IIT Gandhinagar Faces Right-Wing Backlash For Allegedly Promoting “Islamic Theology” and "Islamisation"
New Age Islam News Bureau
05 May 2025
IIT Gandhinagar
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· IIT Gandhinagar Faces Right-Wing Backlash For Allegedly Promoting “Islamic Theology” and "Islamisation"
· 64 Anti-Muslim Hate Incidents Reported Post-Pahalgam Attack: India Hate Lab
· Democracy Can’t Do Without A Free Press, Should Not Be Used For Corporate Or Other Vested Interests: Bangladesh Press Club
· Islamic Unification Movement: Yemeni Missile That Targeted Ben Gurion Airport Proves Failure Of American Air Defense Systems
· Prabowo Unveils Plan to Build Indonesian Village in Saudi Arabia for Pilgrims
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India
· BJP Slams Jamiat Chief For Questioning Suspension Of Indus Waters Treaty With Pakistan
· Pakistani National Arrested In WB After 45 Years Of Illegal Stay; Family Claims She Holds Aadhaar, PAN Cards
· Thousands Rally In Bihar’s Araria Against New Waqf Law, Vow To Continue Agitation Until Repeal
· 42 Arrested In Assam For ‘Defending Pakistan’ After Pahalgam Terror Attack
· BJP hits out at Rahul Gandhi for calling Lord Ram 'mythological figure', brands Congress anti-Hindu
· Odisha Government Junks Yusuf Pathan’s Claim That Muslims From Bengal Are Being Targeted
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South Asia
· Islamic Emirate Supports Media Outlets Adhering To Religious And Afghan Values, Spokesman
· Islamic Emirate Vows Full Support for Returnees, Says Deputy Spokesman
· Ombudsman Prevents Forced Marriage in Qadis District, Badghis Province
· Court seeks progress report on arrest warrants against Hasina, 17 others in plot scam by May 18
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Mideast
· Gaza Civil Defense Says 19 Killed In Israeli Strikes
· Pope Francis’s popemobile set to become health clinic for Gaza children
· Israel vows retaliation against Iran, Yemen’s Houthis over airport attack
· Flights again halted to Israel after Houthi missile lands near airport
· Ayatollah Khamenei: If Islamic Ummah united, Palestinian issue would not fabricated, Yemen would not subjected to these pressures
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Southeast Asia
· Anwar holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo on strengthening bilateral ties and Asean Summit
· Court sets Oct 2 trial for Fahmi’s defamation suits against Papagomo, preacher and Kuang Facebook account holder
· Visitors drawn to historic mosques pavilion in Jakarta
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Europe
· Holocaust Survivor Attends Interfaith Victory in Europe DayCelebration At UK’s Oldest Mosque
· Eight arrested in two separate anti-terror operations
· Ed Sheeran renames pub and puts on 'surprise' gig
· Labour minister sorry over grooming gangs remark
· Ukraine critic wins first round of Romanian presidential election rerun
· Russia standing alone against West – Putin
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North America
· Georgia Republican Rep Objects To Halal Restaurant, Says It's Like 'Muslim Conquest Of Jerusalem In 7th Century'
· Trump pushes for ‘total dismantlement’ of Iran’s nuclear program
· The empire returns: The new global order for the new world
· Trump speaks out on potential third term
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Arab World
· First Saudi-Maldives Forum To Tackle Transparency, Governance In Tourism
· Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador
· Iraqi president invites King Salman to upcoming Arab summits in Baghdad
· Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival to start this week in Jazan
· Saudi Arabia chairs parliamentary talks in Algeria
· Hajj transport teams stationed at 20 locations
· Saudi Arabia activates first smart buoy in Arabian Gulf
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Africa
· Islamic Cleric Urges Close Aides To Guide Alaafin Owoade Towards Unity In Oyo
· Breaking No Laws, Just Barriers: Mentoring The Next Generation Of Arewa Women
· Tinubu, Governors, Abbas Storm Wedding Of Radda’s Daughter In Kastina
· Firdaus prayer for late Madam Simiat Mogaji holds tomorrow
· FG Mulls Electricity Tariff Increase, Says Economy Can’t Sustain Subsidies
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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IIT Gandhinagar Faces Right-Wing Backlash For Allegedly Promoting “Islamic Theology” and "Islamisation"
Basant Kumar Mohanty
05.05.25
IIT Gandhinagar
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IIT Gandhinagar is facing Right-wing backlash for allegedly promoting Islamic theology.
The institute is trending on X after some users cited the thesis topics of selected students of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) to make allegations of "Islamisation" on the campus.
The RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad on Sunday issued a media release to express concern about a “troubling disregard for the cultural and national sentiments of students — particularly those from the Hindu community”.
The topics, which were shared with the students of HSS as part of their dissertation defence invitations, were apparently “selectively” leaked to cause a stir.
The issue erupted on April 28 after an X user, Eminent Intellectual, listed some of the research topics and posted: “This will make you proud. India has its own AI finally! IIT Gandhinagar has come up with this unique architecture that will beat ChatGPT and Deepseek through the power of Kerala. It’s called Deepfaith. Thank you @iitgn for using your taxpayer funded ‘autonomy’ just like our Supreme Court to make this country a better place for us all. *AI = Ayatollah’s Intellect,” the user wrote.
The topics included indigenous knowledge of the people of a Muslim-dominated locality on fishing and ecology, Islamic rituals and Islamic clothing.
“Students do anthropological and social studies on themes related to religious practices and rituals. About 20 students have studied Hindu traditions like the Brahminical system, Vedas and temple management. We have been targeted for no fault of ours,” a student, who did not wish to be identified, said.
Manish Kumar, associate dean of student development, said the campaign against the institute lacked academic merit. “Anybody can raise an issue on any research topic or findings. However, established ways for engaging academically could have been pursued. We welcome feedback and constructive criticism through appropriate means,” Kumar said.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/iit-gandhinagar-faces-right-wing-backlash-for-allegedly-promoting-islamic-theology-prnt/cid/2097499
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64 Anti-Muslim Hate Incidents Reported Post-Pahalgam Attack: India Hate Lab
May 4, 2025
A 16-year-old Muslim boy, Rehan was brutally beaten by locals in Varanasi.
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A recent report published by India Hate Lab has revealed that between April 22 and May 2 across nine states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, there have been 64 incidents targeting Muslims.
The report under the title “64 anti- Muslim hate speech events recorded in 10 days post Pahalgam attack” includes states like Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Chhattisgarh Maharashtra tops the list with a total of 17 incidents reported. While Uttar Pradesh reported 13 Uttarakhand and Haryana witnessed 6 such incidents.
According to the report after Pahalgam attack hindutva groups like Vishwa Hindu Parishad Bajrang Dal, Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Hindu Jan Jagriti Samiti, Sakal Hindu Samaj and others initiated head campaigns to stir communal tensions across these states. These organisations organised rallies, events and continuously pedalled anti-Mulsim narrative on social media.
The report also details that derogatory terms used by these organisations in the duration of 10 days like green snakes, piglets, insects and mad dogs were used by speakers who incited violence against Muslims.
Hate speeches were delivered. Between April 23 and 29 multiple events were organised by these Hindutva outfits in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra. In one of these events, a BJP MLA Nandkishor Gurjar was also present. Gurjar and members of hindutva organisations encouraged the public to boycott Muslim economically and socially and urged them to take up arms.
Source: muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/64-anti-muslim-hate-incidents-reported-post-pahalgam-attack/
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Democracy Can’t Do Without A Free Press, Should Not Be Used For Corporate Or Other Vested Interests: Bangladesh Press Club
May 5, 2025
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaks at a discussion organised by the Editors’ Council at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday, marking World Press Freedom Day 2025. Photo: Palash Khan
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Political parties have stressed their commitment to ensuring press freedom, recognising it as essential for democracy and good governance, and warning that its absence leads to fascism.
They also emphasised the need for upholding the values of ethical journalism and said the media should not be used for corporate or other vested interests.
The remarks were made at a discussion organised by the Editors' Council to mark the World Press Freedom Day at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.
In his speech, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "We can assure you that we [the BNP] have always been, and will continue to be, in favour of press freedom -- whether we are in government or not."
He highlighted his party's history of standing against the oppression faced by the media, as well as the "clearly fascist" laws imposed on the media under the previous regime.
"We have fought before, we are still fighting, and we will continue this fight. We will never support unjust imposition of one's views on others. We will, of course, firmly uphold the right to freedom of opinion.
"If we ever get the chance to govern, we will institutionalise press freedom. If we remain in opposition, we will continue our fight to ensure it."
Fakhrul also pointed out that it was the BNP that first paved the way for press freedom in 1975, when all but four newspapers were shut down under the one-party rule of BAKSAL.
He acknowledged his party's shortcomings but emphasised its contributions to press freedom, noting that numerous media outlets were established during its tenure and that journalists faced considerably less oppression compared to the previous government.
However, Fakhrul expressed concern about how his words might be interpreted by specific outlets, how they would be published, or how social media would portray them. "For those of us in politics, this is a matter of concern, especially with the rising trend of character assassination on social media; it's difficult not to be worried."
Regarding this trend and mob attacks, he noted, "If I assume that only my views are correct, then we will never succeed in democratic practices."
He added that, likewise, if one believes that it is only acceptable when a media outlet says positive things about them and unacceptable when it does not, such mindsets will also hinder democracy.
Refuting the narrative that the BNP rejects reforms and only demands elections, he stated, "The truth is, reforms began with us. We were the ones who transitioned from a one-party system to a multi-party system. We enabled the shift from a presidential to a parliamentary democracy. Despite opposition, we introduced the caretaker government provision in the constitution."
Fakhrul emphasised that the 1971 Liberation War remains central to the BNP's ideology and that the party will never compromise on this issue.
"Through the uprising against 15 years of authoritarian rule, there is now an opportunity to begin a democratic system, but democracy needs to be practised, just like a tree needs regular care to grow," he added.
Nagorik Oikya Chairman Mahmudur Rahman Manna called the interim government "the most media-friendly government" since Bangladesh's independence, but questioned why it had not withdrawn cases against journalists filed by the previous government under the Digital Security Act.
Convener of the National Citizen Party Nahid Islam, in his speech, said Bangladesh had improved its global ranking on press freedom this year, but it still remains in the lower tiers.
He pointed out that during the last 16 years under the Hasina regime, there had been legal and cultural interventions by the media. "We need to move away from a media environment where the Awami League's ideological influence and authoritarian control have taken hold … Media institutions themselves should propose and uphold principles of good governance."
Nahid also called for transparency in media ownership and investments, as the media itself has demanded clarity on the income sources of political activists.
He added that his party believes in free press, as the July movement grew from restrictions on freedom of speech.
Nahid said that during his tenure as information adviser there was no government pressure on the media. "There were some social pressures on certain media outlets, but we always supported the media houses. Sometimes we criticised their roles in the previous regime … but nothing was done to shut down any media houses."
Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Zonayed Saki said a free press is the most basic requirement for a democratic state.
"We need to create a situation where people trust the media more than the courts, even when justice is denied," he said, adding that his party is committed to building a society free from fear.
Saki further stated that a democratic system cannot function without media freedom.
"The laws that silence the media must be revoked," he said, while also calling for media accountability to prevent arbitrary practices.
"Some business groups have created media organisations to serve their own or their business interests. Media owners must also be held accountable," he said, suggesting that there should be a clear policy on ownership.
He also highlighted mob attacks as a new phenomenon, where certain individuals achieve their goals by issuing threats. "If these are not stopped, the existence of the state will be under threat."
Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star and president of the Editors' Council, said it was a matter of disgrace that 266 journalists have been charged in cases related to alleged murder or violence.
Despite Bangladesh rising 16 places to rank 149th out of 180 countries in the latest World Press Freedom Index, such mass cases against journalists remain a serious concern and contradict the principles of media freedom, he opined.
"This does not mean that no one has committed any wrongdoing. If someone has done wrong, they should be properly charged and punished, and we [the Editors' Council] will not stand by them…. But it's been over seven months since some journalists have been caught up in these cases, yet there has been no progress in the investigations. As a result, the accused face reputational harm and live in fear of mob attacks," he added.
"At this moment, 13 journalists are in jail, not getting bail, and no legal process is ongoing. People do have the right to file cases, but the question is whether the government will act when the law is abused by some quarters.
"People hope the current government will reform and strengthen democracy, and reinforce freedom of speech. However, harassing journalists is not only disheartening but also tarnishes Bangladesh's image globally," he said, urging the government to review the cases against journalists.
Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury noted how World Press Freedom Day was being celebrated while journalists in Bangladesh are losing their jobs for asking questions.
"The situation, however, has improved compared to last year."
He also highlighted divisions within the media, which are causing significant damage to the industry. "Such divisions must end."
New Age Editor Nurul Kabir stated that a free press does not depend on journalists alone, but largely on lawmakers, politicians, and the state of democracy. "Bangladesh is still in the lowest global position for press freedom, which is shameful for journalists, harmful for the people, and dishonourable for the politicians … They [politicians] are responsible for the laws that prevent the press from doing its job properly."
Kabir acknowledged the interim government's move to carry out reforms in various sectors, including the media, but said it was unnecessary to wait for the commission's report to eliminate some controversial laws. "I am glad that the government initiated a declaration based on national consensus, but it seems deceptive when it speaks of minimum consensus among political parties.
"It seems the government has no philosophical stance … There are different political parties with different views."
He added that some parties don't even recognise December 16 as Bangladesh's Victory Day.
Kabir concluded that the consensus should be based on the core values of the proclamation of independence: equality, democracy, and the protection of the rights of all citizens.
Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz also spoke at the event, which was moderated by Dewan Hanif Mahmud, editor of Bonik Barta and general secretary of the Editors' Council.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/democracy-cant-do-without-free-press-3886451
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Islamic Unification Movement: Yemeni Missile That Targeted Ben Gurion Airport Proves Failure Of American Air Defense Systems
05 May 2025
The Islamic Unification Movement in Lebanon expressed its "pride and honor in our blessed Yemen, and in the position of honor and loftiness attained by loyal Muslim Arabs who declared war and hostility against the Zionists and Americans, in defense of their oppressed brothers in Lebanon and Palestine."
The Islamic Unification Movement said in a statement, "It is as if the holy verse refers to Yemen and its people, and refers to their foreheads and forelocks. 'You did not throw when you threw, but Allah threw.' The victorious Yemeni missiles, not the last of which was the projectile that landed in the heart of Ben Gurion Airport, represented a blessed divine strike and a divinely guided path, they represent a defeat for the mobilization of Western technology and a failure for the consolidation of American air defense systems, which are described as the most advanced on the face of the Earth."
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3476104.htm
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Prabowo Unveils Plan to Build Indonesian Village in Saudi Arabia for Pilgrims
Ricki Putra Harahap
May 4, 2025
FILE - Indonesian Muslims perform hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on June 16, 2024. (Antara Photo/Sigid Kurniawan)
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Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto announced on Sunday that the Indonesian government plans to establish an “Indonesian village” in Saudi Arabia to accommodate Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The proposal has reportedly received a positive response from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“I’ve requested an audience with the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During that meeting, I plan to discuss Indonesia’s proposal, which I previously conveyed to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Prabowo said during the inauguration ceremony of the new Hajj and Umrah Terminal at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten.
Prabowo noted that Indonesia sends around 2.2 million pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, with daily peak numbers reaching up to 12,000 people.
The proposed village would be located near the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca to ease the movement of Indonesian pilgrims. According to the president, Saudi authorities have expressed openness to the idea.
“When I last met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, I conveyed Indonesia’s intention to build an Indonesian settlement in the Holy Land, as close as possible to the Grand Mosque. His response was quite positive -- he said, ‘Let’s plan it thoroughly and technically,’” Prabowo recounted.
The Indonesian government plans to send Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar to hold further technical discussions with Saudi counterparts to explore the feasibility and details of the project. Prabowo added that the government remains committed to improving services and lowering the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage.
“We’ll go back soon to follow up. If approved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we hope to have our own designated area there and make our flight operations more efficient,” he said.
This year, Indonesia has been allocated a Hajj quota of 221,000 pilgrims by the Saudi government. The first wave of Indonesian pilgrims departed two days ago, marking the beginning of the 2025 Hajj season.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/prabowo-unveils-plan-to-build-indonesian-village-in-saudi-arabia-for-pilgrims
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India
BJP slams Jamiat chief for questioning suspension of Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan
May 05, 2025
BJP's national spokesperson, Shahnawaz Hussain, slammed Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad Madani for questioning the practicality of stopping river water flows to Pakistan.
The BJP leader claimed that there was anger among members of the Muslim community over the Jamiat chief's statement.
“I condemn this statement. This is a very objectionable statement. Pakistan can conduct a blood bath, and we can't even stop their water? What kind of advice is this? He is saying there shouldn't be a war...there is anger amongst the Muslim community also, for the kind of statement made by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind,” Hussain told ANI.
Follow live updates on Pahalgam terror attack here
‘Where will you take their water?’
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad Madani questioned the practicality of the Indus Waters Treaty move, saying that stopping river water flow to Pakistan won't be easy.
“If someone stops water, let them stop it... These rivers have been flowing for thousands of years, where will you take their water? It's not easy. I think the rule should be one of love and not hatred. I am a Muslim, I am spending my life here in this country, and I know that the things which are being promoted here are not suitable for the country,” Madani said.
After the Centre suspended the IWT, Jal Shakti minister CR Paatil said that India would not allow a “single drop” of water to flow into Pakistan as a retaliation against its role in the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
India's plans after suspending IWT
HT reported on Monday that authorities are expected to swiftly complete all technical requirements for the proposed Sawalkot project—likely to be the largest project—on the river Chenab in Ramban and Udhampur districts of J&K.
The plans to create additional power generation include projects that will be commissioned at Sawalkot (1,856 MW), Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Bursar (800 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kirthai 1 and 2 (1,320 MW) hydropower projects, which will be fully synchronisable with the national grid,” an official said.
The project is part of plans to create nearly 12 gigawatts (GW) of additional hydropower from new projects on the Indus rivers.
India also cut off water flow to Pakistan from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River and is also preparing to taper down runoffs from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum River. Under the IWT, Pakistan has exclusive rights to use the water of the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers, with India allowed a few exceptions.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjp-slams-jamiat-chief-for-questioning-suspension-of-indus-waters-treaty-with-pakistan-101746422760574.html
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Pakistani national arrested in WB after 45 years of illegal stay; family claims she holds Aadhaar, PAN cards
May 5, 2025
West Bengal Police on Saturday arrested a 60-year-old Pakistani national, Fatema Bibi, for allegedly overstaying in India for nearly 45 years. She was detained in the Kuthir Math area of Chandannagar, Hooghly district, where she had been living with her husband and two daughters since 1980.
According to The Indian Express, Fatema arrived in India from Rawalpindi on a tourist visa with her father in 1980. Two years later, she married an Indian citizen, Muzaffar Mallick, a bakery owner. Since then, she has been residing in a two-storey house located behind a mosque in Chandannagar.
Her arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of Pakistani nationals living in India following recent militant attacks on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In response, the Indian government has reportedly directed Pakistani citizens to return to their country, prompting a crackdown on long-term overstays.
Police sources revealed that Fatema’s family claims she was born in Nalikul, Hooghly, and that her father had moved to Rawalpindi for work before returning to India with her. Her family insists that she has no remaining ties in Pakistan, as all her relatives are now based in India.
Fatema’s family has also highlighted that she holds Indian identity documents, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and voter ID registered in Ward 12 of Chandannagar Municipal Corporation.
They are seeking her immediate release on humanitarian grounds, citing her health issues. According to her family, Fatema is on regular medication and is scheduled to undergo knee surgery.
The arrest has sparked political commentary. Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar criticized the state’s oversight, stating, “We want all Pakistani citizens staying illegally in the country, including in Bengal, to be identified, apprehended, and sent back.” The BJP also announced plans to stage demonstrations in front of all district headquarters on Monday to demand stricter enforcement against illegal residents.
Fatema Bibi remains in custody as investigations continue into her immigration status and the legitimacy of her Indian identity documents. — With Agencies Inputs
Source: muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/pakistani-national-arrested-in-west-bengal-after-45-years-of-illegal-stay-family-claims-she-holds-aadhaar-pan-cards/
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Thousands rally in Bihar’s Araria against new Waqf Law, vow to continue agitation until repeal
May 4, 2025
A massive public protest was held in Araria, Bihar, on Saturday against the Union government’s Waqf Amendment Act. Organised near Millia College by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, the event drew thousands from various religious, social, and political groups. The demonstration was presided over by Naib Nazim Mufti Sohrab Alam Nadvi of Imarat-e-Shariah, Patna.
Prominent Islamic organisations such as Imarat-e-Shariah, Jamiatul Ulama-e-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and Tablighi Jamaat played a key role, alongside civil society groups and political representatives. Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, participated as the chief guest, joined by religious leaders and elected representatives.
Speakers at the gathering harshly criticised the Waqf Amendment Act, labelling it a “black law” that infringes on the constitutional rights of Muslims. They accused the Union government of attempting to transfer Waqf properties to corporate entities like Adani and Ambani, alleging a deliberate agenda to target Muslims under the pretext of legal reform. “This is not just legislative overreach,” said one speaker. “It’s mental harassment of an entire community.”
Protesters claimed that the law fosters religious polarisation and warned of growing unrest within the community. They vowed to continue the movement until the Act is withdrawn.
Following the public address, a protest rally was held from Zeromile through the main streets of Araria, concluding at Subhash Stadium. A delegation submitted a memorandum of demands to the District Magistrate.
Notable speakers included former MP Sarfaraz Alam, MLAs Shahnawaz Alam and Abidur Rahman, and other leaders such as Kanhaiya Kumar, Faisal Javed Yasin, and Shad Ahmed. Religious figures including Mufti Inaamul Bari and Qari Niaz Ahmed also addressed the crowd, urging unity and sustained resistance. — With Agencies Inputs
Source: muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/thousands-rally-in-bihars-araria-against-new-waqf-law-vow-to-continue-agitation-until-repeal/
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42 arrested in Assam for ‘defending Pakistan’ after Pahalgam terror attack
May 5, 2025
Three more people have been apprehended from different parts of Assam for “defending Pakistan on Indian soil” following the Pahalgam terror attack, taking the total number of arrests to 42 so far, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said.
In a post on X on Sunday late night, Sarma said one person each was apprehended from Barpeta, Hojai and Chirang districts.
“#Update on Crackdown against traitors for defending Pakistan on Indian soil… Total of 42 Anti Nationals put behind BARS,” he added.
Earlier, opposition AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly defending Pakistan and its complicity in the Pahalgam terror attack.
On Friday, Sarma threatened to break the legs of those who raised ‘Pakistan zindabad’ slogan in the aftermath of the Jammu and Kashmir terror attack.
Addressing a campaign rally for the panchayat elections, he appealed to the people to pray and give strength to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army so that Pakistani terrorists hiding anywhere in the world can be brought for “breaking their legs”.
Terrorists struck Baisaran, a prime tourist location, in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on April 22, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pahalgam-attack-assam-arrests-defending-pakistan-9983338/
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BJP hits out at Rahul Gandhi for calling Lord Ram 'mythological figure', brands Congress anti-Hindu
04.05.25
The BJP on Sunday slammed Rahul Gandhi for calling Lord Ram a "mythological figure" and said the Congress leader had exposed his party's "anti-Hindu face".
During an interaction at a US university last month, Gandhi rejected the BJP's idea of what constitutes a Hindu and asserted all great Indian social reformers and political thinkers -- Jyotirao Phule, BR Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and even Guru Nanak, Basava and Budhha -- said the same thing, "Carry everybody with you, satya (truth) and ahimsa (non-violence)." "This, to me, is the bedrock of Indian tradition and history. I don't know of one person whom we consider great in India who wasn't of this type. I can't think of one. All are mythological figures. Lord Ram was of that time, where he was forgiving, he was compassionate," the Congress leader had said.
He had made the remarks after being asked how secular politics should be formulated in an era dominated by Hindu nationalism.
Reacting sharply to Gandhi's remarks, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called the former Congress chief "anti-Hindu" and asked him to change his party's name to "anti-Hindu Congress".
"Rahul Gandhi is the same person who had said Congress is the party of Muslims. The party that used words like Hindu terrorism, did not believe in the existence of Lord Ram and made every possible effort to not build the Ram temple in Ayodhya, its anti-Hindu face stands exposed today in front of more than 100 crore Hindus of the country," he told PTI.
Gandhi's remarks show that he takes Hindu sentiments for granted, he charged.
"Rahul Gandhi has also made it clear that the more a person abuses Hindus, Sanatan Dharma and Lord Ram, the more the chances are of such a person getting a promotion in the Congress. It is because Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are anti-Lord Ram and anti-Hindu by essence and characteristic," Bhandari said.
People of the country have rejected those who are anti-Sanatan, the opposition parties' "INDI alliance" and Rahul Gandhi and will continue to do so, he asserted.
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh termed Gandhi's remarks "unfortunate" and asked how the Congress leader would understand Lord Ram while looking at him through an "Italian" lens.
"Rahul Gandhi has been continuously insulting India's culture, history and its great personalities. People of the country will teach a lesson to those who are anti-Lord Ram," he told PTI.
BJP IT department head Amit Malviya said Gandhi and the Congress should stop "ridiculing the beliefs of billions of Hindus around the world".
"Bhagwan Ram is not a mythological figure. He embodies the values, culture and spiritual essence of Bharat. He represents 'maryada', sacrifice, and righteous leadership, which have shaped our civilisation for thousands of years. He is the soul of Bharat and central to who we are as people," he said in a post on X.
"Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should stop ridiculing the beliefs of billions of Hindus around the world. People like him and political parties will come and go but Bhagwan Ram will forever remain a timeless symbol of dharma and an inspiration for generations to come," Malviya said.
Accusing Gandhi of insulting Lord Ram and Hindus, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged the Congress had not only become an anti-national party but an anti-Hindu party as well.
"Rahul Gandhi calling Lord Ram a mythological figure is the same language that the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government had used in filing an affidavit (in the Supreme Court) in the Ram Setu case," he said and added people would never forgive the Congress for its "anti-Ram and anti-Hindu" mindset.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said the Congress had harboured such an "attitude" for a long time.
He told PTI, "Once they denied the Rameswaram Setu. They don't care about Lord Ram, Lord Shiva. We condemn this attitude."
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/bjp-hits-out-at-rahul-gandhi-for-calling-lord-ram-mythological-figure-brands-congress-anti-hindu/cid/2097469
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Odisha government junks Yusuf Pathan’s claim that Muslims from Bengal are being targeted
Subhashish Mohanty
05.05.25
Odisha law minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Sunday rejected TMC MP Yusuf Pathan’s allegations that Muslims from Bengal are being targeted in the state, asserting that the government is only acting against illegal migrants.
Pathan had written to Union home minister Amit Shah on May 2, alleging that systematic violence was being perpetrated against Muslim workers from Bengal in Odisha, forcing many to return home.
“The Odisha government is not deporting Muslims. We are only acting against those staying illegally—migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh without valid documents. No member of the Muslim community has been affected,” Harichandan said. “We will deport only those who are residing here without legal status.”
In the last week of April, around 40 workers from Malda returned from Sambalpur after allegedly being threatened and abused. A complaint was later lodged with Chanchal police in Malda, stating they were targeted for being from Bengal.
Urging Shah to intervene, Pathan wrote in his letter: “The systematic targeting of workers from West Bengal, especially those from the Muslim community, based on their regional identity, is deeply troubling… These acts violate the principles of unity, integrity and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution.”
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/odisha-government-junks-yusuf-pathans-claim-that-muslims-from-bengal-are-being-targeted-prnt/cid/2097500
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South Asia
Islamic Emirate supports media outlets adhering to religious and Afghan values, spokesman
May 4, 2025
KABUL: Khabib Ghufran, spokesperson of the Ministry of Information and Culture, said Saturday in a videotape that the Islamic Emirate supports the media outlets that adhere to religious and Afghan values and respect the privacy of individuals.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the spokesman stated that since the establishment of the Islamic Emirate, the ministry has been working to address the issues faced by the media in various fields.
“Over 15 media outlets have received operating licenses in the past year,” he said, urging all media to engage in responsible journalism.
May 3, is World Press Freedom Day, a day celebrated in many countries around the world to honor the importance of a free and independent press. This day highlights the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/islamic-emirate-supports-media-outlets-adhering-to-religious-and-afghan-values-spokesman/
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Islamic Emirate Vows Full Support for Returnees, Says Deputy Spokesman
2025-05-04
NANGARHAR (BNA): Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, Reviews the Situation of Returning Migrants at the Omari Camp in Torkham.
Bakhtar News Agency reported, during this visit, Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, was accompanied by Mawlavi Zabihullah Noorani, the director of Information and Culture in Nangarhar, and Mawlavi Siddiqullah Quraishi, Head of the Public Awareness Committee at Omari Camp in Torkham. He inspected the condition of returnee migrants and various committees in the Omari Camp up close.
He assessed the activities of the different committees working in Omari Camp for the returnee migrants in various fields as positive.
The Deputy Spokesman called on the officials of the Public Awareness Committee to convey comprehensive and honest information to the people and to further strengthen internal coordination.
He also assured the returnees that they will be supported in every way and emphasized that Afghanistan is the shared home of all Afghans.
He added that the officials of the Islamic Emirate, government institutions, and the people welcome the return of migrants and are ready to provide services to them.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-vows-full-support-for-returnees-says-deputy-spokesman/
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Ombudsman Prevents Forced Marriage in Qadis District, Badghis Province
2025-05-04
BADGHIS(BNA): The Ombudsman in Qadis district intervened to prevent a forced marriage in the Boya area, as reported by the press office of the Badghis provincial governor.
Authorities revealed that a widow’s father and brothers were attempting to marry her off without her consent, motivated by the prospect of a substantial dowry. The district Ombudsman acted promptly, halting the marriage and providing guidance on Islamic Sharia to those involved.
Emphasizing the rights of women, the Ombudsman stated that according to Islamic Sharia and directives from the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, women possess the same freedom as men in choosing their spouses. He urged all citizens to respect Islamic values and refrain from actions that contravene Sharia.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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Court seeks progress report on arrest warrants against Hasina, 17 others in plot scam by May 18
04 May 2025
DHAKA, May 4, 2025 (BSS) - The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court today instructed the police to submit the progress reports on execution of arrest warrants against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul and 16 others in Purbachal plot scam case by May 18.
Senior Special Judge of the court Md Zakir Hossain Galib fixed the fresh date as police failed to produce the report today, which was earlier fixed by the court. The same court on April 10 took the charge sheet against 18 people, including the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul into cognizance and issued warrant of arrest. The court also fixed May 4 for submitting the warrant execution report regarding the plot scam.
The other warrantees of the case are Administrative Officer of the Housing and Public Works Ministry Md Saiful Islam Sarkar, Senior Assistant Secretary of the ministry Purabi Goldar, Additional Secretary Kazi Wasiuddin, Secretary Md Shahidullah Khankar, former chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kotripokkha (Rajuk) Md Anisur Rahman Miah, former members of Rajuk Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Kabir Al Asad, Tanmoy Das, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Major (Eng) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury (Rtd), Md Nurul Islam, Director Sheikh Shahinul Islam, Deputy Directors Md Hafizur Rhman and Habibur Rahman, former prime minister’s private secretary-1 Mohammad Salah Uddin and former state minister for PWD and Housing Sharif Ahmed.
Assistant Director (AD) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Afnan Jannat Keya on January 12 filed a case against 16 people including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul for grabbing a 10-katha plot in Purbachal New Town Project. During the investigation, the ACC AD found involvement of two more persons and finally pressed charge sheet against 18 people. The Investigation Officer (IO) also enlisted names of16 persons as the prosecution witnesses of the case in the charge sheet.
According to the case, Saima Wazed Putul took a 10-katha plot in Purbachal project defying the rules and regulations of Rajuk and misusing her mother’s power and suppressing the facts that she has flat, plot and house in Dhanmondi area in the capital. Her mother Sheikh Hasina, holding the highest position of the government, influenced the concerned official of the ministry and Rajuk through misusing power and criminal misconduct. She (Putul), being an ineligible candidate, in connivance with each other, took the allotment of the plot without paying logical amount of money for her personal gain or with aims to ensure benefits for others.
The accused persons in connivance with each other committed the crimes in the allotment of the plot under Bangladesh Penal Code and Corruption Prevention laws.
Source: bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/news/269602
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Mideast
Gaza civil defense says 19 killed in Israeli strikes
May 05, 2025
GAZA: Gaza’s civil defense agency said two Israeli air strikes killed at least 19 people in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory’s north early Monday.
“Our teams found 15 martyrs and 10 wounded, mostly children and women, after an Israeli strike on three apartments” northwest of Gaza City, said the agency’s spokesman, Mahmud Bassal, adding that four other people were killed and four wounded in a strike on a house in Beit Lahiya city in the northwest.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2599571/middle-east
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Pope Francis’s popemobile set to become health clinic for Gaza children
May 04, 2025
VATICAN CITY: One of Pope Francis’s popemobiles is being transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling one of his final wishes, the Vatican’s official media outlet said on Sunday.
The vehicle, used by the late pontiff during his 2014 visit to the Holy Land, is being outfitted with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment to help young patients in the Palestinian enclave, where health services have been devastated by the Israeli invasion.
Pope Francis, who died last month, entrusted the initiative to the Catholic aid organization Caritas Jerusalem in the months before his death, Vatican News said.
“This is a concrete, life-saving intervention at a time when the health system in Gaza has almost completely collapsed,” Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, which is supporting the project, told Vatican News.
The mobile unit will be equipped with rapid infection tests, vaccines, diagnostic tools, and suture kits, and staffed by medical personnel. Caritas plans to deploy the clinic to communities without access to functioning health care facilities once humanitarian access to Gaza is feasible.
“It’s not just a vehicle,” Brune added. “It’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza.”
Gaza has a tiny Christian community and the Vatican has said Francis used to call the Holy Family Church in Gaza on an almost daily basis for much of the war, which started in October 2023 when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel.
Francis had a number of popemobiles, with the one used in the 2014 visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories staying in the region following his return to the Vatican.
A conclave to elect a new pope starts on May 7.
Source: arabnews.com
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Israel vows retaliation against Iran, Yemen’s Houthis over airport attack
May 04, 2025
TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed a response to Yemen’s Houthis and their Iranian backers after the militant group struck the area of Israel’s main airport, wounding six people and prompting several major airlines to suspend flights.
The strike came hours before Israel’s army confirmed the call-up of “tens of thousands” of reservists to expand the 19-month war in Gaza against Palestinian militants Hamas.
The military confirmed that the attack, which gouged a large crater in the perimeter of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, was launched from Yemen and had struck despite “several attempts... to intercept the missile.”
In a video published on Telegram, Netanyahu said Israel had “acted against” the Iran-backed group in the past and “will act in the future.”
“It will not happen in one bang, but there will be many bangs,” he added, without going into further detail.
Later on X, Netanyahu said Israel would also respond to Iran at “a time and place of our choosing.”
A police video showed officers standing on the edge of a deep hole in the ground with the control tower visible behind them. No damage was reported to airport infrastructure.
The police reported a “missile impact” at Israel’s main international gateway.
An AFP photographer said the missile hit near the parking lots of Terminal 3, the airport’s largest. The crater was just hundreds of meters from the tarmac.
Missile inside the airport
“You can see the area just behind us: a crater was formed here, several dozen meters wide and several dozen meters deep,” central Israel’s police chief, Yair Hezroni, said in the video.
“This is the first time” that a missile has directly struck inside the airport perimeter, an Israeli military spokesperson told AFP.
Earlier, the Houthis, who say they act in support of Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The group said their forces “carried out a military operation targeting Ben Gurion airport” with a “hypersonic ballistic missile.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened a forceful response, saying: “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.”
Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad later hailed the attack on the airport.
Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service said it had treated at least six people with light to moderate injuries.
An AFP journalist inside the airport at the time of the attack said he heard a “loud bang” at around 9:35 am local time, adding that the “reverberation was very strong.”
“Security staff immediately asked hundreds of passengers to take shelter, some in bunkers,” the AFP journalist said.
“Many passengers are now waiting for their flights to take off, and others are trying to find alternative flights.”
An incoming Air India flight was diverted to Abu Dhabi, an airport official told AFP.
It was one of the airlines to suspend Tel Aviv flights until Tuesday along with Italy’s ITA Airways and Germany’s Lufthansa Group, which includes Austrian, Eurowings and SWISS. Air France announced the cancelation of Sunday flights.
The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, have launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war.
Israel resumed major operations across Gaza on March 18 amid a deadlock over how to proceed with a two-month ceasefire that had largely stopped the war.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2599526/middle-east
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Flights again halted to Israel after Houthi missile lands near airport
May 04, 2025
JERUSALEM: European and US carriers canceled flights for the next several days after a missile fired by the Houthis on Sunday landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main international travel gateway.
Many foreign airlines subsequently suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv after the missile hit, sending a plume of smoke into the air and causing panic among passengers in the terminal building.
Following a ceasefire deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas in January, foreign carriers had begun to resume flights to Israel after halting them for much of the last year and a half since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
That left flag carrier El Al Airlines — along with smaller rivals Arkia and Israir — with a near monopoly. El Al’s shares rose 7 percent, while Israir gained 4.1 percent in a flat broader Tel Aviv market on Sunday.
Delta Air Lines said it canceled Sunday’s flight from JFK in New York to Tel Aviv and the return flight from Tel Aviv on Monday. United canceled its twice daily flights between Tel Aviv and Newark while it monitors the situation.
Earlier, flights from Tel Aviv on Delta and United on Sunday morning departed about 90 minutes late.
Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels and Austrian, said it had halted flights to and from Tel Aviv through Tuesday due to the current situation.
ITA said it had canceled flights from Italy to Israel through Wednesday, while Air France canceled flights on Sunday, saying customers were transferred to flights on Monday. TUS flights to and from Cyprus were canceled through Monday, while Air India flights from New Delhi were halted on Sunday.
Ryanair suspended flights on Sunday but flights are still scheduled for Monday, according to the Israel Airports Authority. Wizz also halted flights.
“I’m afraid it’s going to be very difficult to go back to France because all European carriers, from what I see on the information (board), have canceled. Lufthansa have canceled, Swiss have canceled, Brussels (Airlines), so no connection is possible,” said Michael Sceemes, 56, whose Air France flight was canceled.
Aegean, flydubai and Ethiopian did not cancel flights.
El Al said it would reintroduce rescue flights to Israel from Larnaca and Athens for passengers stranded by foreign carriers at a cost of $99 and $149, respectively.
Udi Bar Oz, head of Ben Gurion Airport, said the airport was up and running less than 30 minutes after the missile hit a road nearby.
Claiming responsibility for the strike, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said Israel’s main airport was “no longer safe for air travel.”
The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, began targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping in late 2023, during the early days of the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.
US President Donald Trump in March ordered large-scale strikes against the Houthis to deter them from targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to respond to the Houthis. “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future ... There will be more blows,” he said.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2599521/middle-east
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Ayatollah Khamenei: If Islamic Ummah united, Palestinian issue would not fabricated, Yemen would not subjected to these pressures
04 May 2025
Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Sayyed Ali Khamenei has emphasized that the interest of Muslims lies in their unity, and no other interest is above it.
He said: If the Islamic Ummah had been united, the Palestinian issue would not have been fabricated, what is happening now in Gaza would not have happened, and Yemen would not have been subjected to all these pressures.
This came, according to the Iranian News Agency (IRNA) during his meeting on Sunday with a group of officials from the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization.
His Eminence considered the division and separation of the Islamic Ummah a condition for imposing the interests and ambitions of the colonialists, America, the Zionist entity, and other arrogant powers on peoples.
He said: With the unity of the Ummah, security is established, and progress, solidarity, and cooperation among Islamic countries become possible. The opportunity of Hajj must also be viewed within this framework.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Knowing and understanding the various objectives and dimensions of the Hajj rituals by pilgrims to the House of God is a very important prelude to performing this duty correctly.”
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3475869.htm
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Southeast Asia
Anwar holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo on strengthening bilateral ties and Asean Summit
05 May 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held discussions Saturday with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Anwar said the telephone conversation addressed both nations’ need to strengthen cooperation across various fields.
“President Prabowo and I believe this close Malaysia-Indonesia relationship can benefit all our people.
“We also discussed preparations for the 2025 Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur later this month,” Anwar said.
Prabowo also extended an invitation to him for an official visit to Jakarta soon, the Prime Minister added. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Court sets Oct 2 trial for Fahmi’s defamation suits against Papagomo, preacher and Kuang Facebook account holder
05 May 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — The trial of Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil’s defamation suits against three individuals, including blogger Papagomo, whose real name is Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, will begin on October 2 at the High Court here.
Fahmi filed the suits separately against Wan Muhammad Azri, freelance preacher Ahmad Dusuki Abd Rani, and the Facebook account “N13 Kuang” holder Mohd Fauzan Madzlan, on September 5, 2023, over an allegation that he (Fahmi), who is also Lembah Pantai MP, misused a place of worship by giving a political speech at a mosque in Rawang, Selangor.
Lawyer Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi, representing Fahmi, told reporters after the proceeding today that Judge Roz Mawar Rozain had allowed his client’s application for his lawsuits against the three defendants to be heard together.
“The court then set the dates for the trial on October 2 and 3,” he said.
Today’s proceeding was also attended by lawyer Mohammed Zamri Ibrahim, representing Mohd Fauzan.
According to his statement of claim, Fahmi alleges that the three defendants, Wan Muhammad Azri, Ahmad Dusuki and Mohd Fauzan, had published defamatory statements accusing him of misusing the mosque for election campaigning purposes and acting contrary to the decrees and orders of the Sultan of Selangor.
Fahmi claims that the defamatory statements were published on Mohd Fauzan’s Facebook account, as well as on Ahmad Dusuki’s Facebook and Instagram accounts on July 31, 2023, and on Wan Muhammad Azri’s TikTok and Facebook accounts on August 1, the same year.
According to Fahmi, the statements by the defendants are baseless, and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council has confirmed that he did not make any political speech as alleged by the defendants.
He is seeking general, aggravated, or exemplary damages and an injunction to prevent all defendants from repeating or causing the republication of the defamatory statements. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Visitors drawn to historic mosques pavilion in Jakarta
May 04, 2025
RIYADH: Visitors to the Jusoor exhibition, which was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Jakarta, Indonesia, were attracted to the pavilion showcasing the historic mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
The pavilion featured illustrated panels and information on the mosques that have played a pivotal role in Islamic history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among them were the Quba Mosque — the first established in Islam — and the Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where Prophet Muhammad received the command to change the qibla (direction of prayer). Also featured was the Al-Jum’ah Mosque, where the Prophet is said to have led his first Friday prayer. Other historically significant mosques were also highlighted.
Presented in a visually engaging and informative manner, the exhibition included rare photographs and detailed architectural renderings that placed the spotlight on the spiritual importance of these sacred sites.
It also reinforced the deep emotional and historic connection Muslims around the world have with the legacy of the Prophet’s life and mission, the SPA added.
The pavilion was part of the exhibition’s broader goal to promote Islamic values and underscore Saudi Arabia’s leading role in preserving, maintaining, and documenting historic mosques as part of its custodianship of Islamic heritage.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2599488/saudi-arabia
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Europe
Holocaust Survivor Attends Interfaith Victory in Europe DayCelebration At UK’s Oldest Mosque
by Mathilde Grandjean
May 04, 2025
A Holocaust survivor who attended an interfaith VE Day anniversary celebration at the UK’s oldest mosque has said it is “absolutely vital” that future generations remember the past.
The event, which also honoured the 1.5 million Muslim fighters who lost their lives during the Second World War, took place at the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, Surrey – the oldest purpose-built mosque in the UK and northern Europe.
John Hajdu, 88, attended the gathering on Sunday to give a speech about his story of survival as a Jewish child in Hungary under Nazi rule.
Mr Hajdu, who now lives in Muswell Hill in north London, told the PA news agency: “I was invited to come because it’s an interfaith event and I give talks to schools and universities and adults, and quite often to Muslim schools or Catholic schools.
“It’s absolutely vital that we all together understand what happened and we all remember what happened and we talk to each other, and then pass the message on to our children and grandchildren.”
Mr Hajdu was born in Budapest in April 1937 to a middle class Jewish family which he described as “not particularly religious”.
He was only four years old when Hungary entered the war allied to Nazi Germany in 1941.
Two years later, his father was taken to a forced labour camp for Jewish men.
Mr Hajdu said: “It’s only once the restrictions started, and my father had to go into the forced labour camp, that the first signs were that things are going to get much worse.
“We had to take food for my father, who was very badly treated.
“And then my mother had to look after me and the flat on our own.”
On April 5 1944 an order was made for all Jews to wear a yellow star as a mark of identification, and by June, Mr Hajdu and his mother were forced to move into a designated “yellow star” house.
Mr Hajdu said: “A yellow star house had a yellow star on the front gate, and we had to wear a yellow star.
“And we’re only allowed out of the block between two and five in the afternoon, which meant that that was the only time we could go out and buy some food – abused on the way by the Nazis’ the Arrow Cross party, and you had to be careful where you went, because you could have been beaten or even killed.”
In October 1944, as members of the Arrow Cross Party began rounding up Jewish women and children from the Budapest yellow houses, Mr Hajdu’s aunt Iby ran away with him and “begged” a non-Jewish neighbour to hide them.
Mr Hajdu said: “It was the most unbelievable situation. It was terrifying.
“He agreed that we should hide in the cupboard, and we were fortunate enough not to be discovered.
“But if we would have been discovered, we would have been, without any doubt, shot – including the non-Jewish neighbour.”
Mr Hajdu said his aunt’s action that day “unquestionably” saved his life, while his mother was taken and later marched to the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria.
Mr Hajdu and his aunt were soon forced to move into Budapest’s Jewish ghetto.
He told PA: “The ghetto was 290 buildings with 15 to 20 of us in each flat, in an area which was only for Jews.
“All the non-Jews were moved out, and this was in an area surrounded by a wall and four gates guarded by the Arrow Cross.
“We only had horse meat and drippings and water had to be brought up from the streets, you didn’t want to go out, because if you went out, you could have been certainly beaten or shot by the Arrow Cross Party.
“People were dying on the street. I was always very hungry.”
On January 17 1945, the Soviet troops surrounded and liberated the Budapest ghetto, allowing Mr Hajdu and his aunt to get out.
He said: “That’s when we found out that the ghetto was mined by the Nazis to be blown up but they didn’t have enough time, fortunately, because of the quick advance of the Russian army.
“And so we were saved again.”
Mr Hajdu later learned his mother “miraculously” survived the Mauthausen concentration camp and was liberated by American soldiers in May 1945.
His father had also managed to escape the forced labour camp but, having thought his wife dead, had moved to Romania where he had started a new relationship with a local woman.
Mr Hajdu and his mother fled Hungary after the war, and arrived in the UK in February 1957 where they settled in London.
Asked what message he would like to pass on to future generations, Mr Hajdu said: “The message is: you must teach.
“Those who are survivors must take every opportunity to talk about what happened to us, to teach the current generation about what happened, to ask them to pass the message on, and the message is that what happened to us must never be forgotten.”
The VE Day event also saw Lord Khan lay a wreath of flowers at the memorial within Woking’s Peace Garden – where 19 Muslim soldiers from the Great War and eight Muslim soldiers from the Second World War are buried.
The ceremony was attended by the Shah Jahan Mosque’s Imam Hafiz Hashmi, the Bishop of Guildford Andrew John Watson, and Rabbi Alex Goldberg, who is the Dean of Religious Life at the University of Surrey in Guildford.
Source: msn.com
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Eight arrested in two separate anti-terror operations
05 May 2025
Seven Iranian nationals are among eight men arrested in two major counter-terrorism investigations that took place separately on Saturday.
Five of the arrests were part of a "pre-planned" investigation into an alleged plot to "target a specific premises", the Metropolitan Police said.
Dramatic footage taken in Rochdale showed one man removed from a house by armed officers - while another was filmed being dragged through the street in Swindon with plastic bags placed over his arms.
As part of a separate investigation led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) - responsible for leading counter-terror and espionage investigations - three other Iranian men were arrested in London on Saturday.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the operations, worked on by hundreds of police officers and staff, were among "the biggest counter state threat and counter terrorism operations" in recent years.
Cdr Dominic Murphy, the CTC's head, stressed that they were not treating the two investigations into "separate incidents" as linked.
He said the operations were "certainly significant and it is unusual for us to conduct this scale of activity".
Four of the five men arrested at locations across England - two aged 29, one aged 40 and another aged 46 - are Iranian nationals. Police said the nationality and age of the fifth were still being established.
The men were arrested in Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale and Manchester, and remain in police custody.
In a video captured by a resident, officers can be seen using an explosive to gain entry to a property. In another, officers carrying firearms and wearing helmets can be seen leading the suspect around the side of a house.
Video captured by a member of the public in Swindon shows officers wearing balaclavas and plain clothes, who can be seen dragging a suspect, with clear plastic bags over his arms, through a pedestrianised area.
One eyewitness told the BBC that six men entered a cafe the suspect was in and sat opposite him, before ordering coffee and donuts.
When the man left, they followed him out and "jumped on" him in the street "just near a Costa coffee", they said.
Police said the investigation that led to the England-wide arrests related to a suspected plot to target a "specific premises", which it did not name.
The "affected site" had been made aware and is being supported by police, the Met added.
Cdr Murphy said he was unable to discuss specifics of the alleged plot to target the site.
Four of the men were detained under the Terrorism Act. The fifth man was arrested under the Police and Criminal Evidence (Pace) Act.
All five were also arrested on suspicion of preparation of an act of terrorism.
It is understood that military personnel assisted in the Rochdale raid.
The investigation into the five men is being led by the Met's CTC, supported by officers from Greater Manchester Police and Wiltshire Police, as well as counter-terrorism officers from across the country.
Cdr Murphy said: "The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter."
Investigators would "continue to work tirelessly", he said, adding that there were "several hundred officers and staff working on this".
In the separate operation, the Met said three men - aged 39, 44 and 55 - were arrested under section 27 the National Security Act at separate addresses in north-west and west London, and had been taken into custody while searches continued.
The act covers offences deemed a threat to national security. Section 27 grants police the power to arrest someone without a warrant if they are reasonably suspected of being involved in "foreign power threat activity".
Cooper said the number and nature of the arrests "reflects the complexity of the kinds of challenges to our national security that we continue to face".
She thanked police and security services "for the action they have taken to keep our country safe".
Last year, the head of MI5, Ken McCallum, said that since 2022, it had responded to 20 plots backed by Iran, which presented "potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents".
Source: bbc.com
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Ed Sheeran renames pub and puts on 'surprise' gig
05 May 2025
Fans of Ed Sheeran have been treated to a "surprise" gig at a pub in his home county that he is taking over for a fortnight.
The Thomas Wolsey in Ipswich town centre has been re-branded as The Old Phone - named after one of Sheeran's latest songs.
The pub will be known by that name for two weeks, before it reverts to its actual name again.
Music-lovers have been speaking of their delight at seeing the global star perform on their doorstep.
Rachel Clements, 28, from Stowmarket, said she was "very excited that he's doing something this small, in our home town".
Ms Clements said she was hoping to hear his latest track and new material from his Play album, which includes a song called Old Phone.
"We had one of his songs as our wedding song last year, so in a way I'm hoping he'll do that," she added.
Ms Clements was among the many fans who responded to an Ed Sheeran WhatsApp message to get tickets.
People were also waiting to see if they might be let in if there was space.
It is the latest instalment of Sheeran's pop-up pub concept.
He has previously opened versions of The Old Phone in Ipswich, Massachusetts, US, for one night, and another one at the Coachella festival in California.
Alyssa Ali, 20, from Florida in the US, had been in London where she has been studying for a month.
She fortuitously decided to come to Ipswich this weekend, as part of her travels around the UK.
Sheeran grew up in Framlingham, about 15 miles north of Ipswich, but he is known for being an avid Ipswich Town fan and has sponsored their shirts, and he played gigs at other pubs in the town before he became famous.
"I love Ed and have been a fan for a decade," said Ms Ali.
"So I had to come to his hometown and go around Ipswich, and I was here yesterday, and then he decided to pop-up here in this pub, and my hotel's eight minutes walk from there, so we ran over here as soon as I found out, hoping to get in.
"I'm so nervous because I don't know if I'll be able to get in. I'm just so excited to be in his presence again."
She said she was very much looking forward to hearing his new songs.
Michael Marron, 38, from Ipswich, was also hoping to see Sheeran perform.
"Delighted, we saw him do this show in America and we were wondering if he would do something like this in Ipswich.
"It's great that he's come back to Ipswich and he's entertaining the people of Suffolk."
Sheeran is known for playing impromptu gigs in Suffolk's county town, including one on the Town Hall steps in 2022.
"It's a buzz, and he always goes the extra mile for the people of Suffolk," said Mr Marron.
"I remember he was here not so long ago and he gifted a guitar to a primary school child. It's great to see celebrities do that."
It is understood music bloggers, influencers and selected fans were invited or picked at random to attend the gig.
Last week, the musician announced a a run of three gigs at Ipswich Town's Portman Road in July. He is also a minority stakeholder in the club, which has just been relegated from the Premier League.
The Thomas Wolsey is named after one of Ipswich's most famous sons - Henry VIII's right hand man Cardinal Wolsey, whose statue is just along the road from the pub.
Source: bbc.com
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Labour minister sorry over grooming gangs remark
04 May 2025
Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell has sought to clarify her remarks after she appeared to describe grooming gangs as a "dog whistle" issue, prompting a backlash from political opponents.
During a heated debate on BBC Radio 4's Any Questions on Friday, commentator and Reform UK member Tim Montgomerie asked Powell if she had seen a recent Channel 4 documentary on grooming gangs.
Powell responded "oh, we want to blow that little trumpet now do we" and "let's get that dog whistle out shall we".
But on Saturday, the Labour minister said she regarded child exploitation and grooming with the "utmost seriousness", adding: "I'm sorry if this was unclear."
Powell said: "I was challenging the political point scoring around it, not the issue itself. As a constituency MP I've dealt with horrendous cases."
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said politicians sometimes say things "in the heat of debate" that "come across badly".
"She's mortified and she does not want and would not want people who've campaigned on, or been victims of, these most appalling crimes to think she was in any way trying to undermine those experiences or those arguments," he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
During the political debate programme, Montgomerie was asked about Reform UK's pledge to replicate the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) - including by cutting diversity and inclusions roles within councils - following its successes in Thursday's local elections.
Montgomerie said the UK was "one of the most tolerant [countries] in the world", but argued there "always needs to be more progress on racial issues".
He said: "It's not so much the amount of money that is spent on employing diversity officers.
"You talk to a lot of civil servants, the amount of time they now have to spend monitoring this issue [of diversity] above all others is an extraordinary diversion."
Powell called his claims "absolutely rubbish", and told Montgomerie to spend a day with council staff to "actually see what they're dealing with".
Montgomerie then asked Powell if she "saw the documentary on Channel 4 about rape gangs", to which she responded: "Oh, we want to blow that little trumpet now do we. Let's get that dog whistle out shall we."
Channel 4 released Groomed: A National Scandal earlier this week.
The documentary features five women who recount the abuse they suffered at the hands of grooming gangs, which it said revealed failures by police and social services.
It elicited reaction from several high-profile Conservative figures, including former home secretary Suella Braverman and former prime minister Liz Truss. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Wednesday there had already been an inquiry, the recommendations of which his government would implement. He told Parliament that Labour was "delivering truth and justice for victims".
Labour peer Baroness Hazarika said she was "disgusted" by "sickening" stories of grooming gangs, adding: "Many of us in the Muslim community are absolutely as appalled as anyone else."
Following Friday's exchange on Any Questions, shadow home secretary Chris Philp called for Powell to resign over her remarks, which he said "belittles thousands of girls who were raped by grooming gangs over decades".
Robert Jenrick, the shadow lord chancellor, said Powell's comments were "a disgusting betrayal of the victims".
A Reform UK spokesman said Powell's "abhorrent comments truly demonstrate how out of touch the Labour Party is".
He went on: "She does not take the mass rape of young girls by predominantly Pakistani men seriously. The mask has slipped.
"After these comments, Keir Starmer should consider if Lucy Powell is fit to serve."
Powell said the comments were made "in the heat of a discussion" and the government was "acting to get to the truth, and deliver justice".
The BBC understands that Downing Street accepts Powell's apology and her explanation that her comments did not reflect her views on the issue.
Source: bbc.com
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Ukraine critic wins first round of Romanian presidential election rerun
4 May, 2025
George Simion, a critic of the EU who has been banned from entering Ukraine, won the first round of the rerun of the Romanian presidential election on Sunday.
With more than 95% of the ballots counted, Simion, the leader of the right-wing Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), received 40.52% of the votes, according to the news website G4 Media.
Former Senator Crin Antonescu and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, both known for their pro-EU views, each received a little over 20%.
“This is not just an electoral victory, it is a victory of Romanian dignity. It is the victory of those who have not lost hope, of those who still believe in Romania, a free, respected, sovereign country,” Simion said after the exit polls were published, according to Reuters.
The vote took place after Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the results of the election held in November, in which independent right-wing candidate Calin Georgescu received 23% of the votes.
The court cited “irregularities” in Georgescu’s campaign, as well as intelligence reports claiming that the Kremlin had meddled in the election. Moscow rejected these claims of interference at the time as “anti-Russia hysteria.”
In March, the Central Electoral Bureau barred Georgescu from running again, citing his alleged “anti-democratic” and “extremist” stance, as well as a failure to comply with electoral procedures.
On Sunday, Georgescu and Simion arrived at a polling station together. “We are here with a single mission: to restore constitutional order and democracy,” Simion told reporters.
In November 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said that Simion had been blacklisted for his “systematic anti-Ukrainian activities, which contradict the national interests of Ukraine and violate its state sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Simion argued that he was targeted because of his “promotion of historical truth” among the Romanian minority in western Ukraine. He was also banned from entering neighboring Moldova, which he labeled “an artificial country” that “will never join the European Union.”
Simion has opposed the delivery of weapons to Kiev. “We will not send military aid to Ukraine, and that doesn’t make us pro-Russian,” he told reporters last year.
He has also criticized EU bureaucrats. “The EU is a remarkable project that brought peace to Europe after centuries of war, but Brussels has become a greedy and corrupt bubble,” according to the politician.
Source: rt.com
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Russia standing alone against West – Putin
4 May, 2025
Russia is standing alone against the West, which is waging an “existential war” against the country, President Vladimir Putin has said.
Putin made the remarks in a documentary titled ‘Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 years,’ filmed by Rossiya-1 broadcaster and released on Sunday. The film marks the 25-year anniversary of Putin becoming the country’s president for the first time. He inaugurated on May 7, 2000.
The documentary features conversations between Putin and journalist Pavel Zarubin on various matters, including the hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, as well as a broader conflict between Moscow and the West.
“Russia is essentially standing alone against the collective West. This required a serious attitude to the possible development of the situation in this particular sense,” Putin stated.
It has been clear from the early 2000s that the West has been acting “insidiously” against Russia, speaking about one thing and doing the opposite, Putin noted. The West’s failure to hear Russia’s repeated warnings, as well as its refusal to fully recognize the country’s sovereignty and respect its national interests, has ultimately led to the ongoing crisis, the president explained.
“This ‘civilized world’ decided that Russia had weakened, historical Russia called the Soviet Union had collapsed, and the remaining parts needed to be finished off. The largest of them was the Russian Federation, and it also needed to be partitioned into 4-5 pieces. I was responsible for the future of the country. Of course, I began working to ensure that this never happened,” he said.
Moscow has repeatedly described the hostilities in Ukraine as a Western proxy war against Russia, in which Ukrainians are being used as “cannon fodder.” Russian officials have argued that the US and other Western powers intentionally escalated tensions by disregarding Moscow’s security concerns over NATO’s expansion in Eastern Europe and its growing military cooperation with Ukraine.
Russia and the collective West ended up locked into an “existential war,” Putin stressed, adding that many in the West have now openly admitted that. Back in March, for instance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the conflict as “frankly, a proxy war between nuclear powers – the United States, helping Ukraine, and Russia” and said the West should abandon its dead-end strategy of propping up Kiev “for as long as it takes.”
Source: rt.com
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North America
Georgia Republican Rep Objects To Halal Restaurant, Says It's Like 'Muslim Conquest Of Jerusalem In 7th Century'
May 4, 2025
Georgia Republican Rep Mike Collins objected to a new Halal restaurant coming up in the Capitol Complex to replace famous Steak n' Shake and said it's equivalent to the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in the 7th century. Upcoming CHA Street Food is an American-influenced Asian restaurant.
"Known for their American-influenced Asian cuisine, CHA Street Food will serve breakfast, bowls, sandwiches, wraps, a wide array of sides, and specialty drinks," said an email announcement going out to staffers and members of Congress. "Favorites include their Zinger Burger, Chicken Tikka Roll (or salad), and samosa appetizers. Additionally, CHA Street Food will offer rewards points, online ordering, and bulk-order catering."
"Imagine being this fragile—comparing a new restaurant lease to a 7th-century military conquest because your milkshake joint got replaced. It’s not a caliphate, it’s capitalism. If Steak ‘n Shake mattered that much, maybe you should’ve eaten there," one wrote.
"It really takes a small person to be threatened by ethnic food. I mean, wow. Just wow," another wrote.
Major food overhaul in Capitol Hill office
After a 10-year run, vendor Sodexo is out of the Capitol complex and according to the email sent to staffers, Metz Culinary Management will take over beginning in August. Construction will start that month, but “rest assured that Members and staff will still have options for grabbing breakfast, lunch and coffee throughout the construction process,” the memo said.
The changes come after two major renovations, with Dunkin’ being closed for an extended period of time and &Pizza, which shuttered last August, to be replaced by a renovated coffee shop, Politico reported.
“The incoming vendors represent a broad range of food service operators who will deliver diverse and popular food options,” according to the email.
Starbucks will replace Dunkin’ in the Longworth House Office Building, Panera Bread will replace Au Bon Pain in the Cannon House Office Building, and acai bowl joint Freshens will replace Jamba Juice in Longworth. Jimmy John’s will replace Subway in Rayburn, with PX Tacos and Java House replacing the current Common Grounds coffee shop in that building.
Source: indiatimes.com
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Trump pushes for ‘total dismantlement’ of Iran’s nuclear program
5 May, 2025
US President Donald Trump has said he wants Iran to completely scrap its nuclear program, as negotiations between the two countries have been postponed.
The president was asked by Kristen Welker on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday whether he was aiming to limit or completely abolish Iran’s nuclear program.
“Total dismantlement. Yes, that is all I would accept,” Trump said. He questioned the necessity of the Islamic Republic having nuclear technology for electricity generation.
“They have so much oil – why do they need it? … Civilian [nuclear] energy often leads to military wars. And we don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple deal,” he said.
“I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon because the world will be destroyed,” Trump added.
He made his remarks after Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi announced that the fourth round of indirect, mediated US-Iran talks, planned for Saturday, had been postponed indefinitely “for logistical reasons.”
The negotiations, previously described by both sides as constructive, have been overshadowed by tensions in Yemen, where the US and Britain have ramped up airstrikes against the Houthi militants.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate after a Houthi ballistic missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv on Sunday, injuring eight people.
The Houthis said they were aiming for a “comprehensive air blockade” of Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Iran denied directing the attacks, calling such claims “misleading.”
Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 UN-backed deal on Iran’s nuclear program during his first term in office, accusing the Islamic Republic of secretly violating the agreement. Tehran has denied any wrongdoing but has since rolled back its own commitments under the deal and increased its stockpile of enriched uranium.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned last month that the country would resist any “pressure and threat” from the US.
Source: rt.com
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The empire returns: The new global order for the new world
4 May, 2025
Changes in the modern world suggest that the imperial order may not be so morally obsolete after all. Empires could return to world politics – not only as dark shadows of the past.
‘Empire’ may soon become a buzzword for discussing the direction in which the world’s political organization is heading. US President Donald Trump’s incessant talk of annexing Canada and Greenland to the US, the musings of Dutch politicians about splitting up Belgium – these are just the first sips of the great debate that will inevitably emerge as the order created in the second half of the 20th century unravels.
This order, it should be remembered, was based on granting independence to as many peoples as possible. The US, which promoted this concept, always assumed it was much easier to subjugate small and weak countries economically than to deal with large territorial powers.
The new ‘empire game’ is being launched by the West, while the rest of the world looks on – though not necessarily eager to join in. As always, Russia – whose supposed intent to restore an empire is a favorite thesis of US and European military propaganda – has acted with restraint, especially in relation to countries of the former Soviet Union. Russian observers, of course, have their own ideas when neighboring states look fragile or hostile powers try to exploit their territory to harm Russia.
In academic and popular literature, the concept of ‘empire’ is among the most compromised – largely thanks to American authors. In the popular imagination, it is associated either with the ancient world or with the era when aging European empires, including Russia, sought to impose their will on the rest of humanity. Ultimately, this culminated in World War I (1914-18), in which virtually every empire perished – physically or politically. Later, the US, which had rejected imperialism, and Russia, reborn as the USSR, rose to global prominence. They soon began calling each other empires, reinforcing the term’s negative connotation.
Even today, using the word ‘empire’ as a strategic foreign policy goal is considered the domain of political outliers. This is especially true because friendly nations in the Global South that are aligned with Russia view empires with deep suspicion. To them, empires represent European colonizers who brought nothing but plunder, followed by neocolonial domination through bribed elites and exploitative economic deals.
In this respect, Russia was never an empire in the European sense of the word. Its core principle was the integration of local elites into the Russian state and the development of new territories. A striking indicator is the demographic statistics of Central Asia since its incorporation into Russia, especially during its time in the USSR. There is reason to believe that the current demographic boom in the five republics of the region is still supported by the health and social policies of the 20th century. Whether that continues, as these countries gravitate towards a South Asian model with harsher climates, remains to be seen.
Even now, the concept of empire remains mostly negative. However, in recent decades, it has increasingly been applied to the US, and occasionally, to Europe. The ‘American empire’ has become a staple in public debate, referring to Washington’s ability to enlist many countries in its foreign policy ventures. As for Europe, it’s mostly rhetorical. While Western European powers maintain some influence over their former colonies, it can hardly be called imperial. Talk of the EU as an empire quickly turns into satire. A “blooming garden” may sound nice, but an empire – with its sense of unchallenged might and unchecked expansion – is something modern the bloc is ill-equipped to embody.
Yet there are now signs that empires may return to world politics – not just as echoes of the past. First, in a functional sense: As a way of organizing security and development in a chaotic world, both for the empire’s own people (Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ springs to mind) and for other nations under its wing. These discussions are becoming inevitable as old frameworks collapse and crises grow – whether we like it or not.
In the West, this discussion uses different language than history books do. But the idea is the same: Improve conditions at home by extending control abroad. Traditional economic partnerships no longer suffice. The competition from other great powers is too fierce. Trump often warns that if the US doesn’t take Canada or Greenland, China or Russia will. Russia, of course, has no such plans. But it’s becoming axiomatic that direct administrative control is seen as essential for future security.
There are good reasons for this, grounded in reality. International institutions are failing. The UN, hampered by Western sabotage, is becoming almost a symbolic organization. While Russia will continue to defend the UN’s role and international law – perhaps even successfully – the weakening of 20th-century institutions hasn’t led to credible replacements. BRICS is an impressive exception but does not aim to replace national governments in their core functions.
The EU, an old-style institution, is slowly drifting towards disintegration. Other international bodies have no real means to compel members to meet obligations. As a result, the major powers propping up these institutions are left disillusioned.
Even developments in science and tech fuel imperial discussions. While the author is no expert here, it’s clear that AI competition could lead to ‘digital empires’ –zones of dominance by tech giants from capable states. Another factor is the failure of some countries to maintain peace in their neighborhoods, reviving questions about whether imperial models are as obsolete as once thought.
But empires are hugely expensive. Even Western empires paid dearly to maintain their reach – remember Kipling’s grim lines about British soldiers’ fate after retirement in the likes of ‘Tommy’ and ‘The Last of the Light Brigade’? That’s why Britain and France happily shed their empires mid-century. Russia later realized it didn’t need vast territories, contributing to the USSR’s collapse. Still, in places like Tbilisi, some locals quietly express nostalgia for being part of a great power’s multicultural elite.
Another key obstacle is the contribution of new territories to the core state’s stability and prosperity. Russia isn’t trying to recreate an empire because it is now a different kind of state – combining imperial traits with principles unfamiliar to Europe, especially the equality of its citizens. True equality demands cultural cohesion, or at least a foundation for it. Russia and the USSR historically overextended this idea, often to their detriment. Today, Russia seeks new ways to ensure its neighbors’ security without harming its own interests.
Source: rt.com
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Trump speaks out on potential third term
4 May, 2025
US President Donald Trump has ruled out running for office for a third term, suggesting he would like “a great Republican” to succeed him.
The president made the remarks on Sunday in an interview with NBC News when asked about repeated suggestions he might seek reelection. Such a move would require a major overhaul of the US electoral system, given the presidential terms are limited to two only by the US Constitution.
Trump claimed that while “many people” want him to run for office again, he will not seek reelection. He also appeared to question the nature of the restrictions on the number of terms.
“So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that. But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do. I don’t know if that’s constitutional, that they’re not allowing you to do it or anything else,” he said.
The earlier remarks on the matter sparked fears that Trump could ultimately opt to rewire the whole US electoral system to try and stay in power. Multiple high-profile Republicans, however, have insisted the president was only joking about a third turn.
The concerns were reinforced by the emergence of a new line of ‘TRUMP 2028’ merchandise on his official campaign store last month. The store offers baseball caps and T-shirts, featuring ‘TRUMP 2028’ and ‘Rewrite the Rules’ slogans.
The US president appeared to distance himself from the merchandise despite its availability at his official store.
“There are many people selling the 2028 hat, but this is not something I’m looking to do. I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody. Ideally, a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward. But I think we’re going to have four years and I think four years is plenty of time to do something really spectacular,” he said.
Asked about a potential successor, Trump said it was too early to endorse one. The US administration and the Republican Party have several prominent individuals to pick from, the president suggested.
“I think [the party is] so strong, and I think we have tremendous people. I think we have a tremendous group of people. We talked about a number of them. You look at Marco. You look at J.D. Vance, who’s fantastic. You look at I could name 10, 15, 20 people right now just sitting here,” he said.
Source: rt.com
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Arab World
First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
May 04, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7.
The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
It will cover key topics such as enhancing transparency and governance in the tourism sector, combating corruption, and boosting international partnerships and expertise exchange among member states and regional and international organizations.
The discussions aim to support sustainable development and promote a trustworthy and safe tourism environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The forum is expected to attract international participation from more than 40 countries and 10 regional and international organizations.
Attendees will include ministers, heads, and representatives of anti-corruption bodies from OIC member states, as well as key international organizations like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, and the UN Development Programme. Local and international experts will also take part.
Organizing the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global efforts promoting transparency and accountability in tourism, according to the SPA.
The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s recognition of tourism as a key driver of sustainable development, in line with Vision 2030. It aims to build a thriving tourism sector, diversify national income sources, and stimulate economic growth.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2599536/saudi-arabia
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Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador
May 04, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iraqi president invites King Salman to upcoming Arab summits in Baghdad
May 04, 2025
RIYADH: King Salman received an official invitation from Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid on Sunday to attend the 34th regular session of the Arab League Council at the summit level, as well as the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, both set to be hosted by Iraq later this month.
The invitation was delivered to Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting in Riyadh with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Mohammed Hussein, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials discussed ties between the two countries and reviewed key regional and international developments.
The meeting was also attended by Saud Al-Sati, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Political Affairs.
Source: arabnews.com
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Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival to start this week in Jazan
May 04, 2025
RIYADH: Jazan is set to open its 21st annual Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival next Wednesday at Sabya Front where farmers will showcase more than 60 varieties of mangoes native to the region and other tropical fruits.
Mohammed Al-Atif, director general of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s Jazan branch, said that the festival is an ideal annual opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs to market their crops and products and expand their marketing base.
He pointed out that the region is home to more than 3.36 million trees of the six most popular tropical fruits: mango, fig, banana, guava, papaya and custard apple. From this the area produces of 123,311 tons of fruit annually, SPA reported.
The region’s oldest agricultural festival, which began in May 2005, the Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival is organized by the local branch of MEWA in cooperation with Sabya, a subdivision of the Jazan region, and other partners.
Al-Atif described the festival as one of the drivers that has helped develop the cultivation of mangoes and tropical fruits, leading to an increase in the number of farmers, farms, trees, and production quantities.
Over the past 20 years, the festival has made significant contributions to increasing interest in the cultivation and expansion of mangoes and tropical fruits, investing in farmers’ efforts, and translating government plans aimed at boosting social and economic development.
The cultivation of mangoes and tropical fruits in Jazan has made notable progress, according to the National Center for Research and Development of Sustainable Agriculture, known as Estidamah. More than 70 varieties of mangoes and tropical fruits — including guava, papaya, pineapple, and banana — have been cultivated and evaluated in the center’s research fields.
Dr. Khalid Al-Rohily, the acting director general of Estidamah, said: “We believe in the importance of research and development in strengthening the agricultural sector, especially in the cultivation of mangoes and tropical fruits, which represent a major economic asset for the Jazan region.
“We are committed to supporting farmers by transferring knowledge and modern technologies, enabling them to improve productivity and enhance economic growth for beneficiaries.”
The center’s farm fields span over 40 hectares, where they conduct experiments to improve production quality and, later, transfer research results.
These initiatives are part of the center’s vision to support farmers and promote the use of modern agricultural technologies and practices, contributing to sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
These efforts are expected to boost productivity and improve farmers’ incomes, further strengthening Jazan’s position as a leading agricultural hub in the Kingdom.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia chairs parliamentary talks in Algeria
May 04, 2025
RIYADH: The Association of Secretaries-General of Arab Parliaments held its 46th meeting in the Algerian capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
It was chaired by Mohammed Al-Mutairi, secretary-general of the Saudi Shoura Council and chairman of the association, in the presence of heads of Arab councils and parliaments.
The meeting focused on developing employees’ technical and administrative skills, the SPA reported.
The secretaries-general shared insights on best practices in human resource development, emphasizing skill enhancement and adequate training for legislative staff.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 38th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union in Algiers, where the agenda was reviewed and various topics related to cooperation and the strengthening of joint Arab action were discussed.
Established on April 3, 1995, the association aims to build bridges of cooperation between Arab and international councils and parliaments.
Source: arabnews.com
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Hajj transport teams stationed at 20 locations
May 04, 2025
RIYADH: Inspection teams from the Transport General Authority have begun early operations at entry points to the Makkah region, the holy sites, and Madinah as part of preparations to serve pilgrims during Hajj.
Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Their daily operations focus on ensuring a smooth experience for pilgrims and verifying that all licensed operators comply with regulations.
The authority has instructed all transport operators to follow approved guidelines during the pilgrimage season.
These include using designated routes, securing operating licenses, and avoiding entry into Hajj-regulated areas without authorization.
It also emphasized that drivers must wear approved uniforms and obtain vehicle operating cards, the SPA reported.
The authority highlighted its continued cooperation with government agencies to ensure safe and secure transport for all pilgrims.
The public s been advised that reports and inquiries can be submitted via the unified number 19929 or through the authority’s Beneficiary Care account on social media.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2599503/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia activates first smart buoy in Arabian Gulf
May 04, 2025
RIYADH: The National Center for Environmental Compliance has activated the first smart buoy in the Arabian Gulf at King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It is part of a national initiative to deploy 35 smart buoys across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf by the end of 2025 as part of a comprehensive marine and coastal environmental monitoring strategy.
Anwar Alnahdi, the center’s general manager of monitoring operations, said that the deployment was progressing rapidly.
The first was launched off Jeddah Islamic Port, followed by deployments in Yanbu and Jazan, and the project is now extending to the Arabian Gulf, the SPA added.
Alnahdi said that the full network of 35 buoys will be operational by the end of 2025.
He added that the first buoy in the Arabian Gulf represented a major step in environmental monitoring, allowing real-time data transmission from both the Kingdom’s eastern and western coasts to its major ports.
This will provide vital data for environmental oversight and decision-making, Alnahdi added.
The solar-powered buoys, which are equipped with smart sensors, measure parameters like temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, dissolved solids, and chemicals.
They also feature wireless systems for real-time data transmission, enabling swift detection and response to pollutants.
Alnahdi stressed the importance of this technology, given the Kingdom’s active maritime traffic and ongoing port development, which could lead to pollutants threatening the marine and coastal environment if not addressed promptly.
Source: arabnews.com
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Africa
Islamic cleric urges close aides to guide Alaafin Owoade towards unity in Oyo
by Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan
May 4, 2025
Sheikh Ahmad Awujoola has called on those close to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to provide sound advice that will help him succeed in his role as the foremost traditional ruler in Yoruba land and a unifying figure for the people of Oyo town.
Speaking during a Jumat service at Awujoola Central Mosque, Saabo, Oyo, the cleric urged the High Chiefs, the Oyo-Meesi, and others within the monarch’s inner circle to offer guidance that will foster peace and unity in the ancient town.
Awujoola emphasised that Oba Owoade’s ascension to the throne, three years after the passing of his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was divinely ordained.
He also noted that the people of Oyo were delighted, as the new Alaafin had received the blessings of both Allah and Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, before his enthronement.
The cleric reiterated that the Alaafin’s primary responsibility is to ensure harmony among his subjects and strengthen communal bonds across the region.
“As we celebrate the emergence of our royal father, who is now the father of all, there is a need to seek Allah’s guidance for him.
“That is why I am appealing to all the High Chiefs, the Oyo-Meesi, and those who are very close to Alaafin Owoade to give him good advice that will usher in the much-needed peace and unity in Oyo town.
“Kabiesi will need our advice and collective prayers, but as a people, we should also do this with fear of Allah.
“Oyo town is happy now, there should be no room for vendetta or advice that could hinder the unity and progress of the town. It is Allah that appoints kings, therefore, we should all support the new Alaafin with everything that we have to make him succeed on the throne of his forebears.
“There are instances where people in a position of power are surrounded by sycophants and those who have no good intention, but there is a need for us to be truthful and honest with them, especially when giving them advice. That is why we need to help them, support them with good advice.”
While urging Governor Makinde to continue to support the Alaafin of Oyo, Shaykh Ahmad expressed optimism that with the guidance of Almighty Allah, the experiences and exposure of the new monarch, Oyo town will surely regain its glory and pride of place as a foremost Yoruba town.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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Breaking No Laws, Just Barriers: Mentoring The Next Generation Of Arewa Women
ByHalimah Nuhu Sanda
5 May 2025
I look around my community up North and am struck by the two opposing emotions that fill my heart: pride and concern. Concern, because I see countless Arewa women whose dreams are dimmed by societal limitations and expectations and systemic neglect. But pride swells in equal measure because, deep down in my soul, I know the incredible power and potential that lies dormant in the hearts of these resilient daughters of the soil; Women who, if nurtured, guided and empowered could lift not only their households but our region and nation.
The truth is: the underdevelopment of Northern Nigeria is inextricably linked to how we have neglected our women. But the beauty of this realisation is that the solution is within our reach—because history, religion and data all agree: empowering women is the most strategic investment a society can make.
Actually, one of the most destructive myths that must be put to rest is the notion that Islam hates or discourages female education. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim male and female.” In Islam, the intellect of women is honoured and recognised as a matter of right and means to learning with meaningful contributions toward society.
In fact, the oldest continually operating university in the world, which is recognised by UNESCO as the oldest degree-granting university, Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, was founded in 859 AD by a Muslim woman: Fatima al-Fihri. It is not the religion that is the problem, but misinterpretation, poverty and cultural barriers. Today, only 47 per cent of girls in Northern Nigeria complete primary school, and less than 25 per cent finish secondary school (UNICEF, 2023). These are statistics, lives paused, potentials wasted, and dreams unfulfilled.
My own journey began at the tender age of four. A story so famous and retold so many times by my aunts so that sometimes I feel I can remember the moment. I told my beloved grandmother that when I grow up I will become a doctor so I can “inject her eyes” so she can see without using glasses. That innocent dream could have faded with time, like so many others, but it didn’t because it was nurtured. My mother, a public health nurse and double-qualified (RN/RM), was my first mentor. She championed me with her whole heart. Through her, I had an idea of what was possible, and by JSS3, I had made up my mind: medicine was my calling. And yet, as I walked this path, I met many brilliant Arewa girls whose dreams were never watered. The difference between us was not talent or capacity. It was support. It was belief. It was mentorship.
Beyond the moral and personal case, the economic argument is compelling. According to the IMF, women’s participation at the same rate as men will increase Nigeria’s GDP by 23 per cent by 2025, or by $229 billion. That is not charity; it is smart economics. How do we get there in a region where mobility, security and cultural norms often constrain women? The answer lies in technology and the digital economy.
Today, Arewa women can earn globally from the comfort of their homes. A young girl I know has just finished an online coding boot camp and now works for a tech firm in Silicon Valley right from her home in Northern Nigeria, making more than $100 a day. She is not the exception; she is the example. According to Google’s Africa Developer Ecosystem Report (2021), remote female tech workers in Nigeria are making $200-$500 per month and sometimes even more. With access and mentorship, thousands of others can also follow the same path.
Arewa is in the midst of a health crisis. The NPHCDA estimates that Nigeria requires at least 300,000 additional midwives and nurses to reach maternal and child health targets. And in most of our societies, cultural demand makes female patients prefer female providers, especially in areas like birth and reproductive care. But we are not preparing nearly enough women in these roles. What’s worse, most of our present-day nurses and midwives are retiring, and there is no one to fill the gap. Imagine if each of our Arewa states pledged to fund 50 girls annually into community nursing and midwifery training. That one investment would save thousands of lives every year. It would create jobs.
Mentorship changed my life. Without the women and men who poured into me, who affirmed me, who refused to let me shrink myself, I would not be here. That is why I believe so deeply in the power of intergenerational mentorship. Young Arewa girls need role models—women who are not just successful but who have succeeded without compromising their values. They need to see Muslim women who are doctors, engineers, digital experts, farmers, and entrepreneurs. They need to hear that their dreams are valid and that their limitations are negotiable. In case studies by the African Women’s Development Fund, women who are accompanied by mentors find that 67 per cent of such girls will enroll in university, whereas 52 per cent of them set up a venture. That’s not a theory but a proven course.
Empowerment is not a one-size-doesn’t-fit-all affair. Not every woman wants to be working in tech or wear a white coat. Some want to be teachers, tailors, farmers, or homemakers. And that is okay—there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The aim is not to force women into a box but to unlock the doors so they can open doors so they can walk through freely and exercise their own free choice. We must also recognise the intersectionality of gender, faith, ethnicity, and class. A poor girl in a village and a middle-class girl in town may need different interventions, but both need to be seen, supported, and equipped.
Programmes such as the World Bank’s AGILE (Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment) are already giving results aimed at reaching over 20 million girls in Northern Nigeria through cash transfers, school improvement, and life skills. But that is not enough; neither is it deep enough. But we have to dig deeper and further.
The Arewa woman isn’t waiting to be rescued—she is waiting to be heard. She is not powerless—she is underutilised. She is not disinterested—she is underserved. We must invest in her education, equip her with modern skills, connect her with mentors, protect her dignity, and protect her from harm. In doing so, we not only uphold the values of Islam but also a prosperous, just, and inclusive future for our region. So, I ask: What if we raise a generation of girls who believe they could lead, heal, build, and teach? What if we gave them a seat at the table—not as guests, but architects?
It’s time to dig up this goldmine of talent and purpose locked away inside the Arewa woman. Let’s be the mentors, allies, and policy-makers who help them rise not someday, but today.
Source: dailytrust.com
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https://dailytrust.com/breaking-no-laws-just-barriers-mentoring-the-next-generation-of-arewa-women/
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Tinubu, Governors, Abbas Storm Wedding Of Radda’s Daughter In Kastina
May 4, 2025
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
President Bola Tinubu, political elites, some governors and traditional rulers on Saturday stormed the wedding of Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda’s daughter, Aisha Dikko Umaru Radda.
Naija News learnt that the matrimonial rites were conducted by the chief imam of Katsina Central Mosque, Imam Malam Mustapha, supported by the imam of Modoji Jumuat Mosque and former grand Khadi of Katsina, Alhaji Amadi Batagarawa.
Tinubu stood as waliyi (guardian) for the bride during the ceremony, which joined Aisha with Ahmed Usman from the Daura Emirate, popularly known as Inuwar Kasar Hausa.
Similarly, the former governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda, represented the groom’s family as wakili, formally receiving the bride in accordance with Islamic tradition.
The marriage was solemnised with a dowry of N700,000.
Notable attendees included the speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, deputy senate president Senator Barau Jibrin and APC national chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
State governors in attendance were Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara/NGF Chairman), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano).
Source: naijanews.com
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Firdaus prayer for late Madam Simiat Mogaji holds tomorrow
May 4, 2025
The eight day Firdaus prayer for the late Madam Simiat Ajoke Mogaji will hold tomorrow, a statement issued by the family has said.
The statement signed by one of the children of the deceased, Mr. Shamsideen Mogaji said the prayer will be held tomorrow in the Alagbado area of Lagos State.
The statement read in part: ”With gratitude and total submission to the will of Allah, the entire Mogaji family hereby announces the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Alhaja Simiat Ajike Omotayo Mogaji, who departed this earth on Sunday, April 27, 2025. She has since been laid to rest on Monday, April 28, 2025, in accordance with Islamic rites.
”The Firdau prayer will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Lakers Event Centre, Old Ota Road, Joke-Ayo Bus Stop, AIT Road, Alagbado, Lagos State. She is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren.”
”We pray to Allah SWT to forgive her shortcomings, have mercy on her soul, and grant her Al-Jannat al-Firdaus.”
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/firdaus-prayer-for-late-madam-simiat-mogaji-holds-tomorrow/
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FG Mulls Electricity Tariff Increase, Says Economy Can’t Sustain Subsidies
May 5, 2025
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has warned that Nigeria’s economy can no longer sustain electricity subsidies, urging Nigerians to brace for cost-reflective tariffs across the board.
Naija News reports that Adelabu spoke during a meeting with the Chairmen of Power Generating Companies (GenCos) in Abuja, where he also disclosed plans to settle part of the ₦4 trillion debt owed to the GenCos.
“We have to understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely,” he said, adding that “citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed.”
He, however, noted that the Federal Government remains committed to providing targeted subsidies for “economically disadvantaged Nigerians,” although he did not define what qualifies an individual for that category.
Subsidy Gap and Tariff Realities
According to a recent report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerians currently pay an average of ₦88.2 per kilowatt hour (kWh) while the actual cost stands at ₦116.18 per kWh.
This leaves a deficit of ₦27.97 per kWh, which is borne by the government as a subsidy.
Only 15 per cent of electricity customers, primarily those on Band A, are not benefiting from the subsidy.
FG Plans Promissory Notes for Debt Repayment
The Minister explained that the Federal Government is working on a payment plan involving both cash and promissory notes to offset a “substantial portion” of the over ₦4 trillion debt owed to GenCos.
“There is a need to pay a substantial amount of the debt in cash. At the minimum, let us pay a large chunk, then issue promissory notes for the rest,” Adelabu stated.
He added that a high-level meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the GenCos is being scheduled to finalise the proposal.
Earlier in the meeting, the Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions, Col. Sani Bello (retd.), warned that the power sector was on the brink of collapse due to severe liquidity constraints.
“Without urgent intervention, the entire power ecosystem could collapse,” he warned, citing the 4 trillion nair backlog as a major operational bottleneck.
Kola Adesina, Chairman of Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, echoed the concern.
“This is a national emergency. Everything hinges on power—industries, homes, hospitals. We cannot afford to let the sector fail,” Adesina said.
GenCos List Challenges: FX Volatility, Gas Supply, Taxation
The CEO of the Association of Power Generating Companies (APGC), Dr. Joy Ogaji, listed several issues plaguing the sector, including:
Chronic payment defaults
Erratic gas supply
Foreign exchange volatility
Burdensome taxes
Frequent grid failures
Ogaji noted that the sharp depreciation of the naira—from ₦157/$1 in 2013 to over ₦1,600/$1—has wiped out maintenance budgets and crippled GenCos’ ability to repay loans.
“GenCos have borne unsustainable risks while remaining patriotic,” she added.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/05/05/fg-mulls-electricity-tariff-increase-says-economy-cant-sustain-subsidies/
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