils attempt to smuggle 4,000 orchid plants worth RM2 million
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South Asia
· 250 Afghan migrants rescued from snow and deported at Iran border
· 30% increase in Cotton Production in Afghanistan
· Ex-Habiganj MP Abdul Majid Khan arrested in Dhaka
· Yunus condemns attack at Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, orders swift action
· Acting Economy Minister Meets Norwegian Charge d’Affaires to Kabul
· Acting Commerce Minister Meets Kazakhstan’s Ambassador
· TCB to sell essential though trucks during whole Ramadan
· Imam Khomeini 120-Bed Hospital completed in Bamyan Province
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hate-speech-muslims-india-bjp/d/134587
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Hate speech against Muslims in India surged by 75% in 2024, mostly in BJP-ruled states: Hate Lab
February 11, 2025
In Rajasthan's Balotra, a Hindu monk on Saturday gave calls to mass violence against Muslims calling them "demon" and "cannibals".
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In the heart of India, where diverse cultures and religions have coexisted for centuries, a troubling trend emerged in 2024. Reports from the India Hate Lab indicated a 75% increase in hate speech against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, compared to the previous year.
“Hate speech in India in 2024 followed an alarming trajectory, deeply intertwined with the ideological ambitions of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the broader Hindu nationalist movement. The number of hate speech incidents targeting religious minorities surged from 668 in 2023 to 1,165 in 2024, marking a staggering 74.4% increase. Dangerous speech—defined as speech that “increases the risk that its audience will condone or participate in violence against members of another group”—also saw a significant rise” said the report.
The patterns of hate speech in 2024 reflect both continuity and evolution in its context and content. Longstanding Hindu nationalist narratives remain dominant, particularly the portrayal of Muslims and Christians as “outsiders” in Hindu India and Muslims as a threat to Hindus. “Hate speeches frequently invoked the narrative of Muslims as “infiltrators,” linked to thinly veiled allegations of all Indian Muslims as Bangladeshi migrants or Rohingya refugees. Hindu far-right leaders demonized Indian Muslims as parasitic and thieving, alleging that they were either wrongfully granted resources that rightfully belonged to Hindus or were stealing Hindu wealth through acts of aggression. These rhetorical shifts reinforced exclusionary narratives, further escalating anti-minority sentiment and hostility'” it added.
This surge was notably prominent in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accounted for approximately 80% of the documented incidents.
The escalation in hate speech coincided with the national elections held in 2024. During the campaign, inflammatory rhetoric targeting minorities became more frequent. Human Rights Watch observed that Modi’s electoral campaign often employed hate speech against Muslims and other minorities, inciting discrimination and hostility.
The impact of this divisive language was profound. In New Delhi, for instance, many Muslims began relocating to Muslim-majority neighborhoods, seeking safety amid rising tensions. This movement often led them to areas with limited infrastructure and economic opportunities, highlighting the broader societal implications of such rhetoric.
The international community took note of these developments. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over the increasing hate speech and actions against minorities in India, emphasizing the need for greater protection of religious freedoms.
Source:muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/hate-speech-against-muslims-in-india-surged-by-75-in-2024-mostly-in-bjp-ruled-states-hate-lab/
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Military Confirms 800 Former Boko Haram Members In Deradicalisation Programme
10 February 2025
By Ikenna Ngere
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that 800 ex-Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are currently undergoing deradicalisation as part of efforts to reintegrate them into society.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Defence Operations, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday.
According to Onumajuru, the rehabilitation process under Operation Safe Corridor is designed to take approximately one year, which he believes is adequate time for reorienting and reintegrating the former insurgents.
He noted that while about 129,000 Boko Haram fighters have surrendered, only 800 have been selected for the deradicalisation programme.
Clarifying the figures, he stated, “To get the numbers right, right now, (we have) about 129,000 surrendered BH (Boko Haram) members and their families. We are a professional army, and when you are in combat and an opponent surrenders, then you take him and let the legal processes take its natural course.”
He further explained the different categories of surrendered individuals: “Right now, some of them are in detention facilities, some of them are in Kainji, and there is a special court that goes through all of them. Those that were found culpable face the books, and those that are going to be deradicalised go through the process, and this takes about a year.”
Possibility of Rehabilitation Within A Year
When asked whether a year is sufficient to deradicalise and reintegrate former insurgents, Onumajuru responded, “It’s possible because the deradicalisation is done by professionals. That one-year period is sufficient enough depending on the people handling the deradicalisation.”
He reiterated that only a fraction of the total surrendered individuals are undergoing the programme, saying, “The number taken in is not huge. Like I said, we have 129,000 BH members and families. It doesn’t mean the 129,000 are going through the programme.
“The people going through the programme right now are about 800 – in batches. Those 800 are people that have been sieved through the entire legal process before they are now brought to the centre.”
Onumajuru also stressed the importance of combining both military action and non-military approaches to effectively combat insurgency.
He highlighted the role of deradicalisation in counterinsurgency efforts, stating, “The deradicalisation carried out by the Operation Safe Corridor is part of the non-kinetic. You cannot win an asymmetrical war with just kinetic approach.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/10/military-confirms-800-former-boko-haram-members-in-deradicalisation-programme/
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9 terrorists killed in Karak, North Waziristan
February 11, 2025
NORTH WAZIRISTAN/LAKKI MARWAT: Four terrorists, including three Afghans, were killed and three others injured in a strike by security forces in North Waziristan, while police said five terrorists associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in an encounter in Karak district on Monday.
There was no official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations, the military’s media wing, regarding the operation till late on Monday evening.
Sources said security forces received intelligence reports that about seven to 10 terrorists, some among them Afghans, were present at a specific location in the Tappi village of Miramshah tehsil, after which the hideout was targeted.
Sources said the strike on the terrorists’ hideout left dead four militants, who were later identified as Riaz alias Muhajir, Zarar Afghan, Naqeebullah Afghan, and Sarkash Afghan. Three others were said to be injured.
The dead and injured terrorists were shifted to an unknown location after the operation, sources said.
Local sources reported that after the strike, a fire broke out at the hideout and some bodies were so mutilated that they were rendered unrecognisable. Security forces have cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation.
Karak operation
Separately, police and security forces killed five militants during a joint operation in Karak district.
A police official said the counterterrorism department (CTD) commandos, assisted by security forces and police, launched the late-night operation in Mir Kakam Banda area of Banda Daud Shah town, following credible information about the presence of terrorists there.
He said the terrorists affiliated with Commander Kalimullah group of the banned TTP opened fire on law enforcers when they reached near the hideouts, leading to a fierce gun battle which continued for one hour.
During a search after the exchange of fire, the law enforcement personnel found the bodies of five terrorists along with arms and ammunition, the official maintained.
He identified the dead terrorists as Muhammad Shoaib, brother of TTP commander; Sabeel Khan alias Usman alias Haqyar, residents of Bannu; Wajid alias Sangri and Shah Qiaz alias Sanari alias Parak, residents of Karak; and Badil Jan, a resident of Kohat.
“The slain terrorists were involved in bank robberies, attacks on polio teams and police and FC installation and Lachi toll plaza,” the official said, adding that their 10 accomplices armed with rocket launchers, hand grenades, assault rifles and ammunition escaped the scene taking advantage of darkness.
The official said the dead terrorists and their fleeing accomplices had attacked a police post in Bahadarkhel area last week wherein three policemen embraced martyrdom and six others were injured.
“The CTD commandos and police are tracking down the fleeing terrorists in the area,” he added.
Bomb attack
In Lakki Marwat, police personnel narrowly escaped a bomb attack on the Lakki-Darra Tang section of busy Bannu-Mianwali Road.
A police official said that the cops on patrol duty in an armoured personnel carrier vehicle were targeted with an improvised explosive device planted along the roadside near Peerwala Mor.
“The bomb went off with a bang but luckily all policemen remained safe,” he maintained. He said the blast damaged the APC vehicle, shattering its front screen.
After the explosion, a large police contingent reached the place and launched a search for the perpetrators in the surrounding area.
On the other hand, Regional Police Officer, Bannu, Imran Shahid paid a surprise inspection visit to the Bannu’s city police station to check security arrangements.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1891203/9-terrorists-killed-in-karak-north-waziristan
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Former UK Supreme Court judge claims Israel’s Gaza assault is ‘grossly disproportionate’
February 11, 2025
Displaced Palestinians make their way from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP)
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LONDON: Jonathan Sumption, a former UK Supreme Court judge, has described Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “grossly disproportionate,” and added there was “at least an arguable case” that they were genocidal.
Speaking ahead of the release of his new book, “The Challenges of Democracy: And The Rule of Law,” Sumption explained to The Guardian newspaper why he signed a letter last year accusing the UK government of breaching international law by continuing to arm Israel.
He said: “I thought — and I still think — that the conduct of Israel in Gaza is grossly disproportionate and there’s at least an arguable case that it’s genocidal. One can’t put it higher than that because genocide depends on intent. That’s quite a difficult thing to establish but I read the provisional decision of the International Court (of Justice) and it seemed to me that they were saying that that was an arguable proposition.
“Given that the obligation of parties to the genocide convention is proactively to prevent it happening and not just to react after the event, I thought that the authors of the letter — and I wasn’t the draftsman — had got a point.”
Israel has denied committing genocide, maintaining that its military operations were acts of self-defense while also rejecting the ICJ’s findings.
Sumption’s book, which is published on Thursday, focuses on perceived threats to democracy, including restrictions on free speech. He expresses concern over how certain opinions, particularly those supporting Palestinian rights, have been suppressed in some countries.
He said: “I think that supporters of the Palestinian cause have had a rough time in a number of European jurisdictions, notably Germany, where there’s been direct — and government — moves to suppress that strand of thought altogether.
“We haven’t got anywhere near as close to things as that … but there’s certainly been a lot of calls for toughness on pro-Palestine demonstrations, which assume, without actually saying, that it’s perfectly obvious that support for Palestine is wrong. I don’t think it’s wrong.”
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2589749/middle-east
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Saudi FM discusses developments in Palestine with PM Mohammad Mustafa
February 10, 2025
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. (File/SPA/AFP)
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RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday received a phone call from Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
During the call, the two officials discussed developments in Palestine and efforts made in regard to them, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Faisal also received a phone call from his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.
They discussed regional developments and joint efforts with regard to them, SPA said.
Later on Monday, Prince Faisal received another phone call from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The officials discussed the latest regional developments.
The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister is in Paris attending a two-day international artificial intelligence summit in Paris. Heads of state, top government officials, CEOs and scientists from around 100 countries are participating in the summit from Monday.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2589687/saudi-arabia
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Lukashenko reflects on his special relations with Muslims
10 FEBRUARY 2025,
MINSK, 10 February (BelTA) – At the meeting with representatives of religious communities on 10 February Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke about his relations with Muslims, BelTA has learned.
“I have relations of complete harmony with Muslims. It so happened in my presidential career that I have excellent relations with almost all Muslim countries. More than excellent. I have always treated them with respect, and they return the favor, although I am not a Muslim,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Mufti of the Muslim Religious Association in Belarus Abu-Bekir Shabanovich noted that the country managed to avoid the destructive path of fighting against God. According to him, thanks to the support of the head of state, Islam has taken root in Belarus.
“A great many people learned about the great value of religion, the good things about Islam, as well as culture and spiritual traditions of our citizens, Muslims Tatars. Thus, xenophobia, Islamophobia cannot thrive here, unlike in other countries,” Abu-Bekir Shabanovich noted.
He recalled that a recreated cathedral mosque was opened in Minsk in November 2016 with the participation of the presidents of Belarus and Türkiye. “This event was so [important] for us that we regard it as a turning point in our history of more than 627 years. This found a lot of resonance in the world and, first of all, in the Muslim community,” the mufti said.
According to him, over the past years, the cathedral mosque has become the center of Islam in Belarus. Moreover, it is not only a center of theology and place of worship for believers, but also a kind of dialogue platform for interstate, interethnic and interfaith meetings.
Abu-Bekir Shabanovich conveyed to Aleksandr Lukashenko words of gratitude and support from all Muslims of Belarus. “You can rely on us in your every strategic and tactical move. And I believe that together, under your direct leadership we will preserve our common homeland, our dear Belarus,” he added.
“I have very good relations with Muslims in Belarus, they have never let down either the government or me. Honestly, I am grateful to you for such a position. You have always taken it and have never flip-flopped. I appreciate this very much. Belarus is not a Muslim country, but Muslims have solid positions in our society. Thank you very much for such an attitude towards Belarus, and remember (this applies to people of all our faiths) that this is your land. This also applies to the Tatars, and the Bashkirs, and others who came to us. Your land is not there. Your roots may be there, and your soul is there. But your land is here. And I am sure that many have their souls here. Therefore, I am very grateful to you for such a position,” the president said.
https://eng.belta.by/president/view/lukashenko-reflects-on-his-special-relations-with-muslims-165365-2025/
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FIRST-PERSON: Southern Baptists encouraged to pray for salvations during Ramadan
February 10, 2025
For Muslims around the world, the annual observance of Ramadan will begin the evening of Feb. 28 and last through March. During the month, the International Mission Board is asking Southern Baptists to commit to pray for the salvation of Muslims and for missionaries who live and serve among them.
During Ramadan, which involves daily prayer and fasting to please Allah, many Muslims have a heightened spiritual awareness. Missionaries report this is a critical time to pray that God will reveal Himself to them. The month often leads to spiritual conversations and questioning that may direct people to the one true God and salvation that only comes through Jesus Christ.
This year, IMB staff and missionaries are providing the opportunity for churches and individuals to pray each day during Ramadan using tools designed specifically for this purpose.
Join others in prayer by visiting the Pray for Ramadan website. You will be invited to sign up for designated times to pray. There’s no limit to how often you pray, and multiple users can sign up to pray at the same time.
April Bunn, the director of IMB’s prayer office, says this is an invitation to pray with thousands of partners with the same focus. “As people around the world in all time zones sign up to participate,” she said, “we hope Southern Baptists, along with the global Church, will provide around the clock prayer support this month, asking God to reveal Himself to Muslim people groups.”
After signing up, you’ll receive emails on your prayer days that include information about Muslim beliefs and people groups, Scripture and prayer prompts. You’ll also receive Gospel transformation stories and bonus activities, like recipes and crafts.
Source:baptistpress.com
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https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-southern-baptists-encouraged-to-pray-for-salvations-during-ramadan/
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Malaysia spinning its wheels in Transparency International’s latest corruption perceptions index
By Malay Mail
11 Feb 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 – Malaysia’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score remained at 50 points in 2024, unchanged from the previous year, according to Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M).
The country also retained its 57th position among 180 nations surveyed, despite ambitions to be among the top 25 by 2033.
“Moving forward the government must accelerate the institutional reforms to ensure there is transparency, accountability and ensure no political interference with enforcement bodies like MACC and with the judiciary,” TI-M said in a release accompanying the results.
The watchdog group said that among reasons for the stagnant result were persistent corruption in the public sector, slow institutional reforms, and concerns over political interference in the judiciary.
High-profile cases of discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) and reduced sentences for convicted figures have fuelled perceptions of weak enforcement.
TI-M said that while the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) continues to crack down on corruption, cases such the RM8 million vape smuggling scandal at KLIA highlight ongoing abuses of power.
Despite setbacks, TI-M still highlighted the government’s progress in financial transparency laws, anti-corruption strategies, and oversight mechanisms for state-linked companies.
TI-M urged faster institutional reforms and greater transparency in enforcement agencies to ensure progress in governance and judicial independence.
The report also recommended leveraging AI, blockchain, and big data to cut bureaucracy and reduce corruption risks in public services.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/02/11/malaysia-spinning-its-wheels-in-transparency-internationals-latest-corruption-perceptions-index/166290
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Islamic Emirate Assesses Refugee Challenges, Plans Resettlement
2025-02-10
KABUL(BNA): The High Commission on Refugee Affairs held its regular meeting late yesterday, chaired by Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Administrative Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with commission members in attendance.
According to a statement from Arg (the Presidential Palace), the session focused on reviewing the progress, challenges, and policies of the commission’s specialized committees working on refugee issues.
Discussions covered key topics, including the allocation of land for returning refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Zabul Province, distribution of land to refugees in other provinces, relocation of displaced individuals from Kabul to their home regions, and the implementation of decrees concerning aid for displaced families in Nangarhar.
Officials conducted a comprehensive review of these issues and approved necessary measures to improve refugee support, resettlement, and access to essential resources.
This meeting highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to address the complex challenges facing refugees and IDPs, ensuring their reintegration and long-term stability.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-assesses-refugee-challenges-plans-resettlement/
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India
'This is Bharat, its primary language has been Sanskrit': LS Speaker Om Birla to DMK
11.02.25
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran on Tuesday alleged that taxpayers' money was being wasted by providing simultaneous interpretation of Lok Sabha proceedings in Sanskrit due to RSS ideology, prompting Speaker Om Birla to hit back saying Sanskrit has been the primary language of India.
A visibly upset Birla said simultaneous interpretation of House proceedings was not limited to Sanskrit alone but other recognised languages too.
"Simultaneous interpretation will be available in Hindi and Sanskrit," Birla said.
Soon after the Question Hour concluded, Birla said he was happy to announce that six more languages -- Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Sanskrit and Urdu -- have been included in the list of languages in which simultaneous interpretation was available for members.
He said besides English and Hindi, simultaneous interpretation is available in Assamese, Bangla, Gujarati, Kannada, Malyali, Marathi, Odiya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.
When Birla made the announcement, DMK members started raising slogans prompting the Speaker to ask Maran what his "problem" was.
Maran said while he welcomed simultaneous interpretation of official state languages, he had objections to Sanskrit interpretation as it was "not communicable".
He cited the 2011 population survey to claim that Sanskrit was spoken by 73,000 people. "Why should taxpayers' money be wasted because of RSS ideology," he said.
Birla hit back, asking the DMK member which country he was residing in.
"This is Bharat and its primary language has been Sanskrit. I said 22 languages, not Sanskrit alone. Why do you object to Sanskrit. There are 22 recognised languages in Parliament. Simultaneous interpretation will take place in Hindi as well as Sanskrit," he asserted.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/this-is-bharat-its-primary-language-has-been-sanskrit-speaker-om-birla-to-dmk/cid/2082867
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Nine Maha Kumbh pilgrims killed, five injured in two road accidents in Madhya Pradesh
11.02.25
Nine persons returning from Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj were killed and five injured in two road accidents in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur and Maihar districts on Tuesday morning, officials said.
A truck collided with a mini-bus in Jabalpur, killing seven occupants of the passenger vehicle returning to Andhra Pradesh from Prayagraj (in Uttar Pradesh), Collector Deepak Kumar Saxena told PTI.
The incident took place at around 8.30 am near Sihora town, located 65 km from the district headquarters, he said.
The truck was heading on a highway from the wrong side, leading to the accident, eyewitnesses claimed.
Seven persons died on the spot, while several others were trapped inside the mini-bus, they said.
Following the accident, the collector and Jabalpur's superintendent of police left for the accident site.
In Maihar, two persons were killed and five others injured when an unidentified vehicle hit their SUV near Kanchanpur village on National Highway no. 30 at around 4 am, Nadan Dehat police station in-charge KN Banjare said.
The sports utility vehicle (SUV) was returning to Indore from the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, he said.
All the injured persons were referred to the Satna district hospital after initial treatment in Amarpatan, the official said.
The two deceased have been identified as Manju Sharma (32) and Manoj Vishwakarma (42), he said.
Police were examining CCTV footage of the area to identify the offending vehicle, the official said.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/nine-maha-kumbh-pilgrims-killed-five-injured-in-two-road-accidents-in-madhya-pradesh/cid/2082835
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Delhi High Court grants 2-day custody parole to Engineer Rashid
February 10, 2025
The Delhi High Court on Monday granted two-day custody parole to Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid to attend the ongoing Parliament session.
Engineer Rashid, who won the Lok Sabha election from J&K’s Baramulla constituency by defeating National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah (now Chief Minister) by over two lakh votes while staying in Tihar Jail, is accused in a terror funding case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
A bench of Justice Vikas Mahajan granted custody parole to Engineer Rashid for February 11 and 13 while imposing a slew of conditions. As per the Delhi HC order, Engineer Rashid will not interact with any person except for his limited responsibility of attending the House and will not address the media in any manner.
On February 7, Justice Mahajan-led Bench reserved its verdict on Engineer Rashid’s plea seeking interim bail, or alternatively, custody parole, to attend the ongoing Parliament session, after hearing the oral arguments advanced by the counsel representing the federal anti-terror agency and Engineer Rashid’s lawyer.
During the hearing, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing on behalf of the NIA, argued that there are security issues and custody parole is not a vested right of a legislator.
Engineer Rashid has petitioned the Delhi High Court seeking directions to the trial court judge to expedite a decision on his pending regular bail application or decide the matter itself. Earlier, a court here, instead of passing an order on the application for regular bail, had recommended the District Judge to transfer his case to the MP/MLA court as Rashid became an MP.
In his plea pending before the Delhi HC, he sought interim bail to attend the ongoing Budget session of the Parliament, which began on January 31 and will conclude on April 4. In the alternative, Engineer Rashid prayed that he be given custody parole, if not interim bail, to attend the Parliament session.
The NIA has opposed the interim bail plea of Engineer Rashid. The Delhi High Court had called for a reply from its registry over the designation of an appropriate court to hear Rashid’s bail plea.
After the NIA’s counsel submitted that the anti-terror agency in November last year had made a representation to the registry on the issue of designation of the NIA court as a court which could hear cases against lawmakers, the Justice Mahajan-led Bench issued a notice to the Registrar General to ascertain the status and posted the matter for hearing on February 6.
During the hearing held last week, the counsel representing the Registrar General stated that an application has been moved before the Supreme Court seeking clarification on the issue of designation of a court, adding that the issue will be mentioned before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for urgent listing.
Engineer Rashid was arrested by the NIA in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The ED had also filed a money laundering case against him and the accused persons based on the NIA’s FIR, which accused them of conspiring to wage war against the government and fomenting trouble in the Valley.
Engineer Rashid has represented the Langate Assembly constituency in J&K twice. His brother, Sheikh Khurshid Ahmad won the 2024 Assembly election from Langate. — IANS
Source:muslimmirror.com
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New English translation of the Holy Quran released in Delhi
February 11, 2025
By Zillur Rahman Haider
New Delhi: The latest translation of the Holy Quran into English was formally launched here on Saturday at the India Islamic Cultural Centre. The event drew a diverse audience, encompassing scholars, religious leaders, students, and community members, underscoring the significance of the message of Islam for the present times.
The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and its translation, setting the tone for the proceedings, and the recitation of a poem by Mahirul Qadiri in which the Quran laments that Muslims have forsaken it.
Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, the translator and commentator of this work titled “The Glorious Quran,” spoke at length about the need of a modern translation in simple English which should be accessible to everyone in these times when English has spread to all corners of the world but available English translations do not meet today’s needs nor do their commentaries answer questions raised in recent times. Such a translation, in the translator’s view, will facilitate Muslims’ compliance with Allah’s commands and also offer a window for non-Muslims to understand better the Islamic holy book.
The translator, Dr Khan, is a well-known Islamic scholar who studied at Al-Azhar and Cairo University and obtained his PhD from Manchester University in UK. He has written and translated over fifty books in Arabic, English and Urdu. He said this annotated translation is available in two editions: one with parallel Arabic text and its translation and the other with only the English translation. Both versions have footnotes and appendices specially written by the translator for this work. He also mentioned that this translation is now also available online at https://thegloriousquran.net/ though the Net edition is still in progress.
Dr. Khan shared his inspiration for translating the Quran into English. He explained that he felt the need to undertake this project because, although there were many translations available—initially done by Orientalists and later by some Muslims—he found that these translations suffered from many mistakes and short-comings. The translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, in particular, became very popular among Muslims, but Dr. Khan realized since early 1980s that there were numerous errors whenever he needed to quote translations of specific verses in his speeches or writings. This prompted him to resolve that one day he will publish a corrected version of Abdullah Yusuf Alli’s translation.
Dr. Khan became emotional while recalling how the translation work began. He said that in 2010 he performed Haj with his wife. There, in the Holy Mosque in Mecca, he resolved that he will no longer delay this work. Upon returning home, he started the revision of the translation in January 2011. Initially, progress was slow as he balanced it with his other responsibilities. However, from 2020 to 2023, he entirely dedicated himself to complete this project. So much so that during this period he stopped reading newspapers.
Dr. Khan said that during this work only the most authentic and earliest Arabic sources were used and great effort was made to present the translation of the Quran and introduction of Islam as they were understood by the earliest Muslim scholars and commentators of the Holy Quran. He clarified that he eschewed any philosophical, jurisprudential (fiqhī) or linguistic discussion which eventually cause differences and disunity among Muslims. He said though his work started as an attempt to correct the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali but it slowly evolved into a new translation with lengthy introduction of the Quran, a chapter on the life of Prophet Muhammad and several indices including Islamic terms and a Quranic index which has made it a comprehensive guide of the Holy Quran and Islam.
He further stated that although he knows Arabic language very well — like native Arabs — yet he conducted rigorous research and meticulous lexical work to understand meanings of words, terminologies and terms used in the Holy Quran.
The launch ceremony was presided over by Dr. Syeda Syedain Hameed, former member of the Planning Commission of India. The speakers included Prof. Saleem Engineer, Vice President of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maulana Muhibullah Nadwi, Member of Parliament, Professor Abdul Majid Qazi of the Department of Arabic, Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Muhammad Qutbuddin of the Department of Arabic, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr. Waris Mazhari of the Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Hamdard, and Abdul Wadood Sajid, editor of the north Indian editions of the Urdu daily, Inquilab.
At the outset a message was read from Najeeb Jung, former Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia and former Lt. Governor of Delhi who being away from Delhi could not attend the function. He said that since his childhood he has read many English translations of the Holy Quran but he has no hesitation in saying that Dr Khan’s translation “compares with the best of the best.” He added, “In simple language, he not only gives a first-class translation but the commentary he has provided explaining the incidents within the Holy Book make up for all we were asking over the years.”
The editor of Inquilab, Abdul Wadood Sajid, called Dr. Khan’s translation “a monumental achievement.” He dwelt at length over the social justice commands in the Hoy Quran.
The Vice President of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Professor Saleem Engineer, said that the head of the Jamaat, Syed Saadatullah Husaini, was supposed to attend and speak at this blessed gathering but he had to travel to Hyderabad due to an emergency in the family. Prof. Engineer said Dr Khan’s English translation of the Holy Quran is very straightforward and can be read without needing a dictionary. He also noted that the introduction, footnotes, and indices are comprehensive, providing detailed explanations of terms which make it easy for English-reading people to understand the Holy Quran.
Maulana Muhibullah Nadwi, Member of Parliament, lavishly praised Dr. Khan’s work. He remarked that millions of people will appreciate this effort which has been carried out meticulously using the interpretations of the early generations and original sources of Islam. He called it a truly beautiful endeavour.
Prof. Abdul Majid Qazi said he has read this translation in its entirety and found it very beautiful and excellent. He shed light on the history of the Quran translations into various languages, starting from the earliest translations into Latin and other European languages which were primarily done by Orientalists and Christian scholars to offer a misguided version of the Islamic holy text. He said early translations were intended to establish the superiority of Christianity over Islam. He noted that there have been over a hundred translations of the Holy Quran into English, primarily by Orientalists as well as by Qadianis. However, later, Muslims also began translating the Quran. Among the translations done by Muslims, the most prominent is that of Marmaduke Pickthall, followed by Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Asad. He stated that these early translations had significant deficiencies, while Dr. Khan’s translation has largely rectified these issues, making it a very beautiful and acceptable rendering of the Islamic holy text. Professor Majid emphasized that Dr. Khan’s translation is rendered in simple language but the fact is that creating such a simple translation is very challenging. To illustrate the point, he narrated an Italian proverb which says “Translation is treachery,” implying that to truly understand the essence of a book, one must properly know both languages in order to do justice to his job.
Prof. Muhammad Qutbuddin of the Arabic Department at Jawaharlal Nehru University offered a thorough review of Dr Khan’s translation. He acknowledged that Dr. Khan is not only a translator but also a profound scholar doing ijtihad where it is needed, clarifying specific terms and phrases, including issues related to women’s hijab, rights of dhimmis, modern migration issues and issues of Muslims living as minorities.
Dr. Waris Mazahiri of the Islamic Studies department of Jamia Hamdard said that this translation of the Quran is very easy and straightforward while it is also comprehensive. He emphasized the necessity for a translator to be proficient in both languages, to possess a deep understanding of textual eloquence, and to maintain faith in what he is translating. He said that all these qualities are found in Dr. Khan who is adept in Arabic and English, and has a solid understanding of current issues related to Muslims at home and abroad. He commended the translation for addressing contemporary issues such as the status of women, politics, defensive jihad, and modern concepts regarding dhimmis, stoning, apostasy, and the status of women in modern life. He said, Dr. Khan has encapsulated all of these ideas in his translation in a beautiful way.
In conclusion, the chairperson of the event, former Planning Commission member, Dr. Syeda Syedain Hameed, congratulated Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan for his remarkable achievement of translating the Quran. Dr Hameed expressed her happiness at participating in such an event for the first time.
The release function was moderated by the senior Urdu journalist and writer Masoom Moradabadi who congratulated Dr. Khan for his remarkable achievement. He introduced Dr Khan’s over fifty years of life as a scholar, journalist and Indian Muslim community leader.
Source:muslimmirror.com
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Raids at AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan’s house after FIR registered by Delhi Police
February 11, 2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan, who was recently re-elected from the Okhla constituency, is facing legal trouble just days after his victory. On Wednesday morning, Delhi Police launched multiple raids to arrest him in connection with an attack on a police team in Jamia Nagar.
The raids were conducted as part of a joint operation by teams from the Jamia Nagar and South East District police stations, along with Delhi Police’s Crime Branch.
The operation followed an FIR filed against Khan on Tuesday under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 221/121(1)/132/191(2)/190/263(b)/351(3)/111.
According to the police, Khan allegedly aided Shabaz Khan, an accused in an attempt to murder case, in escaping from custody. Reports suggest that a confrontation took place between Khan’s supporters and the police, allowing Shabaz to flee the scene.
The three-time MLA has not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations. His team has maintained that they are cooperating with Delhi Police and have refrained from making further comments.
Khan had already been under scrutiny before the elections, as a case was registered against him last week for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Despite these legal challenges, he recently secured a decisive victory over BJP candidate Manish Chaudhary in the Okhla constituency during the Delhi Assembly elections.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue their investigation, and further developments are expected. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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Number Theory: How did the Muslims vote in Delhi this time?
Feb 11, 2025
According to the 2011 Census, 12.9% of Delhi’s population was Muslim. Assuming a roughly similar share in the electorate, more than one in ten of the Union territory’s voters are likely to be Muslims. This is not an insignificant share. How did they vote in these elections? Here are four charts that try to answer this question.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/editors-pick/number-theory-how-did-the-muslims-vote-in-delhi-this-time-101739245619032.html
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Africa
Sharia panels good for religious harmony in South-West – Prof Oloyede, Council for Islamic Affairs’ scribe
February 10, 2025
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ishaq Oloyede, has urged South-West leaders to endorse the formation of Sharia panels in the region.
Oloyede, who also serves as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), emphasised that the creation of Sharia panels would contribute to fostering peace and religious harmony in the South-West.
Recall that controversy has erupted in South-West Nigeria over the establishment of Sharia panels, with Muslim leaders stressing their right to self-determination, while non-Muslim groups raise concerns about the potential implications of these panels.
He expressed concern over the lack of understanding surrounding the issue, pointing out that Sharia panels have existed in the region for years.
He said, “I believe that Nigeria is great and Nigeria will continue to be great, but it requires a lot of rethinking. Recently, people are talking about Sharia panels in South-West and I was just smiling; I was smiling that I had never seen that level of ignorance being displayed,” he said during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, on Channels Television.
“Sharia Panel in Oyo State, somebody did a PhD thesis on it in 2007, which means it had been there before 2007. The person who wrote on that appraisal is a professor today in Ibadan. He is Prof Makinde, and the governor coincidentally is Makinde. I don’t know whether they are related.”
While discussing religious tolerance in the region, Oloyede pointed out that Muslims in the South-West are psychologically burdened by the peaceful coexistence enjoyed in the zone.
His words: “When you have such a situation (of religious tolerance) and you do not continue to monitor what you are doing, you will be living in the past. I’m a Muslim from the South-West. The Muslims from the South-West pay psychologically for the peace and harmony that we are talking about.
“The churches are licensed by the government to conduct marriages that are statutory, and if you have any dispute within your marriage, you go to government-funded high courts for dispute resolution.
“If there is a dispute in my marriage, where do I go? I don’t have the opportunity because I married according to Islamic rites, I will have to go to customary court where the customary judge knows next to nothing about my faith, about the laws on the basis on which we got married. He would now use customary law to determine Islamic marriage, and the Constitution of Nigeria allows it to say where the state of assembly allows it, there should be Sharia Courts of Appeal.
“There have been Sharia Court of Appeal in different parts of the country, particularly in the northern part of Nigeria. When we say there is harmony, it means somebody is suffering in silence, but when the person speaks, they say, ‘Why are you making noise?’”
He criticized those attacking the Sultan of Sokoto for speaking out, stating that Muslims in Nigeria practice the same Islam and should be able to tolerate one another.
Source:vanguardngr.com
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https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/02/sharia-panels-good-for-religious-harmony-in-south-west-prof-oloyede-council-for-islamic-affairs-scribe/
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Nigeria Should Have At Least 1000 Universities – Peter Obi
11 February 2025
By Udeze Ekene
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has said the number of educational institutions in the country was insufficient compared to the need to produce enough manpower to move the nation’s economy.
Naija News reports that Obi said Nigeria should have at least 1000 universities to train enough manpower for the economy. As of 2024, Nigeria has 270 universities, including private universities.
In a statement on Tuesday, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party disclosed that Indonesia has 4000 universities even though Nigeria has a larger population.
He stated this in continuation of an update on meetings he had with various government officials in Indonesia.
His words: “My first meeting was with Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin. The object was to discuss the country’s advancements in universal health coverage.
“Indonesia’s National Health Insurance Program (JKN) now covers about 98% of the population, ensuring accessible healthcare, especially for the poor and vulnerable.
“Minister Sadikin emphasized preventive care as the most effective public health strategy, aiming to reduce disease burdens through proactive measures.
“The government fully subsidizes premiums for low-income individuals and is aggressively expanding the training of primary health workers, even in rural villages, to ensure truly inclusive healthcare.
“Next, I met with Prof. Dr Nunuk Survani and her team at the Ministry of Education. We discussed Indonesia’s educational system, which serves about 50 million pupils at the basic education level with over 3 million teachers.
“To maintain high standards, all teachers are required to have a degree and teachers professional certification. With the strict implementation of its compulsory basic education policy, Indonesia has achieved a 99% school enrollment rate, significantly addressing the issue of out-of-school children.
“With 20% of its annual budget allocated to education, Indonesia prioritizes a critical pillar of national development.
“As we all know, the more educated a country is, the more developed it becomes. At the tertiary level, Indonesia has over 4,000 universities, while Nigeria has less than 10% of that—despite having a population that is about 80% of Indonesia’s.
“Based on this ratio, we should have at least 1,000 universities.
“Finally, I concluded the second session with a meeting at Indonesia’s Ministry of MSMEs, which focuses on an extensive support framework for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
“MSMEs in Indonesia contribute 61% to GDP and employ 97% of the workforce, making them a critical component of economic growth and development. The ministry, through its agencies, provides mentorship, training, equipment, and financial support.
“A significant portion of the total bank loans—about $20 billion—is dedicated to MSMEs at an interest rate of 3% to 6%, with the government covering the differential from the commercial loan rate of 12% to 13%.
“This contrasts with our situation in Nigeria, where the total loans available to over 40 million SMEs are less than 10% of what is allocated in Indonesia, compounded by several other negatively impacting environmental factors.
“These meetings have been invaluable in highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to advancing healthcare, education, and economic growth. Indonesia stands as a learning model for developing nations.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/11/nigeria-should-have-at-least-1000-universities-peter-obi/
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Tinubu mourns Islamic scholar Sheikh Daware
FEBRUARY 10, 2025
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Modibbo Daware, a renowned Islamic scholar from Adamawa.
Mr Daware was a respected leader of the Tijjaniyya sect who spent his lifetime imparting knowledge, guiding, and shaping the minds of many individuals, the president said in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman.
Mr Tinubu extolled Mr Daware’s humility, piety, and devotion to scholarship and described his death as a painful loss not only to his family and community but also to the nation.
“I extend my condolences to the Adamawa State government, the late cleric’s family, and his followers.
“May God grant him peace and mercy in the hereafter.
“Sheikh Daware’s legacy will continue to inspire us, reminding us of the impact of faith, knowledge, and selfless service to humanity,” the president stated.
Source:gazettengr.com
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AbdulRazaq urges Kwara pilgrims to be good ambassadors
February 10, 2025
by David Bolarinwa
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called on Christian pilgrims from the state to represent Kwara and Nigeria positively during their pilgrimage.
Speaking on Friday, February 4, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the governor bade farewell to the pilgrims as they departed for Israel and Jordan for the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise.
AbdulRazaq, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiatives.
“I commend President Tinubu for his interfaith support for both Muslims and Christians. His Renewed Hope initiative is for all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or tribe. I promise to continue supporting both Muslims and Christians in their quest to actualize their religious obligations”, he said.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for his support and praised his leadership. He noted that the governor’s physical presence at the airport to bid farewell to the pilgrims was a testament to his love for his people.
The 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise commenced on December 22, 2024, with the theme “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration.” The sixth batch of pilgrims, which includes those from Kwara, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo, have safely arrived in Amman, Jordan.
Source:thenationonlineng.net
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Benue Crisis: Ortom Slams Alia For Claiming Killings Have Stopped
10 February 2025
By Ikenna Ngere
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has strongly criticised his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of overseeing numerous mass burials in less than two years in office.
Ortom expressed his disappointment after watching a video in which Governor Alia, while addressing a congregation at NKST Church Ikpayongo in Gwer East Local Government Area, claimed that attacks and killings in Benue had ceased since he assumed office.
Additionally, Alia accused Ortom of staging the 2021 assassination attempt on his life and asserted that his administration had restored peace across the state.
He stated that unlike during the previous administration, when mass killings were frequent, his tenure had brought security, allowing residents to go about their daily activities without fear.
Ortom’s Response
Reacting to these claims, Ortom, through his media aide, Terver Akase, issued a statement in Makurdi on Monday, condemning the governor’s remarks.
The statement read in part: “While we may not bother with the theatrics of the Governor and his inclination towards obfuscation, we find it rather sad and unfortunate that he did so this time standing before a church congregation in Gwer East, one of the local government areas which have suffered some of the worst attacks under his watch with many people killed, others injured, and property worth billions destroyed. The people of Gwer who were in that church must have felt grossly dismayed on hearing such words coming from a man who is their governor.”
Ortom highlighted that several communities across Benue—spanning Zones A, B, and C, including Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, and Otukpo—had witnessed multiple mass burials due to ongoing attacks by armed herders.
He accused Alia’s government of attempting to conceal the severity of the situation.
Standing Against Injustice
The former governor emphasized that the key difference between his leadership and that of his successor was his commitment to resisting the expansionist agenda of pastoralists who sought to take over Benue lands.
“The difference between the immediate past Governor, Chief Ortom and Governor Alia is that while the former stood against injustice and strongly fought the agenda of pastoralists who wanted to occupy Benue lands as theirs, his successor does not want the world to know that Benue people are still under attacks and wanton killings have been taking place in communities of the state on a higher level during his time,” the statement added.
Ortom reiterated that despite threats, intimidation, and deprivation by the previous federal administration, he remained steadfast in his advocacy for ranching as a solution to open grazing. His government eventually enacted a law prohibiting open grazing in Benue State.
Advice to Alia
While defending his tenure, Ortom maintained that he had no regrets about his actions as governor.
He urged Alia to concentrate on delivering his campaign promises rather than making misleading claims.
“Being a state governor is a transitory position. Tomorrow, he will also become a former governor. Ortom played his part and left the stage nearly two years ago. Governor Alia is now in charge, so he should take advantage of what he believes his predecessor failed to do and provide better service for the people,” the statement concluded.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/10/benue-crisis-ortom-slams-alia-for-claiming-killings-have-stopped/
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Why you should acquire properties before 50 – Bishop Funke Felix-Adejumo
February 10, 2025
Renowned bishop and motivational speaker, Funke Felix-Adejumo, has emphasised the importance of securing one’s financial future and leaving a lasting inheritance for future generations.
In a viral video, she stated that by age 40, individuals should own land, and by 45, they should have acquired property.
She also encouraged married couples to strive for a minimum number of houses equivalent to the number of children they have.
The bishop’s words were rooted in biblical principles, citing the verse “a righteous man leaves an inheritance” (Proverbs 13:22).
She emphasised that true righteousness is not just about outward appearances, but about living a life that secures a stable future for oneself and one’s loved ones.
She said: “If at 50 you still have to be living in a rented apartment, I’m sent to you. You can’t be forty years old and not have a land, and you can’t be forty-five and not have a property.
“Those of you that are married. The minimum number of houses you should have is the number of children you have. When the bible says ‘a righteous man leaves an inheritance’, the righteousness is not about the removal of earrings. Don’t live your life in such a way that you’ll need your children’s help when you’re old. When your children come to bless you, let them feel privileged, let it be to provoke something”.
Formerly Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo, she was elevated to the position of Bishop by Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
The event took place at the headquarters of Agape Christian Ministries in Akure, Ondo State, and was graced by notable dignitaries, clergy, and worshippers from across Nigeria.
Source:thenationonlineng.net
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Gbenga Dahunsi Ministries awards scholarships to Loyola College students
February 10, 2025
One of the Leading Christian Ministries, Gbenga Dahunsi Ministries International (The Set Apart Church) Ibadan, headed by Pastor Gbenga Dahunsi, has raised the bar of evangelism in Nigeria by giving educational scholarships to students of Loyola College, Ibadan.
The latest scholarship was given to the most outstanding student of the boys-only government-owned college, Babatunde Oluwadarasimi, to encourage him and spur others to pursue academic excellence.
During the visit to the ancient school, Pastor Gbenga Dahunsi said it was necessary to match evangelism with humanitarian efforts so that the problems associated with body and soul can be treated together.
He added that the ministry has determined not only to strengthen the students’ faith but also to reaffirm the ministry’s commitment to education and youth development in Nigeria.
“As a pastor, I am a proponent of humanitarian gestures. Charity is part of our activities in the church,
“We do give free medical Health care services for the sick, provide food items, clothes, academic sponsorships such as payment of school fees, provision of stationery and provision of boreholes to a lot of communities.
”The initiative, inspired by the grace of God, saw students being ministered with the gospel of Christ, leading to numerous conversions and a powerful baptism in the Holy Spirit.
“Beyond spiritual empowerment, the ministry extended its hands of kindness by providing students with essential stationery sets, ensuring they are well-equipped for their academic journey,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gbenga Dahunsi Ministry International, through its humanitarian outreach programme, has touched many lives in several communities in the country.
The ministry’s outreach programme has touched many lives in several communities by donating food items, cash gifts, and toiletries to orphanage homes and vulnerable persons, particularly in the Southern part of the country.
Pastor Dahunsi advised all meaningful Nigerians to embark on humanitarian jobs across the country to feed the poor, give scholarships, and create better lives for the less privileged persons in the country.
While appreciating the team of Gbenga Dahunsi Ministries International, the school principal of Loyola College Ibadan, Mrs Olaniran, thanked Pastor Dahunsi and the members for their humanitarian gestures.
She believes the scholarship will uplift the minds of students to strive for excellence in their studies.
Source:thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/gbenga-dahunsi-ministries-awards-scholarships-to-loyola-college-students/
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Fubara Downplays Supreme Court Ruling, Says Budget Appeal Was Irrelevant
10 February 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed concerns over the recent Supreme Court judgment, asserting that the withdrawal of his 2024 budget appeal was a strategic decision, given that the fiscal year had already ended.
Naija News reports that Fubara made this known in a statement released on Monday by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, in which he described the opposition’s reaction to the court ruling as misguided political propaganda.
The governor justified his legal team’s decision to withdraw the appeal, emphasizing that the 2024 budget cycle ended on December 31, 2024, rendering further litigation unnecessary.
“The appeal is of no useful purpose. The only reasonable thing left to do was to withdraw the appeal and have it dismissed,” Fubara stated.
He further criticized opposition elements who were celebrating the withdrawal, describing their actions as a desperate attempt to mislead the public.
“The Supreme Court is a very busy court. It would be unwise to burden the Honourable Court with academic appeals that hold no practical or utilitarian value. That is the appeal the urchins are celebrating,” he added.
The statement also clarified that the Supreme Court did not rule against Fubara but merely accepted the voluntary withdrawal of the appeal.
“There is no Supreme Court judgment against Governor Fubara. Ignore the outdated political propaganda by some desperate politicians,” Johnson said.
He reiterated that the Supreme Court’s decision was not a victory for any opposition group but simply a procedural conclusion to an already irrelevant case, since the 2024 budget had been fully implemented.
Fubara’s response comes amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, particularly between his administration and lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The 2024 budget had been a contentious issue, following the fractured relationship between Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/10/fubara-downplays-supreme-court-ruling-says-budget-appeal-was-irrelevant/
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Rivers Crisis: Opposition Coalition Denies Supreme Court Ruling Against Fubara, Speaker Oko Jumbo
10 February 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Opposition Coalition has dismissed claims that the Supreme Court delivered a ruling against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Oko Jumbo, describing such reports as “false and misleading.”
Speaking on Tuesday, the coalition’s spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere, clarified that the court verdict did not favour the pro-Wike lawmakers as being speculated in certain quarters.
According to Ugochinyere, Governor Fubara did not lose any case at the Supreme Court but rather withdrew his appeal on the 2024 budget, which he noted had already been implemented.
He further stressed that no court had ruled in favour of the pro-Wike lawmakers, describing such reports as “political propaganda” by individuals who were attempting to mislead the public.
Oko Jumbo Remains Speaker, Says Ugochinyere
The opposition lawmakers also reaffirmed that Victor Oko Jumbo remains the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissing claims suggesting otherwise.
Naija News reports that Ugochinyere urged the public to disregard the narrative that the sacked pro-Wike lawmakers had won any legal battle, insisting that Jumbo remains in control of the House of Assembly.
The federal lawmaker also called on the media to exercise caution when reporting legal matters, urging journalists to verify facts before publishing stories that could mislead the public.
Ugochinyere reiterated his support for Governor Fubara, urging him to remain focused on delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State despite the ongoing political distractions.
He said, “Today the Supreme Court ruled on the Appeal over the 2024 budget voluntarily withdrawn by Gov Fubara because 2024 budget cycle have ended and no need Wasting time discussing a budget that have been fully spent and implemented.
“The sacked, disgruntled Martin Amaewhule and the Pro-Wike group are jubiliating, out of ignorance of what informed the decision of the apex court. For their information and others who care, the Supreme Court judgement was sequel to the withdrawal of the appeal by Governor Fubara through his lead counsel, Yusuf Ali SAN. Governor Fubara in the notice for withdrawal of the case, informed a 3-man panel of Justices of the Court that events have overtaken his suit.
“For those who don’t know such events as mentioned by His Excellency, Governor Fubara include inter-alia that the 2024 budget for instance, has been fully executed and exhausted with 2025 Appropriation in effect, hence the case is statute-barred.
“Also, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Oko Jumbo is still in charge and control of the legislature in the South-south state as the pro-Wike sacked lawmakers and their gang leader, Amaewhule remained removed from office.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/10/rivers-crisis-opposition-coalition-denies-supreme-court-ruling-against-fubara-speaker-oko-jumbo/
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Troops Launch Manhunt For Lakurawa Terrorists In Northwest Nigeria
10 February 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YANMA has intensified its offensive against the Lakurawa terrorist organization, launching a coordinated search operation across Northwestern Nigeria.
As part of the ongoing military crackdown, troops have cleared multiple terrorist camps in Sokoto State and arrested a key suspect linked to a notorious terrorist leader.
Military Operation Targets Terrorist Hideouts
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, revealed that the operation was a joint effort involving troops from 248 Battalion and CIB VII.
According to him, the offensive was initiated from Maikumari village towards Rijiyan Zobe in Binji Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
“The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the Lakurawa bandit group had established a new camp in the area,” Makama stated.
Upon reaching Rijiyan Zobe, troops found Fulani settlers carrying out their normal activities, suggesting that the bandits had not fully taken over the location.
However, further intelligence led the troops to Duchin Kaie, a high-ground location where the criminals had set up a makeshift camp.
Following a successful clearance operation, troops searched and destroyed the camp, preventing it from being used as a terrorist base.
Items recovered at the scene included Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Several pieces of Nigerien military uniforms, Foodstuffs and various clothing materials
The recovered materials were destroyed on-site to prevent them from being reused for criminal activities.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/10/troops-launch-manhunt-for-lakurawa-terrorists-in-northwest-nigeria/
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Zuma’s party files treason complaint against AfriForum
10 February 2025
South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma’s political party has filed a treason complaint against AfriForum, a group that advocates for the country’s white Afrikaner minority. The complaint comes after Donald Trump criticised South Africa’s new law aimed at redistributing white-owned land.
AfriForum has been lobbying against the law in U.S. media and political circles, claiming it’s part of a larger attack on Afrikaners. Zuma’s MK party accuses AfriForum of spreading misinformation to sway Trump’s opinion.
In response, AfriForum’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, dismissed the charges as "absurd" and said they won’t lose any sleep over them. He added that it's the responsibility of civil society organisations like AfriForum to draw attention to laws and actions that threaten the welfare of citizens and the nation.
Source:africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2025/02/10/zumas-party-files-treason-complaint-against-afriforum/
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Pakistan
Ramadan moon sighting in Pakistan expected on THIS date!
February 10, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that the Ramadan moon will be sighted on March 1 and the first fast will be on March 2.
According to the department’s announcement, the moon will be sighted on February 28 at 5:45 PM, which will mark the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan.
The sighting of the new moon on March 1 is expected to confirm the start of the holy month.
Globally, media outlets have also suggested that the Ramadan moon is likely to be sighted on February 28 in countries like the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries, with March 1 being the starting point for Ramadan in these regions.
In Pakistan, the first fast is likely to be on March 2 depending on the sighting of the moon in different parts of the country.
With millions of Muslims across Pakistan gearing up for the start of the holy month, expectations are high on the announcement.
Source:dailyausaf.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://dailyausaf.com/en/pakistan/ramadan-moon-sighting-in-pakistan-expected-on-this-date/
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Lawyers to challenge 'unilateral selection' of SC judges, says Hamid Khan
February 10, 2025
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator and senior lawyer Hamid Khan has announced that the legal community would challenge the Judicial Commission of Pakistan's (JCP) nomination of six judges to the Supreme Court, vowing to continue with the 'protest movement' against the appointments.
"The appointment has no legitimacy as two senior judges and the opposition lawmakers walked out of the meeting...they [newly-nominated SC judges] would have to go," the senior lawyer said while speaking on Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath'.
His remarks came hours after the judicial commission named six high court judges for elevation to the Supreme Court. The chief justices of all high courts, except the Lahore High Court (LHC) were among the six judges nominated.
These included Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, Justice Shakeel Ahmad and Justice Aamer Farooq.
The Commission, also by the majority of its total membership, nominated IHC's Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb for appointment as the Acting Judge of the Supreme Court.
The JCP meeting came amid opposition voiced by four apex court judges and the former ruling party, following the recent transfer of judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Speaking during today's programme, Hamid said that there was no consensus in the entire process of the appointments, terming them a "unilateral selection".
"Immediately, it may not be possible, but our struggle will be long. We will continue to stand against today’s appointment because there was only one vacancy…how could you fill seven or eight [vacancies]," he said.
He stated this while responding to a question as to what would be the lawyers’ next move against the SC judges' appointments.
Responding to another question, the PTI Senator said the matter should not be heard by a constitutional bench but by a full court just like their demand for the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
"The matter is related to SC judges' appointment...it is not linked with the formation of the constitutional court."
Furthermore, he said, the people who abuse their powers and defy the rule of law don't last long. "Our struggle may last six months or a year, the situation in the apex court and other high courts, is not workable."
When asked if the full court would also consist of newly appointed judges, Hamid responded that they cannot be part of the bench because their "appointment would become disputed".
"They cannot be judges in their own cause," he said. Similarly, the matter cannot be heard by a constitutional bench, he added.
Judges’ transfer saga
Earlier this month, the judicial commission sought nominations from all high courts, requesting a list of five senior judges from each.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) initially forwarded the names of three judges — Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb — because the other two judges, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri and Justice Babar Sattar, did not meet the minimum requirement of five years of service.
However, Lahore High Court’s Justice Sarfraz Dogar, along with two judges from the SHC and BHC, was recently transferred to the IHC. Following his transfer, the IHC administration revised its seniority list and designated him as the senior puisne judge. Therefore, his name was also sent to the JCP.
Following this transfer saga, five IHC judges raised the issue of seniority of judges and sent a representation to the IHC chief justice against the new seniority list and also sent a copy to CJP Afridi.
The judges argued that any transferred judge must take a fresh oath under Article 194 of the Constitution, which would place them at the bottom of the IHC’s seniority list. This would render them ineligible for immediate consideration for the position of IHC chief justice.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1281427-lawyers-community-to-challenge-unilateral-selection-of-sc-judges-says-hamid-khan
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PTI's Qureshi, Rashid indicted in May 9 violent protests case
By Duaa Mirza
February 10, 2025
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr Yasmin Rashid were among 21 accused indicted in a case related to May 9, 2023, violent protests that saw attacks on government and military buildings.
The prominent leaders of the former ruling party and others were indicted by Lahore ATC Judge Arshad Javed while hearing a case related to alleged torching of a container at Kalma Chowk on May 9 violent protests at a makeshift court in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail.
Qureshi, who served as foreign minister during the PTI government, denied charges in the case.
Later, the court adjourned the hearing till February 17 after summoning prosecution witnesses.
The May 9 riots were triggered almost across the country after deposed prime minister Imran Khan's arrest in the £190 million settlement case. Hundreds of PTI workers and senior leaders were put behind bars for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations.
During the protests, the miscreants targeted the civil and military installations including — Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military termed May 9 "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
Following the violent protests, scores of party leaders and workers were arrested and tried in military courts.
In December last year, the military court convicted 25 individuals and a few days later, handed down sentences to 60 people, including ex-premier Khan's nephew Hassan Khan Niazi.
Later in January, the sentences of 19 convicts were pardoned after their mercy appeals were accepted by Courts of Appeal purely on humanitarian grounds, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stating that a total of 67 convicts had filed mercy petitions, of which 48 were processed.
However, the Imran Khan-founded party expressed dissatisfaction over the pardoning of only 19 convicts as PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan categorically opposed the civilians' trial in military courts citing the Supreme Court's ruling in this regard.
It is noteworthy to mention here that the military trials were initially halted after a top court's ruling; however, the constitutional bench directed that the cases pending due to the earlier order be finalised and judgments in the cases of those accused found involved in these violent incidents be announced.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1281419-ptis-qureshi-rashid-indicted-in-may-9-violent-protests-case
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President Zardari expresses condolences on demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan in Lisbon
February 10, 2025
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday offered condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini on the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan, who passed away in Lisbon last week.
An official statement said President Zardari, who arrived in Lisbon earlier today, expressed his heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, saying that the nation mourned the loss of a “true friend” and a “great philanthropist”.
Prince Karim Aga Khan — the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismailis — renowned for his triumphs in horse racing, immense wealth, and global development work, breathed his last in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
Prince Karim was laid to rest in Egypt's Aswan city at a private burial ceremony on Sunday, a day after his funeral was held in Lisbon, Portugal.
Following Prince Karim's demise, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) announced that Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan was named the 50th hereditary Imam, as per the late spiritual leader's will that was read in the presence of his family and senior community leaders.
As per the statement today, President Zardari further said that he had deeply been touched by the passing of the late Aga Khan, with whom he had personal relations.
He lauded the late Aga Khan’s contributions to Pakistan’s social and economic development, particularly in health care, education, community development, and poverty alleviation. “His visionary leadership improved the lives of people in Pakistan and other regions of the world,” he added.
The president informed that he was on an official visit to China when he learned of the Aga Khan’s passing. He said that he was visiting Lisbon to pay tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan's lifelong dedication to philanthropy and humanitarian work, adding that his services to humanity would always be remembered.
President Zardari expressed the hope that Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini would continue his father’s mission to serve the cause of humanity.
The president's visit also underscores the deep and enduring friendship between Pakistan and the Aga Khan family and the lasting impact of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s legacy, the statement concluded.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1281393-president-zardari-expresses-condolences-on-demise-of-prince-karim-aga-khan-in-lisbon
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‘Nation looking towards you’: PTI founder urges CJP Afridi to stand by law, justice
February 10, 2025
RAWALPINDI: In a major development, incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Monday called upon Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi to stand by law and justice.
In an informal interaction with journalists at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, the PTI founder addressed the CJP, saying: “The nation is looking towards you.”
Khan said he wrote two letters to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir “because all democratic avenues have been obstructed”.
His remarks came after the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), headed by the CJP, approved the appointment of six new judges to the Supreme Court amid a boycott by PTI lawmakers and two senior SC judges.
“The CJP needs to stand by law and justice,” said the 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician, who has been behind bars since August 2023 after he was sentenced in multiple cases following his ouster from power in April 2022.
Blasting the coalition government, the PTI founder said: “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and [federal] ministers are all fake. There is no hope from parliament.”
It is pertinent to mention that the former ruling party alleges that their mandate was stolen during the February 8, 2024, general elections.
“The parliament is not functional. It is a fraud parliament,” he added.
Moving on to the stalled negotiation process between the PTI and the ruling coalition, the former prime minister said that he was not expecting any breakthrough in the talks.
“I have told my team that the negotiations with the government are useless,” he added.
The jailed former prime minister said that his party did not demand a judicial commission to probe the alleged rigging in the general elections but to investigate the events of May 9, 2023 and November 26.
The PTI called off the negotiation process due to the “non-cooperation” of the government and delay over the formation of a judicial commission to probe the May 9, 2023, violent protests and a crackdown on party protesters in Islamabad on November 26 last year.
Referring to recent controversial amendments made to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016, Khan said: “There was censorship in the past too but now [the government] introduced Peca [amendments].”
Censuring the government in connection with the crackdown against the PTI workers, the incarcerated PTI founder said that there was hypocrisy in the garb of democracy and criticism was made akin to treason in the country.
Speaking out for freedom of expression, Khan said there was a “controlled media” in the country, adding that protests and rallies were not allowed by the government.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1281374-jailed-pti-founder-urges-cjp-afridi-to-stand-by-law-justice
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Imran petitions for open hearing of cases
Malik Asad | Ikram Junaidi
February 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: As Imran Khan on Monday sought hearing of his cases in the open court, his sister told the media that the jailed opposition leader would write another letter to the army chief next week.
The former prime minister has filed a petition before the Islamabad High Court, saying multiple ‘false’ cases had been instituted against him and he was being tried in the ‘controlled’ environment of Adiala Jail.
The petition contended that Mr Khan’s trial inside the Adiala Jail was being conducted in violation of law and the Constitution. It also claimed that his lawyers were being harassed.
The petition pointed out that since his incarceration on Aug 5, 2023, Mr Khan has never been produced before an open court. His trials in various cases were conducted in makeshift courts inside the prison.
According to the petition, the jail administration did not allow international media to cover the trial proceedings and only a handful of reporters are allowed to witness the proceedings.
It said the media cannot even pronounce the ex-PM’s name and used the term ‘PTI founder’ for him instead.
The petition requested the court to issue direction for Mr Khan’s open trial in order to ensure fair trial as enshrined in the constitution.
Aleema Khan, who had a meeting with Imran Khan on Monday, said he would write a third letter to Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir next week.
Imran Khan has already written two letters to the army chief over the past few days, which have been shared with the media as well. The establishment, however, has denied receipt of any such message.
Talking to the media outside Adiala Jail, she said previous letters were not written for a deal or any relaxation, rather they were aimed at making the powers that be understand that differences between the armed forces and masses were increasing.
“Imran Khan has clearly said that he will face all his cases before the existing judges despite the fact that the judges are being recruited to ensure that he does not get justice,” she alleged.
“He has also made it clear that he will not make any deal. ‘My letter to the COAS was not for a deal. I wrote it to make him [COAS] understand that the army and masses have to get united and fight against the terrorism’,” Aleema Khan said while quoting her brother.
“It will be an open letter on behalf of the masses, and people will also read it,” she explained.
She said Imran Khan had lauded the large rally held in Swabi on Saturday, noting that people from Punjab and Sindh had also participated in it.
She said that Imran Khan had urged Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi to ensure the rule of law and appealed to the overseas Pakistanis to stand by democracy.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1891201/imran-petitions-for-open-hearing-of-cases
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Court summons FPSC chief to address aspirants’ concerns
Malik Asad
February 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) summoned the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) chairman on Monday in response to a petition challenging the commission’s decision to conduct new Central Superior Services (CSS) exams before announcing the results of the previous one held last year.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani presided over the hearing on Monday, where petitioner Hamza Javed and several other candidates appeared alongside their legal counsel, Advocate Ali Raza.
The petitioners argued that the FPSC proceeded with issuing admission certificates on February 4 without considering their objections, despite the matter being under judicial review.
Advocate Ali Raza informed the court that the FPSC had issued a duty roster on February 3 and announced its decision to hold new examinations, disregarding the concerns of thousands of affected candidates.
The petitioners contend that this decision has placed them at a disadvantage, as the CSS 2024 results remain pending.
During the proceedings, Justice Kayani initially remarked that he would refer the matter back to the commission for reconsideration.
However, given the petitioners’ concerns, the court has now summoned the FPSC chairman to appear at 10:30am on Tuesday (today).
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1891219/court-summons-fpsc-chief-to-address-aspirants-concerns
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Erdogan due in Pakistan this week
Baqir Sajjad Syed | Syed Irfan Raza
February 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday met his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is due to arrive in Pakistan later this week.
The meeting took place during a brief stopover at Istanbul airport, while the president was en route to Portugal, where both countries agreed to boost counter-terror cooperation in a separate meeting in Islamabad.
In their meeting, Presidents Zardari and Erdogan discussed bilateral ties and exchanged courtesies, a press release issued by the Presidency said.
Later, President Zardari arrived in Lisbon and offered condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini following the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan.
He expressed his heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, saying that the nation mourned the loss of a “true friend” and “great philanthropist”.
The president said he had deeply been touched by the passing of the Aga Khan, with whom he had personal relations. He lauded the late Aga Khan’s contributions to Pakistan’s social and economic development, particularly in health care, education, community development, and poverty alleviation.
Counter-terrorism dialogue
Separately, Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to strengthen cooperation in countering terrorism financing, preventing radicalisation, and curbing the misuse of the internet for terrorism, the Foreign Office said.
The understanding was reached during the second round of Pakistan-Turkiye Counter-Terrorism Consultations, held in Islamabad after a six-year hiatus despite robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.
“It was agreed to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in areas of the countering financing of terrorism, preventing the use of internet for terrorist purposes and the prevention of radicalisation,” the FO said.
Both sides reviewed the global and regional terrorism landscape and exchanged views on threats posed by terrorist entities.
The FO said the delegations shared best practices and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration.
“The international community needs to address the root causes of terrorism by resolving long-protracted conflicts,” the FO statement said, adding that both countries would continue their mutual learning and cooperation in countering terrorism.
Pakistan and Turkiye have maintained a deep-rooted strategic partnership, with counter-terrorism cooperation forming a key pillar alongside trade and defence ties.
The first round of counter-terrorism consultations was held in Ankara in May 2019, where both sides explored avenues for cooperation, including law enforcement, criminal justice, countering terrorism financing, and preventing radicalization.
Both countries are acutely aware of the threat of terrorism, with Pakistan facing insurgency in Balochistan as well as Taliban militancy, and Turkiye confronting the Kurdish separatist movement.
Pakistan and Turkiye conduct joint military exercises, codenamed “Ataturk,” focusing on counter-terrorism. These drills involve special forces from both countries, covering urban and rural combat scenarios, hostage rescues, and handling improvised explosive devices.
Intelligence sharing also forms a critical component of bilateral counter-terrorism efforts, with both countries exchanging data on terrorist networks, movements, and financing to pre-empt threats.
Erdogan to visit Pakistan
President Erdogan will also visit Pakistan later this week as part of a three-nation Asia tour to boost ties with Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan, according to Turkish news outlet Daily Sabah.
Erdogan will begin his four-day trip today in Malaysia before heading to Indonesia and concluding the tour in Pakistan, Dawn.com reported.
His meetings will “focus on enhancing cooperation in various fields, as well as hot topics on the international agenda, from the Palestine-Israel conflict to the situation in Syria … as well as the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” the Daily Sabah said.
“Erdogan’s last stopover will be Pakistan, whose relations with Turkiye reached the highest level under successive tenures of the Turkish president,” the daily reported.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1891202
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Undeterred by protests, JCP picks six new SC judges
Nasir Iqbal
February 11, 2025
• Four high court CJs elevated to apex court; IHC’s Justice Aurangzeb becomes acting SC judge for tax matters
• PTI members, Justices Shah and Akhtar walk out after commission ignores their demands
• Lawyers stage demo in Red Zone against nominations; apex legal bodies ‘disown’ protests
ISLAMABAD: A protest by lawyers outside the Supreme Court and a boycott by four of its members failed to dissuade the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Monday from picking six new judges, as well as an acting judge for the apex court, under the 26th Amendment to the Constitution.
As the commission headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi huddled in the conference room of the top court to deliberate on the new appointments, the roads outside remained blocked due to a protest by lawyers, who held placards and raised slogans against the 26th Amendment.
Besides the protest, another thing that marred the session was the refusal of two Supreme Court judges — Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar — as well as two PTI members — Barrister Ali Zafar and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan — to join the proceedings due to their reservations against the constitutional amendment.
Originally, the meeting was supposed to nominate eight new judges, but the JCP decided to defer the elevation of two judges from the Lahore High Court until later.
However, the commission, by a majority of its total membership, nominated Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Sindh High Court (SHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and his colleague Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, and his colleague Justice Shakeel Ahmad.
The JCP also nominated IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb as an acting judge of the Supreme Court under Article 181 of the Constitution. Seven members voted in favour of appointing Justice Farooq as a Supreme Court judge, while Justice Mandokhail and JCP member Akhtar Hussain dissented.
At the outset of the proceedings, Justice Shah and Justice Akhtar referred to a letter written by four judges of the Supreme Court, requesting the CJP to postpone the meeting till a decision on the 26th Amendment and the seniority of the IHC judges. But the JCP, by a majority vote, proceeded with the meeting, prompting the two judges to walk out.
PTI representatives Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Barrister Ali Zafar also asked the commission to put the meeting on hold until the matter of the IHC judges’ seniority was finally determined, adding that if the commission chose to proceed, then it should not at least consider any of the judges recently transferred to the IHC as eligible for appointments.
However, JCP members asked the PTI leaders to raise their point when the matter of the IHC judges’ elevation came before the commission.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail also asked to stay, but to no avail.
After the meeting, Barrister Zafar told Dawn that the party had given them clear instructions not to participate in the meeting if the JCP did not heed their request. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told reporters that the PTI representatives supported the point of view of the two judges but chose not to participate any further when their stance was not taken up.
During the meeting, CJP Afridi suggested the elevation of Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb under Article 181 of the Constitution to clear tax and commercial matters pending in the top court.
Article 181 allows the president to appoint a high court judge qualified for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court to act temporarily as judge of the apex court.
Justice Aurangzeb will remain a judge of the Supreme Court until the pleasure of the president, after which Justice Aurangzeb may revert back to the IHC or stand confirmed as a judge of the Supreme Court depending on the situation.
The decision was made against the backdrop of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as the Federal Board of Revenue’s request for expeditious disposal of pending tax/revenue matters, since the stuck-up cases were causing huge revenue losses to the national exchequer.
Lawyers protest
Meanwhile, the All-Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee held a protest, with a request to the CJP and the JCP members to protect, preserve and uphold judicial independence.
Due to the lawyers’ protest, all entry routes to the Red Zone were closed off. Dozens of lawyers gathered at Serena Chowk as the route to Nadra Chowk was blocked.
The protest urged the commission to stand firm against any pressures, political manoeuvring or unconstitutional actions that sought to erode the integrity of the courts, saying it was now time for the entire judiciary to unite and reclaim its rightful place as the guardian of justice, constitutional supremacy, and the fundamental rights of the people.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Bar Council, the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan, the Punjab Bar Council, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council, the Balochistan High Court Bar Association and the Sindh High Court Bar Association distanced themselves from the strike call.
They regretted that certain political factions within the legal community were attempting to create chaos and division to achieve their ulterior political motives and realise their questionable political agendas.
Meanwhile, the seven-judge Constitutional Bench did not hold its hearing in the military court case as senior counsel Salman Akram Raja could not reach the Supreme Court.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1891205
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Global experts demand release of Idris Khattak
Amin Ahmed
February 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: A group of independent human rights experts have made public their letter, penned to the government, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights defender Idris Khattak.
The letter was sent to the government on Dec 10, 2024, and informed that the communication and any response received from Pakistan will be made public within sixty days, and was subsequently be made available in the usual report to be presented to the Human Rights Council.
The letter was jointly written by Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Ganna Yudkivska Vice-Chair on Communications of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Gabriella Citroni Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Irene Khan Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Mary Lawlor Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Margaret Satterthwaite Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; and Nicolas Levrat Special Rapporteur on minority issues.
“We are dismayed by the continued apparent arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. Khattak, which clearly appears to be a direct retaliation for his human rights work, including documenting and reporting on enforced disappearances and repression against ethnic minorities in the Pakistan north-west region,” the experts said.
Mr Khattak, who has been in detention for five years, has allegedly been subject to a series of egregious abuses and human rights violations in the past five years, since he was taken into military custody in November 2019, the experts said.
On numerous occasions, UN experts have raised concerns regarding Khattak being subjected to enforced disappearance, prolonged incommunicado detention, torture and ill-treatment, and lack of access to a fair trial and due process rights.
Khattak was convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in December 2021, following a secret trial by a military court.
The experts called on Pakistan to ensure an independent, impartial, effective and thorough investigation into the enforced disappearance and other violations Khattak has suffered, identify those responsible and bring them to justice, especially those at command level.
Mr Khattak and his family should be provided with adequate reparation for the harm suffered, the experts said.
Source:dawn.com
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Mideast
Dozens of Palestinian families flee Israeli operation in West Bank
February 11, 2025
NUR SHAMS, Palestinian Territories: Dozens of Palestinian families fled on Monday from the Nur Shams refugee camp in the north of the occupied West Bank, as Israel pushed on with a sweeping military operation.
“We hear explosions and bombings as well as bulldozers. It’s a tragedy. They are doing here what they did in Gaza,” said Ahmed Ezza, a resident.
Ahmed Abu Zahra, another resident of the camp which is on the outskirts of Tulkarem, said he was forced to leave his home.
“The (Israeli) army came and we were forced to leave after they started destroying our homes.”
Three Palestinians, including two women and a young man, were killed on Sunday in Nur Shams, the health ministry in the territory said.
Israel said its military police had opened an investigation into the death of one of them, a woman who was eight months pregnant.
It said on Saturday it had launched an operation in Nur Shams, part of a much larger campaign that began in January in Tulkarem and Jenin, which it said had “targeted several terrorists.”
In the streets of Nur Shams camp, under a light rain, residents were fleeing.
An AFP photographer saw dozens of families hastily leaving the camp, while bulldozers carried out large-scale demolitions amid gunfire and explosions.
According to Murad Alyan, from the camp’s popular committee, “more than half of the 13,000 inhabitants have fled out of fear for their lives.”
Since January 21, the Israeli military has been conducting a major operation in the “triangle” of Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarem, where half a million Palestinians live.
Israel says it is targeting “terrorist infrastructure.”
Jenin in particular is a bastion of armed Palestinian militant groups.
“What we are living through is without precedent,” Ahmad Al-Assaad, the governor of Tubas, told AFP.
The Israeli operations “today did not target fighters, but civilians, women and children, and they blew houses to pressure residents into leaving.”
According to the Israeli rights group B’Tselem, Israel was pursuing an “all-our war on the Palestinian people.”
“Since the ceasefire began in Gaza, the West Bank has been on fire,” it said in a post on X, referring to the truce agreement that halted the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on January 19.
“The objective of these operations is not security-related, but political,” said Abdallah Kamil, the governor of Tulkarem.
“They destroy everything,” he said of the Israeli military. “They are trying to change the demographics of the region.”
Israel insists that its operations are targeted at Palestinians suspected of preparing attacks against Israeli citizens.
The Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israel of applying “the same policy of destruction” in the West Bank as in Gaza.
Violence has exploded in the occupied West Bank since the war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
At least 887 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed by the Israeli military or settlers, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
At least 32 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations, according to official Israeli figures.
Source:arabnews.com
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Qalibaf: Iran stands firm in defence of Islamic values
February 10, 2025
"Our nation defends our Islamic values with everything it has," he said, acknowledging the sacrifices for Islam's revival.
He pointed out that today’s “massive rally turnout shows people’s strong support for the Revolution”. While turnout has always been impressive, reports show the number of marchers across Iran saw a meaningful increase this year.
Qalibaf highlighted Iran's commitment to justice and resistance against tyranny, stating that citizens are key to national strength.
Source:tehrantimes.com
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Shura Council reviews Awqaf's plan for overseeing, directing Islamic affairs
FEBRUARY 10, 2025
The Shura Council held Monday its regular weekly session in the Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Council's premises under the chairmanship of HE Speaker of the Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim.
The council hosted HE Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, along with a number of ministry specialists, to present key aspects of the ministry's strategic plan for overseeing and directing Islamic religious affairs in the state in various areas such as mosque management, endowment management, zakat affairs, Haj and Umrah, and serving the Holy Quran, as well as its role in promoting Islamic values and national identity among youth.
At the beginning of the session, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim praised the efforts of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in managing mosques, serving the Holy Quran, managing zakat, Haj, and Umrah affairs, and enhancing the role of endowments.
He also emphasised the importance of the ministry's role in instilling Islamic values and strengthening national identity through its programs and initiatives aimed at raising religious awareness and promoting moral values among all segments of society, fostering national belonging among the younger generation, and addressing intellectual challenges.
HE the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs presented a comprehensive overview of the ministry's efforts in implementing its strategic plan, which aims to enhance Islamic values and reinforce national identity by developing comprehensive programs that focus on directing Islamic religious affairs and promoting moderate Islamic discourse in a manner that fosters positive Islamic values and reinforces virtuous moral principles in society.
HE Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem emphasized that the ministry is keen on developing institutional work within it by improving performance efficiency and adopting the latest administrative technologies and systems to ensure the provision of high-quality services.
Regarding mosques, His Excellency stated that the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs continues to improve the environment of mosques and religious centers by expanding their establishment and care, distributing them according to urban plans and population growth, and ensuring they are well-prepared to welcome worshippers with the highest level of services, thereby enhancing their role in guidance and community service.
He also mentioned that the ministry takes into account architectural and planning standards that reflect Qatari identity and culture in the construction of mosques and ensures their sustainability through efficient energy use, noting that there are future plans to develop the infrastructure of mosques and enhance their management and services efficiency.
Concerning the Zakat Fund, His Excellency indicated the development of systems and mechanisms for collecting and distributing zakat, including digital systems, according to Shariah-compliant guidelines that ensure the maximum possible social impact. The resources of zakat are directed efficiently and equitably to eligible recipients, enhancing social solidarity in the state.
He added that the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is working on updating mechanisms for receiving and disbursing zakat by developing digital systems that allow citizens to view the details of Shariah-compliant expenditures, thereby increasing their confidence in the zakat fund's distribution mechanism, alongside raising awareness of this religious duty.
HE Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem discussed the ministry's efforts in nurturing youth and instilling Islamic values and national identity in the upcoming generations, considering this one of the ministry's top priorities.
He also stressed the importance of partnering with various national institutions to ensure the integration of efforts in this field, contributing to the desired goals of building an aware and identity-conscious generation.
In discussing the enhancement of mosques, Quran memorization centers, and religious centers, His Excellency highlighted that the ministry continues to work on developing these religious institutions, not only as places of worship but also as centers of guidance and education, playing a significant role in raising community awareness, helping individuals protect themselves from negative influences, and enhancing the role of religion in achieving family and social stability.
HE the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs emphasized the importance of training imams and preachers, ensuring they deliver religious messages in a manner that strengthens community ties and promotes the values of brotherhood and cooperation.
He reviewed efforts to attract national talent to occupy positions of imams and preachers, highlighting a comprehensive plan aimed at training and preparing Qatari imams and preachers to effectively enhance religious awareness and spread noble Islamic values.
Regarding services provided to Haj and Umrah pilgrims, His Excellency assured that the ministry is committed to providing the highest levels of service to the pilgrims by developing support and guidance programs and deploying specialized teams to ensure seamless facilitation of religious rites. Clear instructions are provided to enrich the religious experience and comfort of pilgrims during their journey, he pointed out.
HE the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs also discussed the ministry's role in promoting social solidarity through the management of endowments, directing them towards developmental projects that benefit society and fulfill their humanitarian and charitable goals.
He confirmed the ministry's dedication to expanding the endowment base, encouraging endowment initiatives to support charitable, educational, and health projects, and providing facilities for endowers to enhance the role of endowments in achieving sustainable development.
His Excellency addressed the challenges faced by the ministry in implementing its strategic plan, noting the need for continuous development in work methods and strengthening partnerships with various entities to ensure the achievement of desired goals.
He stressed that the ministry continues its efforts to improve its services to meet the needs of society and keep pace with changes in the religious and social landscape.
In conclusion, His Excellency reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to positively engaging with constructive proposals and ideas, emphasizing the importance of partnership between the ministry and the community to achieve common goals in promoting religious values, strengthening national identity, and achieving sustainable social development.
He expressed his anticipation for continued cooperation with the Shura Council in serving the public interest and realizing Qatar's national vision in various fields.
Shura Council members highlighted the importance of enhancing the role of mosques as places of worship and platforms for guidance, their planning standards, and distribution. They also discussed the importance of developing endowments to ensure maximum social returns to benefit various deserving groups.
They emphasized the necessity of encouraging the appointment of Qatari imams and preachers, providing them with necessary support, whether through training or by creating an encouraging work environment to attract more national talent to this important field.
Shura Council Members also addressed the issue of zakat, stressing the need to clarify the mechanisms for distributing zakat funds and ensuring they reach eligible recipients according to the best standards, with an emphasis on transparency in presenting data related to zakat's legitimate expenditures.
In another matter, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim mentioned during the session the council's readiness to participate in the National Sports Day activities taking place Tuesday. He emphasized the importance of everyone's participation in this national sports event.
His Excellency underscored the necessity of engaging with the various activities to be held on this occasion, highlighting the vital role of sports in enhancing individuals' and society's health, contributing to a better quality of life, and positively reflecting on various fields.
He also urged all citizens and residents to seize this opportunity to establish sports as a priority and a permanent lifestyle practiced regularly throughout the year.
Source:gulf-times.com
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Palestinian president scraps prisoner payment system criticized by US
February 10, 2025
RAMALLAH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a decree overturning a system of payments to the families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed by Israeli forces that has been a longstanding source of friction with the United States.
The current system has been dubbed “pay for slay” by critics who say it rewards the families of militants who carry out attacks on Israel, although that label is rejected by Palestinians.
Payments will be transferred to a government body affiliated with the president’s office, according to the text of the decree, with a new disbursement mechanism, details of which have so far not been announced.
Scrapping the system has been a major demand of successive US administrations on the Palestinian Authority, the body set up three decades ago under the Oslo interim peace accords which exercises limited governance in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The decision comes as the Palestinian Authority faces mounting financial pressure from a slowdown in aid, a squeeze on a system of tax revenue transfers by Israel and a slump in contributions from Palestinians who have been shut out of the Israeli labor market by the war in Gaza.
Israel has been deducting the payments made by the authority from taxes collected on its behalf from goods that cross its territory to Palestinian areas.
The Palestinian Authority has appealed for more aid from Arab and European states to make up for the shortfall of billions of shekels but has so far struggled to make headway.
Source:arabnews.com
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Israel opposition accuses Netanyahu’s government of ‘burying’ October 7 probe
February 10, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israel’s opposition leader accused the government on Monday of resisting a state probe into the events surrounding Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, after an inconclusive, court-ordered cabinet meeting about a potential inquiry.
The Hamas attack, which triggered more than 15 months of war in the Gaza Strip, was the deadliest in Israeli history. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused accepting responsibility for failures, and his government has suggested that any probe should wait until after the fighting is over.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, speaking in parliament, said that “the government did everything yesterday to bury this commission,” referring to a cabinet meeting late Sunday which ended with no decision on a formal inquiry.
Lapid said that an investigation was needed so that a similar attack “won’t happen again.”
He also accused Netanyahu of having ignored intelligence warnings before of the cross-border attack, and pursuing a policy to “strengthen Hamas” over several years prior to it.
The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.
Militants also took 251 hostages, of whom 73 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
Following appeals from relatives of victims and hostages as well as NGOs, Israel’s supreme court on December 11 demanded the government meet within 60 days to discuss the creation of an inquiry commission.
The government met on the subject on Sunday and took no decision.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday defended the government’s position and said that “in the middle of a war, it is not the right time to investigate.”
A fragile truce since last month has largely halted Israel’s military operations in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, whose health ministry says the war has killed at least 48,208 people in the territory.
Smotrich said that while he was “in favor of investigating” the October 7 attack, he “does not trust” the judiciary — a frequent target of criticism from Netanyahu’s government — with the responsibility.
According to Israeli law, if the government decides to set up a state commission of inquiry, it must inform the president of the Supreme Court, who is then responsible for appointing its members.
Since the 1960s, more than a dozen such commissions have been formed in Israel, notably after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, a 1982 massacre in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon by Israeli-backed militias, and the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995.
More recently, state commission was launched into a deadly 2021 stampede in which 45 people lost their lives during a Jewish pilgrimage in Israel’s north.
A bill to form a state commission of inquiry into October 7 was rejected by a majority of lawmakers on January 22.
Source:arabnews.com
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Hezbollah, Ansarullah issue statements on Iran Islamic Rev.
Feb 10, 2025,
Lebanon’s Hezbollah Resistance Movement has issued a statement on the 46th anniversary of the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, saying that the revolution changed the course of events in history.
Hezbollah issued the statement on Monday that marked the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, congratulating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials as well as the Iranian people on the occasion.
Despite all kinds of sanctions, aggressions and conspiracies, Iran’s Islamic Revolution has paved the way for the Iranian people to make their country powerful and unique in political independence, as well as scientific and industrial progress, the statement reads.
Since its establishment, the Islamic Republic of Iran has become a focal point to advocate for justice in the region and has always been a true supporter of the resistance movements and the Palestinian cause, it added.
Yemen hails Iran’s support for Palestine
Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the spokesperson of Yemen's Ansarullah Movement also congratulated the Iranian nation on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
In a post on his X account, he said that the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution actually marked the victory of Islamic and human ideals against global arrogance.
He also praised the Islamic Republic for its continued support for the Palestinian cause as well as the resistance movements in Palestine and Lebanon over the past decades.
Iran is the most prominent country when it comes to loyalty to the Palestinian cause, the Yemeni official added.
Source:mehrnews.com
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State Administration Coalition meeting derailed due to Kurdish, Sunni boycott
2025-02-10
Shafaq News/ The State Administration Coalition postponed its emergency meeting for the second time after Kurdish and Sunni blocs boycotted both the originally scheduled Saturday session and its rescheduled Sunday meeting.
The State Administration Coalition, which includes Shiite parties from the Coordination Framework, Sunni blocs such as Taqadum and Sovereignty, and Kurdish factions including the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), was formed to “maintain political stability” and “implement agreements” among Iraq’s major politicalforces.
A political source confirmed that most coalition members arrived at the government palace for the meeting, which was called by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. However, the Kurdish and Sunni blocs, who did not notify organizers of their absence in advance, later conditioned their participation on the Federal Supreme Court’s ruling on the recently passed controversial laws.
The meeting was attended by leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), who discussed key political issues and emphasized the need for a “unified stance and coordinated movement,” warning that “undermining the agreement could destabilize the political process.” Attendees also included State of Law Coalition leader Nouri Al-Maliki, Wisdom Movement leader Ammar Al-Hakim, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, National Approach Bloc leader Abdul Sada Al-Fariji, and CF Secretary Abbas Al-Ameri, along with other senior figures.
On Sunday, the Federal Supreme Court set Tuesday, February 11 as the date for considering the appeals submitted against the vote on the three laws. Legal expert Ali Al-Tamimi noted that this session could “result in multiple outcomes,” including “postponing the case, ordering a revote on some laws, or dismissing the appeal for lack of jurisdiction,” warning, “Interfering in court matters is a criminal offense under Article 235 of the Penal Code.”
Notably, the political crisis escalated following Parliament’s approval of the three controversial laws; General Amnesty, Personal Status Amendment, and Property Restitution, which were passed collectively in a single vote, leading dozens of lawmakers to boycott the session and challenge the vote’s legitimacy before the Federal Supreme Court.
The court later issued an injunction suspending the laws, but the Supreme Judicial Council ruled that “legislation cannot be halted before publication in the official gazette,” intensifying tensions with the Kurdish and Sunni blocs.
Source:shafaq.com
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Speaker lauds Iranians’ support for Islamic Republic
Feb 10, 2025
Urmia, IRNA – Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says the Iranian nation has consistently defended the Islamic Republic, guided by the principles of the late Imam Khomeini and Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Qalibaf made the remark on Monday in Urmia, West Azarbaijan Province, during a rally in the northwestern city to mark the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution’s victory. The rally in Urmia was part of demonstrations held nationwide to mark the key event.
The speaker said that the esteemed people of Iran have sacrificed their lives to revitalize Islam and maintain support for the Islamic system, with today’s nationwide rallies proving that support.
The Iranian nation is committed to upholding justice and combating tyranny, he said, adding that people also play a key role in making the country stronger.
Qalibaf also highlighted the importance of maintaining unity, and said that Parliament will continue to cooperate with the Executive to address the pressing issues of the country.
The speaker expressed gratitude to the people of West Azarbaijan Province for their strong participation in the rallies celebrating the Islamic Revolution anniversary.
Source:irna.ir
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Islamic Republic strives to thwart all enemies plots
Feb 10, 2025
Millions of Iranians are participating in 22 Bahman rallies across Tehran and over 1,400 cities, celebrating the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
The annual 22 Bahman march, commemorating the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, kicked off in Tehran and across the country on Monday morning.
In a speech on the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution at Tehran’s Azadi Square on Monday, President Pezeshkian said the Iranian people expelled tyrants and oppressors from the country on this day 46 years ago.
“The philosophy and secret of our victory and success is unity, cohesion, and the presence of the people on the stage,” he said.
The president said that all the people of Iran moved with strength, cohesion, and unity, and successfully cut off the hands of foreigners from the country.
“The enemies seek to create division and discord to instill the perception that Iran has been weakened, but with the prudence and wisdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the presence of the people on the scene, their dream will not come true,” he said, adding, “The Iranian people have stood firm against bullying, and the enemies’ conspiracies will not succeed.”
Iran, Pezeshkian continued, will resist all of the enemies’ conspiracies under the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei. “They will take all of these dreams and aspirations to the grave.”
“They call us terrorists yet they themselves are the terrorists,” he said, adding that Iran is, rather, a victim of terrorism.
Pezeshkian to Trump: ‘Why these follies if you wanted talks?’
Elsewhere in his speech, Pezeshkian dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he seeks talks with Iran, pointing to Washington’s simultaneous efforts to undermine the Islamic Republic.
“Trump says he wants to negotiate, yet at the same time, he signs and announces every possible plot to bring the Islamic Revolution to its knees,” Pezeshkian said, referring to the revival of Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.
Pezeshkian further dismissed U.S. pressure tactics, saying, “They say they want to negotiate, but if you truly intended to negotiate, why did you commit these follies?”
He criticized U.S. claims that Iran destabilizes the region, arguing that “Israel, with American backing, is the real source of insecurity, bombing innocent people in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and wherever it wants.”
Referring to the International Criminal Court’s case against the heads of the Israeli regime over alleged war crimes, Pezeshkian denounced the U.S. for defending Israel while taking action against the court.
“The U.S. claims to seek peace, but who has truly disrupted the region? Who is responsible for massacre and destruction in the region? What free-minded person in the world accepts the bombing of women, children, and the sick?” he asked.
Emphasizing the need for national unity, Pezeshkian said Iran’s success lies in solidarity, echoing the words of the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini and Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei.
“If we stand together, we can overcome all challenges, and the US will only dream of bringing us down,” he asserted.
Addressing Iranians, the president pledged to combat injustice, poverty, and economic hardship with the guidance of the country’s Leader.
Source:mehrnews.com
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Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II as he escalates pressure on his Gaza resettlement plan
February 11, 2025
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday as he escalates pressure on the Arab nation to take in refugees from Gaza — perhaps permanently — as part of his audacious plan to remake the Middle East.
The visit is happening at a perilous moment for the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza as Hamas, accusing Israel of violating the truce, has said it is pausing future releases of hostages and as Trump has called for Israel to resume fighting if all those remaining in captivity are not freed by this weekend.
Trump has proposed the US take control of Gaza and turn it into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” with Palestinians in the war-torn territory pushed into neighboring nations with no right of return.
He suggested on Monday that, if necessary, he would withhold US funding from Jordan and Egypt, longtime US allies and among the top recipients of its foreign aid, as a means of persuading them to accept additional Palestinians from Gaza.
“Yeah, maybe. Sure, why not?” Trump told reporters. “If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes.”
Jordan is home to more than 2 million Palestinians and, along with other Arab states, has flatly rejected Trump’s plan to relocate civilians from Gaza.
Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, said last week that his country’s opposition to Trump’s idea was “firm and unwavering.”
In addition to concerns about jeopardizing the long-held goals of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Egypt and Jordan have privately raised security concerns about welcoming large numbers of additional refugees into their countries even temporarily.
When asked how he’d persuade Abdullah to take in Palestinians, Trump told reporters, “I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will take also. They have good hearts.”
The king is also meeting with top Trump administration officials during his visit, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He is the third foreign leader to hold an in-person meeting with Trump since his Jan. 20 inauguration.
Trump announced his ideas for resettling Palestinians from Gaza and taking ownership of the territory for the US during a press conference last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump initially didn’t rule out deploying US troops to help secure Gaza but at the same time insisted no US funds would go to pay for the reconstruction of the territory, raising fundamental questions about the nature of his plan.
After Trump’s initial comments, Rubio and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that Trump only wanted Palestinians relocated from Gaza “temporarily” and sought an “interim” period to allow for debris removal, the disposal of unexploded ordnance and reconstruction.
But asked in an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier that aired Monday if Palestinians in Gaza would have a right to return to the territory under his plan, he replied, “No, they wouldn’t.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Syria forces accuse Hezbollah of attacks, sponsoring smuggling at border
February 10, 2025
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group has launched attacks on Syrian security forces and is sponsoring cross-border smuggling gangs, the new Syrian authorities said on Monday, according to state media.
Syrian forces clashed with smuggling gangs this week, most of whom were affiliated with Hezbollah, but did not target Lebanese territory, Lt. Col. Moayed Al-Salama said in a statement carried by official news agency SANA.
Hezbollah was allied to former Syrian strongman Bashar Assad, who was toppled by opposition rebels in December.
The new authorities in Damascus launched anti-smuggling operations last week at the Lebanese-Syria border, where the Iranian-backed group holds sway.
“Most smuggling gangs on the Lebanese border are affiliated with the Hezbollah militia, whose presence now poses a threat at the Syrian border because it sponsors drug and weapon smugglers,” Salama was reported as saying.
“We have developed a comprehensive plan to fully control the borders,” said the official, whom SANA described as the commander for the western region in the Border Security Administration.
“We confirm that we did not target the Lebanese interior, despite shelling from the Hezbollah militia reaching our units,” Salama said.
On Saturday, the Lebanese army said it responded to incoming fire from across the Syrian border, two days after the new authorities in Damascus said they had launched operations against smugglers there.
The army did not name those responsible for firing toward Lebanon.
He blamed “the defunct regime” for turning “the Syrian-Lebanese border into corridors for the drug trade in cooperation with the Hezbollah militia, promoting the presence of armed smuggling gangs.”
Operations “were limited to Syrian border villages, targeting the armed smuggling gangs and remnants (of the Assad government) and militias who fought with them,” he added.
Syrian forces seized “farms, warehouses and factories for the production and packaging of hashish and captagon pills,” he said, referring to the potent synthetic drug which Syria mass-produced under Assad.
They also found presses specialized in printing counterfeit currency, he said, as well as as shipments of weapons and drugs that were about to cross in.
Syria shares a 330-kilometer (205-mile) border with Syria, with no official demarcation at several points, making it porous and prone to smuggling.
Assad’s fall in December disrupted Hezbollah’s arms supply lines through the land border with Syria.
Source:arabnews.com
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Lebanon turns the page with new president and new government
TAREK ALI AHMAD
February 10, 2025
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s new government has been met with cautious optimism by its people, who have endured years of political paralysis, economic crisis, and, most recently, a devastating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah.
As Beirut’s streets hum with debate, citizens have expressed a mix of hope and skepticism about the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the chances he can drag Lebanon out of its myriad crises and achieve a modicum of stability.
“We are cautiously optimistic,” was the common refrain of Lebanese who spoke to Arab News. While many remain wary after decades of corruption and mismanagement, some see the appointment of Salam — a former International Court of Justice judge — and his new cabinet as a potential turning point.
The beginning of 2025 has ushered in a transformative moment for Lebanon, as the country emerges from months of Israeli bombardment. After nearly three years without a president, Lebanon now has a new head of state, along with a government tasked with steering the nation through one of its most challenging periods.
Yet, the shadow of past crises looms large. Lebanon remains deeply entangled in political and economic turmoil. The Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 percent of its value since 2019, plunging a significant portion of the population into poverty.
Hyperinflation, a banking sector collapse, and widespread unemployment have left millions struggling to afford basic necessities.
Decades of corruption and political deadlock have further exacerbated the crisis. The previous government’s failure to implement crucial economic reforms blocked access to international financial aid, leaving the country reliant on dwindling foreign reserves.
Compounding these issues, the recent war between Hezbollah and Israel inflicted additional devastation. From Oct. 8, 2023, until the ceasefire on Nov. 26, 2024, Israeli strikes killed at least 3,960 people across Lebanon and injured more than 16,500.
Much of the Shiite-majority south lies in ruins, adding to the hardship.
Against this backdrop, Salam has outlined a vision of “rescue, reform, and rebuild.”
His priorities include stabilizing the economy, securing international aid, and tackling corruption. His proposed technocratic government aims to regain international trust and unlock much-needed funds from institutions like the International Monetary Fund.
Reconstruction is another urgent priority. Southern Lebanon, where infrastructure suffered extensive damage, requires swift rebuilding. Traditionally, Hezbollah has filled this role through its social programs, but its financial resources have been severely diminished by recent losses.
Salam has pledged to rebuild trust between citizens and the state, as well as between Lebanon and its Arab neighbors and the broader international community. However, his government’s ability to secure external support is uncertain.
The new US administration has signaled it will not back any Lebanese government that includes Hezbollah. Morgan Ortagus, the US deputy special envoy for Middle East peace, warned that allowing Hezbollah to hold significant power would isolate Lebanon and cut off crucial aid.
Similarly, Gulf states have made their assistance conditional on Lebanon forming a government committed to reform.
The US Embassy in Beirut has welcomed the new government, saying “the Lebanese people deserve a government that will rebuild Lebanese state institutions, fight corruption, and implement needed reforms.”
UN chief Antonio Guterres also welcomed the new government, affirming the international body’s commitment to that country’s “territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence,” a spokesman said Sunday.
“The UN looks forward to working in close partnership with the new government on its priorities, including the consolidation of the cessation of hostilities,” said a statement from spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
Hezbollah and Amal both secured ministries in the new government. However, Hezbollah no longer has veto power or what is referred to as a “blocking third” in the government after its Christian allies, the Free Patriotic Movement, were excluded.
Nevertheless, its ally, the Amal Movement, retains influence. Yassine Jaber, a close associate of Amal leader and parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, has been appointed finance minister — one of the most powerful positions in the cabinet.
Despite Hezbollah’s weakened state, its presence remains visible. In Shiite-majority areas, yellow Hezbollah flags flutter alongside Amal banners, marking political territory.
“In Lebanon, territorial marking through flags is a well-established political reality,” Ralph Baydoun, director of InflueAnswers, a strategic communications firm in Beirut, told Arab News.
“The country is demographically divided along sectarian lines, and this division is visibly reinforced by political parties using flags and symbols to mark their areas of influence.”
Rebuilding will be particularly challenging in southern Lebanon, which bore the brunt of Israeli strikes. In Nabatiyeh, one of the region’s largest cities, much of the center lies in ruins.
In one area visited by Arab News, a sign hanging over piles of rubble reads: “Because of the destruction, Wehbe Clothes has moved to the main street.” The state of the original store suggests it was obliterated beyond recognition.
Despite the devastation, some businesses have reopened.
“What can we do? We need to get back to work in order to live,” said Ali, a shopkeeper in Nabatiyeh who only gave his first name, fearing reprisals from Hezbollah.
“Those who could fix their stores and clean the damage have done so, but as you can see, there’s no one helping us. Not the government, not Hezbollah, no one.”
Lebanon’s political stalemate had left the country without a president for over two years until the election of Joseph Aoun on Jan. 9.
That Salam was able to form a government in under a month is a notable achievement in a nation where such processes often drag on for months.
He named his 24 ministers on Feb. 8 after consulting with leaders in a country where power has long been shared according to sectarian quotas. The new government will now prepare for parliamentary elections scheduled for next year.
“I hope this will be a government of reform and salvation,” Salam said in a televised statement moments after his cabinet was announced.
His government will strive to “restore trust between citizens and the state, between Lebanon and its Arab surrounding, and between Lebanon and the international community,” he said.
Salam’s cabinet includes five women, among them Tamara Elzein, secretary-general of Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research, and Haneen Sayed, a World Bank specialist. Other key appointments include Ghassan Salame, a former UN envoy to Libya.
Before the new government can exercise its powers, however, it needs to draft a ministerial statement that must be submitted to a confidence vote in parliament within 30 days.
For years, Hezbollah dominated Lebanese politics, but suffered major blows in the war with Israel, including the loss of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a September airstrike on Beirut.
The conflict erupted on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched cross-border attacks in support of Hamas, which was battling Israel in Gaza. Israel responded with heavy air and artillery strikes, escalating into a full-scale conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border.
The war also drew in regional actors, with Iran supplying Hezbollah and the US supporting Israel. Diplomatic efforts by the UN, France, and Arab states sought de-escalation, while Hezbollah’s military losses, including key commanders, weakened its strategic position.
A ceasefire was finally brokered on Nov. 26, as Hezbollah, under pressure from Lebanon’s economic crisis and international mediators, agreed to halt attacks in exchange for Israeli de-escalation.
The conflict left Hezbollah militarily weakened, Israel more secure on its northern front, and Lebanon struggling with reconstruction. It also reshaped regional power dynamics, with Hezbollah’s influence reduced.
Another shock came with the Dec. 8 ousting of Bashar Assad in the Syrian Arab Republic, which had long served as Hezbollah’s weapons conduit from Iran.
The weakening of Hezbollah allowed former army chief Aoun, seen as Washington’s preferred candidate, to be elected president, paving the way for Salam’s appointment as prime minister.
As Lebanon watches anxiously, its new government faces an uphill battle — implementing long-overdue reforms, overseeing the fragile ceasefire with Israel, and rebuilding a shattered nation.
For many Lebanese, the future remains uncertain. Their cautious optimism reflects a deep yearning for stability but also an awareness of the obstacles ahead.
Whether this government can deliver on its promises remains to be seen, but the stakes for Lebanon’s future could not be higher.
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Syrians back to famed Palmyra ruins scarred by Daesh
February 10, 2025
PALMYRA: Syrians are once again picnicking and smoking shisha amid the ruins of ancient Palmyra, once desecrated by Daesh militants but still awe-inspiring, and open to the public following the overthrow of president Bashar Assad.
The city’s renowned ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were twice overrun by the Daesh group, which proceeded to destroy many of the most famed structures.
Although they were driven out, the Syrian government and its allies, including Russia and Iran, then set up military bases nearby, effectively barring public access.
Open to the public once more, Yasser Al-Mahmoud, 54, was among dozens of formerly displaced Syrians rediscovering the beloved landmarks that still bear scars of war.
“We used to come here every Friday, before” the war, Mahmoud said, pouring hot tea into glass cups placed atop a massive column’s stone base.
“Now we’re back and we can reconnect with our memories,” he said, standing near his wife and children.
“People are so happy,” he said.
Spread out across the ruins, families were carrying bags of food and making tea, while young people smoked shisha.
“We really missed the ruins. We haven’t been here since 2015,” when Daesh group first invaded the area before being forced out for good in 2017.
Mahmoud said he wanted to reopen his stall selling trinkets and jewelry once visitors returned to Palmyra — which attracted more than 150,000 tourists a year before civil war broke out in 2011.
Nearby, two huge columns forming a squared arch stood amid a sea of rubble — all that remained of the Temple of Bel after Daesh militants detonated explosives inside it.
Pearl of the Desert
Known to Syrians as the “Pearl of the Desert,” Palmyra was home to some of the best-preserved classical monuments in the Middle East before Syria’s 13-year war.
But Daesh launched a campaign of destruction after capturing Palmyra, using its ancient theater as a venue for public executions and murdering its 82-year-old former antiquities chief.
The militants blew up the shrine of Baal Shamin, destroyed the Temple of Bel, dynamited the Arch of Triumph, looted the museum and defaced statues and sarcophagi.
While Daesh is gone, danger still looms over Palmyra.
The director general of antiquities and museums in Syria, Nazir Awad, told AFP he was concerned about illegal excavation.
There are guards, he said, “but I don’t think they can do their work to the fullest extent, because of random and barbaric excavations across very wide areas.”
People looking for ancient artefacts to loot are using heavy machinery and metal detectors that are “destructive,” adding that the digging was “destroying layers of archaeological sites, leaving nothing behind.”
A military zone
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Assad’s allies established “military sites and positions” in Palmyra and its archaeological sites, even taking up residence in its hotels.
In a sign of their presence, Israeli air strikes in November on the modern city killed 106 Tehran-backed fighters, according to the British-based monitor with a network of sources in Syria.
Former rebel fighter Khaldun Al-Rubaa, 32, said Palmyra had been turned “from an archaeological site into a military zone” that was off-limits to visitors.
He worked at Palmyra’s ancient sites from childhood, giving tourists camel rides and, like many Palmyra residents, tourism was his main source of income, he said.
Now that Assad-allied armed groups and foreign armies have left, Rubaa has returned home, hoping to trade his arms for a camel.
He held a picture on his phone of him as a young boy riding his camel, killed in the fighting, with the Arch of Triumph in the background.
“Palmyra and the ruins have been through horrors. The site has seen IS, Iran, the Russians, all of the militias you could think of,” he said.
Yet he is among the lucky ones able to settle back home.
After 12 years of displacement Khaled Al-Sheleel, 57, said he has yet to return to his house, destroyed in an Israeli strike.
He now works as a taxi driver, mostly carrying residents wishing to visit or return home.
“We have no homes, we cannot return,” he said.
But “despite the destruction, I was overjoyed, I knelt on the ground and cried tears of joy when I returned” for the first time.
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Cautious calm on border with Syria after Lebanese army deploys
NAJIA HOUSSARI
February 10, 2025
BEIRUT: The Lebanese army continued to deploy units in Rab Al-Thalathine, Tallouseh, and Bani Hayyan on Monday after the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The deadline for their complete pullout, extended until Feb. 16, is approaching under the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
The Lebanese army carried out armored patrols on the road and cleared mounds of earth and rubble. It also began searching for bombs and unexploded ordnance in houses and along roads.
Municipalities in the three areas urged citizens to follow the army’s instructions and avoid returning until their towns had been fully secured and cleared of explosives.
Despite the Israeli troop withdrawal, localities such as Maroun Al-Ras, Yaroun, Blida, Houla, Mhaibib, Mays Al-Jabal, Kfarkila, Markaba, Abbasieh, and the outskirts of other towns remain under Israeli occupation.
Also on Monday, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for “establishing a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia.”
The ministry reiterated support for Saudi Arabia in confronting everything that threatens its security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It affirmed Lebanon’s rejection of any displacement of Palestinian people from their land.
The ministry called for “a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause based on the two-state solution, international legitimacy resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative issued by Beirut’s Arab Summit in 2002, which enhances peace and stability in the region.”
The ministry statement came as Israeli forces continued to demolish and bulldoze houses and facilities in border villages, alleging connections to Hezbollah.
Israeli warplanes again flouted the ceasefire agreement, striking deep inside Lebanese territory on Sunday night.
The raids targeted the Rihan Heights between Sejoud and Rihan, north of the Litani River.
Israeli aircraft raided the area between Aazze and Bfaroueh in four phases.
A cautious calm has descended on the northeastern border since the deployment of the Lebanese army in the area. Last week, the region experienced violent clashes between members of the new Syrian military administration and armed members of Lebanese tribes.
The unrest occurred in an area where smuggling operations have increased due to the overlapping territories of the two countries.
According to the National News Agency, Lebanese tribal gunmen withdrew after the Lebanese army deployed, retreating behind the line established by the army.
President Joseph Aoun’s media office reported that he contacted Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa recently. They agreed to coordinate efforts to control the situation on the Lebanon-Syria border and prevent the targeting of civilians.
The media office of the Syrian government in Homs province announced last Thursday that the Border Security Administration had launched an extensive campaign in the village of Hawik — a Lebanese village that overlaps with Syrian territory — to close smuggling routes for weapons and contraband.
Lebanese from the Zaiter and Jaafar tribes inhabit the town.
These clashes resulted in fatalities, injuries, and mutual kidnappings.
The Lebanese Red Cross and Civil Defense took 21 injured people to hospitals in Hermel two days ago, including civilians, after shelling and clashes.
The Lebanese army has sent reinforcements to the Qaa and Qaa Projects areas along the Syrian border in eastern Lebanon.
The army’s move follows heavy shelling from armed people on the Syrian side, particularly targeting the Jusiyah area.
The situation escalated after armed forces from Syria in the countryside of Al-Qusayr, opened fire on farms on the Qaa plain and the outskirts of Hermel using medium and heavy machine guns.
Israeli warplanes also entered the conflict, on Sunday night striking an illegal crossing between Lebanon and Syria.
The Lebanese Army Command announced that military units have been ordered to respond to sources of fire coming from Syrian territory that target Lebanese land, following a series of shelling incidents in areas near the eastern border.
The command clarified that its units were implementing exceptional security measures along these borders, which included the establishment of monitoring points, the deployment of patrols, and the erection of temporary barriers.
The army also said that it was closely monitoring the situation and taking appropriate action in response to developments.
In the context of security measures implemented by military institutions in various regions, army units — with patrols from the Directorate of Intelligence — raided the homes of wanted individuals in Al-Qasr in Hermel and Al-Asfouriyeh in Akkar.
A significant quantity of rocket shells, hand grenades, military weapons and ammunition was seized during these operations.
A state of cautious calm has prevailed along the northern Lebanon-Syria border since Sunday evening, with no reports of gunfire or shelling.
The Lebanese army strengthened its presence at illegal crossings and has issued orders for an immediate response to any sources of gunfire directed toward Lebanese territory.
In a statement, the Lebanese Al-Jaafar clan emphasized “the fraternal relations between the Lebanese and Syrian peoples,” announcing “the withdrawal of its armed members.”
However, it pointed out that displacement had affected residents and urged “the Lebanese state and military to address the situation.”
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia is already making strides in AI technology, says Abdullah Al-Swaha
SULAFA ALKHUNAIZI
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is making strides in AI technology, said Abdullah Al-Swaha, the minister of communications and information technology, during the ministry’s flagship conference LEAP.
Responding to a question from Arab News, Al-Swaha told the press about his vision for the future of artificial intelligence in the Kingdom in the next five years, highlighting some of the country’s most notable achievements so far.
He spoke about the decision-making AI platform provider Intelmatix which he called “the No. 1 startup in the region, (with) $20 million of funding.”
Al-Swaha also highlighted the Saudi startup NanoPalm, which aims to tackle sickle cell disease by using nanoparticles, and Fathom.io, a platform that enables organizations to accelerate decision-making.
“When it comes to autonomous AI, we have Dr. Khaliel doing the first fully robotic heart transplant,” he said, referring to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center’s Dr. Feras Khaliel who, in 2024, used robotic technology to replace the heart of a 16-year-old.
“So, we are making strides and rest assured we are committed, with royal guidance and support and in partnership with all of the global innovators, and the Kingdom will continue to be the hub for generative AI, GenTech, and autonomous AI, powered by talent and technology.”
He also noted his admiration for the leadership skills of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, adding: “I have the humble pleasure of learning from him; have the ability to anticipate market transitions; and be able to decisively allocate resources and have a wonderful opportunity to zoom in and zoom out. These are the three traits that I am learning from our royal highness.
“When we first pitched to him all of our ambitions in artificial intelligence, he said it’s not only about hardware, but it’s about applications and services.
“It’s not about models, as some of them might be commoditized; it is about the diffusion of these technologies across industries.”
He added: “Fast forward to today, and the DeepSeek moment, the ChatGPT moment, have shown us that it is hardware and software, applications and adoption, and the Kingdom is already making strides in generative AI, GenTech AI, and autonomous AI.”
Boasting the theme “Into New Worlds,” LEAP 2025 aims to expand business networking and investment opportunities in the tech sector.
The event, which runs until Feb. 12 in Riyadh, plays a critical role in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global technology hub, aligning with its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy. As part of this initiative, the Kingdom has pledged $100 billion toward advancing its technology sector.
LEAP 2025 is co-organized by Tahaluf and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in partnership with Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and the Events Investment Fund.
This year’s LEAP is expected to host more than 680 tech startups, 1,100 speakers, 1,800 technology brands, and over 170,000 visitors.
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Red Sea Fund broadens film support to include Asian filmmakers
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: The Red Sea Fund, under the Red Sea International Film Foundation, has announced it will now extend its post-production support to emerging filmmakers from Asia, marking a first in its history.
This expansion builds upon the fund’s established support for creators from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and Africa, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The fund has opened its first round of applications for 2025, with submissions being accepted until Feb. 27.
This round specifically targets completed productions seeking post-production support, encompassing feature films, documentaries, and animated works.
Through direct financial grants, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between filming and final cut, according to the SPA.
The initiative reflects the Red Sea International Film Foundation's broader mission to nurture emerging talent across cultural boundaries, giving them the opportunity to complete their film projects and showcase their unique narratives to the world.
“The fund provides financial grants enabling emerging filmmakers to showcase their creative talents,” said Imad Iskandar, director of the Red Sea Film Fund.
“This expansion into Asia reinforces our commitment to amplifying diverse voices in cinema,” he said.
Since its inception in 2021, the fund has backed over 280 film projects, with many going on to receive recognition at prestigious international film festivals. Success stories from the fund’s portfolio have demonstrated its crucial role in transforming regional storytelling into global cinema.
Interested filmmakers can submit their applications through the fund’s official website at redseafilmfest.com/ar/red-sea-fund/. The program offers both financial grants and technical support necessary for project completion.
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Japanese gaming expert sees potential in Saudi industry
WAAD HUSSAIN
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is an important market for Japanese video game producers, who could tailor their games to appeal to the region, according to one expert.
Koji Mikami, a professor at the Tokyo University of Technology who specializes in gaming technology, spoke about the Saudi industry’s potential during an event in Riyadh on Monday.
“In my opinion, Saudi Arabian gamers love high-quality games and are willing to invest in premium gaming experiences,” he said.
Mikami emphasized that Saudi gamers’ spending power makes the region a valuable market for Japanese game studios.
“I believe Saudi Arabia has bigger potential than other regions, and I hope Japanese game studios will develop games tailored for the Saudi market,” he added.
The comments were made at a seminar hosted on Monday by the Federation of Saudi Chambers in collaboration with the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East.
The event, part of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 initiative, explored market trends, gaming technologies, and potential partnerships between the two nations.
With Saudi Arabia rapidly becoming a global hub for gaming and esports, the seminar underscored the potential for Japanese developers to invest in the Kingdom’s booming industry.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is famously a keen gamer, and according to PwC, 67 percent of the population — or 23.5 million people — share his hobby.
The Kingdom is also investing $38 billion into the gaming industry through the Public Investment Fund.
Discussions at the event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s gaming market growth, with increasing investments in game development, esports, and localization.
The event also touched on opportunities for collaboration between Saudi and Japanese gaming companies in areas such as co-developing new IPs, technology exchange, and industry partnerships.
The event concluded with a panel discussion on the future of gaming, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing, innovation, and cross-border partnerships to advance the industry.
Speakers reinforced Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing a sustainable and tech-driven gaming ecosystem, aligned with Vision 2030 objectives.
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Jazan Book Fair celebrates arts and literature
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched the first Jazan Book Fair on Tuesday as part of the Jazan Winter Season.
Held at the Prince Sultan Cultural Center until Feb. 17, the event is part of a program to expand book fairs across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Commission CEO Abdullatif Al-Wasel said that the fair supports the Kingdom’s cultural movement and Vision 2030 goals by promoting knowledge, creativity and the local publishing industry.
He also highlighted the commission’s commitment to showcasing Jazan’s rich cultural heritage, the SPA reported.
The fair features major local, regional and Arab publishing houses, alongside a diverse cultural program.
It includes a discounted book section, a children’s area with activities in writing, storytelling, theater and animation, as well as interactive and cultural events.
More than 250 events, including lectures, seminars and workshops by Saudi as well as international experts will be held.
In celebration of the Year of Handicrafts, the fair has a special section dedicated to traditional crafts, highlighting their cultural significance and preservation.
The fair is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, except on Fridays, when it opens from 2 p.m. to midnight.
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Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Morocco
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Ambassador of Morocco to Saudi Arabia Mustafa Al-Mansouri in Riyadh on Monday.
In a separate meeting on Monday, Al-Sati received Ambassador-Designate of Egypt to the Kingdom Ehab Abu Srei, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
During the meetings, all sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, as well as other topics of common interest.
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Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says
HAIFA ALSHAMMARI
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: Consumers have an appetite for fashion items produced in a circular economy model, an executive said on Monday at a Riyadh conference.
“When it comes specifically to the fashion industry, we all know that we contribute to 10 percent of CO2 emissions, and (it) is the second-largest consumer of water,” Florence Bulte, chief sustainability officer at Chalhoub Group, said during a panel discussion at the World ESG Summit.
“We have been looking for a solution to change this aspect,” Bulte added.
She highlighted how the company realized that there was “an appetite” among consumers for green fashion.
One example Bulte noted is second-hand luxury items which are repaired before being resold — recycling materials and lowering costs while appealing to the demand for high-quality goods.
The conference highlighted how many businesses are working to switch from traditional to circular economy models.
This approach is presented as a sustainable alternative to the linear economy, which mainly focuses on taking, making and disposing.
In a linear model, resources are extracted, used and discarded, leading to an unsustainable depletion of natural resources and increased waste, whereas a circular economy focuses on designing products and systems that minimize waste, promote resource efficiency and extend the life cycle of materials.
This approach not only addresses environmental challenges, but also opens new avenues for economic growth and innovation.
As the Kingdom continues to promote sustainable development, the World Environment, Social and Governance Summit in Riyadh highlighted various ESG topics and investment opportunities.
During the event, one of the panel discussions focused on the transition to the circular economy and some of the strategies used by companies.
Among the panelists was SAWACO Water Group CEO Nizar Kammourie, who discussed how the company maintains sustainable practices in private water utility, including by launching AI in its water digitalization initiative.
“The purpose of this AI implementation is to have productive maintenance in place, so we know exactly what needs to be repaired before emergency shutdown,” said Kammourie.
The initiative reduced power consumption and maintenance costs, he added, preserving water resources and minimizing waste.
“So, less carbon emissions and more water,” Kammourie said.
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Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat
MARCO FERRARI
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: Organizations in Saudi Arabia and abroad marked the International Day of the Arabian Leopard on Monday, raising awareness of efforts to preserve the endangered species.
Historically widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, today there are thought to be fewer than 200 Arabian leopards living in the wild.
Their numbers declined rapidly in the 20th century due to habitat loss and illegal poaching, and they are considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Saudi Arabia declared Feb. 10 Arabian Leopard Day in 2022 in a bid to raise awareness.
This was followed in June 2023 by a UN General Assembly declaring Feb. 10 as International Day of the Arabian Leopard.
The Royal Commission for AlUla is implementing one of the Kingdom’s most noteworthy preservation campaigns for the big cat.
“We are honored with the remarkable progress made in safeguarding this majestic species. From the birth of Hope in 2021 to the arrival of seven cubs in 2023 and the exceptional triplets in 2024, each step has been a leap of hope in our conservation efforts,” Royal Commission of AlUla spokesperson Abdulrahman AlTrairi told Arab News.
The commission more than doubled the number of leopards in its Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Center to 32 since 2021, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Members of the public are now invited to participate in naming the triplet cubs through the rcu.gov.sa website.
The commission also established the Arabian Leopard Fund, with initial funding worth $25 million to support Arabian leopard conservation efforts in the Kingdom and abroad.
To mark this year’s Arabian Leopard Day, the commission held a conservation event at the London Zoo, attended by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar.
Princess Reema founded the initiative Catmosphere in 2021, and the organization has held “cat walk” events featuring more than 190,000 people in 136 countries to raise awareness of conservation issues.
Princess Modhi bint Fahd, chairwoman of the Saudi Animal Welfare Society REFQ, shared with Arab News her thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership for their conservation efforts.
“We at REFQ are happy and thrilled to witness the International Day of the Arabian Leopard for an animal that was on the verge of extinction,”
“The credit goes to our great leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he is the man behind all regional environmental and ecological initiatives.”
Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Kyrgyzstan celebrated the occasion with a “cat walk” event in which a number of officials walked through the streets of the capital Bishek to raise awareness of the big cat’s plight.
A similar initiative was held by the Kingdom’s Embassy in Albania, where participants walked from Lake Tirana to the city’s zoo.
High-ranking officials from the Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka also took part in a cat walk in Colombo.
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MENA tech startup launches first AI-powered Arabic phone bot
HAJAR ALQUSAYER
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi-based tech company Maqsam has unveiled the region’s first phone bot powered by artificial intelligence capable of handling customer service calls entirely in Arabic and English, including several dialects.
Speaking to Arab News at LEAP 2025 Tech Conference, Fouad Jeryes, cofounder and chief business officer of Maqsam, said the innovation tackles a central challenge businesses face when trying to provide a seamless Arabic-language customer service.
“Most global AI solutions do not support Arabic well,” Jeryes said. “There aren’t solutions that actually speak Arabic, so it’s a big gap here.”
The smartphone bot developed by Maqsam transcribes speech, understands intent, and responds fluently in Arabic, offering 24/7 automated support.
Unlike existing machine-learning solutions, which are predominantly optimized for English, the bot handles linguistic variations across the Arab world, ensuring a more natural and effective customer experience.
Despite Arabic being one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, businesses have struggled to implement tech-powered customer service solutions that accurately process different dialects.
The bot’s ability to recognize and adapt to different Arabic dialects makes it particularly valuable for businesses operating in several markets in the MENA region.
“Good customer service is crucial for customer retention and trust, as it takes many positive experiences to offset one negative one. Better service leads to happier customers, reducing time wasted and improving overall customer experience,” Jeryes said.
Maqsam’s bot has the potential to transform customer interactions, making services faster and more accessible, while reducing operational costs.
“If you can get to someone where you don’t have to be on hold, where they pick up every single time and service you immediately, it’s going to be easier — less time wasted, more efficiency, and better service overall, which keeps you happy as a customer,” Jeryes added.
The bot also acts as a co-pilot for human agents, reducing their workload and improving efficiency.
“The agent speaking to the customer doesn’t have to know all the information or handle every process. The bot listens in real time and translates that information into necessary actions,” Jeryes said.
However, automation will not completely replace human agents.
“There will be fewer human agents and more bots in the future,” he said. “But the human element needs to be there, because the bots will not be able to service all the scenarios.”
While the technology presents significant advances, risks and regulatory concerns surrounding AI-powered customer services remain.
“There’s a lot that’s going to come into the realm of regulation in this space in particular,” Jeryes said. “In general, humans will remain a very integral part of this community.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its digital economy under Vision 2030, such innovations contribute to the development of a more tech-driven business landscape, enhancing efficiency and supporting the Kingdom’s push for digital transformation.
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Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard
February 10, 2025
RIYADH: The Saudi Embassy in Albania marked the International Day of the Arabian Leopard, designated by the UN on Feb. 10.
The celebration on Monday started with a march from a lake in Tirana to the city’s zoo, followed by an official ceremony, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Faisal Ghazi Hifzi, the Saudi ambassador to Albania, said that Riyadh is committed to supporting global environmental initiatives and enhancing cooperation to protect biodiversity, SPA reported.
In 2023, the UN designated Feb. 10 as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard to preserve the endangered wild species.
Known as Panthera pardus nimr, the Arabian leopard is one of the smallest breeds of leopard. Males typically weigh between 30 and 40 kg, while females weigh between 25 and 35 kg. Their fur color is a pale orange with small, spaced spots.
In recent years, the species’ numbers have declined to nearly 200 in Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. This sharp decrease in the Arabian Peninsula is attributed to habitat loss, a reduction in the availability of prey, attacks by herders, and illegal trade in wild species.
The Kingdom has been at the forefront of preserving and breeding the species at AlUla’s nature reserves in the western region.
Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has preserved and bred 14 Arabian leopards at AlUla’s nature reserves, doubling their number to 32 by 2024, SPA added.
Source:arabnews.com
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Europe
Azerbaijani envoy slams Armenia for offering alcoholic drinks to tourists at Tepebashi Mosque PHOTO
11 February 2025
Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Iran, Ali Alizada, has condemned the offering of alcoholic beverages to tourists at the devastated historic Azerbaijani Tepebashi Mosque in Yerevan.
In a statement posted on social network X, Alizada denounced the act as a continuation of Armenia’s past mistreatment of Azerbaijani religious and cultural heritage, Caliber.Az reports.
The Tepebashi Mosque, historically associated with Azerbaijan’s cultural and religious presence in Yerevan, has long been a subject of concern regarding its preservation and use. Azerbaijan has repeatedly raised the issue of the destruction and desecration of its religious sites in Armenia, particularly following the decades-long occupation of Karabakh.
Source:caliber.az
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Oxford mosque stabbing: Police photograph released
10th February
By Gee Harland
Police have reacted after a man was acquitted of attempted murder.
Hassan Hussain, 25, was on trial at Oxford Crown Court accused of attempting to murder Kane Khan who was stabbed outside Oxford Central Mosque, off Manzil Way, on March 13 last year.
Mr Khan, who was attending an event at the mosque at the time, was hospitalised after running into back inside the gates to seek help.
He sustained a serious wound to his abdomen.
Hussain, of Nye Bevan Close, Oxford, was charged count each of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He was found not guilty on Friday (February 7) of attempted murder but guilty instead of causing grievous bodily harm.
Hussain will be sentenced at the same court on April 4.
Lead investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Krista Thompson, has since released a statement following the verdicts.
She said: “This was an appalling attack on the victim; Hussain inflicted an extreme level of violence, leaving the victim with serious injuries.
“This case demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will not tolerate serious violence and that we will use all available resources to pursue, arrest and prosecute those involved in criminality.
“We continue to take a robust approach to those carrying weapons in the area, with officers targeting those who think it is acceptable to carry knives.
“If you use or carry weapons, expect to be stopped, searched, arrested, charged and in some cases, face the prospect of being sent to prison immediately on remand.
“The community plays a vital role in this proactive approach. Your support is required to help us prevent violent crime. We need information about those carrying knives in the town.
“If anyone has information about knives or violence in Oxford, please report it via 101 or by making a report on our website.
“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with any information.”
Two other men were also on trial - Shahroz Khan, 24, of Mortimer Road, and Bilal Khan, 25, of Abingdon Road – charged with one count each of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.
Shahroz Khan had been accused of being a ‘spotter’ at the mosque, informing Hussain of Mr Khan’s movements.
Bilal Khan was accused of driving the trio away from Oxford following the incident.
Both men denied any involvement and were found not guilty on all counts.
However, Shahroz Khan will be sentenced on April 4 for unrelated offences.
Source:thisisoxfordshire.co.uk
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CoE grants £2 million to support struggling clergy
10 February 2025
The Church of England has confirmed that it will be committing a £2 million grant to the Clergy Support Trust (CST), a centuries old charity that provides financial, health and wellbeing support to members of the clergy.
The CST was founded in 1655 during the time of Oliver Cromwell, and is primarily tasked with providing confidential financial assistance to Anglican clergy in the United Kingdom and in Europe.
Last year the charity helped nearly 2,800 households with grants totalling more than £6 million.
The Church's decision to provide £2 million to the CST comes at a time when it is undergoing a wide ranging review into church finances. Part of the review also consists of examining the value of clergy stipends and pensions.
Mark Tanner, the Bishop of Chichester and Chair of the Church's Ministry Development Board, is grateful for the commitment.
"This award recognises the financial pressures facing our dedicated and hard-working clergy across the country who do so much to serve their communities," he said.
The Rev Ben Cahill-Nicholls, Chief Executive of the CST, said, "Ministry is a joy, but comes with significant challenges; for too many clergy, those challenges are financial. Today's announcement is a very positive step forward, as the Church continues to acknowledge that more must be done."
Beneficiaries of the work of CST include Sarah, a curate whose daughter qualified for the 100 metres and the long jump at last year's Paralympics in Paris. CST provided a wellbeing grant that allowed the family to make the "once-in-a-lifetime trip" to see their daughter compete.
Another case was Josiah, a curate who has struggled with supporting his three children while managing multiple parishes. He received a grant to buy vestments, a bicycle and a Macbook for writing sermons.
Josiah said, "I've got three children - two boys and a girl - and so sometimes it's a little bit difficult to make ends meet.
"After my first application [to CST], I thought 'why do you stress yourself so much trying to squeeze things in order to get money to buy certain things? When Clergy Support Trust is there to support you?'"
Source:christiantoday.com
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MP behind assisted dying bill suggests scrapping High Court approval
11 February 2025
Assisted dying cases would no longer have to be signed off by the High Court under changes suggested by the bill's supporters.
The proposed law currently says a High Court judge must check each person is eligible and has not been coerced into making the decision to die.
But BBC News has been told Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind the bill, will suggest replacing this with a panel of experts who would oversee applications.
It comes after concerns were raised over the court's capacity to hear each individual case.
Leadbeater said the changes "will make the system even more robust".
However, some opponents of the bill are likely to criticise the move as watering down its safeguards.
If approved, the bill, which is currently being considered by MPs, would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales expected to die within six months to seek help to end their own life.
Under Leadbeater's proposal, the panel reviewing each application would be chaired by a senior legal figure, but not necessarily a judge, and would also include experts such as psychiatrists and social workers. Their decision could, if necessary, be reviewed the High Court.
The panels would be chosen by a Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission, led by a High Court judge or senior former judge.
The commission would oversee all cases for an assisted death and report annually on the number of applications and how many were approved and rejected.
Ministers and officials have been closely consulted on the change, although the government technically remains neutral on the bill. Civil servants are drafting the amendment, which will be published later this week.
Leadbeater argued this was not removing judicial scrutiny but changing it to a "judge plus" model.
However, she previously hailed the role of the High Court as part of "three layers of scrutiny" that made it "the strongest, most robust piece of legislation on this issue in the world".
The proposal will be voted on by a committee of MPs scrutinising the bill. The members were chosen by Leadbeater and the majority support the legislation.
Source:.bbc.com
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UK must respect Trump's mandate, new US ambassador Mandelson tells BBC
11 February 2025
The UK must respect President Donald Trump's "strong and clear mandate for change", the new UK ambassador to the US has told the BBC on his first day in the role.
Lord Mandelson said the UK would not necessarily agree with every detail of Trump's agenda, but added: "We have to respect and understand what drives him, what his mandate is to do, and how his allies need to adjust sometimes."
The 71-year-old spoke to the BBC on Monday, the same day he presented his diplomatic credentials to the US State Department and officially became the ambassador to Washington.
During the interview, he said his past criticisms of Trump were "ill-judged and wrong" and was pressed on the differences between the UK and US on Middle East policy.
Asked how he would approach the position of US ambassador, Lord Mandelson said there was already a "strong relationship between our government and a very warm personal relationship between [Trump] and our prime minister".
"Each of us wants to grow our economies," he said. "I think that what we need to do is to build a technology and investment relationship between the US and the UK that's fit for the 21st Century. That's where I want to focus."
Last week, Trump told the BBC that tariffs on EU goods could happen "pretty soon" - but suggested a deal could be "worked out" with the UK.
US allies are also waiting nervously for possible tariffs on steel and aluminium, which could upend markets around the world.
Lord Mandelson, one of the best known figures in British politics having served in several Labour governments, is the first political appointee to the US ambassador role in 50 years. He said he was "concerned" about the possibility of tariffs on the UK.
But he added: "We actually have a very balanced trade relationship between Britain and the US. I don't believe that his tariffs are actually directly targeted at us."
"That shouldn't make us complacent, and I'm not complacent. I'm going to focus, in a laser-like way, on the dialogue between us to make sure that we do not become collateral damage in the US," he continued.
"But in the meantime, I don't think we should be overreacting."
The political veteran who helped mastermind Labour's renewal in the 1980s and 1990s, and was twice forced to resign from Tony Blair's government, has staged a political comeback with his arrival in Washington.
He is understood to already be planning how best to deploy Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with officials considering inviting the president on a second state visit to London.
Lord Mandelson told the BBC that Starmer and Trump share a "warm personal relationship", which should make trade negotiations easier.
"I believe that given the relationship that we have, we can always make our views known, best by the way, directly, and privately, we have a strong relationship that enables us to influence the president and his policies, where necessary."
There is a clear difference of opinion between Trump and Starmer over the future of the Gaza Strip, however. President Trump has said that under his plan for taking over and rebuilding Gaza, there would be no right to return for Palestinians who leave.
Starmer, meanwhile, has said they "must be allowed home".
Lord Mandelson told the BBC "the president has aired some interesting ideas" on the future of Gaza, adding that the US and the UK need to work together to achieve peace and security in the Middle East.
"I don't think that we have reached the end of the road on what happens in Gaza and policies that, not just the United States but its allies, pursue in co-operation with President Trump and his administration," he said.
"The British goal is very clear," he added. "We want to create a safe and secure Israel alongside a secure and prosperous Palestinian state. Now, how we get there remains to be seen."
Source:bbc.com
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Smuggling gangs have taken hold, Cooper says during border debate
11 February 2025
People smuggling gangs "have been allowed to take hold", Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the Commons during a debate on border security.
She accused the last Conservative government of failing to strengthen border enforcement as fast as European countries and focussing on "failed gimmicks".
Her comments come as Labour's Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which scraps the Tory Rwanda plan and boosts police powers against smugglers, cleared its first vote in the House of Commons.
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the new plans as a "border surrender Bill" and claimed it creates a path to citizenship for illegal migrants.
The debate came at the end of a heavily choreographed media push by the Home Office, which saw the department publish photos of illegal immigrants being deported for the first time.
Earlier on Monday, the Home Office also published footage of enforcement teams raiding 828 premises, including nail bars, car washes, and restaurants. They made 609 arrests - a 73% increase on the previous January.
Some Labour MPs, particularly on the left of the party, have argued the government should focus on talking about the benefits of immigration and push for creating safer immigration routes.
Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary under Jeremy Corbyn, warned the new approach left Cooper in "danger of sounding like she's trying to stigmatise desperate migrants rather than building a fair system".
Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle told the BBC the government's approach was compassionate, and it had only released arrest footage to send a message about the realities of working illegally.
Labour has been pushing its immigration crackdown to the forefront at the same time as Reform UK has been rising in the polls.
Reform MP Richard Tice, said immigration is "the number one issue because it's out of control".
He argued reducing immigration numbers "is of critical concern to the majority of British people".
As the Commons debate began, the Home Office released new figures showing, since Labour took power in July, the UK has removed 18,987 people, including criminals and failed asylum seekers.
We know that of these returns, only 5,074 were classed as enforced returns. This would suggest the remaining returns were voluntary.
The new returns figure is higher than in the same period the previous year but lower than seven-month periods in 2010 to 2016, when returns topped 20,000.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the new figures as feeble when compared with the numbers that had entered the country.
The Borders Bill sets out Labour's plan to treat people smugglers like terrorists, a promise they made repeatedly in the general election campaign.
Mirroring powers in the Terrorism Act 2000, the proposed new law would criminalise "precursor" offences - allowing officials to punish people for legal acts linked to illegal migration, like selling dinghies or outboard motors.
The bill also creates a new crime of endangering another person during an illegal crossing in the Channel. This is to stop those aboard a dinghy refusing assistance.
Immigration enforcement teams would also get new powers to seize mobile phones.
Some migrant rights groups criticise measures they say criminalise vulnerable people rather than people smugglers.
Labour argues this will be a more effective way of clamping down on small boat crossings than the previous government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The bill also repeals most of the Conservative's Illegal Migration Act 2023, which laid the legal groundwork for the Rwanda policy.
Under Labour's plans, a new Border Security Command will gain more powers and a new head, who will oversee closer links between intelligence, police, and border agents.
The bill passed its first vote in the House of Commons by 333 to 109 but still faces months of debate and obstacles before it can become law.
Labour's large Commons majority all but guarantees the bulk of the measures will pass.
MPs also rejected an attempt by the Conservatives to kill the bill, voting down their amendment by 354 to 115.
Cooper framed the bill as a decisive step to restoring "credibility" to the UK's immigration and asylum system.
"The gangs have been allowed to take hold for six years," Cooper said.
The Conservative government "failed to act fast with France and other countries to increase enforcement or to prevent the gangs taking hold and instead criminals were let off".
She told MPs: "It will take time to loosen that grip and to smash the networks that lie behind them, but there's no alternative to the hard graft of those going after those gang networks who have been getting away with it for far too long.
"And there's no alternative to working with international partners on this international crime, building new alliances against organised criminals - not just standing on the shoreline shouting at the sea."
Speaking in the Commons, Philp called the plans "a weak bill from a weak government".
He criticised Labour for unpicking much of the Illegal Migration Act 2023, including the Rwanda Plan and the section which prevented people who entered the UK illegally from gaining citizenship.
"I think a bill which creates a path to citizenship for illegal migrants and cancels the obligation on the government to remove people who arrive illegally is a shocking piece of legislation," he said
Philp revived the Tory pledge for a cap on immigration - pledged by several previous Conservative PMs but never delivered.
"What is needed is a binding cap which Parliament can vote on, so Parliament can decide how many visas are issued each year," he added.
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart said the current system "is not working for anyone" and argued Labour's bill fails to provide a "humane, legally sound and effective framework" for immigration and asylum.
She said the government needed to expand safe and legal routes for asylum seekers, as well as application decision "so that those with the right to be here can integrate and contribute and those without the right to be here can be returned swiftly," she argued.
Source:bbc.com
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Oliver Ryan suspended as Labour MP over WhatsApp messages
11 February 2025
Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has become the second MP to be suspended from the Labour parliamentary party over his membership of a WhatsApp group which contained offensive messages.
Ryan was summoned to a meeting with Chief Whip Sir Alan Campbell, after the Mail on Sunday published the messages.
Ahead of the meeting he issued an apology in which he said the comments in the group had been "completely unacceptable" and he regretted "not speaking out at the time".
He follows Andrew Gwynne, who was also sacked as a health minister, in losing the whip after his participation in the WhatsApp group was revealed.
In his statement, Ryan said: "I did not see every message, but I accept responsibility for not being more proactive in challenging what was said."
He added: "I also made some comments myself which I deeply regret and would not make today and for that, I wholeheartedly apologise."
The messages - sent to the WhatsApp group named Trigger Me Timbers - are reported to show Ryan mocking a Labour MP for his sexuality, and denigrating the vice-chairman of the local Labour Party.
In a statement, a Labour spokesperson said: "As part of our WhatsApp group investigation, Oliver Ryan has been administratively suspended as a member of the Labour Party.
"As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was immediately launched and this process is ongoing in line with the Labour Party's rules and procedures.
"Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members."
In the messages seen by the Mail on Sunday, Gwynne, who is the MP for Gorton and Denton, appears to suggest a councillor should respond to a 72-year old constituent asking about bin collections with the message: "I'm re-elected and without your vote. Screw you. PS Hopefully you'll have croaked it by the all outs [the local elections]."
In another exchange, asked if an American psychologist will be attending an event, Gwynne replies: "No. He sounds too militaristic and too Jewish. Is he in Mossad?"
On a different occasion he discusses fellow Labour MP Diane Abbott representing the party at Prime Minister's Questions saying: "Yep because its Black History Month."
In a social media post, Gwynne said he apologised for any offence caused by the "badly misjudged" comments.
Three Tameside councillors have also resigned from their executive duties while a Labour Party investigation takes place.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a non-crime hate incident had been recorded after a "small number of complaints relating to publicised messages allegedly from a WhatsApp group", without confirming the identity of those involved.
A non-crime hate incident is a record kept by police of speech or actions deemed hostile to characteristics like race, sex or disability.
Abbott told the BBC's World at One she was not surprised to learn about "distasteful" comments reportedly made about her in the WhatsApp group.
Asked for her reaction, the Labour MP said: "Well, it's very distasteful but to be frank, it's not the first time people have said things like that about me here in the House of Commons and I just have to, as it were, keep my chin up and get on with my job."
She added: "(It's) MPs of all parties, it's just the way it is. It's very sad that, in 2025, people haven't moved beyond that.
"But my response is always to get on my job. After all, there are people of colour in other walks of life that have to suffer much worse abuse."
Abbott said she knew Gwynne and she "wouldn't want to say I'm surprised" by the reported comments.
"Those sorts of remarks are made by too many MPs when they think I can't hear," she added.
Conservative shadow paymaster general Richard Holden said: "With two MPs suspended in just two days for their vile remarks, it is now clear how deep the rot is inside Sir Keir Starmer's Labour party.
"But Sir Keir cannot now try and sweep this under the carpet. He should show some leadership, do the right - and decent - thing and expel them both."
West Lancashire MP Ashley Dalton has been appointed to replace Gwynne as health minister.
Dalton became an MP in 2023, winning the seat of West Lancashire and since the election had been serving as the parliamentary private secretary to Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
At the same time, the government announced that Douglas Alexander would become a Cabinet Office minister with responsibility for relations with devolved governments, in addition to his current role in the business department.
Other appointments see Lord Moraes and ex-MP Lord Wilson of Sedgefield become government whips, responsible for party discipline.
Source:bbc.com
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Family 'heartbroken' as missing sailor named as London father
11 February 2025
The family of a British sailor who went missing after his boat capsized off the south-west coast of France say they are "heartbroken by this sudden loss".
Father-of-five Charles Todd, 73, sent out a distress signal from his yacht on 25 January amid fierce weather brought on by Storm Herminia in the area of the Bay of Biscay.
A French air force helicopter was dispatched as part of an immediate response to try and find Mr Todd, but they found his 12-metre yacht, the Tiger PA, "eviscerated" in the Bay of Biscay.
Mr Todd's family said the search was called off in the early hours of 26 January after teams were "unable to locate him".
According to the Préfecture maritime de l'Atlantique, the distress call was detected approximately 80km (50 miles) west of Lacanau at about 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT).
As part of the rescue operation, French officials said a Portuguese cargo ship and a Spanish hospital vessel were both diverted to the area and to help with the search, alongside the French navy.
But, at 01:33 (00:33 GMT) the following morning the Préfecture maritime de l'Atlantique said the search was suspended "due to a lack of new information".
In a tribute, Mr Todd's daughter, Nadine Gowan, told the BBC her father was sailing to the Caribbean via the Canary Islands when the tragedy occurred.
His family described him as a "loving, charismatic, young-at-heart" and as someone "who lived life to the full".
They added that Mr Todd was born in Ghana and moved to Manchester when he was young.
He was a keen musician, a skilled carpenter and lived in Germany for 25 years where he ran his own joinery business, the family said.
Mr Todd returned to London in 2004 and was a well-respected member of the Greenwich Yacht Club for over a decade.
The family has expressed their gratitude to the French rescue teams and the British Consulate in Bordeaux.
Source:bbc.com
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Church risks further crisis if it doesn't act, says ex-child abuse inquiry chair
11 February 2025
The Church of England risks further crisis if it fails to adopt a sweeping new independent system to keep people safe, the former head of a national inquiry into child sexual abuse has said.
On Tuesday, after numerous abuse scandals, the Church's national assembly votes on options to radically change its safeguarding processes.
One of the systems being considered is based on a model proposed by Professor Alexis Jay who was asked by the Church for her input.
But some members of the Church have cast doubts about the system that comprehensively hands the process for dealing with abuse allegations to an outside organisation.
The resignation of the former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby over his handling of a prolific abuser and questions about the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell's handling of another case have added a sense of urgency to make changes.
At the Church's General Synod, two models are being put to the vote on Tuesday, both involving some measure of independence.
The first involves creating an independent central safeguarding team for the Church - but with diocesan and cathedral safeguarding officers continuing in the same roles.
The second would also make the Church's safeguarding officers around the country part of that independent body.
Both options would see safeguarding work scrutinised by a second external body, but a 66-page document published last month said it would take "a minimum of two years to legislate for a scrutiny body as a statutory body".
After years of the Church of England being accused of failing to "mark its own homework", Prof Jay, a respected figure in child protection, feels only the second model goes far enough.
"I think it's absolutely necessary because church safeguarding as it stands falls below the standards of secular organisations, and I do not think that can continue when it has also led to such serious weaknesses," she told the BBC.
In October 2022, Prof Jay finished a seven-year inquiry into the countless ways children had been sexually abused in England and Wales with her team investigating abuse in churches, schools, custodial institutions, political parties, religious groups, and children's homes.
In summer 2023, Prof Jay was asked by Archbishop Justin Welby to advise on how the Church could "outsource" safeguarding.
She said she was not asked to investigate whether the Church needed safeguarding that was independent of the Church.
"I'm glad the General Synod is going to be debating a model that largely reflects what I was asked to do in the report I published last year, a model of full independence," she said.
Prof Jay said there would be dire consequences if Synod members did not vote for the more complete model of independence.
"I think that not adopting that version would mean it would be a matter of time before yet more safeguarding crises occurred, and there would be a renewed calls for radical action to be taken," she said.
Some within the Church have raised concerns about Prof Jay's preferred option because they fear it is too radical a model and not a well-tested one.
"Whether or not there are precedents is absolutely not the point," she said.
"There is also the option for the Church to commission an existing charity with a track record in care and support for children and vulnerable adults to ask them to carry out this work."
Prof Jay also dismissed suggestions that making the system independent would mean that some within the Church would no longer feel safeguarding was their responsibility too.
But she said choosing the correct system to deal with abuse allegations would only resolve part of the problem, saying cultural issues - like deference to authority figures in the Church - were also hampering progress.
Some within the Church have questioned Prof Jay's understanding of the way in which the institution works but she said it was criticism she expected.
"I was asked to do a piece of work. I did it. I knew quite well that it would be problematic for some, but the Church must face up to its responsibilities and do what they need to do," she said.
If it is voted through, the fully independent model should then be delivered by a team committed to its success, she added.
It is estimated that could yet take around three years.
A spokesperson for the Church of England said the synod will decide between "two proposed models that significantly strengthen the independence of safeguarding structures" this week.
"We recognise the deep and lasting impact of abuse and are committed to ensuring that safeguarding in the Church is independent, transparent, and accountable," they added.
Source:bbc.com
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King makes rare joint visit with PM and Rayner
11 February 2025
King Charles has given Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer a guided tour of his environmentally friendly, sustainable housing project in Cornwall, in a rare joint visit.
Deputy PM and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner was also part of this unusual, high-powered gathering, as they toured houses, a school and orchard in Nansledan.
The King wanted to show them a project that brings together traditional building materials, sustainable living and training projects. But as monarch the King has to avoid getting drawn into party politics.
Building new homes is a priority for the government with its target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
The King and prime minister meet for their weekly audiences and often attend the same public occasions - and are said to have developed a good relationship. There also seems to be a good rapport between the King and Angela Rayner.
But it's very unusual for them take part in an engagement like this together.
"I was really surprised to see all three of them," said Rory Bendle, who was helping in the gardens at Nansledan when the visitors arrived.
In his role as head of state, the monarch is expected to avoid straying into party politics.
As Prince of Wales, Charles had been vocal on his views on architecture and other issues, with accusations of meddling, as he wrote to ministers in so-called "black spider" memos, named after his style of handwriting.
But the prime minister's spokesman said the Nansledan visit wasn't the King getting involved in politics.
Royal sources described Monday's trip to Cornwall as a "joint initiative" between the King and prime minister, following discussions between them on their shared interest in housing.
The King had highlighted his own housing development and had offered to show around Sir Keir, with Monday's visit the first date that could be arranged.
Angela Rayner, as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, also came for a first-hand view of this style of building.
The trio met Nansledan residents and visited local businesses, saw a community kitchen which provides training and skills, visited a primary school and saw an orchard, which provides locally-grown food and supports 45 jobs.
On questions of accommodation, one of the children at the school in Nansledan asked: "Do you live in Buckingham Palace?"
Another young pupil called to him: "King Charles, King Charles" and then tried a more formal approach, calling out: "King Charles III."
There wasn't any car sharing between engagements, with the King in one car and Sir Keir and Angela Rayner in another. The deputy prime minister, known for her individual fashion style, wore a pair of leopard print 1950s-style shoes.
Nansledan, near Newquay, was launched in 2014 as a "human-scale" housing development that drew on the King's environmental principles, providing green spaces, using local materials and training people in building skills.
There is an emphasis on design, with residents having to comply with a community code intended to stop alterations to the fronts of houses that would change the overall look of streets.
There are behaviour rules too for residents not to cause disturbances or annoy neighbours, including not to make "excessive noise including by arguing or slamming of doors".
So far there are 840 houses built out of an intended 3,700, in a project that began when Charles was Prince of Wales and owned the Duchy of Cornwall.
The Duchy of Cornwall is an estate, mostly in the South West, which provides a private income for the Prince of Wales. The most recent annual income was almost £24m.
Housing is a key issue for the government - under pressure to increase the volume of homes being built and to improve the affordability.
Rayner, interviewed on BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg this weekend, said she was determined to achieve the promise of an extra 1.5 million homes.
"There are no excuses to not build those homes that people desperately need," she said.
"And we mean business on this, because far too many people are not getting these homes."
Gillian Keegan, a former Conservative MP and education secretary, argued the previous government had made progress but warned that the pace of building remained "too slow".
The importance of teaching skills, on display at Nansledan, was also relevant, as the construction industry has warned that housebuilding targets will be blocked by a lack of staff.
Building firms have blamed several factors including a skills shortage, an ageing workforce and Brexit for the shrinking pool of construction workers.
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MoD investigates air crew cancers after helicopter claims
11 February 2025
The government is investigating how many military personnel have been diagnosed with cancer, after claims that some helicopters left crew exposed to toxic fumes.
At least six cases have already been settled out of court by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), with dozens of other air crew and families understood to be in the process of suing.
They claim that officials knew about safety concerns with certain aircraft as far back as 1999, but chose not to tell the crew or introduce sufficient safety precautions.
The MoD says it takes "the health of our personnel extremely seriously" and is currently testing the exhaust emissions of some military helicopters.
Diseases contracted by some of the crew who flew the helicopters include lung cancer, throat cancer, testicular cancer and some rare forms of blood cancer.
The Times reported last year that at least three former air crew have died and others have been told their cancer is terminal.
It's understood the government accepts that the design of some rotary wing aircraft increases the likelihood of engine exhaust fumes entering the cabin.
Benzene, which is a known human carcinogen, is an element present in aircraft fuel.
In November, the government began testing helicopter exhaust fumes, but it's understood that officials still believe there is no risk to health.
The MoD has confirmed it is now carrying out work to determine the number of armed forces personnel who have served as air crew and been diagnosed with cancer.
It's understood that this work officially began earlier this year; covers the RAF, the Army and the Navy, and will include veterans as well as active personnel.
When approached by BBC News, the MoD was unable to say when it hopes to come up with an initial estimate of the number of people potentially affected.
But one Westminster source familiar with the work said that complexities around accessing veterans' health records mean it is likely to take years.
More than 150 people are thought to have approached law firms claiming to have been affected, but many will not be eligible for compensation, as the law allowing claims against the MoD only came into effect in 1987.
At least four types of aircraft have been named in legal documents, including the Sea King, Westland Wessex, Puma and CH-47 Chinook.
The law firm Hugh James, which is representing many of the families affected, claims that risks surrounding the Sea King were made clear to the MoD in 1999.
They said a report "recommended modifications to the aircraft to divert the exhaust fumes" but claimed the MoD "failed to act on these recommendations" and "failed to make servicemen aware of the potential dangers and the risk of cancers developing".
The Sea King was used in British military operations between 1969 and 2018 and has in the past been flown by both King Charles and the Prince of Wales.
The Westland Wessex was retired in 2003, while the Puma and CH-47 Chinook are still in use.
The MoD pointed to previous helicopter tests carried out on behalf of the RAF that didn't show any indication air crew were being exposed to dangerous levels of contaminants.
Louisa Donaghy, a senior associate at Hugh James, said the firm was representing more than 40 former military personnel but warned there could be more.
"It's encouraging that the MoD has begun work to understand the scale of this issue, but the process must be swift and transparent," she said.
"Every delay means more veterans and service personnel could be left without the support they need. Given the challenges in accessing veterans' records, it's vital that the government commits the necessary resources to ensure no one is overlooked."
Last month BBC News used a Freedom of Information request to ask the MoD how many current and former air crew they are aware of who've been diagnosed with cancer.
They said they didn't hold the data centrally, but confirmed in their response that the work to establish the number of people affected was under way.
A spokesperson for the MoD said they "take the health of our personnel extremely seriously and regularly review our processes to ensure that we're doing what we can to keep our people safe".
They added that it was "essential that we can assure our people of their safety at work".
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EU to mimic Trump’s approach to foreign aid – Bloomberg
10 Feb, 2025
The EU will review its multi-billion-euro foreign aid program to align it with its own policy interests amid budgetary constraints, rising defense expenditures, and the looming threat of US tariffs, Bloomberg has revealed.
The decision follows US President Donald Trump’s move to freeze most American foreign aid, citing corruption and uncontrolled spending within USAID – Washington’s primary tool for funneling political funding abroad. The bulk of US assistance is currently under a three-month review to ensure it “aligns with American interests.”
Amid concerns over its increasingly stretched budget and competing priorities such as the Ukraine conflict, the European Commission (EC) is also looking to restructure its external aid program, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing an internal draft document.
The bloc aims to take a more transactional approach to aid, using it to “secure strategic interests,” strengthen alliances, and ensure access to critical raw materials while maintaining its reputation as a “reliable partner,” the newspaper wrote.
The EU is collectively the world’s largest provider of foreign aid, spending nearly €96 billion ($99 billion) in 2023, according to an EC report from last year. A significant portion of this aid has been directed to Kiev since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, with total EU contributions now nearing $145 billion, according to the EC.
Several EU member states, including Slovakia and Hungary, have halted military aid to Kiev and called for further Ukraine-related assistance to be redirected toward domestic concerns.
According to Bloomberg, the EU will present proposals for restructuring its foreign aid program in the coming weeks, with a focus on fine-tuning its seven-year budget for the period 2028 to 2034. Competing with the US and China as a leading global donor, the EU seeks to expand its influence in resource-rich regions such as Africa and South America, the newspaper said.
Earlier this month, Trump suggested that Kiev should grant Washington access to rare-earth metal deposits in exchange for continued US aid, arguing that it would serve as a “guarantee” of returns on American investments. The US president has also repeatedly pressed NATO’s European members to increase their defense spending and has threatened tariffs that could impact key European metal exports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited the protection of people in Donbass as a key reason for launching the military operation in Ukraine. Resources in these territories play a major role in NATO member states’ support for Kiev, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in October 2024. “Their discourse revolves around territory and resources that they require in America,” he said. “Our concern is not territories, but people.”
Source:rt.com
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North America
CAIR-Florida Calls for Censure of Councilman for Anti-Muslim Remarks, Ties to Notorious Xenophobe Sen. Randy Fine
February 10, 2025
The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the censure of Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin for his inflammatory and xenophobic anti-Muslim remarks, in which he claimed that Muslims “do not belong” in the United States.
CAIR-Florida is calling on Mayor Rob Medina, Deputy Mayor Peter Jaffe, Councilman Donny Hammer, and Councilman Randy Johnson to publicly condemn Langevin’s statements and clarify that they do not represent the Palm Bay city government or its residents.
On Jan. 15, Langevin echoed the rhetoric of Florida State Senator Randy Fine—who has a history of anti-Muslim remarks—by replying to Fine’s post on X, stating:
“… I have no issues saying that Islam exists for the sole purpose of conquering Christendom and ending the Jewish people as well, and they do not belong in this great nation.”
International news outlet The Independent reported that when confronted by a community
member over his comments, Langevin refused to apologize.
CAIR-Florida Communications Director Wilfredo Amr Ruiz said:
“It is unfortunate that Councilman Chandler Langevin has chosen to align himself with State Senator Randy Fine, a well-known anti-Muslim xenophobe. Langevin owes an apology not only to the half-million Muslims residing in the Sunshine State but also to the residents of Palm Bay, who reject being associated with his hateful rhetoric.”
“We call on Mayor Medina, Deputy Mayor Jaffe and Councilmen Hammer and Johnson to publicly condemn Langevin’s statements and make it clear that they do not reflect the values of Palm Bay’s diverse community.”
He noted that from January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
Last year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
CAIR-Florida’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR – Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, proteger las libertades civiles, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Source:cair.com
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Trump announces 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports
February 11, 2025
President Donald Trump has ordered a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium entering the US in a major expansion of existing trade barriers.
The tariffs, which will increase the costs of importing the metals into the US, come despite warnings of retaliation from some political leaders in Canada - America's biggest supplier of the metals - as well as other countries.
US businesses dependent on the imports have also raised concerns, but Trump has said his plans will boost domestic production.
He warned there would be no exceptions, saying he was "simplifying" the rules, which are set to come into effect on 4 March.
"This is a big deal, the beginning of making America rich again," Trump said.
"Our nation requires steel and aluminium to be made in America, not in foreign lands," he added.
When asked if tariffs could increase prices for consumers, the US president responded: "Ultimately it will be cheaper."
"It's time for our great industries to come back to America...this is the first of many," he added, suggesting other tariffs could focus on pharmaceuticals and computer chips.
The US is the world's largest importer of steel, counting Canada, Brazil and Mexico as its top three suppliers.
Canada alone accounted for more than 50% of aluminium imported into the US last year. If the tariffs come into force, they are expected to have the most significant impact on Canada.
Late on Monday, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Francois-Phillippe Champagne, said the tariffs were "totally unjustified".
"Canadian steel and aluminium support key industries in the US from defence, shipbuilding, energy to automotive," Champagne said. "This is making North America more competitive and secure."
Ahead of the announcement, Ontario premier Doug Ford, whose province is home to much of Canada's steel production, accused Trump of "shifting goalposts and constant chaos, putting our economy at risk".
The lobby group for Canadian steel makers called on the Canadian government to retaliate against the US "immediately", while Kody Blois, a leading MP from Canada's governing Liberal Party, said his country was looking for ways to reduce its trade relationship with the US.
"This is completely upending what has been a very strong partnership," he told BBC Newshour ahead of the official order.
Meanwhile, share prices of the major US steel-makers rose on Monday in anticipation of the order, with the price of Cleveland-Cliffs jumping nearly 20%. Prices for steel and aluminium also jumped.
The response in much of the rest of the market was muted, reflecting questions about how serious Trump is about his plans, given his track record of postponing tariffs, or negotiating exemptions to the rules.
In 2018, during his first term, Trump announced tariffs of 25% on steel and 15% on aluminium, but eventually negotiated carve-outs for many countries including Australia, Canada and Mexico.
'Replay of 2018'
"This is sort of a replay of 2018," said Douglas Irwin, a professor of economics at Dartmouth College.
"The biggest question is the uncertainty over whether this is a bargaining tactic or whether he just doesn't want to talk with other countries and really wants to help out the steel industry in that way."
Last week, Trump ordered import duties of 25% on all Canadian and Mexican products, only to delay that plan for 30 days. He also brought in new US levies of 10% on all Chinese goods coming into the US, prompting retaliation from China.
A tariff is a domestic tax levied on goods as they enter a country, proportional to the value of the import.
The prospect of higher tariffs being introduced on imports to the US has been concerning many world leaders because it will make it more expensive for companies to sell goods in the world's largest economy.
The taxes are a central part of Trump's economic vision. He sees them as a way of growing the US economy, protecting jobs and raising tax revenue.
But there are also concerns about the effect in the US, where many manufacturers inside the US use steel and aluminium in their products and now face the likelihood of added costs.
Industry groups from construction to can-makers warned about the hit.
In Trump's first term, the tariffs, despite many exemptions, raised the average price of steel and aluminium in the US by 2.4% and 1.6% respectively, according to the US International Trade Commission.
Stephen Moore, who advised Trump's campaign on economic issues in 2016 and is currently a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative thinktank based in Washington, said he did not think tariffs on steel and aluminium were effective way to create jobs, noting the experience of the first term.
He said while Trump was "deadly serious" about trade, he thought the plan was "about getting the rest of the world's attention".
"Just about everything Donald Trump does in Washington is a negotiating tactic," he said.
Trump officials said the latest moves were aimed at stopping countries such as China and Russia from avoiding tariffs by routing low-cost products through other countries.
The US president said he was introducing new standards that require steel to be "melted and poured" and aluminium to be "smelted and cast" in North America.
Nick Iacovella, a spokesman for Coalition for a Prosperous America, which represents steel-makers and supports the tariffs, said his group is most concerned about a surge of steel imports from Mexico, above levels agreed in 2019.
But he noted that Canada sends far more goods to the US than it imports - a trade deficit that has been a key issue for Trump.
"There are still imbalances with the Canadian and United States trading relationship that should be addressed," he said.
He added: "I don't think they're planning to take a one-size-fits-all hammer approach to this, but I think early on, in the beginning at least right now, I do think what the president is saying ... [is] both of those countries [Canada and Mexico] are abusing their relationship with the US and we're going to do something about it."
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UK must respect Trump's mandate, new US ambassador Mandelson tells BBC
February 11, 2025
The UK must respect President Donald Trump's "strong and clear mandate for change", the new UK ambassador to the US has told the BBC on his first day in the role.
Lord Mandelson said the UK would not necessarily agree with every detail of Trump's agenda, but added: "We have to respect and understand what drives him, what his mandate is to do, and how his allies need to adjust sometimes."
The 71-year-old spoke to the BBC on Monday, the same day he presented his diplomatic credentials to the US State Department and officially became the ambassador to Washington.
During the interview, he said his past criticisms of Trump were "ill-judged and wrong" and was pressed on the differences between the UK and US on Middle East policy.
Asked how he would approach the position of US ambassador, Lord Mandelson said there was already a "strong relationship between our government and a very warm personal relationship between [Trump] and our prime minister".
"Each of us wants to grow our economies," he said. "I think that what we need to do is to build a technology and investment relationship between the US and the UK that's fit for the 21st Century. That's where I want to focus."
Last week, Trump told the BBC that tariffs on EU goods could happen "pretty soon" - but suggested a deal could be "worked out" with the UK.
US allies are also waiting nervously for possible tariffs on steel and aluminium, which could upend markets around the world.
Lord Mandelson, one of the best known figures in British politics having served in several Labour governments, is the first political appointee to the US ambassador role in 50 years. He said he was "concerned" about the possibility of tariffs on the UK.
But he added: "We actually have a very balanced trade relationship between Britain and the US. I don't believe that his tariffs are actually directly targeted at us."
"That shouldn't make us complacent, and I'm not complacent. I'm going to focus, in a laser-like way, on the dialogue between us to make sure that we do not become collateral damage in the US," he continued.
"But in the meantime, I don't think we should be overreacting."
The political veteran who helped mastermind Labour's renewal in the 1980s and 1990s, and was twice forced to resign from Tony Blair's government, has staged a political comeback with his arrival in Washington.
He is understood to already be planning how best to deploy Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with officials considering inviting the president on a second state visit to London.
Lord Mandelson told the BBC that Starmer and Trump share a "warm personal relationship", which should make trade negotiations easier.
"I believe that given the relationship that we have, we can always make our views known, best by the way, directly, and privately, we have a strong relationship that enables us to influence the president and his policies, where necessary."
There is a clear difference of opinion between Trump and Starmer over the future of the Gaza Strip, however. President Trump has said that under his plan for taking over and rebuilding Gaza, there would be no right to return for Palestinians who leave.
Starmer, meanwhile, has said they "must be allowed home".
Lord Mandelson told the BBC "the president has aired some interesting ideas" on the future of Gaza, adding that the US and the UK need to work together to achieve peace and security in the Middle East.
"I don't think that we have reached the end of the road on what happens in Gaza and policies that, not just the United States but its allies, pursue in co-operation with President Trump and his administration," he said.
"The British goal is very clear," he added. "We want to create a safe and secure Israel alongside a secure and prosperous Palestinian state. Now, how we get there remains to be seen."
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Trump pardons disgraced ex-Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich
February 11, 2025
President Donald Trump has pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat who served eight years in prison over corruption charges before it was cut short by Trump during his first term.
Blagojevich, now 68, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on a wide array of corruption charges, including extortion related to state funds for a children's hospital, and for trying to sell Barack Obama's vacated US Senate seat in 2008.
The former governor was removed from office in 2009 and began serving his prison sentence in 2012.
Before his spectacular downfall, Blagojevich appeared on Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" reality TV show - where the now-President "fired" him.
In 2008 - when Blagojevich was responsible as the state governor for naming someone to fill the Senate seat of Obama - he told another official that he planned to sell or trade the "golden" seat.
"I'm just not giving it up… for nothing," said Blagojevich, who was known for his love of the camera.
He also tried to obtain campaign funds in exchange for legislation that would help the race-track industry, and pressured executives at a children's hospital into contributing campaign funds.
In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan podcast, the former Illinois Governor said he backed Trump's efforts to dismantle the "corrupt" and "weaponised" justice department - repeating long-running claims by the US President.
"If there's anything that this administration can do to make America great again, it's to protect our rights and our freedoms and to hold the people that do this accountable," he said. "Not to be vengeful, but because it's just."
During his first administration, Trump occasionally drew parallels between his own legal battles and that of Blagojevich.
The US Attorney who prosecuted Blagojevich, for example, later went on to represent former FBI Director James Coney after he was fired by Trump in 2017.
Robert Mueller - who led the investigation into alleged ties between Russia and Trump's first presidential campaign in 2016 - was still serving as director of the FBI at the time of Blagojevich's investigation.
Shortly after taking office on 20 January, Trump issued "full, complete and unconditional" pardons to almost 1,600 people convicted or charged in connection with the 2021 US Capitol riots.
Additionally, Trump freed Ross Ulbricht, who operated Silk Road, the dark web marketplace where illegal drugs were sold.
Former US President Joe Biden also issued a slew of pardons, including pre-emptive pardons to prevent what he called "unjustified... politically motivated prosecutions" of public officials including Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The outgoing president also pardoned a number of family members, including his brothers James and Frank Biden, and sister Valerie Biden Owens.
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Suspect in Salman Rushdie attack goes on trial in New York
February 11, 2025
The man accused of stabbing renowned British-Indian author Sir Salman Rushdie in 2022 has gone on trial in upstate New York.
On Monday, prosecutors outlined their case against Hadi Matar - a 27-year-old man from New Jersey accused of attacking Mr Rushdie - and multiple witnesses detailed the chaos that ensued after the stabbing.
The attack left the author with devastating injuries, including the loss of his sight in one eye and a severely damaged hand.
Mr Matar has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney warned the jury that prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict him.
Mr Matar is charged with attempted murder and assault and could face more than 30 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors alleged that the suspect plunged a knife into the author "without hesitation", nearly killing Mr Rushdie. They also said Mr Rushdie was attacked from behind so suddenly he had no idea what was happening.
Mr Rushdie worried about his safety since he published hte surrealist, post-modern novel The Satanic Verses, which was inspired by the life of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad.
While it was met with acclaim and awards in the Western world, many Muslims considered it blasphemous and some countries even banned it. Iran's religious leader soon issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie's death due to its contents.
That fatwa - a religious ruling concerning Islamic law - caused Rushdie to face countless death threats. He had to go into hiding for nine years and only began travelling again when Iran said it would not enforce the law.
Two weeks before the attack, the 77-year-old author had told a German magazine that he was living a "relatively normal" life now that the threats had diminished.
But the attack on Mr Rushdie in Chautauqua, New York, in August 2022 shattered that feeling of safety.
Jordan Steves, an employee of the Chautauqua Institution where Mr Rushdie was speaking when he was attacked, testified that he was watching a monitor backstage when an assailant suddenly rushed the author.
Mr Steves said that the person he saw was "slender", but it was "tough to tell size or height" because they were "wearing all dark clothing".
Nevertheless, he identified Mr Matar as the assailant.
Recalling the attack, Mr Steves described how he rushed from backstage to help the author after the attack. "There was a lot of blood," he said.
The prosecution began to build a picture of a chaotic few seconds in which the vicious attack occurred. They described how the suspect allegedly approached the defenceless Rushdie from behind and stabbed him over and over again.
"I could see that our audience, many of whom are elderly, were screaming," said another witness, Deborah Sunya Moore. "Many were rushing to the stage, many were starting to move away."
Meanwhile, the defence have aimed to scrutinise and undermine the witnesses' testimony. In their opening, Mr Matar's lawyer, Lynn Schaffer, suggested police officers due to testify later lacked "neutrality".
Ms Schaffer, an assistant public defender, told the jury that the lead prosecutor would want them to believe that this case was straightforward, because investigators believed that because it was "on video" that there was "nothing to see here, it's already done".
"Don't believe him," the defence lawyer said. "Nothing is that simple in life."
Ms Schaffer spoke on behalf of Matar's lawyer Nathaniel Barone, who is in hospital due to an illness.
The trial is set to last as many ten days and Mr Rushdie is expected to testify.
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US justice department tells prosecutors to drop NYC mayor's corruption case
February 11, 2025
The US justice department has told prosecutors to drop the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, instructed federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York to drop all charges on Monday.
In a memo, he said the indictment could impact the upcoming mayoral election and it had "restricted" Adams' ability to address "illegal immigration and violent crime" in the city.
Adams is accused of accepting illegal campaign funds and gifts from Turkish businessmen in exchange for his influence as mayor. He pleaded not guilty to five charges of bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance violations in September.
"You are directed, as authorised by the Attorney General, to dismiss the pending charges," Bove's memo to prosecutors said.
Prosecutors have not indicated whether they intend to drop the case as requested. Any decision to do so will need to be formally submitted to the court and approved by a judge.
The memo adds that the case may be reviewed again after the November 2025 mayoral election, but it says no further "investigate steps" should be taken until then.
It also says prosecutors should "take all steps within your power to cause Mayor Adams' security clearance to be restored".
Bove, who recently worked as Trump's defence lawyer during his criminal trial last year, wrote that the justice department "reached this conclusion without assessing the strength of the evidence or the legal theories on which the case is based," and "in no way calls into question the integrity and efforts" of the prosecutors who brought the case.
The memo followed a reported meeting between Adams' lawyers and federal prosecutors in New York.
Adams, a Democrat, has recently moved to build a closer relationship with Trump and his administration. He attended the presidential inauguration last month and also flew to Florida for a meeting.
In recent weeks, the 64-year-old mayor has directed city law enforcement to co-operate with federal immigration authorities on fresh New York City raids. Critics say this undermines local sanctuary city laws, which direct city leaders to not co-operate with authorities unless they are aiming to arrest dangerous criminals.
Adams has denied speaking to President Trump about his case.
The justice department memo also alleges Adams was targeted by the department during former President Joe Biden's time in office. Bove did not provide any evidence for this.
Professor Stephen Gillers, an expert on legal ethics at New York University Law School, told NBC News that Bove's memo ordering the case to be dropped was "a baseless and offensive slur against the former US attorney and the lawyers who worked on the Adams case".
The mayor's lawyer, meanwhile, said it was a victory for his client.
"As I said from the outset, the mayor is innocent - and he would prevail. Today he has," Alex Spiro said.
The Manhattan US Attorney's office, which brought the case, is yet to comment.
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Musk-led group makes $97.4bn bid for ChatGPT maker OpenAI
February 11, 2025
A consortium of investors led by Elon Musk offered $97.4bn to take over OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT.
The billionaire's attorney, Marc Toberoff, confirmed he submitted the bid for "all assets" of the tech company to its board on Monday.
The offer is the latest twist in a longstanding battle between Musk, the world's richest man and right hand to US President Donald Trump, and Open AI chief executive Sam Altman over the future of the start-up at the centre of the AI boom.
In response to the bid, Altman posted on Musk's social media platform X: "no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want."
OpenAI is widely credited with helping bring artificial intelligence tools into the mainstream and sparking huge investment in the sector.
Musk and Altman co-founded the start-up in 2015 as a non-profit company, but the relationship has soured since the Tesla and X boss departed the firm in 2018.
Altman is said to be restructuring the company to become a for-profit entity, stripping it of its non-profit board - a move Musk argues means the company has abandoned its founding mission of developing AI for the benefit of humanity.
But OpenAI argues its transition into a for-profit firm is required to secure the money needed for developing the best artificial intelligence models.
The bid to take over OpenAI bid is being backed by Musk's AI company xAI, as well as several private equity firms, including Baron Capital Group and Valor Management.
"It's time for OpenAI to return to the open-source, safety-focused force for good it once was. We will make sure that happens," Musk said in a statement.
The offer tabled at $97.4bn is much lower than the $157bn the company was valued at in its latest funding round in October last year. Talks over a further funding round reportedly value it now at $300bn.
In a statement, Mr Toberoff said the consortium would be "prepared to consider matching or exceeding" any potential higher bid.
"As the co-founder of OpenAI and the most innovative and successful tech industry leader in history, Musk is the person best positioned to protect and grow OpenAI's technology," Musk's attorney added on his behalf and other investors.
The creator of ChatGPT is also teaming up with another US tech giant, Oracle, along with a Japanese investment firm and an Emirati sovereign wealth fund to build $500bn of artificial intelligence infrastructure in the US.
The new company, called The Stargate Project, was announced at the White House by President Donald Trump who billed it "the largest AI infrastructure project by far in history" and said it would help keep "the future of technology" in the US.
Musk, despite being a top advisor to Trump, has claimed the venture does not "actually have the money" it has pledged to invest, though he has also not provided any details or substantiation for the comments.
Source:bbc.com
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Southeast Asia
Private Company To Manage Ramadan Bazaar At Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium
10/02/2025
KOTA BHARU, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- A private company will manage the Ramadan Bazaar at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium this year after the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) withdrew from organising the event due to operational challenges. Kelantan Stadium Corporation board member, Zamakhshari Muhamad said the corporation received a letter from FAMA on Jan 22, announcing its withdrawal from organising both the Ramadan Bazaar and Pasar Tani. The corporation then received an application from a private company to take over the management of the bazaar site on Jan 26. "The company is now responsible for leasing and managing the Zone B parking area at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium for the Ramadan Bazaar this year," he said. The company will now handle operations including overseeing the 160 stalls, with 157 already rented. The new stalls, measuring 10x10 feet, offer more space than the previous smaller stalls under FAMA, he added. Zamakhshari said that unlike FAMA's setup, the new rental fees include utilities, tables and amenities, with the company planning to host events, including a competition for the best and cleanest stalls. Source:bernama.com
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Anwar and Erdoğan review Malaysia-Türkiye ties in high-level meeting
11 Feb 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a four-eyed meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Perdana Putra Complex here today.
Erdoğan is on a two-day official visit, starting yesterday, at the invitation of Anwar.
Both leaders proceeded to attend the bilateral meeting shortly after the nearly one-hour welcoming ceremony.
The highlights of their meeting included reviewing the progress of the Malaysia-Türkiye Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) relations, particularly in trade and investment, defence, halal, energy cooperation, disaster management, health, science and technology as well as connectivity.
Both leaders also exchanged views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest, including Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship, Türkiye’s hosting of the 4th Edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025, Islamophobia and the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Malaysia-Türkiye relations remain robust based on their long-standing ties, particularly following the elevation of relations to the level of CSP in July 2022.
Türkiye, as an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner, is well-positioned to play a crucial role in advancing ASEAN’s economic priorities.
Türkiye became an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2017, with the Asean-Türkiye Practical Cooperation Areas (2024-2028) serving as a framework for strategic collaborations between Asean and Türkiye. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Mosques, Surau To Hold Special Prayers Tomorrow For King's Well-Being
10/02/2025
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Mosques under the administration of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), including the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, as well as Masjid Putra and Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin here, will hold special prayers and doa selamat tomorrow after Maghrib prayers to pray for the well-being of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, said that the special prayers and doa selamat will also be held at mosques and surau under the administration of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI). "Muslims are invited to join the prayers at these mosques or surau to pray for His Majesty's well-being, recovery, and good health," he said in a statement today. Last Friday, the Istana Negara, in a statement posted on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's Facebook page, announced that Sultan Ibrahim had departed for overseas medical treatment. Accompanying His Majesty were Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim. -- BERNAMA Source:bernama.com
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MACC remands Perlis fire station chief over false claims
BERNAMA
11-02- 2025
KANGAR: A fire station chief in Perlis has been remanded for six days from today to assist in the investigation into a case of submitting false claims regarding the attendance of auxiliary personnel at the station, involving a total of about RM30,000 between November 2023 and this month.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) sources said the remand order against the 49-year-old was issued by Magistrate Nurshahida Abdul Rahim of the Kangar Magistrate’s Court following an application from the Perlis MACC today.
“The man was detained at 4.20 pm yesterday when he turned up to have his statement recorded at the Perlis MACC Office,” the sources said today.
The man is believed to have abused his power by instructing 15 auxiliary personnel to submit claims for attendance allowances on days they were not on duty, with the payment then given back to the fire station chief for his personal use.
“The station chief is believed to have verified and signed the claims despite knowing that there were days the personnel were not on duty and the false claims are from November 2023 until February 2024. The allowance for auxiliary personnel on duty is RM96 per day,” the sources added.
Meanwhile, Perlis MACC director Mohd Nor Adha Ab Gani, when contacted, confirmed the arrest and said the case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
Source:thesun.my
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Setia Alam mall shooter will be caught soon: Selangor police chief
11-02- 2025
PETALING JAYA: The lone gunman behind the Setia Alam shopping mall shooting incident on Saturday will be arrested soon, said Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan
Hussein told New Straits Times at present the state police could not disclose details or share information with the public on their current efforts, as doing so could jeopardise the manhunt.
“The suspect was identified following the incident on Saturday night, and a manhunt was immediately launched.
“We are confident that he will be arrested soon.
“However, I cannot reveal more at this time.
“We assure the public that all necessary efforts are being made to capture the suspect,“ he was quoted as saying by the English daily.
Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the suspect was believed to have fired eight shots in the mall because he was angry after being told to move his items.
According to police, the suspect has fair skin and 11 prior records linked to drug and criminal offences.
The case is being investigated under Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 and Section 307 of the Penal Code.
The shooting incident saw a foreign male cleaning worker sustained injuries to his leg after he was shot by the suspect.
Source:thesun.my
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Expedite Sebiew River deepening project to curb flooding - Tiong
BERNAMA
11-02- 2025
BINTULU: The project to deepen Sebiew River must be expedited to prevent severe flooding from recurring in Bintulu town, said Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Tiong said Bintulu is rapidly developing, and the existing flood mitigation system, which lacks proper planning, can no longer function effectively.
He highlighted this matter in a special meeting at the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) yesterday.
In a statement today, Tiong, who is also the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, said authorities would expedite the relocation of squatters along the riverbanks.
“The Land and Survey Department has initiated a household census for those who need to be relocated. Once completed, other agencies, including the Resident’s Office and BDA, will hold a final coordination meeting on Feb 24 to discuss and finalise the relocation plan,” he said.
Tiong said any new unauthorised structures in the area would be prohibited, and illegally constructed buildings would be demolished.
He said eligible squatters from the area would be relocated to designated locations determined by the authorities, including low-cost housing units being planned for construction.
“However, if these units are not completed on time, residents will still need to relocate and make temporary alternative arrangements. All parties must be prepared for this transition,” he said, urging affected residents to cooperate.
The project, planned since early 2020, involves widening the river to 100 metres and deepening it up to five metres to accommodate the increasing rainfall.
Tiong also urged the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, BDA and other relevant authorities to reassess the entire river system and development plans for Bintulu.
He added that developers must be strictly prohibited from blocking rivers during construction, as it disrupts natural drainage and prevents rainwater from flowing smoothly into the sea.
Additionally, all existing drainage systems, including major and minor canals, must be re-evaluated and upgraded if necessary to prevent flash floods.
Source:thesun.my
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Azalina, Cambodian DPM exchange views on enhancing bilateral legal cooperation
BERNAMA
10-02- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said today held a meeting with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Koeut Rith.
In a Facebook post, Azalina shared that during the meeting, held as part of her working visit to Cambodia, they exchanged views on strengthening legal cooperation between the two countries.
She also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to advancing international commercial arbitration and mediation across ASEAN.
“With the rapid economic growth in the region, a robust and holistic dispute resolution framework is crucial to building business and investment confidence,” she said.
As part of these efforts, Azalina said she personally extended an invitation to Rith to attend the ASEAN Legal Forum 2025, which would be held in Kuala Lumpur this August.
The forum, which will bring together legal experts and stakeholders from across Southeast Asia, will conclude with a joint statement reaffirming the commitment of ASEAN law ministers to their shared goals.
Azalina said that, during the meeting, she took the opportunity to brief Rith on the upcoming ASEAN Convention 2025 on Legal Assistance for Children.
This important initiative, she said, was aimed at strengthening legal aid services for children across ASEAN, reflecting their shared commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their welfare.
The convention, organised by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department, was scheduled to take place in June, she added.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Rith and the officials of Cambodia’s Ministry of Justice for their warm hospitality and willingness to host the Malaysian delegation, which reflects the unity among ASEAN countries,” said Azalina.
Source:thesun.my
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GOF foils attempt to smuggle 4,000 orchid plants worth RM2 million
BERNAMA
10-02- 2025
KOTA BHARU: An attempt to smuggle over 4,000 orchid plants valued at RM2 million was thwarted by the General Operations Force (GOF) in an operation at Kampung Parit Air in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, yesterday.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said GOF officers intercepted a suspicious-looking vehicle at around 1 pm under the “Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan”.
“They discovered thousands of orchid plants believed meant for the local market. The plants are also believed to carry pests and diseases that could threaten the country’s agricultural sector,” he said in a statement today.
The 59-year-old local driver, suspected of acting as the courier, was arrested, and the case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167).
Nik Ros Azhan added that the suspect and the seized items have been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Source:thesun.my
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South Asia
250 Afghan migrants rescued from snow and deported at Iran border
By Fidel Rahmati
February 11, 2025
Hojat Sedighi, the public prosecutor of Taybad in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran, has announced that 250 undocumented Afghan migrants, who had been trapped in heavy snow and storms in the border regions, have been rescued and deported.
He stated on Monday February 10, that these Afghan migrants had attempted to enter Iran illegally.
The Iranian official emphasized that these migrants had suffered from frostbite, and after receiving medical treatment and undergoing legal procedures, they were sent back to Afghanistan.
According to the public prosecutor of Taybad, Khorasan Razavi province, around 1,400 Afghan migrants have been detained and deported by security forces since the beginning of the year while attempting to enter Iran illegally through the Dogharoun border.
Meanwhile, in recent months, the process of expelling and detaining Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan has intensified, with hundreds of individuals entering these countries daily.
At the same time, the police commander of Zabul city in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran, reported the detention of 172 migrants “without legal documents” in last week.
According to official statistics, over 300,000 Afghan migrants have been detained and expelled from Tehran alone since the beginning of this year.
The ongoing crackdown on illegal migration highlights the increasing pressure on both Iran and Afghanistan as they manage the flow of migrants, many of whom are seeking better opportunities or fleeing difficult conditions in their home country.
Source:khaama.com
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30% increase in Cotton Production in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
February 11, 2025
The National Statistics and Information Authority reports that for the first time this year, a cotton survey was conducted across 15 provinces of the country, which revealed a total production of 159,000 metric tons of cotton.
This department announced on Monday, February 10 that through the use of remote sensing technology, which includes the interpretation of satellite images, the cotton-growing areas in the country were identified. Based on this, a total of 105,000 hectares of land were planted with cotton.
According to the report, cotton was cultivated in 17 provinces this year, showing a 12% increase in cotton cultivation compared to the previous year.
Notably, Helmand, with 80,000 metric tons, Balkh with over 34,000 metric tons, Kandahar with over 11,000 metric tons, Jowzjan with nearly 11,000 metric tons, and Nangarhar with more than 5,000 metric tons are among the provinces with the highest cotton production.
According to the report, Helmand had the largest cotton-growing area with 50,000 hectares, while Kapisa had the smallest area with just 66 hectares.
It is worth mentioning that cotton is one of Afghanistan’s key export items. In the past year alone, cotton and cotton seeds worth 273 million US dollars were exported.
Given the ban on opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, cotton has been proposed as a suitable alternative for farmers. Cotton not only generates significant income but also has widespread applications in the textile industry and vegetable oil production.
The recent growth in cotton cultivation in Afghanistan highlights its potential as a key agricultural product, offering a viable alternative for farmers amidst the opium poppy ban. With increased production and export values, cotton could become a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s economy, providing both domestic benefits and international trade opportunities.
Source:khaama.com
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Ex-Habiganj MP Abdul Majid Khan arrested in Dhaka
Feb 11, 2025
Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested former MP of Habiganj-2 constituency Abdul Majid Khan.
He was arrested from the capital's Farmgate area last night, confirmed Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of DMP to The Daily Star.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Yunus condemns attack at Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, orders swift action
Feb 11, 2025
The chief adviser has strongly condemned the recent mob attack on a bookstall at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, calling it an affront to the rights of Bangladeshi citizens and the country's laws.
In a statement, the chief adviser denounced the violence, emphasising that it goes against the open-minded spirit of the book fair, which honours the language martyrs of February 21, 1952, according to the CA's press wing.
The Ekushey Boi Mela, a cherished cultural event, serves as a vital gathering place for writers and readers, it said.
The interim government has directed the police and Bangla Academy to investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice. Security measures at the fair have been intensified to prevent further incidents.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies have been ordered to take strong action against any instances of mob violence across the country, it said.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all visitors, authors, and publishers at the book fair.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Acting Economy Minister Meets Norwegian Charge d’Affaires to Kabul
2025-02-11
KABUL(BNA): Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, the Acting Minister of Economy, held a meeting with Pierre Albert Alsace, the Norwegian Charge d’Affaires to Kabul, to discuss opportunities for expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
In a recent newsletter, the Ministry of Economy highlighted key aspects of the meeting, where Alsace praised the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) management of economic programs over the past three years.
Despite facing challenges such as economic sanctions, frozen foreign assets, and halted international development aid, the IEA has made strides in maintaining economic stability. Alsace assured continued humanitarian assistance from Norway to the Afghan people.
During the discussion, Hanif emphasized the need for the international community and aid organizations to prioritize development assistance. He argued that such efforts are crucial for fostering sustainable economic infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign aid, and generating job opportunities to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
The Acting Minister outlined the effectiveness of precise economic policies in stabilizing the Afghan currency, curbing inflation, and promoting both exports and imports. He noted improvements in national revenue, domestic production, and regional economic cooperation, which have created a more favorable environment for attracting investments in large-scale projects.
Minister Hanif stressed that the long-term solution to Afghanistan’s economic issues lies in leveraging internal capacities and revenue sources. He advocated for targeted investments in both public and private sectors as a pathway to medium-term economic growth.
Furthermore, he addressed the adverse effects of ongoing financial and banking restrictions, as well as the freezing of foreign reserves, which have exacerbated unemployment and poverty levels in the country. Minister Hanif called for the lifting of economic sanctions and the release of Afghanistan’s frozen reserves to improve the economic and living conditions of its citizens.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Acting Commerce Minister Meets Kazakhstan’s Ambassador
2025-02-11
KABUL(BNA): Nooruddin Azizi, Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with Gaziz Akbassov, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Kabul, yesterday.
According to the press release from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, during the meeting, the two sides discussed establishing a trade center in Almaty for Afghan traders, implementing the commitments made between traders of both countries in their contracts, investment by Kazakh traders in Afghanistan,
providing necessary facilities for issuing visas to Afghan traders through the Kazakh Embassy in Kabul.
Additionally, they discussed ways to resolve issues faced by traders and settle commercial disputes between them.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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TCB to sell essential though trucks during whole Ramadan
Feb 11, 2025
State-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will sell certain essential commodities at subsidised rates among low income people through mobile trucks during the month of Ramadan, the fasting month which is expected to begin by the end of February.
An additional 9,000 tonnes of goods will be sold through this initiative, easing the burden on low-income groups, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin inaugurating the mobile truck sales of essentials through TCB in Khulna, the southwest division.
TCB supplies products to 63 lakh families at subsidised rates. The truck sale program will continue for an additional 12 lakh families till the end of Ramadan, which will help stabilise market prices," he said.
TCB, based on the directive of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, has started to sell key commodities at below market rates among 12 lakh families across 13 areas, including all divisional headquarters and five poverty-stricken regions.
Each buyer will get two litres of soybean oil, two kilograms each of lentils and chickpeas, one kilogram of sugar, and 500 grammes of dates per transaction, according to a commerce ministry press release.
Prices have been set at Tk 100 per litre for oil, Tk 70 per kg for sugar, Tk 60 for lentils and chickpeas, and Tk 156 for dates.
The adviser highlighted Khulna's success in smart card conversions, adding that the remaining card activations will be completed by February 24, increasing the number of beneficiaries.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Imam Khomeini 120-Bed Hospital completed in Bamyan Province
By Fidel Rahmati
February 10, 2025
Local officials in Bamyan province report that the construction of the Imam Khomeini 120-bed specialty hospital, funded by the Islamic Republic of Iran, has been completed. The total cost of the project, including operational and medical equipment, was $42 million.
They added that the hospital will soon be ready to provide advanced medical services for the people of Bamiyan and neighboring provinces.
According to them, discussions on the contract details between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Health are nearly finalized, and both parties have agreed on the importance of activating the hospital.
Ali Reza Bigdeli, the Iranian charge d’affaires in Kabul, visited Bamiyan recently and met with the governor to discuss the hospital’s opening and operations.
Abdullah Sarhadi, the governor of Bamiyan, promised Bigdeli that he would speak with senior Taliban officials to resolve any remaining issues and facilitate the hospital’s opening.
The Imam Khomeini 120-bed specialty hospital in Bamiyan will offer services in various departments, including surgery, heart and kidney transplants, gastroenterology, vision care, general medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and intensive care.
This comes amid the banning of medical institutions by the Taliban. This restriction, along with limited employment opportunities for women, reflects the broader challenges faced by Afghanistan’s women under current policies.
Access to education and employment is critical for the development of the country and the empowerment of its citizens, especially women.
Source:khaama.com
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