Our Ancestors Did Jihad against Britishers, but Yours Penned Love Letters: Owaisi to Fadnavis
New Age Islam News Bureau
11 Nov 2024
Asaduddin Owaisi
File photo.
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· Our Ancestors Did Jihad against Britishers, but Yours Penned Love Letters: Owaisi to Fadnavis
· 10 terrorists killed, 8 injured in North Waziristan operations: ISPR
· Traumatized by war, hundreds of Lebanon’s children struggle with wounds both physical and emotional
· Saudi Arabia to host Arab-Islamic Summit on Monday in a bid to halt Israeli aggression on Palestine and Lebanon
· Russia accuses Ukraine of ‘openly’ supporting African terrorists
· Can The Federal Courts Still Tar Trump With The Brush of Bigotry Against Muslims and Hispanics?
· Kebbi Gov Alerts Chief of Defence Staff On Deadly Incursion By New Islamic Sect
· Muslim World At Risk Of Falling Further Behind Without Serious Investment In Stem - Pm Anwar
· Priority given to Islamic affairs and developing Maldivian nationalism during the past year: The President
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India
· Patole says won’t be drawn into ‘Hindu-Muslim fake narrative’ as Shah claims Congress leader accepted Muslim quota demand
· ‘You can find a mosque, a Sikh temple; and a Buddhist monument… Delhi is a representation of all of India’
· Power Jihad is defining theme of Mahayuti: Cong
· Modi’s ‘ek hain, safe hain’ call riles Maharashtra allies, yet BJP may gain from ‘vote jihad’. Here’s why
· Delhi HC directs govt to enable online registration for Muslim marriages
· Nitish shameless, stabbed Muslims in the back: Prashant Kishor
· Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 | Congress wants to cut reservations of SCs, STs, OBCs and give the same to Muslims, claims Amit Shah
· Jammu and Kashmir: Soldier killed, three injured in gunfight with militants in Kishtwar
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Pakistan
· Balochistan ups security, anti-terror resolve
· £190m case: Court hands 14-page long questionnaire to Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi
· Punjab residents gasp in stubborn smog, toxic air shrouds KP's Peshawar
· KP to take action against PTI worker over US flag display at Swabi rally
· ‘Glitch’ blamed for VPN disruption
· SIFC plans to replace govt houses in Islamabad with high-rises
· JI plans to expand Haq Do movement across Balochistan
· Pakistan leads in social registry coverage
· Empowering SMEs via Islamic finance
· PM Shehbaz departs for Riyadh to attend Arab-Islamic Summit
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Mideast
· Iran calls to expel Israel from UN after Syria strike
· Five killed in Turkish drone strikes on PKK members in northern Iraq
· Israel strike on Syria kills 9 including Hezbollah commander: monitor
· Five Iranian security forces killed in attack in Sistan-Baluchistan province
· Portraits of pain: smuggled Palestinian art shows trauma of Gaza
· Dozens of arrests follow Turkish unseating of mayors
· Israel PM says okayed Lebanon pager attacks
· Netanyahu says spoke again with Trump about Iran ‘threat’
· Minister of Culture inspects work at Great Mosque Library
· Head of General Authority for Antiquities inspects Al-Jund Mosque in Taiz
· Source: Iraqi PM al-Sudani to attend Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Monday
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Arab World
· Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh
· Saudi armed forces chief of staff meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran
· Palestinian president arrives in Riyadh ahead of Arab-Islamic summit
· Saudi crown prince receives call from Iran president
· KSrelief clinics serve 2,483 refugees in Jordan in a week, deliver dialysis solutions to Yemen
· Health benefits of turmeric highlighted by Saudi authority
· A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
· Experts discuss importance of geographical names at Jeddah forum
· Saudi minister meets South African sports minister
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Europe
· Moscow targeted as Ukraine and Russia trade huge drone attacks
· Civilian killed in double-tap drone attack on residential building in Russia’s Belgorod (VIDEO)
· Putin pledges ‘all possible assistance’ to Africa
· Defence chief calls for more spending on military
· Dozens detained after protesters defy ban in Amsterdam
· Argentine football hooligan leader shot dead in street
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North America
· Muslim voters once abandoned the GOP. Now they may leave the Democrats
· Trump calls Putin – WaPo
· Power in the Palms: Inside the pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago
· Teenage park ranger dies as wildfires burn in New York State
· Mattel 'deeply regrets' porn site misprint on Wicked dolls
· US Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor ignores pressure to retire - reports
· Bitcoin tops record $80,000 as Trump nears sweep of US CongressThe price of bitcoin has risen above $80,000 (£62,000) for the first time ever, after Donald Trump's decisive victory in the US election last week.
· McDonald’s Workers Intentionally Put Bacon on Muslim Child’s Filet-O-Fish
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Africa
· Stop cursing Nigeria – UI Chief Imam cautions citizens
· dRPC trains 50 Sharia Court judges, 40 Imams on GBV
· Tinubu’s Minister Reveals Why Nigeria Is Participating In Joint Arab-Islamic Summit
· Youth Minister, Olawande, Tasks African Colleagues On Youths Development
· Just In: 24 Hours To Inauguration As Edo Gov, Okpebholo Makes First Appointment
· Popular Northern Lawmaker Disagrees With Ndume, Says Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill Will Be Passed
· Kwankwaso Made Abba Yusuf Governor, There Is No Way They Will Fight – Abdulmumin Jubrin
· ‘President Tinubu To Present 2025 Budget In December’
· How Islamic finance can boost Kenya’s economic resilience
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Southeast Asia
· Young Muslims Must Be Trained To Incorporate Islamic Values In AI - PM Anwar
· Extraordinary Arab And Islamic Summit Aims To Halt Israeli Attacks, Arab League Secretary-General Says
· DOE investigates suspected water pollution near Penang’s Floating Mosque after images go viral
· Arab, Muslim leaders fly to Saudi for talks on Mideast wars
· NAIO to study laws to combat future technology challenges - Gobind
· MOE finalising proposed solution to 1BestariNet project
· Main suspect in UPNM bullying case to be questioned today
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South Asia
· Ministry of Refugees Assists 325 Afghan Nationals Deported from Turkey
· ARCS Delivers Health Services to 7,746 Individuals in Kapisa Province
· US cuts 82% of aid to Afghanistan; SIGAR calls for end to mission
· NPP ready for national unity govt. with MPs representing Tamil, Muslim communities
· 3 surprise picks sworn in as advisers
· Five more die of dengue
· Maj Abdul Gani’s death anniv today
· RMG workers block highway for second day
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/jihad-britishers-penned-love-letters/d/133681
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Our ancestors did jihad against Britishers, but yours penned love letters: Owaisi to Fadnavis
11.11.24
Asaduddin Owaisi
File photo.
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AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday targeted BJP and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis over his "vote jihad-Dharmayuddha" remarks and alleged PM Modi's "Ek Hai to Safe Hai" slogan goes against diversity ethos.
In a veiled attack on Hindutva ideologues revered by the BJP, Owaisi said Fadnavis' (ideological) ancestors wrote "love letters" to Britishers instead of fighting against them.
A day earlier Fadnavis claimed "vote jihad" had begun in the poll-bound Maharashtra which should be countered by "Dharmayuddha" of the vote. He had mentioned the BJP's narrow loss in Dhule Lok Sabha constituency.
Owaisi addressed a public meeting in Jinsi area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in support of AIMIM candidates Imtiaz Jaleel (Aurangabad East) and Naser Siddiqui (Aurangabad Central) for the November 20 assembly elections.
"Our ancestors did jihad against Britishers and Fadnavis is now teaching us about jihad. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Devendra Fadnavis together cannot defeat me in a debate," he said.
Owaisi suggested that the "dharmayuddha-jihad" remarks amounted to a poll code violation.
"From where did 'vote jihad and dharmayuddha' come in democracy? You purchased MLAs; should we call you a thief?" the Hyderabad MP questioned.
While Fadnavis talks about (vote) jihad, his hero was writing love letters to Britishers whereas our freedom fighters did not negotiate with the foreign rulers.
"We gave the method of fighting against the British. He (Fadnavis) said 'vote jihad' after they (BJP) didn't get votes in Malegaon (during Lok Sabha election). When they fail to get votes, they call it jihad. They lost in Ayodhya. How did that happen"? Owaisi questioned.
"Our ancestors did jihad against Britishers, not yours. Fadnavis, whose ancestors were writing love letters to the British, will teach us jihad?" Owaisi added.
Modi says 'Ek Hai to Safe Hai' because they (BJP) want to end the diversity of this country, the AIMIM leader said, adding that the Maratha community was betrayed by rulers who failed to give them the reservation.
Owaisi alleged that many industrial projects went to Gujarat but Fadnavis showed no courage to stop these industries. "Was he afraid of Narendra Modi?" he asked.
Owaisi referenced a controversy over Hindutva seer Ramgiri Maharaj's statements, saying the remarks against the Prophet won't be tolerated.
He appealed to people to come out to vote on November 20. "Our victory in Aurangabad will be saluted by the people of India".
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/our-ancestors-did-jihad-against-britishers-but-yours-penned-love-letters-owaisi-to-fadnavis/cid/2062145
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10 terrorists killed, 8 injured in North Waziristan operations: ISPR
November 10, 2024
Security forces killed 10 terrorists and injured eight others during three different engagements in North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intelligence based operation was conducted by the security forces in the Spinwam area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan District.
“During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged khwarij’s location and after intense fire exchange, two Khwarij were sent to hell.
In the second incident, the ISPR said that a group of khawarij were attempting to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border when they were intercepted by security forces in the same area of North Waziristan.
“Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate,” the statement said. “Two khawarij were ‘sent to hell’, while two others were injured.”
A sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other Khawarij found in the area, it added.
Security forces earlier killed six terrorists and injured six others during another intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan’s Spinwam area, the ISPR said in a separate statement released on Sunday morning.
Per the statement, security forces conducted the IBO upon the “reported presence” of terrorists.
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed Khwarij who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as killing of innocent civilians,” the ISPR said.
In July, the government, through an official notification, had designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna al Khawarij, while mandating all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Pakistan.
President, PM commend security forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for conducting the IBO in North Waziristan, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.
Zardari commended the bravery of the security forces and appreciated their professionalism, according to Radio Pakistan. He also reiterated the national resolve to completely eliminate terrorism.
PM Shehbaz also praised the security forces for their successful operation.
“We will continue to fight against the spectre of terrorism till its complete eradication from the country,” Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying.
Rise in terror-related incidents
The country has lately witnessed a sharp uptick in the number of attacks targeting security forces, other law enforcement agencies, and security checkpoints, particularly in Balochistan and KP.
Attacks escalated after the TTP broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022 and vowed to target security forces.
On November 2, four terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in KP’s South Waziristan region.
In another incident on Nov 4, security forces killed seven terrorists in separate operations on Monday, with one terrorist killed in Balochistan and the other six killed during two operations in KP.
On Nov 7, security forces killed five terrorists during an exchange of fire in South Waziristan, while four soldiers were martyred in the operation.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1871450/10-terrorists-killed-8-injured-in-north-waziristan-operations-ispr
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Traumatized by war, hundreds of Lebanon’s children struggle with wounds both physical and emotional
November 11, 2024
Ivana Skakye, who suffered third-degree burns following an Israeli airstrike last September, is tended by her mother Fatima Zayoun as the two-year old gets treated at the Lebanese hospital Geitaoui in Beirut on Oct. 29, 2024. (AP)
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BEIRUT: Curled up in his father ‘s lap, clinging to his chest, Hussein Mikdad cried his heart out. The 4-year-old kicked his doctor with his intact foot and pushed him away with the arm that was not in a cast. “My Dad! My Dad!” Hussein said. “Make him leave me alone!” With eyes tearing up in relief and pain, the father reassured his son and pulled him closer.
Hussein and his father, Hassan, are the only survivors of their family after an Israeli airstrike last month on their Beirut neighborhood. The strike killed 18 people, including his mother, three siblings and six relatives.
“Can he now shower?” the father asked the doctor.
Ten days after surgery, doctors examining Hussein’s wounds said the boy is healing properly. He has rods in his fractured right thigh and stitches that assembled his torn tendons back in place on the right arm. The pain has subsided, and Hussein should be able to walk again in two months — albeit with a lingering limp.
A prognosis for Hussein’s invisible wounds is much harder to give. He is back in diapers and has begun wetting his bed. He hardly speaks and has not said a word about his mother, two sisters and brother.
“The trauma is not just on the muscular skeletal aspect. But he is also mentally hurt,” Imad Nahle, one of Hussein’s orthopedic surgeons, said.
Israel said, without elaborating, that the strike on the Mikdad neighborhood struck a Hezbollah target. In the war that has escalated since September, Israeli airstrikes have increasingly hit residential areas around Lebanon. Israel accuses the Lebanese militant group of hiding its capabilities and fighters among civilians. It vows to cripple Hezbollah, which began firing into northern Israel after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack triggered the war in Gaza.
But children have been caught in the midst.
With more strikes on homes and in residential areas, doctors are seeing more children affected by the violence. More than 100 children have been killed in Lebanon in the past six weeks and hundreds injured. And of the 14,000 wounded since last year, around 10 percent are children. Many have been left with severed limbs, burned bodies, and broken families — scars that could last for a lifetime.
Ghassan Abu Sittah, a renowned British-Palestinian surgeon who is also treating Hussein, sees that long road ahead. This is his worry: “It leaves us with a generation of physically wounded children, children who are psychologically and emotionally wounded.”
‘What do they want from us?’
At the American University of Beirut Medical Center, which is receiving limited cases of war casualties, Nahle said he operated on five children in the past five weeks — up from no cases before. Most were referred from south and eastern Lebanon.
A few miles away, at the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui, one of the country’s largest burns centers increased its capacity by nearly 180 percent since September so it could accommodate more war wounded, its medical director Naji Abirached said. About a fifth of the newly admitted patients are children.
In one of the burn center’s ICU units lies Ivana Skakye. She turned 2 in the hospital ward last week. Ivana has been healing from burns she sustained following an Israeli airstrike outside their home in southern Lebanon on Sept. 23. Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes that day in different parts of Lebanon, making it the deadliest day of the war so far. More than 500 people were killed.
Six weeks later, the tiny Ivana remains wrapped in white gauze from head to toe except her torso. She sustained third-degree burns over 40 percent of her body. Her hair and head, her left side all the way to her legs, both her arms and her chest were burned. Her family home was damaged, its ceiling set afire. The family’s valuables, packed in their car as they prepared to leave, were also torched. Ivana’s older sister, Rahaf, 7, has recovered faster from burns to her face and hands.
Fatima Zayoun, their mother, was in the kitchen when the explosion hit. Zayoun jumped up to grab the girls, who were playing on the terrace.
It was, Zayoun said, “as if something lifted me up so that I can grab my kids. I have no idea how I managed to pull them in and throw them out of the window. She spoke from the ICU burns unit. “They were not on fire, but they were burned. Black ash covered them. ... (Ivana) was without any hair. I told myself, `That is not her.’”
Now, Ivana’s wound dressings are changed every two days. Her doctor, Ziad Sleiman, said she could be discharged in a few days. She’s back again to saying “Mama” and “Bye — shorthand for wanting to go out.
Like Hussein, though, Ivana has no home to return to. Her parents fear collective shelters could cause an infection to return.
After seeing her kids “sizzling on the floor,” Zayoun, 35, said that even if their home is repaired, she wouldn’t want to return. “I saw death with my own eyes,” she said.
Zayoun was 17 last time Israel and Hezbollah were at war, in 2006. Displaced with her family then, she said she almost enjoyed the experience, riding out of their village in a truck full of their belongings, mixing with new people, learning new things. They returned home when the war was over.
“But this war is hard. They are hitting everywhere,” she said. “What do they want from us? Do they want to hurt our children? We are not what they are looking for.”
Attacks at home can be hard for kids to deal with
Abu Sittah, the reconstructive surgeon, said most of the children’s injuries are from blasts or collapsing rubble. That attack on a space they expect to be inviolable can have lingering effects.
“Children feel safe at home,” he said. “The injury makes them for the first time lose that sense of security — that their parents are keeping them safe, that their homes are invincible, and suddenly their homes become not so.”
One recent morning, children were playing in the courtyard of a vocational school-turned-shelter in Dekwaneh, north of Beirut, where nearly 3,000 people displaced from the south are now living. The parents were busy with an overflowing bathroom that serves one floor in a building that houses nearly 700 people.
Only playtime brings the children, from different villages in the south, together. They were divided in two teams, ages ranging between 6 and 12, competing to get the handkerchief first. A tiny girl hugged and held hands with strangers visiting the shelter. “I am from Lebanon. Don’t tell anyone,” she whispered in their ears.
The game turned rowdy when two girls in their early teens got into a fist fight. Pushing and shoving began. Tears and tantrums followed. The tiny girl walked away in a daze.
Maria Elizabeth Haddad, manager of the psychosocial support programs in Beirut and neighboring areas for the US-based International Medical Corps, said parents in shelters reported signs of increased anxiety, hostility and aggression among kids. They talk back to parents and ignore rules. Some have developed speech impediments and clinginess. One is showing early signs of psychosis.
“There are going to be residual symptoms when they grow up, especially related to attachment ties, to feeling of security,” Haddad said. “It is a generational trauma. We have experienced it before with our parents. ... They don’t have stability or search for (extra) stability. This is not going to be easy to overcome.”
New phases of life begin
Children represent more than a third of over 1 million people displaced by the war in Lebanon and following Israeli evacuation notices, according to UN and government estimates (more than 60,000 people have been displaced from northern Israel). That leaves hundreds of thousands in Lebanon without schooling, either because their schools were inaccessible or have been turned into shelters.
Hussein’s father says he and his son must start together from scratch. With help from relatives, the two have found a temporary shelter in a home — and, for the father, a brief sense of relief. “I thank God he is not asking for or about his mother and his siblings,” said Hassan Mikdad, the 40-year-old father.
He has no explanation for his son, who watched their family die in their home. His two sisters — Celine, 10, and Cila, 14 — were pulled out of the rubble the following day. His mother, Mona, was pulled out three days later. She was locked in an embrace with her 6-year-old son, Ali.
The strike on Oct. 21 also caused damage across the street, to one of Beirut’s main public hospitals, breaking solar panels and windows in the pharmacy and the dialysis unit. The father survived because he had stepped out for coffee. He watched his building crumble in the late-night airstrike. He also lost his shop, his motorcycles and car — all the evidence of his 16 years of family life.
His friend, Hussein Hammoudeh, arrived on the scene to help sift through rubble. Hammoudeh spotted young Hussein Mikdad’s fingers in the darkness in an alley behind their home. At first he thought they were severed limbs — until he heard the boy’s screams. He dug out Hussein with glass lodged in his leg and a metal bar in his shoulder. Hammoudeh said he didn’t recognize the boy. He held the child’s almost-severed wrist in place.
In the hospital now, Hussein Mikdad sipped a juice as he listened to his father and his friend. His father turned to him, asking if he wanted a Spider-Man toy — an effort to forestall a new outburst of tears. He said he buys Hussein a toy each day.
“What I am living through seems like a big lie. ...The mind can’t comprehend,” he said. “I thank God for the blessing that is Hussein.”
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2578841/middle-east
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Saudi Arabia to host Arab-Islamic Summit on Monday in a bid to halt Israeli aggression on Palestine and Lebanon
November 10, 2024
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on November 11, 2023 (File photo).
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RIYADH — The escalating violence in the Palestinian and Lebanese territories, including the brutal Israeli aggression on Gaza, has compelled Arab and Islamic leaders to take urgent action, and that was translated through their resolve to gather together for a follow-up summit in Riyadh on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.
The key priorities of the Arab and Islamic leaders include halting the aggression, protecting civilians, providing support to the Palestinian and Lebanese people, unifying positions, and exerting pressure on the international community to take decisive steps to end the ongoing attacks and establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Given Saudi Arabia's historic role in serving Islam and Muslims, and its commitment to defending Arab and Islamic causes, particularly the Palestinian cause, the Kingdom, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, has called for an Arab-Islamic summit to be held in Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2024. This urgent meeting is convened in response to the ongoing Israeli aggression on Palestinian and Lebanese territories.
The summit builds on the Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, as Arab and Islamic leaders recognize the urgent need for unified efforts and a collective stance to address the dangerous and unprecedented developments in Gaza and the rest of the Palestinian territories. This requires solidarity among Arab and Islamic nations to confront these challenges and mitigate their consequences.
The summit tasked the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, Palestine, and any other interested countries, along with the secretaries general of the Arab League and OIC, to initiate immediate international action that seeks to halt the war on Gaza and pressure for a serious political process to achieve lasting, comprehensive peace based on internationally recognized principles.
In response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza Strip, the Ministerial Committee, which was formed during the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit, has embarked on a series of diplomatic engagements with world leaders and officials, aimed to garner international support for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the restoration of essential services to the besieged Gaza Strip.
During their meetings, committee members emphasized the urgent need to halt the Israeli military aggression, which has led to the displacement of countless Palestinians and the destruction of critical infrastructure, and called for the establishment of safe corridors to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies.
The committee members strongly condemned Israel's continued violation of international law and humanitarian norms, including the denial of basic rights like access to water, electricity, and freedom of movement. They reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They asserted the need to revive the peace process to ensure a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, and support the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. The committee calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and act against Israel’s violations of international and humanitarian laws.
On December 15, 2023, in Oslo, Norway's capital, committee members convened an official meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the foreign ministers of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, where they called for urgent action to address the grave violations committed by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people, emphasizing the need to hold the occupation forces accountable for their ongoing breaches of international law and humanitarian norms in Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
On May 29, 2024, committee members expressed gratitude to Spain's recognition of the State of Palestine, and reaffirmed their commitment to providing comprehensive support to further the recognition of Palestinian statehood and ensure that the rights of the Palestinian people are upheld.
On September 22, 2024, committee members held a coordination meeting in New York, ahead of the High-Level Week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, to strategize on intensifying Arab and Muslim efforts during the assembly, focusing on advancing the recognition of the Palestinian state and upholding the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent and sovereign state along the borders of June 4, 1967, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital.
On September 27, an urgent ministerial meeting of the Arab League and OIC took place alongside the 79th session of the UN General Assembly's High-Level Week in New York. The purpose of the meeting was to address the escalation of Israeli military attacks against both the State of Palestine and Lebanon.
The attendees discussed strategies to intensify Arab and Muslim efforts within the international community, particularly to engage with the permanent members of the Security Council. Their goal was to secure an immediate halt to the Israeli aggression against Palestine and Lebanon, and to protect the region from the potential expansion of the conflict, which could jeopardize regional and global peace and safety.
The meeting also explored ways to strengthen joint Arab and Muslim action to facilitate the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, especially in light of the recent announcement regarding the International Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and relevant international resolutions.
Given the ongoing brutal Israeli aggression on the occupied Palestinian territories, which has now expanded to include attacks on Lebanon, threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit is scheduled to be held in Riyadh on Monday.
Source:saudigazette.com.sa
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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/646911/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-to-host-Arab-Islamic-Summit-on-Monday-in-a-bid-to-halt-Israeli-aggression-on-Palestine-and-Lebanon
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Russia accuses Ukraine of ‘openly’ supporting African terrorists
10 Nov, 2024
FILE PHOTO: A Russian fighter makes his last stand after Tuareg militants ambushed a military convoy carrying Wagner Group contractors and Malian soldiers © social media
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Russia will continue to fight against Kiev’s “unacceptable” support of international terrorism after Ukrainian officials admitted to, and then attempted to walk back, their involvement in a deadly raid in Mali, a top Russian diplomat has told a ministerial session of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
Some 40 ministers and 1,500 other participants from across Africa took part in the forum held in the Sirius Federal Territory outside the Black Sea city of Sochi this weekend. The acting head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for New Challenges and Threats, Georgy Mikhno, addressed the conference on Saturday, accusing Ukraine of supporting international terrorism.
“The destructive activities of the criminal Kiev regime, which openly supports terrorist groups in Africa, must not go unnoticed,” Mikhno told the forum, adding that Russia will continue fighting against this “unacceptable practice” in Africa and globally.
Kiev publicly implicated itself in the July incident in Mali when Tuareg insurgents ambushed and killed dozens of Malian forces and personnel from Russia’s Wagner Group, the diplomat insisted.
“This is why the decision by the Republic of Mali and Niger to immediately sever diplomatic relations with Kiev is absolutely logical in our opinion,” he added.
President Vladimir Putin also addressed the forum on Sunday, promising that Moscow would continue to provide “all possible assistance” to African nations in various spheres, ranging from tackling natural disasters and epidemic diseases to fighting terrorism.
Ukraine has been embroiled in a diplomatic crisis in West Africa since July, when the spokesman for Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence agency, Andrey Yusov, admitted that his agency had provided the rebels with “necessary information, and not just information, which enabled a successful military operation.” According to Le Monde, Ukrainian spies shared their drone warfare techniques to help the rebels kill Russian security contractors.
The remarks sparked outrage in Mali and several neighboring West African countries, which have accused Ukraine of supporting aggression. The Malian military government and its ally in Niger responded by breaking off diplomatic relations with Kiev.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the accusations, claiming that the African states made “hasty” decisions without evidence. However, a source within HUR told the French newspaper that the involvement was a “diplomatic error,” while asserting that “there is no going back” and that Kiev remains committed to hunting down Russian contractors “wherever they are.”
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/africa/607445-ukraine-openly-supporting-terrorists/
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Can The Federal Courts Still Tar Trump With The Brush of Bigotry Against Muslims and Hispanics?
11.10.2024
There was a constant theme in the #Resistance litigation during President Trump's first term in office: he is a bigot, and everything he does is tainted by bigotry. The prime example was the travel ban. Federal judges in Hawaii, Maryland, Brooklyn, and elsewhere gleefully cited President Trump's tweets to show that he had animus against Muslims. As I wrote at the time, they tarred Trump with the brush of bigotry. Similar reasoning was raised in the challenge to the cancellation of DACA. The New York Attorney General argued that the policy could not be wound down due to Trump's animus against Hispanics. The AG cited Trump's interview with Jorge Ramos, lines about "bad hombres," and countless other tweets. At the time, I wrote that even if these "comments should have given pause to his voters, courts cannot properly consider them in evaluating this policy."
Now, as the second term begins, the #Resistance is already starting to whirl again. But will these same animus arguments work? Can California and New York and Maryland once again argue that everything Trump does is tainted by bigotry against Hispanics and Muslim people? Is Trump perpetually tainted? I'm sure they'll try to make that argument. But there is some countervailing evidence. The 2024 election returns!
For starters, Trump won the most votes in Dearborn, Michigan, the city with one of the highest Arab populations in the country!
Unofficial results released by the city of Dearborn show that Mr. Trump won 42 percent of the vote in Dearborn, compared with 36 percent for Ms. Harris and 18 percent for the Green Party candidate, Jill Stein.
In 2020, similar results released after the election showed that Mr. Biden had won almost 70 percent of votes by Dearborn residents. . . .
This week, the sentiments of Arab and Muslim Americans in Dearborn were heard through the ballot. In interviews with The Times on Tuesday outside polling stations, voters backing Mr. Trump said they wanted to give him a chance to rein in wars across the world and bring peace to the Middle East.
Despite everything that we have been told over the past decade, a significant share of Muslim voters chose Donald Trump over Kamala Harris. Certainly they know more about Muslim animus than some cloistered judges on the Acela corridor.
The trends were even greater for Hispanic voters:
President-elect Donald Trump was backed by 46% of Latino voters Tuesday, surpassing Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush to win the biggest share of the national Latino vote by a Republican presidential contender in modern times, a new exit poll shows.
These mini vignettes concretize how much the #Resistance movement overplayed their hand. Calling Trump a bigot every day for a decade has had no actual impact on voters. None. The Times observed regarding Muslims:
Many voters brushed aside comments Mr. Trump has made that were critical of Muslims, and some of them cited his willingness to visit Dearborn and bring prominent local Muslim leaders onstage at a recent campaign rally as evidence of an olive branch.
And Axios reported about Hispanics:
Latino voters appeared to look beyond the racist rhetoric Trump's used to describe undocumented immigrants in an election in which the economy and inflation were top concerns of many voters.
All of the attacks on Trump were mostly noise. It was Lawfare designed to cripple a presidency. Yet during the first term, courts sopped this slop up.
What happens in Trump's second term? You might say that courts should not take cognizance of electoral returns. I agree, and I'll raise you one more: courts should have never performed a "judicial psychoanalysis of [Trump's] heart of hearts," to quote McCreary County. But psychoanalyze they did. And if judges are going to go off script, they may as well consider improper evidence that supports Trump.
Source:reason.com
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https://reason.com/volokh/2024/11/10/can-the-federal-courts-still-tar-trump-with-the-brush-of-bigotry-against-muslims-and-hispanics/
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Kebbi Gov Alerts Chief of Defence Staff On Deadly Incursion By New Islamic Sect
November 10, 2024
By Yusuf Ladan
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has dispatched a high-level delegation to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to address the rising threat of a new Islamic sect, Lakurawa, whose recent attacks have claimed 15 lives in the state.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, the delegation led by former Kebbi Governor and Minister of Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, included Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah, APC National Organising Secretary Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, and former Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the State, Barrister Nasiru Junju.
During the visit, the minister emphasized the urgency of military intervention to end the security crisis impacting both Kebbi and the wider region.
He expressed gratitude to the military and security agencies for their ongoing support in addressing the state’s challenges.
In response, General Musa assured the delegation that the military is prepared to act swiftly, pledging collaboration with other security agencies to protect the state and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Source:channelstv.com
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https://www.channelstv.com/2024/11/10/kebbi-gov-alerts-chief-of-defence-staff-on-deadly-incursion-by-new-islamic-sect/
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Muslim World At Risk Of Falling Further Behind Without Serious Investment In Stem - Pm Anwar
11/11/2024
CAIRO, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded the Muslim world that they are at risk of being further left behind without decisive and sustained investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. In fact, he said it is indeed essential for the Muslim world to strengthen STEM education from the earliest year possible, and to dramatically increase research and development investment and prioritise transformative fields like biotechnology, chemical sciences, and information technology. “These sectors are critical not only to economic growth but to addressing urgent issues – from healthcare crises to environmental degradation – that cannot wait for tomorrow’s solutions. “The digital economy poses yet another urgent challenge. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the Muslim world must prioritise investments in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and information and communications technology (ICT) skills. “We must establish strong cybe rsecurity frameworks, build resilient digital infrastructures, and ensure that the next generation is prepared to navigate and shape a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” he said during his public lecture titled “Stronger Together: A Vision For The Muslim Ummah Through Tech, Social and Economic Empowerment” at the Al-Azhar University here on Sunday.The lecture was also attended by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Shaikh Professor Dr Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt Datuk Mohd Tarid Sufian. Anwar said equally crucial is the need for large-scale, transnational collaborations in science as well as joint ventures in space exploration, astronomy, marine science, and high-performance computing among the Muslim world as the fields are no longer luxuries but necessities. “These ambitious projects offer our nations the chance to deve op cutting-edge technologies, improve economic security, and demonstrate the power of a united Ummah,” he explained. Anwar also reminded the Muslim world to never forget the traditional role played by Azhar Al-Sharif as a centre for reform, a bastion of knowledge and creative thinking, and even more significantly, a defender of the Ummah against the onslaught of colonialism while preserving and asserting the Ummah’s Islamic identity. He said Al-Azhar Al-Sharif had made significant contributions to the Islamic world, and Muslims in the Malay Archipelago especially had greatly benefited from the university with its graduates has always been formidable in defending the faith, knowledge, and instilling the spirit and essence of Islam in their communities. -- BERNAMA
Source:bernama.com
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https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2361897
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Priority given to Islamic affairs and developing Maldivian nationalism during the past year: The President
10 November 2024
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has highlighted the Government's focus on Islamic affairs and strengthening Maldivian nationalism over the past year. He made these remarks during his address at the official Republic Day ceremony held at Dharubaaruge on Sunday evening.
In his address, the President noted the significant increase in funding for mosque construction and renovation, with tangible results already evident across the nation. He emphasised the ongoing initiative to train young imams and religious speakers, who are now being deployed in service of the community.
The President detailed how the Government has strengthened its support for citizens observing religious duties, including Zakat, Hajj pilgrimages and fasting. He also highlighted enhanced community engagement in Eid celebrations.
Addressing cultural initiatives, President Dr Muizzu spoke about the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage. The Ministry has appointed national leaders to foster deeper connections between Maldivians, particularly youth, and their native language. He also revealed plans to elevate the status of the Dhivehi language in education by introducing it as a standalone subject in the curriculum, aiming to preserve its beauty for future generations.
Source:presidency.gov.mv
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https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/32091
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India
Patole says won’t be drawn into ‘Hindu-Muslim fake narrative’ as Shah claims Congress leader accepted Muslim quota demand
November 10, 2024
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Sunday (November 10, 2024) said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi was fighting the election on core issues and would not be drawn into the Hindu-Muslim fake narrative. He was responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the Congress has agreed to the Ulema Council’s demand for 10% reservation for Muslims in jobs and education.
Speaking at a rally in Malkapur in Buldhana in the afternoon, Mr. Shah, the BJP’s main strategist, said Mr. Patole had agreed to the Ulema Council’s demand for Muslim reservation. ”Patole has agreed to end reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs and give it to Muslims as demanded by the Ulema Council,” he said.
Modi-Shah inciting Maharashtra on caste and religion for political gains: Nana Patole
The 10% reservation for Muslim community would eat into the benefits of Dalits, tribals and Other Backward Classes since there is a 50% cap on reservation and any increase would come at the cost of existing ones, Mr. Shah told the gathering.
The MVA leaders’ lust for power had blinded them to long-term consequences of their actions on marginalised communities, he said.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Mr. Patole rejected Mr. Shah’s claim on the Congress accepting the Muslim quota demand. “We (MVA) are fighting the election on core issues and will not be drawn into the Hindu-Muslim fake narrative,” he said.
Top newsmakers across political lines address The Hindu’s inaugural Poll Arena
Speaking in Mumbai earlier in the day, Mr. Shah had said “our Constitution does not provide reservations based on religion” but the Congress was promising such quotas before coming to power.
Maharashtra Assembly election will be held on November 20, while votes will be counted on November 23.
Source:thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/elections/maharashtra-assembly/patole-says-wont-be-drawn-into-hindu-muslim-fake-narrative-as-shah-claims-congress-leader-accepted-muslim-quota-demand/article68852837.ece
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‘You can find a mosque, a Sikh temple; and a Buddhist monument… Delhi is a representation of all of India’
by Nirbhay Thakur
November 11, 2024
MongoliaAmbassador of Mongolia Ganbold Dambajav.
For Ganbold Dambajav, Ambassador of Mongolia, during his three-year stay so far, the depth of history and diversity of Delhi stand out. If you want to truly experience the city, the key is not to rush, he says. Apart from the religious and heritage sites, Dambajav also finds the city’s traffic fascinating — unlike in his country, he says in Delhi, traffic keeps moving despite so many cars. The yearly winter pollution remains a concern.
Born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in 1973, Dambajav graduated from the National University of Mongolia with a BA in Foreign Service. He also possesses a Master’s degree in Linguistics (Science and Technology University of Mongolia) and Diplomacy (Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation). He holds an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from the International American University, Los Angeles, California, USA.
He has worked in various positions in different departments of the Foreign Ministry of Mongolia (Chief of Protocol; Director of the Department for the Americas, Middle East, and Africa; Counsellor of the Policy Planning Department; Department for Multilateral Cooperation; Consular Department; Administration Department).
He also worked at the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the UN, New York, USA; Embassy of Mongolia in Sofia, Bulgaria (concurrently accredited to the Republic of Albania, Republic of Cyprus, Hellenic Republic, Republic of North Macedonia & Romania); Embassy of Mongolia in Ottawa, Canada (concurrently accredited to the Federative Republic of Brazil).
Since December 13, 2021, he has been the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Republic of India. He was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland. Married, with three children, he speaks Russian and English, and German (beginner).
Dambajav spoke to The Indian Express for the fourth in a series of interviews with Ambassadors about Delhi — their home.
What is the one place in the city you love visiting often?
Delhi is too big to pick one place, especially, compared to Mongolia. Size-wise, we’re half of India. Population-wise, we’re less than one district of Delhi – only 3.5 million. Delhi, on the other hand, has a population of over 30 million.
But for me, historic places and religious centres – Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar – stand out. Religious places are very interesting to me because Mongolia and India call each other spiritual neighbours.
There are lots of other places to visit such as gardens of Delhi – I love to go to Nehru Park or Lodhi Garden. In short, I cannot say one place because all of Delhi is very attractive.
Three things that have stood out during your stay?
I love driving. I believe it is one way to understand the city and people’s mentality… In Mongolia, when there is traffic, we have to sometimes wait at one spot for 20 minutes. In Delhi, on most days, somehow, traffic keeps moving despite so many cars. This is, I would say, one of the fascinating things in Delhi.
The other thing is that people are very friendly. Sometimes, I get stuck while navigating Google Maps and I have to rely on people. They are all very helpful.
The third thing is the heritage… the ruins, the forts. I find it fascinating that you can find a lot of different religious places. You can find a mosque, a Sikh temple, and a Buddhist monument. I feel that the capital is a representation of all of India.
I find Indian cuisine very interesting. I’ve travelled around 23 states so far… but to understand a country like India, a lifespan is not enough, you know? The food in each city and each village is totally different.
Indian cuisine is very popular among Mongolians. We love the butter chicken and Hyderabadi Biryani, and of course the garlic naan. I also love masala tea. Whenever someone offers me a beverage, I always pick a masala tea over coffee and other drinks.
When I go to eat outside, I usually go to some place closer to the embassy. I like going to Claridges Hotel. I also love going to ITC Maurya hotels – usually I go there to have Mediterranean cuisine. In Claridges, I go for Indian cuisine. I tried the street food in Delhi… but my stomach couldn’t handle it.
Are there any encounters in the capital that will stay with you?
One such encounter I had was on the last day of October 2021. I was out with my spouse. It was very late at night. We went to a local restaurant in Greater Kailash 1. There was a very nice guy there who guided us. It was our very first impression so to speak. Another thing I want to point out. Northeast Indians, I feel, are very similar to Mongolians. Whenever I meet someone from Ladakh or Assam, it always feels like home.
What will you miss once you say goodbye to this city?
I will miss a bunch of things… the way Indian people treat their guests… I think my wife will probably miss the walks in Nehru Park.
Another thing I will miss is driving around Delhi. Going to different locations like South Extension and Akshardham… My last visit to Delhi was in 2009 and since then, it has changed a lot. I wanted to speak about the remarkable development that our Indian friends have made. India is what I like to refer to as an “Elephant economy.” I’m happy to see the success of such a populous country. For less populated countries, growth is relatively easy… but for a large country like India, I feel it’s very difficult.
I remember there weren’t many flyovers in Delhi at that time. Now, at every intersection, you have a flyover. The Metro is fantastic. Sometimes, when I visit Gurgaon, I prefer the Metro – it gets there in half the time. Old Delhi is very fascinating. I just wish I could visit it more often… the traffic prevents me from doing that.
Unfortunately, the traffic is getting worse every year. In 2021, I used to put on my headphones and drive my car. In two songs, I would reach from my residence to the embassy. But now it takes 4 to 5 songs. Based on that, I calculated that traffic has gotten worse. In Mongolia, the traffic is even worse at times… Personally, I believe Mongols are nomads by nature. I always have this one joke. Please keep in mind that Mongolians drive cars like they ride horses – they can turn anywhere at any second.
How would you introduce Delhi to someone back home?
I would say, Delhi is too big for Mongolians. For anyone planning to visit, my advice would be to spare at least a week… if you really want to see this magnificent city. Spend two days in Old Delhi… Even South Delhi and New Delhi have loads of interesting places to visit. If you want to truly experience Delhi, do not rush. Take your time. A few days for Delhi are not enough, and even a lifespan for India is not enough.
How is Delhi different from the other places you have visited in India?
India is very diverse. Mumbai is very different from Kerala or Karnataka. South India is very different from North India. I’ve also visited Assam, Kolkata and Darjeeling – I loved going there… Gujarat, on the other hand, is totally different. It is very dynamic. If you go there, you feel that a lot of changes keep happening all at once. The vibes are different everywhere… Delhi is a megalopolis and it manages to bring everyone from different corners of India in one place.
Does the pollution bother you?
To be honest, of course it does. I’m really concerned about my family and embassy staff. I think the pollution is partly due to the actions of humans. I believe we have to take care of ourselves. Post Diwali, I tell all my staff to wear masks when they go out. Inside, I ask them to put an air purifier and a dehumidifier. November, December and January are the worst.
Delhi is very humid for us Mongolians. Back home, we have very bad pollution during the winter. It is also very cold – sometimes it falls below minus forty degrees. To produce heat, we need to burn coal. We Mongolians also have to rely on coal for power generation. For me, pollution is not such a new thing… but of course, I have to look out for my family. I think pollution is present everywhere in the world.
Is there anything you would suggest to administrators or planners to make this city more livable?
I have no right, ability or knowledge to suggest to my Indian friends to do things this way or that. We Mongolians are learning this ourselves. Urban life is a new thing, urbanisation for us started just six decades ago.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/momgolia-delhi-mosque-sikh-temple-buddhist-monument-9663475/
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Power Jihad is defining theme of Mahayuti: Cong
Nov 11, 2024
State Congress chief Nana Patole declared on Sunday that Rahul Gandhi's five guarantees for people across various sectors would be "a game changer" in the Nov 20 assembly elections, helping the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in reclaiming power from the "illegal and corrupt" Mahayuti government led by Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde with support from BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar. Patole also announced plans to release a white paper on the state's economy. In an interview with TOI following the launch of the MVA's manifesto, he spoke at length on his party and its allies' campaign strategy and the anticipated outcome of the polls.
Q: What will be the result of the Maharashtra assembly polls?
A: Our performance in the Lok Sabha election was impressive. Congress contested 17 seats and won 13. In fact, our party set a record for winning such a large percentage of seats. In the ensuing assembly elections, I am sure our performance will be better than all the previous elections. In my opinion, MVA will win 175 to 180 seats and will form the new government. MVA is fighting the elections unitedly.
Q: If MVA secures a clear majority, who will be CM?
A: There is no dispute on the new CM. The AICC high command will decide on the new CM. It will be through consensus.
Q: Your priorities in govt?
A: Since there is a financial crisis, we will come out with a white paper on the state's economy. We found that the state's debt burden has crossed all limits owing to unprecedented cost escalation. We will probe all contracts given in the last six months.
Q: What will be the impact of the five guarantees?
A: The scheme is the brainchild of the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. All the schemes have been successfully implemented in Congress-ruled Telangana and Karnataka. Since these states are not facing a resource crunch, in Maharashtra too, we will implement them in letter and spirit.
Q: What according to you are the challenges?
A: I feel the biggest challenge is deteriorating law and order. Another is restoring the state's glory. Crime has gone up; women and children are not safe despite the tall claims of deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the home minister. We will have to take stringent measures to restore the confidence of people from all walks of life. We will have to focus on farmers' woes too. Maharashtra has witnessed the suicide of many farmers owing to the Mahayuti govt's failure to tackle the agrarian crisis. We are keen that farmers are made debt-free in a time-bound period. Our loan waiver scheme will help farmers in a big way.
Q: According to reports, several prime industries have been shifted to the neighbouring Gujarat…
A: It's a matter of concern. Under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, industry worth Rs 10 lakh crore from Maharashtra have been shifted to Gujarat. In the entire process, Maharashtra has lost 10 lakh jobs.
Q: NCP leader Nawab Malik is contesting the assembly elections...
A: It's a challenge for Devendra Fadnavis, who opposed him. BJP had alleged his links with underworld don Dawood. It appears to be ‘power jihad'. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP is part of Mahayuti, led by Eknath Shinde, and Fadnavis had declared that BJP will not campaign for Malik. Still he is contesting. Prima facie, it appears that it is all for power, and so, ‘power jihad'.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-assembly-elections-power-jihad-and-congresss-election-strategy/articleshow/115150933.cms
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Modi’s ‘ek hain, safe hain’ call riles Maharashtra allies, yet BJP may gain from ‘vote jihad’. Here’s why
D.K. SINGH
10 November, 2024
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘ek hain, toh safe hain’ or ‘together, one is safe’ slogan has riled Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) allies in Maharashtra. His remark in Dhule came despite Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Ajit Pawar publicly objecting to the slogan’s original version—‘batenge, toh katenge’ or ‘divided, we fall’—as repeated by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath while campaigning in Maharashtra. Pawar said such remarks are not appreciated in Shivaji’s land.
The Shiv Sena is equally queasy about the PM’s remarks, with party sources echoing Deputy CM Pawar’ line of arguments—that ‘polarising politics’ doesn’t work in Maharashtra and it might rather dilute the central poll plank of the government’s developmental and welfare schemes.
Muslims play a decisive role in swinging results in at least 30 constituencies and “it’s a hell of a lot” in a “tight election” with so many players, multiple NCP and Shiv Sena sources told ThePrint in Mumbai.
BJP strategists have a different outlook even though they are convinced that the so-called ‘vote jihad’, or en masse voting for the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—which consists of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Congress—by Muslims hurt them in “at least eight Lok Sabha seats” in 2024 election.
In Dhule constituency, for instance, the BJP candidate Subhash Bhamre led in five out of six assembly segments. He led by 1.90 lakh votes over his Congress rival, Shobha Bachhav, in these five assembly segments. In the sixth assembly segment, Malegaon Central, however, Bhamre trailed his Congress rival by 1.94 lakh votes, which led to his defeat in the Lok Sabha seat by a little over 3,800 votes. Muslims constitute over 80 percent of the voters in Malegaon Central and the BJP candidate got just 4,542 votes in that constituency.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has alleged that the MVA won at least 14 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats due to “vote jihad”.
Given how the BJP saw such a threat from Muslim votes’ consolidation, why would it go for polarising slogans like ‘ek hai, safe hai’ and ‘batenge, toh katenge’? Because the same ‘vote jihad’ would have the opposite impact on the BJP’s prospects in the assembly election in Maharashtra, multiple party leaders involved in overseeing polls told ThePrint.
BJP’s course correction post LS polls
There were four things that, in their assessment, went against the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra. The first was the impact of what they called the Opposition’s propaganda about the BJP planning to change the Constitution, as allegedly reflected in its ‘400-paar’ slogan. The second was the resentment of the Marathas over the reservation stir. The third was the unease and unrest among party workers after Ajit Pawar’s entry into the ruling Mahayuti, which only compounded the frustration of those who were unhappy about the chief ministership going to Eknath Shinde and not Devendra Fadnavis. And the fourth was the minority consolidation in the MVA’s favour, which led to the party losing many seats by narrow margins.
Since July, the BJP has been trying to address these issues. The party’s assessment was that the Maratha agitation had agrarian distress underneath it. The BJP, therefore, set out to address the issues concerning soyabean, cotton and onions.
The Centre, for instance, imposed and raised customs duty on crude and refined soybean and other edible oils and also approved procurement of 13 lakh metric tonnes of soybean under the price support scheme. Restrictions on onion exports were eased.
“These measures have effectively blunted the Maratha reservation issue. You don’t find them agitating now. The issue wasn’t reservation; it was essentially about onions, cotton and soybean and we have taken several measures to help those farmers,” a senior BJP leader told ThePrint. “These are such touchy issues. Can you imagine that even the export of white onion, which was so miniscule, became an issue here (Maharashtra)?” he added. He was referring to the Centre’s decision in April to partially relax the ban on onion exports to facilitate immediate export of 2,000 tonnes of white onions grown in Gujarat.
As for the “propaganda” about changing the Constitution, the BJP has been making a massive outreach to the Dalits and the other backward classes (OBCs) all over Maharashtra since July. For example, Maharashtra election in-charge Bhupendra Yadav has held numerous one-on-one meetings with key representatives from the Mahars, Matangs, and other groups among the 57 castes and sub-castes within the Scheduled Caste category. He has made a similar outreach to the OBCs as well.
To woo Dalits, the BJP also held a series of rallies and yatras across the state. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, a Buddhist, also spent several days in the state meeting Dalit Buddhists. “Dalits (read Dalit Buddhists) know that the BJP has appointed only the second Buddhist law minister after Ambedkar,” said a senior BJP functionary. The ‘propaganda’ about the Constitution is not an issue now, claimed another.
As for the unease among BJP cadre, they have been involved in a major way—from identifying issues to candidate selection—say senior party leaders. For instance, 10,000 workers from across the state were given parchis, or chits, to name two-three candidates for their constituency. Bhupendra Yadav held meetings with every district core committee to get their feedback. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw who is the BJP’s election co-incharge in Maharashtra, sits in the BJP office in Mumbai from 8 am till well past 10 pm, listening to party workers from across the state and carrying out their suggestions and demands.
“As for the Muslims, well, if their votes in one assembly constituency negated the votes of the people in five other assembly seats in the Lok Sabha, so be it. Let them vote the same way in the assembly election. Simply multiply the number of seats they can influence by five for the BJP,” said a party strategist.
Muslims constitute 11.54 percent of the population in Maharashtra, according to the 2011 Census. While the NCP and Shinde Sena are worried about the 30 or so seats that Muslims can swing in the MVA’s favour, the BJP is obviously looking for counter-mobilisation in the rest of the seats in favour of the Mahayuti. It may or may not work in a big way in Maharashtra, but it is expected to galvanise the BJP workers and sympathisers.
Source:theprint.in
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https://theprint.in/politics/modis-ek-hain-safe-hain-call-riles-maharashtra-allies-yet-bjp-may-gain-from-vote-jihad-heres-why/2350057/
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Delhi HC directs govt to enable online registration for Muslim marriages
Nov 11, 2024
NEW DELHI: Delhi high court has asked Delhi govt to ensure that the facility of online registration of Muslim marriages on its official portal is available within a specified time-frame.
In a recent order, Justice Sanjeev Narula directed chief secretary to personally oversee the implementation of the directive. The order was issued in response to a petition filed by a Muslim couple who married in Oct last year.
The couple, intending to travel abroad, sought to register their marriage as required by certain countries for visa issuance. However, due to the absence of an effective online registration mechanism for marriages solemnised under Muslim Personal Laws, the petitioners were forced to register their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, leading to a prolonged delay and confusion.
Appearing for the couple, advocate M Sufian Siddiqui argued the petitioners were subjected to an exclusionary marriage registration system mandated by govt, which allowed only two options — registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, or the Special Marriage Act, 1954, on its online portal.
The absence of an offline alternative or a suitable online option under the Delhi (Compulsory Registration of Marriage) Order, 2014, effectively forced Muslim couples into a "statutory regime antithetical to their faith and intent, thereby causing grave infraction of their constitutional rights under Articles 14, 21, and 25," the plea said.
The petitioners pointed out that in their case, the Special Marriage Act, 1954, should not apply, and that due to the absence of an effective online mechanism for registering marriages solemnised under Muslim Personal Laws, they mistakenly registered their marriage under the Special Marriage Act.
HC annulled the registration certificate issued by the revenue department and directed that appropriate changes be made to their records.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-hc-orders-online-registration-for-muslim-marriages/articleshow/115150208.cms
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Nitish shameless, stabbed Muslims in the back: Prashant Kishor
10 November 2024
Ramgarh: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday launched a stinging attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, calling him "shameless" and accusing him of "backstabbing" Muslims by aligning with BJP. The former political analyst, who was once a close aide of Kumar, was responding to queries about the JD(U) supremo's attempts to reach out to the minority community during campaign for by-polls to four assembly seats. "Yes, indeed Nitish Kumar has done a lot for Muslims by stabbing them in the back (peeth mein chhura bhonkne ka kaam kiya). He formed a government in 2015 with Muslims' overwhelming support and realigned with BJP two years later", said Kishor. The former JD(U) national vice president, who got expelled on account of a public spat with Kumar over CAA, also charged the Bihar CM with "supporting a legislation that threatened to disenfranchise Muslims"."Muslims supported Nitish Kumar again when he returned to Mahagathbandhan a couple of years ago, only to go back to the BJP-led NDA. Now his party is a partner in the government at the Centre, with its leaders as ministers in Union cabinet that bought the controversial Wakf bill", Kishor said. Asked about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "batenge to katenge" slogan, the former political strategist said "It is an old strategy of the BJP to make Hindus feel insecure and reap electoral
Source:deccanherald.com
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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bihar/nitish-shameless-stabbed-muslims-in-the-back-prashant-kishor-3270202
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Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 | Congress wants to cut reservations of SCs, STs, OBCs and give the same to Muslims, claims Amit Shah
10 November 2024
Mumbai: Building up on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "ek hai toh safe hai" narrative, BJP’s chief strategist and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused the Congress of making attempts to cut the existing quota of SCs, STs and OBCs, and give it to Muslims. “Recently I saw reports and documents which revealed that a delegation of Muslim clerics submitted a letter regarding several demands for Muslim community. One of the demands is reservation and Congress President Nana Patole, acknowledged this…tell me…are the people of Maharashtra in favour of giving the right of reservation for the SC-Dalits, ST-Adivasis and OBCs to the Muslims?,” Shah said, adding: “Hence, there is need for the SCs, STs and OBCs to remain united (and thwart attempts to dilute their quota).”“In the Constitution of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, there is no provision for reservation based on religion. However, Congress promised reservations before coming to power, and people should take cognizance of this issue,” he added. Shah's comment o what Modi meant by ‘ek hai to safe hai’ came during the release of BJP-led Maha Yuti's poll manifesto in Mumbai. In reply to a question, Shah said that once the Maha Yuti comes to power again, the government will form a committee to discuss and bring a stringent law to curb religious conversions. from the country. However, under the leadership of Modi, it has been scrapped. No one believed that Shah also slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray for joining hands with the CongressNCP Democratic Front and forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi. "I want to ask Thackeray if he can request Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to say two good words for Veer Savarkar and a few words in honour of Balasaheb Thackeray,” he said, adding that Thackeray is sitting with people who oppose Ram Mandir, Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Uniform Civil Code, Waqf board amendments, and abuse SavarkarCM to be decided after polls: Shah On the question of who the Chief Minister would be if the Maha Yuti wins, Shah, said: “Shin e is the Chief Minister now…after the polling when the results are out, the three parties would sit together and decide”. RSS always emerged stronger: HM On the demand from the purported letter of the Ulemas seeking a ban on the RSS, Shah said: “Three times (Congress) has tried it and every time RSS has emerged stronger.” Source:deccanherald.com
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Jammu and Kashmir: Soldier killed, three injured in gunfight with militants in Kishtwar
Muzaffar Raina
11.11.24
Militants killed an army para-commando and injured three soldiers in an ambush in Jammu’s Kishtwar on Sunday.
The army and police said it was the same group of militants that had killed village defence guards Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar in Kishtwar’s Ooli Kuntwara forest area on Thursday.
The development in Kishtwar came at a time the security forces were locked in another gunfight with militants at Harwan in Srinagar.
The encounter in Kishtwar followed a pattern of militants taking advantage of dense vegetation and dangerous forest terrain to lure the soldiers into an ambush and inflict casualties.
The army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps said Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, a commando from 2 Para Special Forces, was killed in Kishtwar. Sources said three soldiers were injured. The operation was still underway till the filing of this report.
In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said: “Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a joint operation was launched by security forces in general area Bhart Ridge, Kishtwar. This is the same group which had abducted and killed 02 (two) innocent villagers (village defence guards). Contact was established and firefight ensued.”
Kishtwar and adjoining districts — Doda in Jammu and Anantnag in Kashmir — have witnessed an unprecedented spurt in militancy this year, with several groups of militants hiding in an endless maze of forests.
Srinagar district on Sunday woke up to another gunfight in its Zabarwan forest belt in Ishber Nishat. The army said suspicious activity was observed by troops and militants opened fire on being challenged. “Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress,” the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps posted on X.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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Pakistan
Balochistan ups security, anti-terror resolve
Saleem Shahid
November 11, 2024
• Naqvi, Bugti briefed on initial investigation into station bombing; railway police register case
• Rail services from Quetta suspended for four days ‘pending security clearance’
QUETTA: Top federal and provincial officials decided on Sunday to strengthen security measures across Balochistan and take the fight to terrorists with the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Balochistan police has registered a case over Saturday’s suicide bombing at the Quetta Railway Station, which claimed the lives of 26 people, with railway police.
A high-level meeting held the day after the attack, was chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti discussed the initial report of the incident and reviewed the overall law and order situation in the province.
Balochistan Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, who also visited the crime scene alongside CTD DIG Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya on Sunday, briefed the meeting about the incident.
The meeting resolved to take a decisive action against the terrorists with full force.
Ongoing intelligence-based operations would be expanded to eliminate terrorist networks in different areas of the province, the officials decided.
The officials also resolved to increase resources and build the capacity of security forces across the province.
Interior Minister Naqvi reiterated the federal government’s commitment to support Balochistan in combating terrorism.
He said security forces in the province would be provided with resources and highlighted the integration of training measures for police, Counter-Terrorism Department, Levies, and other forces to strengthen their capabilities.
CM Bugti emphasised that all resources are being deployed to safeguard the lives and property of citizens and maintain law and order.
He said the “handful of elements” involved in militant activities will be eliminated.
The meeting also offered prayers for those who lost their lives in the explosion and expressed solidarity with their families.
The meeting was also attended by Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shahab Ali Shah, Quetta Division Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat and other senior security officials.
Victims in hospital
The death toll from the carnage at Quetta station remains at 26, while around 35 injured people are undergoing treatment at the trauma centre of the Quetta Civil Hospital and CMH Quetta.
According to Dr Wasim Baig, a spokesman for the Civil Hospital, the condition of at least four people is serious while around 30 people have already been discharged after treatment as they had received only minor injuries.
Mohammad Omar, 22, who was injured in the blast, said he was headed to his hometown of Jaffarabad along with his mother and younger brother.
“I was waiting for the train at the railway station along with my family when all of a sudden, a powerful blast took place,” he told Dawn from his bed in the hospital’s trauma centre.
Omar, who works as a labourer in Quetta, said he had no recollection of what happened after the blast, and woke up to find himself in hospital. He was thankful that his other family members had remained unhurt.
Attaullah, 60, who lost his brother in the blast, had come to the hospital to receive his body.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the victims of the railway station suicide bombing were laid to rest in different town and cities on Sunday.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attended the funeral of martyred army personnel at Quetta Garrison.
Train service suspended
Pakistan Railways has suspended the train service to and from Quetta for four days over security concerns, according to an official press release.
Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail services have been curtailed for four days from Nov 11, and Pakistan Railways CEO Aamir Ali Baloch said operations would resume after security clearance is granted by the authorities.
He said Pakistan Railways had successfully established Quetta’s rail connectivity with the rest of the country, with support from the provincial government and security agencies and “such incidents would not weaken their resolve”.
Pakistan Railways also announced that both the trains coming to Quetta would be stopped at Jacobabad railway station and there would be no train from Quetta from Monday.
Source:dawn.com
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£190m case: Court hands 14-page long questionnaire to Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi
By Shabbir Dar
November 11, 2024
RAWALPINDI: Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi, who was recently released on bail, have been given with a 14-page questionnaire in the £190 million settlement case.
The questionnaire, which contains 79 questions related to the reference, was provided for their final statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898.
Their counsel, Salman Safdar, received the questionnaire in the presence of both the accused in the last hearing. The couple was directed to submit their responses to the court on November 11 (tomorrow).
In the questionnaire — a copy of which is available with Geo News, the court asked the PTI founder whether he and his associates illegally obtained "monetary benefits" — which include land measuring 458 kanals — and, in return, facilitated the "illegal and dishonest transfer/adjustment of £171.159 million out of £190 million, meant for the State of Pakistan".
The court while citing evidence said co-accused Shahzad Akbar — former special assistant on accountability — "in-connivance and active knowledge" of Imran malafidely floated a note dated December 2, 2019, to the deposed prime minister.
Seeking his response, the court stated: "The note contained misrepresented information, implying that funds frozen in the UK were to be surrendered to the State of Pakistan, mischaracterising of land purchase agreement as a fine and knowingly misrepresented that Supreme Court account was being operated for the benefit of State of Pakistan.”
Furthermore, the accountability court said, "It is in the evidence that the jailed politician, being a prime minister, dishonestly instructed for placing the note as additional agenda without prior circulation in violation of rules of business, 1973 despite the fact that your co-accused Mirza Shahzad Akbar with your active connivance and under your influence had already dishonestly and for ulterior motive signed and submitted the confidential deed to the National Crime Agency UK on Nov 11, 2019.”
The court also sought his response regarding the December 3 cabinet meeting, in which the note was presented and Imran insisted on approving paragraph 10 of the note without allowing any discussion on the additional agenda.
"Upon your insistence and under your influence the said additional agenda was approved without deliberation. What do you say about it?"
In the November 7 hearing, lawyers for the former first couple completed the cross-examination of the last and 35th witness at Adiala jail, taking the reference conclusion to the final stage.
After cross-examination of a total of 35 witnesses in the reference, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) lawyers said that they did not want to present any further evidence.
Cross-examination of the last witness began on July 30 and continued for 20 hearings over three months. Also, Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Usman Gul, completed the cross-examination in 14 hearings.
What is the £190 million case?
As per the charges of the case, Imran and other accused allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion — £190 million at the time — sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government as part of the agreement with a property tycoon.
Subsequently, the then-prime minister got approval for the settlement with the UK crime agency from his cabinet on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the details of the confidential agreement.
It was decided that the money would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon.
According to the NAB officials, the PTI founder and his wife obtained land worth billions of rupees from the property tycoon, to build an educational institute, in return for striking a deal to give legal cover to the property tycoon’s black money received from the UK crime agency.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Punjab residents gasp in stubborn smog, toxic air shrouds KP's Peshawar
By Afzal Nadeem Dogar & Arooba Ibrahim & Duaa Mirza
November 11, 2024
After Punjab, a thick layer of smog engulfed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa capital Peshawar, leaving the residents of affected region gasping for air as the country continues to battle with air pollution.
Lahore once again ranked first in the most polluted big cities in the world, while Multan had the worst air quality in the country, hovering above the "hazardous" category, posing health risks to the citizens on prolonged exposure.
The smog-laden air that has blanketted the cities in Punjab has now floated towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and engulfed provincial capital Peshawar and surrounding districts as the temperatures drop across the country.
The air quality index in Lahore was 565 on the Swiss group's real time list of the cities with worst air quality around 8:30am, with PM2.5 pollutants — the fine particulate matter in the air that causes the most damage to health — 71.6 times higher than the levels deemed healthy by the World Health Organisation.
The national level AQI showed the air quality in Multan "worst" with the figures of 955, while it was 509 in Peshawar by 8:30am — well above the 300 mark, after which everything is considered hazardous for health.
Traffic disruptions
Besides Lahore and Multan, toxic air shrouded Bahawalpur, Rajanpur and several other cities of Punjab, reducing visibility to zero.
The situation resulted in widespread traffic disruptions, as major motorways and roads were closed at various points to prevent accidents.
Motorway M2 was closed from Lahore to Bhera, while Motorway M3 was blocked from Lahore to Durkhana. Similarly, Motorway M4 was shut down from Multan to Pindi Bhattian, and Motorway M5 was closed from Multan to Sukkur. Additionally, the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway was also blocked, further exacerbating the traffic situation.
Reduced the visibility also led to the closure of Motorway M1 from Peshawar to Rashakai and Motorway M2 from Bhera to Kot Momin.
In the wake of smog situation, the traffic authorities have banned the entry of heavy duty vehicles in Multan.
Areas of upper Sindh and regions bordering with Punjab have also been hit by polluted air, leading to closure of Motorway M5 from Sukkur to Rahim Yar Khan.
Meanwhile, smog-crisis and consequent low visibility has also caused various road accidents, resulting in multiple casualties.
A man was killed and six others were injured in different mishaps in Rahim Yar Khan.
In the wake of these accidents, traffic police has advised commuters to be extra cautious and only travel during the day hours, while ensuring road safety with the use of fog lights.
Flight and train delays
Due to intense fog across Punjab, flight operations at Faisalabad and Multan airports have been significantly disrupted, with several flights diverted and others cancelled. Three flights bound for these airports were redirected to alternative locations, while two Multan-bound flights were cancelled.
Overall, the aviation sources report delays impacting 36 flights nationwide.
According to aviation authorities, two Jeddah-to-Multan flights, SV 800 and SV 801, operated by a foreign airline, were cancelled. A private airline flight from Dubai to Multan (PA 811) was diverted to Karachi, while PK 330 from Karachi to Multan landed in Lahore.
Additionally, G9 562, a flight from Sharjah to Faisalabad, was redirected to Lahore.
Further delays included a flight from Multan to Dubai (FZ 326), departing nearly three hours behind schedule, while a Faisalabad-to-Sharjah flight (FZ 392) was delayed by three hours.
Karachi-to-Islamabad flight PK 300 also faced over a three-hour delay, and Islamabad-to-Karachi flight PK 301 is set to depart three hours late.
Multiple flights from Karachi to international destinations, including Jeddah, Istanbul, and Colombo, were delayed.
Islamabad-Quetta flights PK 325 and PK 326 are expected to depart four hours late, while flights from Islamabad to Najaf, Jeddah, Bahrain, Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai are also experiencing delays.
Meanwhile, dense smog significant delays in train service as well. The Tezgam Express traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi was delayed by 3 hours.
Similarly, the departure of the Rehman Baba Express from Quetta to Peshawar was delayed by 5 hours, railway authorities said.
The Pak Business train, traveling from Lahore to Karachi, is facing an 8-hour delay, while the Allama Iqbal Express traveling from Karachi to Sialkot has been delayed by 5 hours.
Moreover, the Millat Express, traveling from Lala Musa to Karachi, is running 5 hours behind schedule, and the Bahawalpur Zakarai Express from Karachi to Multan is also facing a 4-hour delay, according to railway officials.
As the country battles air pollution, the most populated province of Punjab has ordered public spaces closed and banned all outdoor activities in smog-hit main cities till November 17.
The drastic deterioration of air quality in the smog-hit regions has caused an increase in health issues like eye, throat infections and respiratory diseases.
Authorities advise citizens to avoid stepping out of their homes unnecessarily and keep their doors and windows closed beside ensuring mask wearing.
South Asia annually faces severe pollution due to trapped dust, emissions and stubble burning — the practice of setting fire to fields after the harvest of grain.
The government in the worst-hit province has attributed this year's particularly high pollution levels to toxic air from neighbouring India, where air quality has also reached hazardous levels.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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KP to take action against PTI worker over US flag display at Swabi rally
November 11, 2024
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser on Information to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has announced that legal proceedings will be initiated against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter who waved the US flag at a party rally in Swabi.
At the PTI rally, a worker unexpectedly waved a US flag, sparking tension among attendees. As soon as the flag appeared, nearby supporters urged him to lower it, calling for the display to stop.
The situation intensified as attendees pointed towards the flag, prompting close-by workers to forcibly try to seize it. Amid some scuffling, the worker eventually lowered the flag.
A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions.
Barrister Saif responded, clarifying that PTI rejects the display of the US flag. He added that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also expressed strong disapproval.
This incident comes amid PTI's hopes that US President-elect Donald Trump, once in office in January, might influence Pakistani authorities regarding matters concerning the party’s founder, Imran Khan.
Khan, a former prime minister, has been in jail for over a year. Although he has been either acquitted or had sentences suspended in multiple cases, he remains imprisoned due to a fresh case.
In the same rally, KP CM Gandapur also vowed to secure the PTI founder’s release, stating that party workers were even ready to “sacrifice their lives” for this purpose.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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‘Glitch’ blamed for VPN disruption
Abdul Moiz Malik
November 11, 2024
KARACHI: An “issue with the system” disrupted internet users’ access to virtual private networks (VPNs) in Pakistan on Sunday, industry sources told Dawn.
Over the weekend, multiple users reported that they were unable to connect to VPNs, on both fixed broadband and mobile data.
PTA has not commented on this issue, and a spokesperson did not respond to Dawn’s queries on Sunday.
The use of VPNs has increased in Pakistan since February, when the government banned social media platform X. Many users were also forced to use proxy networks to bypass local infrastructure during the months-long internet disruption earlier this year.
Unconfirmed reports on social media claimed that a number of VPNs have been banned by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
However, authorities have claimed that the disruption was “brief” and caused by a “glitch” in the system.
“We have been told by officials that access to VPNs was briefly disrupted for 30 minutes to an hour due to a glitch in the system,” an industry source with knowledge of the issue told Dawn.
The problem was confirmed by Downdetector, an online monitor which tracks internet disruption.
A graph on the site showed that VPN Unlimited users complained about connectivity issues, with a peak of 10 reports submitted by 6:15pm. Similarly, Tunnelbear users submitted reports as late as 7:29pm.
The disruption also impacted enterprises that had registered their VPNs with PTA, two industry sources told Dawn.
The telecom regulator has already asked software houses, call centres, freelancers and foreign missions to register their VPNs and internet protocol (IP) addresses with the authority for “uninterrupted” service in case of any disruption.
“PTA is cognizant of the fact that uninterrupted access is fundamental for efficient working of [the] IT industry … In this regard, IP addresses for VPNs are being registered for software houses, business and IT companies,” the authority said in a statement in September, when users were complaining of slow internet speed and frequent disconnections.
As per PTA, more than 20,000 VPNs and IP addresses have been registered since 2020.
While talking to Dawn.com, digital rights advocate Farieha Aziz said this “arbitrary” throttling disrupts everyday life.
“It’s completely arbitrary, disrupting everyday life and work and no one in the PTA and government has yet given a straight answer — other than partially on VPNs which they have stated they are in the process of registering.”
Another activist, Usama Khilji, told Dawn.com that the throttling was “in line with the state’s plans to clamp down on VPNs”.
“This will have an adverse impact on businesses, especially the financial and tech-related industry.”
Source:dawn.com
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SIFC plans to replace govt houses in Islamabad with high-rises
Kashif Abbasi
November 11, 2024
ISLAMABAD: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has started work on a plan to replace old government houses with high-rises in Islamabad for generating billions of rupees for the national kitty.
In various sectors of Islamabad such as F-6, G-6, G-7 single-storey government houses are located. In F-6, even spacious houses for higher category officers are located which also have servant quarters.
“If such single-storey houses allotted to federal secretaries and other bureaucrats are demolished, dozens of high-rise buildings could be constructed on these government lands.
“So there is a need for vertical construction approach to save the land bank of Islamabad,” said a government official, wishing not to be named.
Due to the presence of these single-storey houses, a huge chunk of state land is underutilized. A recent study showed that only in one sub-sector of G-6 (G-6/1) government houses were built on 86 acres and with vertical construction the current houses could be accommodated on nine acres, freeing 77 acres worth over Rs52 billion.
The issue of replacing these houses with vertical construction remained in discussion for the last two decades or so; however, no practical step has been taken yet. Last week, SIFC through an official letter sought comments from the CDA on the issue, particularly about G-6/1.
Sources in SIFC told Dawn that a research article released by Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) on “dead capital” caught the attention of SIFC. Therefore, it was decided to take up the issue with CDA, which is the custodian of Islamabad’s land.
Sources in the PIDE said through an official letter last week, the CDA was asked to furnish its comments on the issue.
The SIFC’s letter available with Dawn stated: “Enclosed please find a self-explanatory article on the topic of Dead Capital, authored by research associate at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.”
The letter added: Reference this topic, efficient management of state-owned land is essential to meet urban demands and promote city development. When underutilized or used for non-productive purposes, such land becomes a financial burden, restricting growth and economic potential. In Pakistan, much of this land lies in or near urban centres, yet it remains largely unoptimized — a clear case of dead capital as defined by Hernando De Soto.“
According to the letter, a study by PIDE highlighted that government housing in Islamabad’s G-6/1 area occupied 86 acres of valuable land.
“By converting single-storey houses into high-rise structures, up to 77 acres could be freed, potentially generating 55.2 billion in revenue and raising annual GDP by 0.09pc.
The PIDE study says that these government houses located on 86 acres could easily managed in six high-rise buildings and by doing this 77acres could be freed.
“This strategy already applied by countries like the UK and India requires a strategic shift in Pakistan. Establishing a centerlised database for state-held land, accurately valuing these assets and involving asset management experts can help unlock this dormant potential, fostering economic activity and addressing urban needs through efficient, vertical development,” read the letter.
“In the light of above, the CDA is requested to provide their views/comments on the subject. These views/comments may please be forward to SIFC Division.”
The sources in SIFC said the plan of replacing the government houses with vertical construction was for the time being a raw one as “we sought comments from CDA and once we received their comments we will look into this issue. Let see what happens, but one thing is clear in all major cities of the world government opts for vertical construction,” said a source in SIFC.
As far as the issue of Islamabad is concerned, “the research article of PIDE caught the attention of SIFC, therefore, we sought comments from the CDA,” the source said, adding the research article, “Dead Capital” authored by research associate Azwar Mohammad Aslam had also been shared with CDA along the official letter of SIFC. “After receiving CDA’s input, we will move forward,” the source said.
Source:dawn.com
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JI plans to expand Haq Do movement across Balochistan
Saleem Shahid
November 11, 2024
QUETTA: Jamaat-i-Islami’s Balochistan emir and MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman has expressed serious concerns over the prevailing security situation in the province, saying that the government failed to protect people despite spending Rs85 billion on security.
Speaking at a press conference along with Dr Attaur Rehman and Zahid Akhtar on Sunday, the JI provincial chapter chief announced the launch of the “Haq Do Balochistan” movement, with protests being planned across the province on Nov 15.
He regretted that no official or authority was ready to take responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation, as no one had resigned from their office over the issue.
“Despite huge allocations for maintaining law and order and security, the people of the province remain unsafe and vulnerable,” he added.
He said the Haq Do Balochistan movement was aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of terrorism, unemployment and border closures.
Protests will be held across the province on November 15, followed by a mutli-party conference on the next day, he announced. The movement has also planned a public gathering in Turbat and a long march in April.
Referring to the terrorist attacks at the Quetta railway station, Mastung, Duki, Gwadar, Panjgur, and Noshki, the JI leader said the security situation in Balochistan was worsening and noted that the government’s response was ineffective, as mere condemnation of terrorist incidents was not enough to tackle the situation.
He accused the “ruling class” of focusing more on their personal interests than on alleviating the suffering of the masses.
Mr Rehman pointed out that the public continued to face humiliation at checkpoints and on the streets, while the government merely offered empty promises and condemnations.
He called for an immediate review of the role of security forces, particularly the Frontier Corps, and demanded their removal if the personnel continued to “humiliate public and facilitate extortion.”
Charter of demands
He also presented a 26-point charter of demands, focusing on the protection of Balochistan’s resources and its development, including the revival of education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
He called for the end of illegal land occupation, improvement in governance, and the eradication of corruption at all levels, particularly among politicians, bureaucrats, judges and military officials.
Expressing his frustration over the border closure, which rendered “three million people” unemployed, the JI provincial chief demanded the reopening of all border crossing points from Chaman to Gwadar and the lifting of ‘unjust trade restrictions’.
Addressing the issues of enforced disappearances, kidnappings and human rights violations, he called for an immediate halt to such practices and the restoration of political freedoms.
He also highlighted the need to address the concerns of the youth, who were increasingly disillusioned with the government’s inaction.
Mr Rehman said his party would continue to raise voice of Balochistan at all forums, including parliament.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1871560/ji-plans-to-expand-haq-do-movement-across-balochistan
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Pakistan leads in social registry coverage
Amin Ahmed
November 11, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has the highest number of population covered in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) as compared to other countries, and a new report of World Bank says NSER is more likely to include poor households with 90 per cent of the poorest decile included in the registry.
The report, “Mind the Gap”, made available on Wednesday by the World Bank, says 84pc of the total population in Pakistan is covered in the NSER, a higher coverage than in other countries, where the average coverage rate in countries with social registry is around 41pc.
However, as NSER is transitioning to an on-demand registration system, the overall coverage rates are likely to decrease since those better off may not want to register, according to the report.
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) established the NSER as its social registry to support intake, registration, and determination of eligibility for its unconditional cash transfer (UCT) programme, Kafaalat.
NSER coverage is higher for poorer households in Pakistan, except in Balochistan where coverage is uniformly low across all levels of well-being due to governance and political challenges. Nationally, 90pc of the poorest decile is included in the NSER but only 67pc of the richest decile is included.
The report says despite the high overall coverage, over 2.2m households from the bottom 40pc of the population are still not included in the NSER. This means they are excluded from social protection and disaster response programmes.
Specifically, 1.6m households below the Proxy Means Test score threshold of 32 for Kafaalat inclusion are missing from the NSER. It is also important to underscore that data on bottom 40pc is not available for other countries, so it is hard to conclude where NSER stands in comparison.
However, the overall coverage numbers indicate that NSER is performing in terms of coverage better than most countries, the World Bank report says. It highlights that the lack of awareness of the NSER, the modality of registration and the lack of identification documents are the challenges for inclusion of the poor in the registry.
Nearly half of the households not registered with NSER were unaware of how to do so, and only 27pc knew how to contact BISP. The registration process is seen as cumbersome, often requiring multiple visits to NSER Dynamic Registration Centers, which are plagued by long wait times.
Furthermore, many households that are registered with NSER are not aware of their registration status; only 42pc of those in the NSER knew they were registered, with the figure dropping to 13pc in Balochistan. However, among Kafaalat beneficiaries, awareness of registration status is higher at 69pc.
Modality of registration matters for inclusion in the NSER and coverage rates are better in areas with dynamic registration, with areas using this modality showing a 97pc inclusion rate.
Dynamic registration is more cost-effective than data collection through door-to-door surveys. However, door-to-door registration is more effective in reaching remote households.
Source:dawn.com
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Empowering SMEs via Islamic finance
Ahmed Ali Siddiqui
November 11, 2024
For a country like Pakistan, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. In Pakistan, SMEs contribute significantly to the country’s GDP and employment, but their development is often hindered by limited access to financing. In this backdrop, Islamic finance, with its ethical, interest-free, and profit-sharing principles, offers a viable alternative for promoting SME financing.
In Pakistan, SMEs form the backbone of our economy. According to a report by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, over five million SMEs account for approximately 90 per cent of all businesses, contributing nearly 40pc to Pakistan’s GDP and generating around 80pc of non-agricultural employment. These businesses operate across various sectors, including manufacturing, services, and agriculture, and are essential for income generation and economic stability, particularly in rural areas.
However, despite their importance, Pakistani SMEs face several challenges, with limited access to finance being one of the most significant. According to a World Bank report, only 7pc of SMEs in Pakistan have access to formal financing, leaving a considerable gap that limits their potential to grow and contribute to the economy. According to the State Bank’s data, SME financing has reached Rs0.54 trillion as of December 2023.
As of March 2024, Islamic banks in Pakistan hold approximately 28pc of the total banking financing, and their market share is growing steadily. This presents a significant opportunity for SMEs to tap into a form of funding that is more in line with their business needs and also compliant with Islamic principles.
By offering products to meet the working capital and long-term financing needs, Islamic financial institutions can empower these SMEs, providing them with the much-needed capital for growth and business expansion that aligns with their business needs. This could lead to a broader acceptance of formal financing, increasing financial inclusion in sectors that are traditionally underserved by conventional banks.
One of the most immediate benefits of empowering SMEs through Islamic finance is job creation. SMEs in Pakistan employ over 80pc of the non-agricultural workforce, and their growth directly correlates with employment opportunities. By providing accessible and affordable financing options, Islamic finance can enable SMEs to expand, hire more employees, and contribute to the economic well-being of local communities.
Moreover, Islamic finance can foster innovation in SMEs and encourage entrepreneurship by offering solutions based on equity participation and profit-sharing via partnership contracts — a unique innovation in the modern banking system — thus encouraging risk-taking and innovation.
In Pakistan, several Islamic microfinance institutions are also providing Shariah-compliant micro-credits to small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. Similarly, large-scale Islamic banks are now actively working with several microfinance players to increase their capacity to offer Islamic financing to small business owners. By providing financing options, Islamic finance institutions can help nurture new businesses, particularly those in high-growth sectors like technology and services.
Beyond that, Islamic finance can enhance financial stability and economic resilience for the overall system due to its asset-backed transaction nature that contributes directly to the real economy and adds financial stability to the system. Unlike conventional banks, Islamic financial institutions avoid speculative investments, thus reducing the likelihood of financial crises driven by unsound lending practices.
To further increase financing for SMEs, it is suggested that technology be leveraged to create a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent financial ecosystem for SMEs. For instance, Islamic fintech platforms can play a crucial role in providing SMEs with accessible financial products. By leveraging online platforms, SMEs can access financial services without needing to visit physical branches, which will also allow for easier onboarding, faster processing of applications, and greater transparency.
Blockchain technology can also be explored to enhance transparency and trust in SME financing by providing immutable and auditable transaction records.
Another possibility is leveraging artificial intelligence to develop powerful credit scoring models that assess SME creditworthiness based on non-traditional data sources, such as cash flow, transaction history, and social media activity. Finally, mobile banking platforms could extend financial services to SMEs in remote and rural areas where access to traditional banks is limited.
Additionally, integrating financial literacy programs into mobile apps can help SMEs understand Islamic finance principles and make informed decisions about which Sharia-compliant products suit their needs, ultimately improving financial inclusion.
Source:dawn.com
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PM Shehbaz departs for Riyadh to attend Arab-Islamic Summit
November 10, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Riyadh on Sunday to participate in the Arab-Islamic Summit.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, he is set to address the summit and engage in discussions on critical regional issues.
The prime minister is also expected to hold meetings with various global leaders on the sidelines of the event. The summit, convened by the Saudi government, will focus on key issues in the Middle East, including the current situation in Gaza.
Heads of state and government from member countries of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are attending this extraordinary gathering.
State-run broadcaster PTV News posted a video of the prime minister boarding a military plane to their X account.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi will accompany the PM during the summit.
According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Riyadh from Madina for the summit as well. He participated in the Council of Foreign Ministers’ Preparatory meeting in Riyadh, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.
Dar was speaking at the Council of Foreign Ministers’ Preparatory meeting for the Second Arab-Islamic Summit, Radio Pakistan reported. He condemned Israel’s “war crimes and crimes against humanity against the people of Palestine” and called for its accountability.
“[The] death toll of innocent Palestinians has crossed 44,000, while over a hundred thousand have been injured and millions displaced,” Dar said.
The deputy PM added that Pakistan will continue to champion the rights of Palestinians until the creation of a viable, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.
He commended the OIC and the Arab League for their “unwavering dedication” to the Palestinian cause.
Source:dawn.com
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Mideast
Iran calls to expel Israel from UN after Syria strike
November 11, 2024
TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry called Sunday for an arms embargo on Israel and the expulsion of its arch-foe from the United Nations, following a deadly strike in Syria.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran “strongly condemned the aggressive attack carried out today by the Zionist regime against a residential building” in the Damascus area.
The strike on an apartment belonging to the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, killed nine people including a Hezbollah commander, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said.
Baghaei called for measures against Israel, including “an arms embargo” and its “expulsion from the United Nations.”
Regional tensions have soared since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, triggered by the Palestinian Hamas militant group’s unprecedented attack on Israel.
The conflict has drawn in Tehran-aligned militants in the region, and included rare direct attacks between Iran and Israel.
Since Syria’s civil war broke out in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting army positions and fighters including from Hezbollah.
Israeli authorities rarely comment on the strikes, but have repeatedly said they will not allow arch-enemy Iran to expand its presence in Syria.
Source:arabnews.com
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Five killed in Turkish drone strikes on PKK members in northern Iraq
November 10, 2024
BAGHDAD: Turkish drone strikes killed five members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan’s counter-terrorism service and security sources said on Sunday.
The first Turkish strike targeted a vehicle in a mountain area near Iraq’s northern province Dohuk late on Saturday, killing three, including one person identified by the Iraqi Kurdistan’s counter-terrorism service statement as a “senior PKK official,” the statement added.
Another drone strike on Sunday targeted a vehicle, killing two fighters from the Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS), a militia affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), two security sources and a local official in the district of Sinjar told Reuters.
Turkiye regularly carries out airstrikes on PKK militants in northern Iraq and has dozens of outposts in the Iraqi territory.
The PKK launched an insurgency against Ankara in 1984 with the initial aim of creating an independent Kurdish state. It subsequently moderated its goals to seeking greater Kurdish rights and limited autonomy in southeast Turkiye.
Source:arabnews.com
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Israel strike on Syria kills 9 including Hezbollah commander: monitor
November 10, 2024
BEIRUT: Israel struck an apartment belonging to Hezbollah in a stronghold of pro-Iran groups south of Damascus on Sunday, killing nine people including a commander, a war monitor said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said one of the dead was a Lebanese commander of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Syria.
Israel has increased strikes on Syria since an all-out war with Hezbollah in Lebanon erupted on September 23.
Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Britain-based monitor, told AFP that the commander “was active in Syria and held Lebanese nationality.” The man’s name is not yet known.
The monitor, which has a network of sources inside Syria, said that “nine people lost their lives — four civilians (a woman and her three children) of Syrian nationality, and five others, including a Hezbollah commander.”
It said the strike hit “an apartment in a building in the Sayyida Zeinab area” south of the Syrian capital.
According to the monitor, 14 others were wounded in the strike which “targeted individuals in an apartment inhabited by Lebanese families and Hezbollah members.”
Some of those killed in the strike “remain unidentified,” the Observatory said.
Syria’s official SANA news agency reported an “Israeli aggression targeting a residential building in the Sayyida Zeinab” area, home to a major Shiite shrine.
It later reported a death toll of “seven civilians, including children and women,” and 20 wounded.
On Saturday, four pro-Iran fighters were among five people killed in Israeli strikes in north and northwest Syria, the Observatory reported.
Since Syria’s civil war broke out in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting army positions and fighters including from Hezbollah.
Israeli authorities rarely comment on the strikes, but have repeatedly said they will not allow arch-enemy Iran to expand its presence in Syria.
Source:arabnews.com
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Five Iranian security forces killed in attack in Sistan-Baluchistan province
November 10, 2024
TEHRAN: At least five members of Iran’s security forces were killed Sunday in a “terror attack” in the restive southeast, where authorities have been conducting operations against rebels, local media reported.
The Fars news agency reported that in a “terror attack in Saravan county, in the south of the Sistan-Baluchistan province, five members of the security forces were killed.”
Sistan-Baluchistan borders both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is one of Iran’s most impoverished provinces. It is one of the few mainly Sunni Muslim provinces in Shiite-dominated Iran.
For years it has faced unrest involving drug-smuggling gangs, rebels from the Baluchi minority and extremists.
Fars said that after the attack in Saravan, “units stationed in the region were quickly deployed to pursue the criminals.”
Iranian forces launched a major operation in the area after an attack on October 26 killed 10 police officers.
That attack was later claimed by the Pakistan-based Sunni jihadist group Jaish Al-Adl (Arabic for Army of Justice).
Local media reported that those behind the October attack have been killed in the current security operation.
Some 15 militants have been reported killed in Sistan-Baluchistan province since the October attack, including three on Sunday, state television said.
It also said more than 30 suspects have been arrested.
Formed in 2012 by Baluch separatists, Jaish Al-Adl is designated a terrorist organization by both Iran and the United States.
Source:arabnews.com
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Portraits of pain: smuggled Palestinian art shows trauma of Gaza
November 11, 2024
Amman: When war erupted in Gaza, Palestinian artists had only one way to share their work expressing the harrowing reality of the conflict: having it smuggled out of the besieged territory.
For six months, they handed over paintings and other artworks to people leaving Gaza through its Rafah border crossing with Egypt until Israeli ground forces closed it in May when they took control of the frontier.
“The paintings document the brutality of war and massacres... carrying pain and sorrow, but also embodying an unwavering resolve,” said Mohammad Shaqdih.
He is deputy director of Darat Al-Funun, an art gallery in the Jordanian capital Amman exhibiting pieces that were smuggled out in a show entitled “Under Fire.”
While the works themselves managed to escape the war-torn territory, the four artists who created them — Basel Al-Maqousi, Raed Issa, Majed Shala and Suhail Salem — were not so lucky.
They remain trapped within the narrow coastal strip where Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 43,500 people, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, and created a humanitarian disaster.
The artworks “depict the daily realities of war and the hardship these artists endure, who have been displaced and lost their homes,” said Shaqdih.
He said the gallery was already familiar with the artists on display before the war broke out on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel.
'Nightmares'
That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
“The language of art is universal. Through these paintings, we are trying to convey our voices, our cries, our tears and the nightmares we witness daily to the outside world,” said Maqousi, 53, speaking to AFP by phone from Gaza.
The exhibition features 79 artworks crafted from improvised materials including medicine wrappers, and using natural pigments made from hibiscus, pomegranate and tea.
The drawings show people under bombardment, displaced families on donkey-drawn carts, makeshift tents, weary and frightened faces, emaciated children clinging to their mothers and blindfolded men surrounded by military vehicles.
“I can’t paint with colors and expensive pigments because there are more pressing priorities here in Gaza, like food, drink and finding safety for myself and my family” reads a text by Suhail Salem next to his sketches drawn in school notebooks with ballpoint pens.
In a letter displayed alongside his work, Majed Shala describes how he was displaced to the southern city of Deir Al-Balah. His house, studio and 30 years of artworks were completely destroyed.
“When the war first started, I felt completely paralyzed, unable to create or even think about making art,” he wrote.
'Far more devastating'
As time passed, “I started to document the real-life scenes of displacement and exile that have affected every part of our daily lives,” he added.
His words are displayed next to a painting of a man embracing his wife amid a scene of destruction.
“These scenes remind me of the stories our elders told us about the 1948 Nakba,” or “catastrophe,” he wrote, referring to the exodus of around 760,000 Palestinians during the war that led to the creation of Israel.
“But what we’re living through now feels far more devastating, far worse than what people endured back then.”
Exhibition visitor Victoria Dabdoub, a 37-year-old engineer, said she was moved by the artwork.
“It is important that works like these are shared worldwide so that people can feel the pain, sorrow, and suffering of the people of Gaza,” she told AFP.
On the wall nearby is posted a message from artist Raed Issa: “We assure you: if you’re asking how we are, we are far from all right! Constant bombing and terror, day and night! Gaza is in mourning, waiting for relief from God!“
Source:arabnews.com
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Dozens of arrests follow Turkish unseating of mayors
November 11, 2024
ISTANBUL: More than 30 people have been charged in Turkiye after protests against the removal of three mayors in the Kurdish-majority southeast, who were then replaced by government-appointed trustees, the interior ministry said Sunday.
Those detained, after the authorities sacked the mayors on “terrorism” charges, include a journalist from news website 10Haber.
His lawyer said the reporter was arrested late Saturday following a series of articles on the removal of a mayor in a district of Istanbul.
Authorities have alleged the mayor is linked to the banned Workers Party of Kurdistan (PKK).
More than 250 people have also been detained for participating in protest rallies in mainly-Kurdish southeastern Turkiye against the mayors’ removal.
The ministry said 33 of those detained had been charged, while 37 have been placed under judicial surveillance, while three others face house arrest.
Monday’s replacement of the mayors sparked widespread anger and brought a rebuke from Europe’s top rights body, the Council of Europe, which said the move undermined local democracy.”
The trio all are from the main pro-Kurdish party DEM. They were elected in March when opposition candidates won in many areas, including Istanbul.
Authorities banned rallies in several Kurdish majority provinces after the move.
Images filmed mid-week in Batman showed police officers targeted by firecrackers and dispersing demonstrators with armored vehicles equipped with water cannons.
Ankara and its Western allies have branded the PKK a “terrorist” organization. The group has waged a bloody guerrilla war since 1984 that has left more than 40,000 dead.
Source:arabnews.com
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Israel PM says okayed Lebanon pager attacks
November 10, 2024
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he okayed a deadly September attack on Hezbollah communications devices which exploded in Lebanon, the first time Israel has admitted involvement.
Hezbollah had previously blamed its arch-foe for the blasts that dealt a major blow to the Iran-backed militant group, and vowed revenge.
“Netanyahu confirmed Sunday that he greenlighted the pager operation in Lebanon,” his spokesman Omer Dostri told AFP of the attacks.
Hand-held devices used by Hezbollah operatives detonated two days in a row in supermarkets, on streets and at funerals in mid-September.
They killed nearly 40 people and wounded nearly 3,000, and preceded Israel’s ongoing military operation in Lebanon.
Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israel in support of Hamas following its ally’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which triggered the Gaza war.
Strikes have intensified since war broke out in Lebanon in late September, when Israel escalated its air campaign against Hezbollah and later sent ground troops into south Lebanon.
Source:arabnews.com
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Netanyahu says spoke again with Trump about Iran ‘threat’
November 10, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Sunday he had spoken three times with US president-elect Donald Trump over the past few days about the “Iranian threat” to Israeli security.
“In the last few days, I have spoken three times with President-elect Donald Trump... Talks designed to further tighten the strong alliance between Israel and the US,” Netanyahu said, quoted in a statement issued by his office.
“We see eye to eye on the Iranian threat in every aspect,” he added during a weekly cabinet meeting, according to the statement.
Netanyahu also said he had talked to Trump about “great opportunities before Israel in the field of peace and its expansion.”
The United States is Israel’s top ally and military backer, and the election came at a critical time for the Middle East amid wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Analysts believe Netanyahu had hoped for a Trump return to the White House, given the longstanding personal friendship between the two as well as the former president’s hawkishness on Israel’s arch-foe Iran.
During his first term, Trump moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights and helped normalize ties between Israel and several Arab states under the so-called Abraham Accords.
Source:arabnews.com
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Minister of Culture inspects work at Great Mosque Library
11 Nov 2024
Sana'a - Saba: Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr. Ali Al-Yafei inspected the progress of work at the Great Mosque Library in Sana'a and efforts to preserve its contents.
Minister Al-Yafei also inspected the condition of manuscripts, parchments and Quranic copies, and the work being done to inventory, classify, number, photograph, maintain, restore and index the manuscripts and old publications therein.
Source:saba.ye
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Head of General Authority for Antiquities inspects Al-Jund Mosque in Taiz
11 Nov 2024
Taiz - Saba:
The head of the General Authority for Antiquities, Ibad Al-Hayal, inspected the condition of the historic Al-Jund Mosque in Taiz Governorate.
Al-Hayal was briefed on the construction work being carried out by the Endowments Authority in the mosque.
Source:saba.ye
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Source: Iraqi PM al-Sudani to attend Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Monday
2024-11-11
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, November 11, to participate in the Arab-Islamic Summit, a well-informed political source reported on Sunday.
The source told Shafaq News, “The Iraqi delegation, headed by al-Sudani and including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, will attend the extraordinary joint summit in Riyadh, where al-Sudani will give a speech during the meeting.”
“Any developments afterward could include side meetings with the leaders of the participating countries,” he added.
Earlier today, Hussein arrived in the Saudi capital to participate in the extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Arab-Islamic Summit. The FM began his visit by meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, where their discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Palestine.
Arab and Islamic leaders have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia ahead of tomorrow's summit. In late October, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the summit following the first meeting of an international coalition formed to support the two-state solution for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The summit aims to "discuss ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinian and Lebanese territories and regional developments," according to the Saudi Press Agency. It follows the joint Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, initiated by the Arab League (Cairo) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (Jeddah).
Source:shafaq.com
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Arab World
Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh
November 10, 2024
RIYADH: The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala Al-Tuwaijri, recently concluded the second phase of its “Train-the-Trainers” program.
The five-day program was delivered to 20 committee members in the field of combating human trafficking, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held at the commission’s headquarters in Riyadh, it was organized in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
It featured the participation of several experts and specialists from relevant government agencies and covered key topics including communication strategies with trainees, the role and responsibilities of the trainer, and speech skills.
It also addressed building trust, time management, and effective leadership.
The program is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen national capacity in the field.
It aligns with the implementation of the second phase of the memorandum of understanding between the commission and the UN for technical cooperation in combating human trafficking.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi armed forces chief of staff meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran
November 10, 2024
RIYADH: The chief of staff of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces visited Tehran on Sunday to meet with his Iranian counterpart and discuss defense ties, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said.
Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and Iran’s Major General Mohammad Bagheri discussed opportunities to develop relations between the two countries in the military and defense fields.
They also discussed cooperation between the two in a way that might contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region, the MoD added.
Source:arabnews.com
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Palestinian president arrives in Riyadh ahead of Arab-Islamic summit
November 10, 2024
RIYADH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Riyadh on Sunday evening ahead of an Arab-Islamic follow-up summit focusing on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Arab and Muslim leaders will discuss continued Israeli aggression on Palestinian territories and Lebanon at the summit on Monday.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, the Foreign Minister of Guinea Morissanda Kouyate, the President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama also arrived in Riyadh on Sunday.
The President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani arrived in the Kingdom’s capital on Sunday after performing Umrah and praying in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Saturday.
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Saudi crown prince receives call from Iran president
November 10, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the phone call, Pezeshkian praised the Kingdom’s initiative to host a joint Arab-Islamic follow-up summit to discuss continued Israeli aggression on Palestinian territories and Lebanon. The president expressed his wishes that the summit would be a success.
Arab and Muslim leaders will convene in Riyadh for the summit scheduled for Monday, focusing on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
On Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chaired the preparatory ministerial meeting, where officials reviewed the latest developments and outlined the summit’s agenda.
Earlier on Sunday, the chief of staff of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces visited Tehran to meet with his Iranian counterpart and discuss defense ties, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said.
Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and Iran’s Major General Mohammad Bagheri discussed opportunities to develop relations between the two countries in the military and defense fields.
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KSrelief clinics serve 2,483 refugees in Jordan in a week, deliver dialysis solutions to Yemen
November 11, 2024
AMMAN/MARIB, Yemen: A total of 2,483 Syrian refugees at the Al-Zaatari camp in Jordan sought assistance from the medical clinics of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center during the first week of November 2024, the Saudi aid agency said on Sunday.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the aid agency known by its acronym KSrelief said the emergency department received 253 patients, the cardiology clinic treated 27 patients, and the internal medicine clinic treated 122 patients with diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
The rest were diagnosed with various ailments, including 285 children.
In Yemen, KSrelief delivered the third batch of dialysis solutions and medical supplies to the Ministry of Public Health and Population office in Marib governorate on Saturday.
The batch, weighing approximately 30 tons, is designated to support the dialysis centers at two hospitals in Marib Directorate and Harib Directorate, SPA reported.
Dr. Ahmed Saleh Al-Abadi, health director in Marib, praised the significant humanitarian support provided by Saudi Arabia, which is part of a comprehensive health program being provided by the Kingdom to Yemen in more than a decade.
Source:arabnews.com
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Health benefits of turmeric highlighted by Saudi authority
November 11, 2024
RIYADH: Turmeric has numerous health benefits, including the ability to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority said on Sunday.
The plant known as Curcuma longa also has antioxidant properties, said the SFDA in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
Turmeric has long been used in Asia as a medicine and food additive.
The yellow chemical produced by the turmeric plant, known as Curcumin, has been approved by the World Health Organization as a food additive.
The SFDA, however, stressed the importance of using herbs with caution and recommended consulting a healthcare professional before ingesting.
“It is essential to note that turmeric may interact with blood thinners like aspirin and certain blood pressure medications,” the authority said.
It recommends a daily turmeric powder intake of 0.5 to 1 gram, divided into three smaller doses consumed between meals.
The SFDA also warned against using turmeric continuously for more than six weeks, as it may lead to gallbladder or stomach pain.
Women should avoid using it during pregnancy because it could negatively affect the uterus.
The SFDA has a comprehensive list online of the benefits and harm of various herbs, plants and cosmetic products.
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A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
HIND ALKHUNAIZI
November 10, 2024
RIYADH: In bustling Qatif, where the vibrant flavors of Italy meet the rich culture of Saudi Arabia, a memorable dining experience awaits that challenges perceptions and redefines communication.
Imagine a place where the rhythm does not come from music but from the graceful motions of hands and the expressive faces of its staff.
Arina Pizzeria, entirely staffed and operated by deaf individuals, offers not only exceptional food but also a powerful narrative of resilience and community.
Husband-and-wife duo Hussain Alshbrka and Arina Gabulyan earned their master’s degrees in business management in the US and returned to their hometown of Qatif to pursue their passions for culinary arts and inclusivity.
In September this year they proudly opened Arina Pizzeria, marking a groundbreaking milestone as the first restaurant in Saudi Arabia to be fully staffed and operated by deaf individuals.
“I was inspired by the idea of creating a place where the deaf community, especially those who came to Qatif for work, could meet,” Alshbrka told Arab News.
This vision emerged from his previous role as the general manager of Three Dimension Trading Est., where he regularly interacted with deaf individuals.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the name, Alshbrka said: “I wanted to honor my beautiful wife, so I named the restaurant Arina.”
This personal touch is complemented by a creative design ethos, he explained: “I wanted the restaurant to be a creative blend of architecture and art. I wanted it to be an attractive gathering place that satisfies the eye and is unique in appearance, with a modern and elegant architectural style.”
Upon entering, guests are greeted by the restaurant’s motto: “A slice of silence, a world of flavor.”
At Arina, effective communication between employees and customers is crucial. “We use multiple communication methods. Technology provides an excellent and effective tool for translating speech into written words,” Alshbrka said.
“We also use easily accessible QR code technology on tables for customers to scan with their mobile phones, producing a visual representation that is a preferred method of communication for our deaf employees.”
The restaurant is breaking barriers in the community. “Many customers want to learn sign language as a way to communicate with us directly, which is always welcomed and appreciated,” he added.
The staff undergo rigorous training. “If they do not already possess these skills, it is easy to learn a new language when it is used regularly, especially in a work environment with somewhat predictable responses.”
Alshbrka’s belief in equality is reflected in Arina’s commitment to hiring deaf individuals: “I am convinced that a deaf person is capable of doing anything a hearing person can do when given the opportunity and training.”
By employing deaf individuals, Arina demonstrates that abilities transcend barriers and that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to thrive.
Customer interactions at Arina have led to memorable moments, highlighting the restaurant’s unique approach. He recalled: “One of my most unique and unforgettable experiences was when one of our customers expressed gratitude to our staff in Bulgarian. This again demonstrated that language should not be a barrier between people.”
The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Alshbrka emphasized: “The language barrier between our hearing customers and deaf employees has eroded, and we have begun to see the fruits of our labor.”
This collective effort has created a harmonious environment where everyone can come together.
Despite the challenges faced during the launch, Alshbrka said the support from across the Kingdom has been a testament to the community’s embrace of Arina.
The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. “This restaurant proves that the deaf are an integral part of society,” its founder said. “It helps to integrate the deaf hand in hand with hearing individuals and strengthens their bond.”
By raising awareness about sign language, Arina encourages connection and interaction across all parts of society.
Arina goes beyond simply serving food, it serves as a beacon of empowerment, proving that with passion and partnership, barriers can be broken, allowing diverse voices to harmonize beautifully.
Source:arabnews.com
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Experts discuss importance of geographical names at Jeddah forum
November 10, 2024
JEDDAH: An event to strengthen cooperation and facilitate the exchange of ideas about geographical place names in Arab countries began in Jeddah on Sunday.
Experts from 22 Arab nations and international organizations gathered for the start of the 10th Forum of the Arab Division of Experts in Geographical Names, which is scheduled to run for three days.
The event is being held under the theme “Strengthening Relations and Links Between Arab States in the Field of Geographical Names,” and is hosted under the auspices of Prince Khalid bin Salman, the minister of defense and chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.
The conference, which was opened by Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, aims to facilitate joint Arab action in various fields, including the documentation of geographical names; unifying geographical names in Arabic, avoiding the use of colloquial dialects; and launching new national committees.
Mohammed bin Yahya Al-Sayel, president of the authority, noted that Saudi Arabia placed great importance on the topic of geographical names.
The authority on the opening day signed 10 memorandums of cooperation with a number of entities in the government sector, the academic sector, and the nonprofit sector.
Tim Trainer, a part-time consultant to the UN and former chief geospatial scientist for the US Census Bureau, told Arab News: “The collaboration, from a regional perspective, is very impressive, and it seems there is a positive path to that collaboration.”
Meanwhile, Tariq Aba Al-Khail, the official spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, spoke of the importance of documenting data on mineral sites through the National Geological Information Database.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi minister meets South African sports minister
November 10, 2024
SALVADOR, Brazil: Saudi Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations Fahd Al-Kanaan met with South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie at the 5th G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting, held in Salvador, Brazil, on Sunday.
Al-Kanaan conveyed the Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah’s greetings and congratulated McKenzie on his country’s presidency of the G20 in 2025, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials discussed ways to boost cultural cooperation to the benefit of their peoples.
Source:arabnews.com
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Europe
Moscow targeted as Ukraine and Russia trade huge drone attacks
Alex Boyd
November 11, 2024
Russia and Ukraine have carried out their largest drone attacks against each other since the start of the war.
Russia's defence ministry said it intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones over six regions, including some approaching Moscow, which forced flights to be diverted from three of the capital's major airports.
Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 145 drones towards every part of the country on Saturday night, with most shot down.
The barrages come amid expectations that US president-elect Donald Trump may put pressure on both sides to end the conflict.
Ukraine's attempted strike on Moscow was also its biggest attack on the capital since the war began, and was described as "massive" by the region's governor.
Most of the drones were downed in the Ramenskoye, Kolomna and Domodedovo districts, officials said.
In Ramenskoye, south-west of Moscow, five people were injured and four houses caught fire due to falling debris, the Russian Ministry of Defense said. It added that 34 drones had been shot down over the town.
In September, a woman was killed in a drone attack that hit Ramenskoye. In May last year, two drones were destroyed near the Kremlin in central Moscow and there were several drone attacks on the Moscow City business district.
In Ukraine, at least two people were injured after a drone hit the Odesa region. Images showed flames rising from some buildings, as well as aftermath damage.
The Ukrainian air force said 62 of Russia's Iranian-made drones were shot down, while 67 were "lost". A further 10 left Ukraine's airspace heading back towards Russia, as well as neighbouring Belarus and Moldova, it added.
Further strikes were reported overnight into Monday, with Russia saying it had destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones near the regions of Kursk and Belgorod.
Meanwhile, five people were killed in Mykolaiv, southern Ukraine, following an air attack that left residential buildings on fire, according to regional governor Vitaliy Kim.
He said a 45-year-old woman had also been injured and was in hospital.
It comes as Russian troops reportedly made their largest territorial gains in October since March 2022, according to analysis of Institute for the Study of War data by the AFP news agency.
However, Sir Tony Radakin, the UK's chief of defence staff, told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that Russia had suffered its worst month for casualties since the start of the war.
Russian forces suffered an average of about 1,500 dead and injured "every single day" in October, he said.
There has been intense speculation about how Trump will approach the conflict since his election win in the US.
The president-elect regularly said in his election campaign that he could end the war "in a day", but has not offered details on how he would do that.
A former adviser to Trump, Bryan Lanza, told the BBC that the incoming administration would focus on achieving peace rather than enabling Ukraine to gain back territory from Russia.
In response, a spokesperson for Trump distanced the president-elect from the remarks, saying Mr Lanza "does not speak for him".
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke via state media on Sunday of "positive" signals from the incoming US administration.
He claimed that Trump spoke during his election campaign about wanting peace and not a desire to inflict defeat on Russia.
Trump has spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since his election win, a source telling the BBC that the conversation lasted "about half an hour".
Zelensky has previously warned against conceding land to Russia and has said that without US aid, Ukraine would lose the war.
In his regular evening address to Ukrainians on Sunday, Zelensky said "the only way to secure a lasting peace" is for strength and diplomacy to work hand in hand.
Source:bbc.com
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Civilian killed in double-tap drone attack on residential building in Russia’s Belgorod (VIDEO)
10 Nov, 2024
A civilian was killed on Sunday in the Russia-Ukraine border town of Shebekino, Belgorod Region, when a residential building came under repeated drone strikes by the Ukrainian military.
The attack occurred when the region’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, was inspecting repair works continuing at multiple locations across the town, as well as in the city of Belgorod itself, including a residential building damaged in a drone strike earlier this week.
“As we approached the first location, I saw a drone above my head. My first impression is that it belongs to construction workers, given that they did not pay any attention to it. I show it to them, and at that very moment the drone crashes at the fourth floor [of the building],” Gladkov wrote on Telegram.
The governor rushed to the damaged apartment to check up on its resident, who was not harmed by the attack. The apartment, however, sustained considerable damage.
Gladkov left the scene to inspect another location, only to return shortly afterwards upon receiving news that the same building was hit by another drone. The UAV apparently hit the same spot, causing a partial collapse of the roof. The debris buried the father of the resident of the destroyed apartment, who showed up to check on his son after the first attack.
The governor and his detail attempted to dig the civilian out from the debris, footage shared by Gladkov shows. They weren’t able to do this without the intervention of emergency services, which recovered the body of the man who had been killed in the collapse. During the rescue operation, another Ukrainian drone was spotted in the area, with law enforcement opening fire on it, Gladkov noted.
Belgorod, as well as other Russian regions bordering Ukraine, have been subjected to indiscriminate drone, missile and artillery attacks on an almost daily basis during the conflict. The strikes have killed dozens of civilians, and has inflicted considerable damage on residential areas and critical infrastructure across numerous locations near the border.
Source:rt.com
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Putin pledges ‘all possible assistance’ to Africa
10 Nov, 2024
Moscow will continue to provide “all possible assistance” to African nations in various spheres, ranging from tackling epidemic diseases to fighting terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.
The leader made the remarks on Sunday in an address to participants of the inaugural ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, currently underway in the Sirius Federal Territory near the city of Sochi on the Black Sea. The event brought together more than 40 ministers from across Africa, as well as some 1,500 other participants.
Africa has been playing an increasingly important role on the world stage, Putin noted, with the countries of the continent consistently “pursuing a constructive, peaceful foreign policy.”
“They play an increasingly important role in resolving the most important issues on the international agenda,” the president said, adding that Moscow has been seeking to develop and strengthen its ties with the continent’s nations in the emerging multipolar world.
“Russia, for its part, attaches particular importance to strengthening the traditionally friendly relations with its African partners. We are united in the desire to build a fair, multipolar world order based on genuine equality and the rule of international law, free from any form of discrimination, dictate and sanctions pressure,” Putin stressed.
Russia is adamant about continuing “to provide all possible assistance to our African friends in various areas,” including “ensuring sustainable development, the fight against terrorism and extremism, countering epidemic diseases,” alleviating food issues, and tackling natural disasters, the president stated.
He expressed hopes that the ministerial conference would prove to be “successful and fruitful,” yielding assorted agreements to “further build up the entire range of Russian-African ties for the benefit of our countries and peoples.”
Source:rt.com
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Defence chief calls for more spending on military
November 11, 2024
Laura Kuenssberg
The UK chief of defence staff Sir Tony Radakin has said the government should provide more money for defence.
Speaking to BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, he said his call would not be a "surprise" and that the person in his job would "always want more more for defence".
Appearing on the same programme, Treasury minister Darren Jones said the government wanted to increase defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of the national income.
However, he did not say when the target would be reached or whether it would be met before the next election, which could be held in 2029, at the latest.
Jones said the government would not commit to a deadline until it had completed its strategic defence review.
The review - led by former Labour minister and Nato head George Robertson - is examining the current state of the armed forces, the threats the UK faces and the capabilities needed to address them. It is due to be completed in the spring.
Jones warned that increasing defence spending would mean "trade offs" with other areas of public spending.
A Whitehall source told the BBC it is a question of "when, not if" the government reaches the 2.5% target. They also said the election of Donald Trump as the next US president had "focused minds" on the need to increase military spending.
Trump has repeatedly urged European countries to increase defence spending and said he would let aggressors such as Russia do "whatever the hell it wants" to those that don't.
Dame Priti Patel - who was appointed the Conservative's shadow foreign secretary earlier this week - said the government should be aiming to meet the 2.5% target by 2030.
Asked if her party would accept cuts elsewhere in order to meet 2.5%, Dame Priti argued there were "efficiencies" that could be made as well as changes around the "performance of the civil service".
She added that the government "could have done more in that Budget to put the pathway forward for 2.5% of GDP on defence".
She said the increase was "essential" adding: "We are living in very insecure times geopolitically, and we do need to step up."
Sir Tony said it was "crucial" for the government to "balance the ambition of the nation and the prime minister against the resources to match that ambition".
He also said the Army needed "longer-term stability" and "clarity" around spending.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has intensified calls for a boost to the UK's defence budget.
Assessing the conflict, Sir Tony said Russia had suffered its worst month for casualties since the start of the war in 2022.
He said Russia’s forces suffered an average of about 1,500 dead and injured "every single day" in October.
Russia does not disclose the number of its war dead, but Western defence officials have said October's death toll was the heaviest so far.
Sir Tony said the Russian people were paying an "extraordinary price" for Putin's invasion.
"Russia is about to suffer 700,000 people killed or wounded – the enormous pain and suffering that the Russian nation is having to bear because of Putin’s ambition," said Sir Tony.
He said the losses were "for tiny increments of land".
"There is no doubt that Russia is making tactical, territorial gains and that is putting pressure on Ukraine," he said.
But he added that Russia is spending more than 40% of its public expenditure on defence and security, which he said was "an enormous drain" on the country.
While allies of the US's president-elect Donald Trump insist that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may have to cede territory to bring the conflict to an end, Sir Tony insisted that Western allies would be resolute for "as long as it takes".
"That’s the message President Putin has to absorb and the reassurance for President Zelensky," he told the programme.
Source:bbc.com
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Dozens detained after protesters defy ban in Amsterdam
November 10, 2024
Aleks Phillips
Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have been detained by police in Amsterdam after defying a ban on public protests in the Dutch capital.
Hundreds gathered in Dam Square on Sunday, calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza and expressing dissent towards the ban.
Demonstrations were temporarily banned by the mayor after Israeli football fans were targeted in what she called "hit-and-run" attacks on Thursday night after a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam.
The Israeli government has advised its citizens to "categorically avoid" Israeli sports and cultural events while abroad - specifically the football match between France and Israel in Paris on Thursday.
Authorities say Thursday's attacks - which caused five people to be hospitalised - were motivated by antisemitism as the fans were sought out across the city.
The violence - which led to at least 62 arrests - was condemned by leaders in Europe, the US and in Israel.
The outcry was exacerbated by the attacks occurring on the eve of commemorations of Kristallnacht - Nazi pogroms against German Jews that took place in 1938.
Three-quarters of Jewish people in the Netherlands were murdered during the Holocaust in World War Two.
Amsterdam police said there had also been trouble the night before the match. Police chief Peter Holla said there had been incidents "on both sides", including Israeli supporters removing a Palestinian flag from a wall and setting it alight, and attacking a taxi.
The city's Mayor Femke Halsema announced a ban on public assembly on Friday lasting at least until the end of the weekend, deeming the city a "high-risk security area".
But protesters on Sunday argued they should be free to voice their disapproval of Israel's actions in Gaza and the actions of the Maccabi supporters.
"This protest has nothing to do with antisemitism," Alexander van Stokkum, one of the demonstrators, told the AFP news agency on Sunday. "It is against Israeli hooligans who were destroying our city."
Others told a Reuters journalist: "We refuse to let the charge of antisemitism be weaponised to suppress Palestinian resistance."
The news agency reported that more than 100 people were detained for attending the protest. Police in Amsterdam confirmed there had been arrests, but have yet to say how many.
Following the protest ban, Dutch activist Frank van der Linde applied for an urgent permit so Sunday's demonstration could go ahead.
On X, he said that he wanted to protest what he described as "the genocide in Gaza", adding: "We will not let our right to demonstrate be taken away."
Mr Van der Linde was overruled by Amsterdam's district court, which wrote on Sunday that "the mayor has rightly determined that there is a ban on demonstrating in the city this weekend".
Dutch national newspaper De Telegraaf reports Mr Van der Linde was among those arrested.
The Israeli embassy in the Netherlands earlier warned Israelis in Amsterdam to avoid Dam square, saying the event "may flare up into significant violent incidents".
Israel's National Security Council has told its citizens to avoid public demonstrations "of any kind" and conceal "anything that could identify you as Israeli/Jewish", citing Thursday's attacks.
"Preparations to harm Israelis have been identified in several European cities, including Brussels (Belgium), major cities in the UK, Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Paris," it claimed.
Paris's police chief has pledged that 4,000 officers would be deployed in the stadium and across the French capital for the Nations League match on 14 November.
Source:bbc.com
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Argentine football hooligan leader shot dead in street
November 10, 2024
Robert Plummer
The leader of a notorious gang of football hooligans in Argentina has been shot dead near his club's stadium in Rosario.
Andrés Bracamonte, known as Pillín, had spent more than 20 years as head of the Rosario Central supporters' gang and had a history of taking part in violent conflicts with rival hooligans.
He and his deputy, Daniel "Rana" Atardo, were just four blocks from the Gigante de Arroyito stadium when they were gunned down by a motorcyclist on Saturday.
Rosario Central had just played a league match, but Bracamonte did not attend it. He had been banned from matches because of previous incidents and had been accused of money-laundering and extortion by Argentine authorities.
The two men were taken to the local Centenario Hospital, but doctors were unable to save their lives.
Bracamonte's killing was widely reported by Argentine media, who described it as a settling of scores.
Newspapers reported that Bracamonte had a long criminal record and had been the victim of frequent attacks.
The most recent was in August, when a bullet grazed his back while he was with his partner, who was also injured.
Bracamonte, who was 52, was also accused of having links with a drug cartel known as Los Monos and was under investigation for money-laundering as a result.
Source:bbc.com
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North America
Muslim voters once abandoned the GOP. Now they may leave the Democrats
November10, 2024
Arab and Muslim voters moved away from the Democratic Party this year in ways that led some community leaders to warn of a lasting shift from a voting bloc that has been reliably Democratic for two decades since it abandoned the GOP, NBC News reports.
While no single group proved to be the difference maker in Tuesday’s election that President-elect Donald Trump won by a comfortable margin, the outcome shows another group of voters of color trending toward Trump despite his rhetoric about them.
“We may see a mass exodus of multigenerational Democrats from the party,” said Layla Elabed, the co-chair of the national Uncommitted movement, which sprang up during the Democratic primaries to protest President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza. “If the Democratic Party does not move in a way that is more aligned with their base, there’s going to be real long-term repercussions.”
Muslim Democratic operatives swapped stories of parents or aunts and uncles voting Republican or third party for the first time in their lives and now worry they may not get them back.
Muslim voters backed Republican George W. Bush in 2000, but fled the GOP in response to the Bush administration’s post-9/11 military interventions abroad and anti-terror policies at home, which they felt unfairly targeted people of Islamic faith.
In the two decades since then, Muslim Americans have broken roughly 2-to-1 for Democrats, while groups representing the community institutionally aligned themselves with Democrats, much like other groups representing voters of color.
The Democratic Party seemed like an especially natural place for Muslims in the Trump era, as he banned people entering the country from predominately Muslim nations after a failed attempt to ban believers of the faith outright and he expressed views considered Islamophobic.
But on Tuesday, Trump won the most Arab American city in the country, Dearborn, Michigan, while Green Party nominee Jill Stein, who campaigned on ending what she has called a genocide in Gaza, took a far larger share than she won elsewhere.
Trump won 42% of the vote — a nearly 15 percentage-point gain from 2020 — in Dearborn, where more than half of residents are of Middle Eastern descent. Harris, meanwhile, received just 36% in the city, barely more than half of Biden’s 2020 vote share. Stein received 18% of the vote, compared to less than 1% nationwide.
The result was nearly identical in neighboring Dearborn Heights, also home to a large Middle Eastern community, where Mayor Bill Bazzi endorsed Trump last month.
Nationally, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the largest Muslim advocacy groups in the country, which has been sharply critical of Biden’s foreign policy, conducted its own postelection survey of Muslim voters. Just 20% of respondents said they backed Harris, compared to 69% who said they backed Biden in CAIR’s 2020 exit poll.
“Our final exit poll of American Muslim voters confirms that opposition to the Biden administration’s support for the war on Gaza played a crucial role, leading to a sharp drop in support for Vice President Harris,” said CAIR National Government Affairs Director Robert S. McCaw.
Muslim and Arab Democrats say their party never took seriously the anger felt by their community. Indeed, many Democrats assumed Arab and Muslim voters would come back into the fold, reluctantly or not, once it became clear to them that Trump might win and give Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu free rein.
“So, Dearborn delivered for Trump? OK, congratulations. You’re going to love the next Muslim ban,” Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said in a postelection interview that rocketed around group chats of Arab Democrats, who said it was emblematic of the dismissive way they felt their concerns were treated.
Beyond the strategic blunder, they say Harris’ campaign failed tactically to do the 101-level politics of constituency management in their community — showing up at meetings, courting leaders and providing face time with the candidate.
“Day after day, for well over a year, we warned President Biden and Vice President Harris,” said Rania Batrice, a Palestinian American Democratic strategist. “Our pleas, demands and warnings were ignored by President Biden and then by Vice President Harris. My hope is that as Democrats do their post-mortem on this cycle, they reflect on whether they’re content with the fact that almost every swing, statewide race went to Democrats, and they’ll learn that we are not the party of the Cheneys.”
Trump actually spent more time courting local religious and community leaders in the Dearborn area than Harris. He held a roundtable and photo-op with imams, invited Arab politicians who endorsed him to speak onstage at his rallies, and dispatched Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, a Lebanese-born businessman, to wine and dine community leaders.
“Our efforts in mobilizing the community demonstrated that Muslim Americans are no longer taken for granted. Trump has acknowledged our role, and we are ready to work alongside his administration to advocate for policies that support peace and unity,” said Rabiul Chowdhury, a co-founder of Muslims for Trump, which was active in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Uncommitted movement, which sent 30 delegates to the Democratic National Convention, offered to endorse Harris in exchange for having a speaker to address the plight of Palestinians, but that request was rebuffed.
Arab and Muslim Democratic leaders say the rejection of even that symbolic gesture made it difficult to convince their community that Harris and the Democratic Party cared about them. The Harris campaign acknowledged that it was counting on a surge in support from the suburbs to swamp any losses in places like Dearborn.
“We tried to warn people,” said Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian American Democrat who was an Uncommitted delegate. “I feel like people thought we were just making it up for attention.”
Still, Democrats are hardly ready to write off the demographic and are hoping Tuesday’s result was the product of a specific moment and can therefore be changed in the future.
Abdullah Hammoud, the Democratic mayor of Dearborn, who refused to endorse Harris, said the results show neither party should take his community’s support for granted.
“While political pundits analyze the outcomes, here is what I know,” he said on X. “Votes are never promised to any party or candidate.”
Source:nbcconnecticut.com
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Trump calls Putin – WaPo
10 Nov, 2024
US President-elect Donald Trump has called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine conflict and its potential settlement, the Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing several people familiar with the matter.
The phone call took place on Thursday, shortly after Trump secured his election victory. The US president-elect reportedly urged Putin not to “escalate” the conflict, reminding him of the significant US military presence in Europe, one of the sources told the daily.
Apart from that, Trump and Putin spoke about “the goal of peace on the European continent,” with the president-elect expressing interest in follow-up conversations to talk about “the resolution of Ukraine’s war soon,” several other unnamed individuals told the WaPo. The report gave no insights into what reaction, if any, Trump’s remarks invoked.
The Washington Post also claimed that Kiev was “informed” ahead of the call and allegedly “did not object” – but the Ukrainian foreign ministry denied this part of the report.
“Reports that the Ukrainian side was informed in advance of the alleged call are false. Subsequently, Ukraine could not have endorsed or opposed the call,” Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy told Reuters.
Thus far, Moscow has made no official comments on the reported phone call between Trump and Putin. On Thursday, the president-elect told NBC News he had already spoken with “probably” 70 world leaders since his election victory, but Putin was not among them. “I think we’ll speak,” Trump said at the time.
Trump has already spoken with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, who described the conversation as “positive” and said Trump’s outreach shortly after his victory was encouraging. Zelensky noted that he “cannot yet know” what Trump’s actions will ultimately be and that, should a resolution of the conflict be “just fast,” it would likely mean “losses for Ukraine.”
Throughout his election campaign, Trump has repeatedly pledged to swiftly end the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, potentially even before officially assuming office. However, he has not provided any concrete details on how he plans to achieve this.
Source:rt.com
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Power in the Palms: Inside the pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago
10 Nov, 2024
Donald Trump’s Florida residence and private club Mar-a-Lago is once again the Winter White House - the place to be seen for West Wing hopefuls as the US president-elect assembles a new administration behind its opulent doors.
While President Joe Biden will remain in office until January, this part of Florida has become a rival centre of political power in America.
Just two years after an FBI raid found classified documents about US nuclear weapons and spy satellites stored in a bathroom, an eclectic mix of insiders are swarming to Mar-a-Lago, which is patrolled by robot dogs and armed guards on boats.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, rumoured as a potential energy secretary, was there on election night. So was former US Defence Department chief of staff Kash Patel.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has been alongside Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago during family dinners and calls with world leaders.
Musk has been photographed inside the private club with his son and on the runway of Palm Beach International Airport, as he shuttles back and forth to be by the president-elect’s side.
For those not blessed with an invitation to stay at Mar-a-Lago itself, the hotels and restaurants around nearby West Palm Beach are packed with office-seekers jostling for influence in the new administration and supporters celebrating Trump’s victory.
Robert F Kennedy Jr, vaccine sceptic and scion of the one of the most famous US political dynasties, was by the swanky pool bar of The Ben hotel, where a fake ice rink and Christmas tree greet guests.
Giant, golden Great Dane dog sculptures adorn the lobby and every floor outside the lifts.
He is part of the transition team and the one-time presidential candidate is vying for a role with influence over health policy.
Speaking even before the election, alongside the former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat-turned-Republican, he said: “There’s people of all different kinds of ideology and people that we’re going to have to go up against in that transition team and fight for our vision.”
Also spotted at The Ben was outspoken Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia congresswoman who recently blamed the Biden administration for causing flooding in Republican areas of North Carolina. She is believed to be jockeying for a cabinet position.
At The Breakers, an opulent Italian Renaissance-style oceanfront hotel, the young valets were most star struck by the visit of Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, who joined his friend Trump on stage on election night, but who says he has no personal political aspirations.
The same cannot be said for others. One GOP insider that the BBC ran into in the corridors said the transition was “a free for all”, as different factions of the party battle for dominance.
“Trump loves to see people scramble and suck up.”
But the insider noted with a hint of worry that some “minimally acceptable people are starting to say they don’t want a role”.
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, for one, has conveyed that he isn’t interested in working in the administration and would prefer a Senate leadership position.
Donald Trump is expected to focus less on elected officials to fill senior positions.
His son, Don Jr, said during an interview on Fox News that he wants people who “don’t think they know better” than his father and that he’s prepared to block anyone he thinks would be a disaster.
The president-elect has been vocal about doing things differently this time around, feeling his biggest mistake during his first presidency was hiring “bad people, or disloyal people”.
Back in 2016, plans for the transition that had been prepared by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in concert with the outgoing Obama administration were laid to waste.
Once the Trump team won what was seen as an improbable victory, they decided on an unconventional approach and fired Christie.
What ensued was an Apprentice-style parade of people to Trump Tower in New York that played out in front of the cameras.
Back then, news crews packed into the lobby to capture everyone headed up the golden elevator to see Donald Trump on the 26th floor.
While the world was still trying to understand what a Trump presidency would look like, those with influence in Wall Street, media, politics and entertainment all sought an audience, including Bill Gates, Al Gore and even Kanye West.
This time around, Trump seems to be prioritising loyalty, tallying up who has been with him since day one.
And the world’s media are crammed onto hotel balconies and the parks and beaches surrounding Mar-a-Lago, where security is at fortress levels.
The transition process is still unconventional by design, but so far it is far more behind the scenes than in 2016.
Trump’s first appointment - Florida political consultant Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff - does offer one clue that a well-built Florida conservative political operation could be ready to replicate its success in the White House.
Who is in the frame to join Trump's new top team?
Slater Bayliss, co-founder of a Florida-based lobbying firm, Advocacy Partners, has worked both for and against Ms Wiles during election battles in the state and much prefers to be on her side.
“I would say, borrowing a nickname from our friends across the pond, Susie is the Iron Lady of American electoral politics.”
He says offers have been flooding in from talent across the state, which has served as a “stronghold of resistance for smart conservative thinkers who love our country and desire to play a role in making it more reflective of our electorate”.
Republican political consultant Max Goodman says there is anticipation of a Florida wave crashing into Washington.
He expects Trump’s team will be mining staffers in Susie Wiles’s team and in the state, whose congressional and Senate delegations came out early for Trump.
“There is no hotter political farm system in the country than the state of Florida, when you have a president and the most prolific political consultant turned chief of staff calling Florida home,” he said.
Despite having the second largest Republican congressional delegation in the country, Mr Goodman says Florida has “notoriously been snubbed” when it comes to having a seat at the leadership table.
He believes that could change with Ms Wiles leading the charge, and with key Floridians such as Rick Scott potentially in line as Senate Majority leader and Senator Marco Rubio in contention for a high-profile cabinet position.
One person who has thrown his hand up to work in the transition is Joe Gruters, who is waiting to see how that shapes up.
He was the 2016 co-chairman of Trump’s Florida campaign with Ms Wiles, then the chairman of the Republican state party, and is now a state senator.
Mr Gruters describes himself as a “loyal foot soldier”, who was the only member of the Florida legislature to immediately endorse Trump’s 2024 bid and appear at Mar-a-Lago for his announcement.
He is counting on Ms Wiles taking her “battle-tested” lieutenants up with her to Washington to fill out positions.
“They know who the true believers are… and they probably have a clear idea of who they’re going to put in most of these positions,” Mr Gruters said.
Palm Beach didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for Donald Trump when he first arrived on the scene with his purchase of Mar-a-Lago in the 1980s.
But walking around town now, it’s obvious that this is firmly Maga country – Trump-branded bikinis and hats are a common sight.
Next week, Argentina’s President Javier Milei is expected to visit Mar-a-Lago to meet Trump and Elon Musk.
Also next week, CPAC, or the Conservative Political Action Conference, is hosting its annual investors summit at Mar-a-Lago with tickets costing up to $25,000 (£19,350).
And it’s unlikely the migration south will stop once Donald Trump is inaugurated and occupies the Oval Office once more.
Slater Bayliss - the Florida lobbyist - thinks Trump will want to spend as much time in Florida as possible during his second term.
That will go some way, he said, in “making the 62,500 square feet of Mar-a -Lago the most sacred real-estate in the political universe”.
Source:bbc.com
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Teenage park ranger dies as wildfires burn in New York State
11 Nov, 2024
Nadine Yousif
An 18-year-old park ranger has died in the US state of New York while battling a wildfire in Sterling Forest - one of several blazes that erupted in the region this week.
The teenager was identified by state police as Dariel Vasquez. Officials said Mr Vasquez, who worked for the state’s parks and recreation department, was helping to fight the fire when he was killed.
As of Sunday, several brush fires were burning across the region of New England on the US east coast, fuelled by warm, dry weather.
Wildfires have also erupted on the other side of the country, in southern California, where more than 100 structures have been burned.
On Sunday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was “deeply saddened” by Mr Vasquez’s death.
“My prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time,” she said.
Fires on the east coast led to air quality warnings in the neighbouring states of New York and New Jersey.
One blaze - the Whitehouse Fire - is burning in Ulster and Sullivan counties, west of Hartford, Connecticut, and is up to 400 acres in size, Hochul said in a statement.
Two others are burning in Sterling Forest State Park, about 45 miles (72 km) north of New York City.
Earlier in the week, a brush fire erupted in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, spreading the smell of smoke across New York City. Wildfires rarely occur within city limits, but the region is in the middle of a drought.
Officials said it took about three hours and more than 100 first responders to put out the blaze.
In Orange County, where the Sterling Forest State Park fires are burning, County Executive Steve Neuhaus urged nearby residents to have an evacuation plan in place.
“At this time, the Incident Command team has not indicated that evacuations are imminent, but we continue to monitor the situation carefully,” he said in a Sunday update.
Officials in New Jersey have warned residents against lighting open fires and have asked them to “take every precaution possible" for fire prevention.
On Saturday, a 37-year-old man was arrested in New Jersey's Jackson Township for allegedly sparking a blaze earlier in the week by firing his shotgun.
Richard Shashaty faces multiple charges including arson, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
In southern California, crews have managed to contain 26% of the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, which has burned more than 20,000 acres as of Sunday.
That fire destroyed 132 structures, mostly homes, in less than two days, officials said on Thursday. Its cause remains under investigation.
California officials said the fires spread due to the Santa Ana winds, which are dry, warm and gusty winds that blow from the interior toward the coast during the autumn months.
Scientists have noted how climate change is making the weather conditions needed for wildfires to spread more likely.
Source:bbc.com
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Mattel 'deeply regrets' porn site misprint on Wicked dolls
11 Nov, 2024
André Rhoden-Paul
Toy manufacturer Mattel has said it "deeply regrets" a misprint on packaging for dolls inspired by the new Wicked movie which listed the address for an adult website.
The company recently released the singing dolls ahead of the long-awaited film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
But eagle-eyed fans posted images on social media showing the packaging had a pornography website on it, instead of the movie's web address.
In a statement, Mattel apologised for the "unfortunate error" and advised parents that the misprinted website "is not appropriate for children".
The BBC has seen online instructions on Mattel's website, for both the Glinda and Elphaba dolls, listing the erroneous website underneath the Universal Pictures logo - the film studio behind the movie.
Mattel recommends the dolls for children aged four and above.
Fans who bought the doll posted about their surprise on social media.
"I purchased the Singing Elphaba doll and upon inspection, the website printed on the back side [of the] Mattel box, right above the barcode is listed as... an unaffiliated adult [not safe for work] 18+ website," one person posted on Reddit.
"Anyone else seeing this!?"
In another post, a US-based woman said: "Went to Target and Walmart today and yeah, the Wicked dolls have the [porn] website listed."
Mattel said the dolls had primarily been sold in the US.
It added: "We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this."
"Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel customer service for further information."
The Wicked movie comes after two decades of the musical on stage.
Set in the Land of Oz before Dorothy Gales' arrival from Kansas, the movie covers the musical's first act.
British actress Erivo plays Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin and who is yet to discover her power which will eventually lead her to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West.
She strikes up an unlikely friendship with classmate Glinda, played by Grammy-winning singer Grande, who will go on to become the Good Witch of the North.
The movie is set to be released in the US and UK on 22 November.
Source:bbc.com
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US Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor ignores pressure to retire - reports
11 Nov, 2024
Sam Cabral
Donald Trump has warned against rushed appointments of judges before he is inaugurated as sources close to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor deny suggestions she should step down to allow her replacement.
Justice Sotomayor, 70, is the third-oldest judge on the nine-member bench and has long been public about living her life with type 1 diabetes.
Trump's impending return to the White House is now lending steam to anxious Democrats calling for her to resign so President Joe Biden has the opportunity to nominate a younger replacement.
But sources tell US media that Justice Sotomayor does not plan to go anywhere.
"This is no time to lose her important voice on the court," one person told the Wall Street Journal, adding that she "takes better care of herself than anyone I know".
“She’s in great health, and the court needs her now more than ever,” a quote given to CNN reads. Sources also told ABC News she has no plans to resign.
The BBC has reached out for comment.
Senator Bernie Sanders on Sunday acknowledged to NBC's Meet the Press that he had heard "a little bit" of talk about Justice Sotomayor being asked to step aside but said calls for her to resign are not "sensible".
No elected Democrats in Washington have called on her to leave her lifetime appointment.
Source:bbc.com
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Bitcoin tops record $80,000 as Trump nears sweep of US CongressThe price of bitcoin has risen above $80,000 (£62,000) for the first time ever, after Donald Trump's decisive victory in the US election last week.
11 Nov, 2024
It comes as the Republicans are edging closer to overall control of Congress after having already secured the presidency and a majority in the Senate.
On the campaign trail the president-elect pledged to make the US "the crypto capital of the planet".
The value of world's biggest cryptocurrency has now risen by more than 80% this year.
Other cryptocurrencies, including dogecoin - which has been promoted by high-profile Trump supporter Elon Musk - are also making gains.
In the run-up to the election Trump said he would create a strategic Bitcoin stockpile and appoint digital asset-friendly financial regulators - spurring expectations that he would strip back regulations on the crypto industry.
Trump has said one of his first actions as president would be to sack the current chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler.
Mr Gensler, who was appointed Joe Biden in 2021, has led the SEC's crackdown on the crypto industry.
“If the Trump administration does deregulate crypto, it’s hard to see how it is not bullish for the sector,” Matt Simpson, Market Analyst at StoneX Financial told the BBC, adding that such a move could lead Bitcoin prices to jump to as high as $100,000.
But “it is still vulnerable to nasty selloffs along the way – which can be less kind to smaller pockets,” he added.
Trump's broader agenda, which includes cutting taxes and reducing regulations on businesses, has also driven a surge in other investments since he won the election.
With Republicans in control of the executive and potentially both the legislative branches of the government, they will be able to advance his ideas through each chamber and send those bills for him to sign into law.
Major stock indexes, the dollar and US bonds have all made gains in recent days.
Source:bbc.com
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McDonald’s Workers Intentionally Put Bacon on Muslim Child’s Filet-O-Fish
11.10.2024
CHICOPEE, Mass. — A Massachusetts state agency has ruled that there is probable cause to believe a McDonald’s restaurant in Chicopee discriminated against a Muslim family by allegedly serving a pork product to a child, despite religious prohibitions and a specific request for a plain meal.
The incident occurred in 2021 when Ghadir Alahmar, a Muslim woman who wears a hijab and abaya, ordered a plain Filet-O-Fish sandwich for her 7-year-old son. According to a lawsuit filed by the Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in 2022, the sandwich was served with bacon, a violation of the family’s religious dietary restrictions.
The lawsuit claims that McDonald’s employees “intentionally and maliciously discriminated” against Alahmar and her family, adding multiple layers of bacon to the sandwich and charging for the extra topping, despite her explicit order for a plain fish sandwich. Alahmar’s legal team alleges that the large amount of bacon was added deliberately as an act of religious discrimination.
In October, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) issued a finding of probable cause in Alahmar’s favor, moving the case forward. According to the MCAD’s decision, “A fact-finder may reasonably conclude that [McDonald’s] staff perceived [Alahmar] and her family to be Muslim based on her dressing in the Hijab and a long gown, and her difference in national origin based on her accent.” The agency further noted that one McDonald’s employee was reportedly aware of the Islamic prohibition against consuming pork products, raising questions about the possibility that the bacon was not served in error.
The probable cause ruling means the case will proceed to a public hearing unless McDonald’s settles or the parties reach an agreement. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination has not provided a timeline for when the hearing will take place.
Source:shorenewsnetwork.com
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Africa
Stop cursing Nigeria – UI Chief Imam cautions citizens
November 10, 2024
The Chief Imam of University of Ibadan, Professor Muftau Abdulrahman Oloyede has advised Nigerians to stop cursing the country.
Oloyede charged the citizens to continue to pray for the country and its leaders instead of cursing them.
The professor of Arabic and Islamic studies made these declarations while delivering his special Jumat Service held to precede activities for the 2024 convocation ceremonies and 76th Foundation Day Anniversary of the institution.
The Don, while addressing the congregation, noted that the many challenges facing the education sector and poor welfare packages for the academic researchers have led to despair, relocation to greener pastures, and the brain drain syndrome.
Oloyede while speaking further, then advised the citizens not to be involved in vices nor contribute to the brain drain syndrome.
He urged them to have a mindset of giving back to society after benefiting from the educational sector.
He also encouraged youths to maximise opportunities within the country to move the country forward.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Peter Olapegba, in his address expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and the grace to witness another year and for sustaining the institution for the past 76 years.
Olapegba who spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Kayode Adebowale, appreciated the Chief Imam and the University of Ibadan Muslim Community for consistent prayers and support for the present administration.
Source:dailypost.ng
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https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/10/stop-cursing-nigeria-ui-chief-imam-cautions-citizens/
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dRPC trains 50 Sharia Court judges, 40 Imams on GBV
November 10, 2024
At least 50 Sharia judges from Kaduna and Kano States have been trained in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as part of efforts to prevent its escalation in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the one-day seminar for the Sharia judges at Bafara Hotel, Kaduna at the weekend, the Project Coordinator, Ahmad Abdullahi Ahmad, said the seminar, which was sponsored by the Department of Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), aimed to enhance the judges’ understanding of the Islamic perspective on GBV.
According to him: “What you are seeing today is the outcome of a peer-to-peer study tour undertaken by Muslim opinion leaders and Imams to Egypt. While in Egypt, they engaged with esteemed Islamic institutions like Al-Azhar and the Grand Mufti. The insights and lessons learned from that experience gave birth to this training.”
“We are not here to teach you (the judges) what to do, but we are here to enhance your understanding of how you can improve your knowledge of the legal frameworks regarding GBV.”
He said the training was also intended to improve their understanding of how Islamic principles can be utilized alongside legal mechanisms to prevent harm to women and girls.
According to him, “Fifty Sharia court judges drawn from Kano and Kaduna participated in the seminar.”
During the training of the 40 Imams drawn from Kano and Kaduna, Kano Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Ahmed Tijjani Auwal lamented women in Northern Nigeria, were being neglected, abused and denied a lot of opportunities in terms of education, empowerment and jobs.
“We are dealing with prevention of GBV more especially in the northern part of the country, we are looking a what Islam says about cases of GBV. What Islam says to protect women and children from several cases of sexual violence cases, domestic violence and psychological abuse.
“The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) has put a lot of efforts by taking delegation to Egypt sponsored by them. We learnt a lot from Islamic scholars in Egypt . The purpose of this training is to step down all we learnt in Egypt to our Imams more especially the Imams that come from rural areas where there is so much lack of education and so much lack of awareness on the issue of women.
“Women are being neglected, abused, denied a lot of opportunities in terms of education, empowerment, jobs etc. This is very important because after carefully selected this Imams , they have the capacity to spread the message to other Imams. Some perceive Islam as giving men advantage over the women, which most of our people interpret wrongly so, it doesn’t say that that a man is more powerful than a woman in the sense she can take anything the man imposed on her, it’s not like that. We learn a lot.
“They opened our eyes in Egypt more especially on verses of Holy Quran and Hadith of Holy prophet that talked about the rights of women and children. We are going to give them more understanding on those verses and what they mean. There are lot of question where inheritance comes, in Islam inheritance . They are a lot of places where women take more than the men in inheritance and we have verses to back it up. dRPC is taking the right step in the right direction in trying to take the women out of the bush.
“We are also going to tell the women on how to asses their own rights Islamically without over stepping their boundaries. When we talk of gender, we are talking about male and female. We have seen boys been abused. We are trying to protect them. The existing laws are weak and we have seen a lot development in terms of laws and health because when we talk about women we talk about health,” he said.
Source:thenationonlineng.net
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Tinubu’s Minister Reveals Why Nigeria Is Participating In Joint Arab-Islamic Summit
11 November 2024
Nigeria has affirmed its participation in the upcoming joint Arab-Islamic Summit, citing its strong ties and proximity to the Middle East as key reasons for engagement.
The summit is set to commence on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will use the platform to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, underscoring Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire and advocating for a diplomatic solution.
Idris, speaking to journalists in Riyadh, emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering stance that peace can only be achieved through dialogue, not warfare.
“We must come to find a diplomatic solution and this is exactly what we are seeking here,” the minister said.
He noted that Nigeria’s participation highlights its role as an influential voice on the global stage, pushing for peaceful resolutions to conflicts that have far-reaching implications.
“Nigeria feels that unless a diplomatic solution is found, this conflict may engulf the entire region and potentially extend its impact globally,” Idris added.
Experts have long argued that a two-state solution, enabling Israel and Palestine to coexist within secure borders, is the path to lasting peace.
Echoing this sentiment, Idris reiterated Nigeria’s consistent support for this approach.
“We must go back to the root of the matter,” he said, advocating for the coexistence of both nations in peace and security.
The current escalation in hostilities began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of around 251 hostages, further intensifying tensions in the region.
Source:naijanews.com
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Youth Minister, Olawande, Tasks African Colleagues On Youths Development
11 November 2024
By Udeze Ekene
Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has called on ministers of youth across the African continent to prioritize youth development in their countries.
Olawande stated that President Bola Tinubu, through many youths-focused programmes was committed to giving Nigerian youths the needed skills to contribute to the global economy while being productive.
Nigeria’s Youth Minister stated this at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Rwanda, during the weekend. He noted there was the need for all African countries to embrace a holistic and realistic youth development agenda.
Represented at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi; he used the platform to present the various youth-focused initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aimed at empowering and developing the Nigerian youth.
Speaking at the Ministerial roundtable on rural youth entrepreneurs’ access to finance, Olawande emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering youth employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
He also reiterated the readiness and commitment of “Nigeria to the overall growth of youths in the country and Africa at large.”
He charged African youth leaders at the summit to “embrace the “One Youth, two skills” mantra of Nigeria’s Youth Minister in order to ensure the African continent build a skilled generation of youth with capacity to drive growth and development“.
He explained that equipping youth with more skills will not only bring more productivity but also give room for youths to compete more on the global stage.
Olawande added that Nigeria, having joined YouthConnekt as the 32nd member state in 2022, remains committed to establishing a YouthConnekt Hub to promote sustainable youth development and strengthen continental collaboration.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/11/youth-minister-olawande-tasks-african-colleagues-on-youths-development/
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Just In: 24 Hours To Inauguration As Edo Gov, Okpebholo Makes First Appointment
11 November 2024
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Fred Itua as his new Chief Press Secretary.
Naija News reports that Okpebholo will be sworn in as the new Edo State Governor tomorrow, November 12th.
Itua’s appointment which will take effect on November 12, 2024, marks the first official designation of the incoming administration.
Itua, a distinguished journalist with extensive experience, previously served as the Assistant Political Editor at The Sun newspaper.
His expertise and commitment to high standards in journalism and public communication will be valuable assets to the new administration as it prepares to deliver on its mandate for the people of Edo State.
The appointment underscores Senator Okpebholo’s commitment to fostering transparent and effective communication within his administration.
Source:naijanews.com
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Popular Northern Lawmaker Disagrees With Ndume, Says Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill Will Be Passed
11 November 2024
By Oladipo Abiola
A former member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has insisted that the controversial tax reform bill presented by President Bola Tinubu will be passed into law by the National Assembly.
Jibrin, disagreed with the position of Borno Senator, Ali Ndume, who said the bill was dead on arrival.
Speaking on Sunday during an interview with Channels TV, Jibrin, who represented Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, said contrary to the belief in certain quarters, the North is not against the bill.
He said the National Assembly would check the clauses in the bill, and it will be passed.
According to him, after the bill is passed, Nigerians would also be able to see that what President Bola Tinubu packaged in the bill is in their interest.
“It is not a consensus in the North that this bill should be shut down. And talking for myself and also how I know the National Assembly operates in terms of following procedures of the passage of the bill, I can be able to tell you authoritatively that the bill is not dead on arrival,” Jibrin said on the programme.
“I can explain to you that hundreds of clauses in these bills are things we have been pursuing for ages and I will be able to tell you this; the work that we are going to do for Nigerians to see all the clauses in detail and everything, I can confidently tell you that bill will go through the processes in the National Assembly and it will be passed,” he added.
Naija News reports that despite the controversy generated by the bill, including the recommendation by the National Economic Council led by Vice President Kashim Shettima for the bill to be stepped down, President Tinubu has insisted that the bill would not be withdrawn from the National Assembly.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/11/popular-northern-lawmaker-disagrees-with-ndume-says-tinubus-tax-reform-bill-will-be-passed/
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Kwankwaso Made Abba Yusuf Governor, There Is No Way They Will Fight – Abdulmumin Jubrin
11 November 2024
Former Member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has dismissed the reports of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, fighting with the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Naija News reported that Governor Yusuf recently denied allegations of a conflict with his political mentor and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Kwankwaso.
Yusuf also described a political group – “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”), which was formed to encourage him to make decisions independently of Kwankwaso’s input as ‘the greatest insult’ he has ever faced as a governor.
The faction formed within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) recently gained attention, with the group calling Governor Yusuf to distance himself from his political mentor.
The movement’s momentum has increased, with members from both the party and other political circles pushing for Yusuf’s perceived autonomy.
In an interview on Channels Politics Today, Jubrin stated that there is no way Yusuf would fight Kwankwaso, stressing that the latter made the former Governor.
He added that the report of a rift between Kwankwaso and Yusuf was mere speculation.
He said, “The report that Abba Yusuf is falling out with the Kwankwaso is just public opinion and of course, the Governor came out a few days ago to make clarification about the issue. There is no way the Governor will fight Kwankwaso, he will not not do that he is Kwankwaso’s son. God made him Governor, and Kwankwaso made him the Governor, he will not do that. Abba is a good man. The problem is that many people do not known how we are constituted as a Kwankwasiyan family, movement.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/11/kwankwaso-made-abba-yusuf-governor-there-is-no-way-they-will-fight-abdulmumin-jubrin/
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‘President Tinubu To Present 2025 Budget In December’
11 November 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Strong indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu may present the 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly in the first week of December this year.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), has clarified that the decision on when to present the 2025 budget lies solely with the executive arm of government, led by President Tinubu.
Journalists, concerned by the delay in receiving the vital budget document from the Presidency in November, queried Senator Musa over the weekend about the anticipated timeline for its presentation.
In response, Senator Musa emphasized that the responsibility rests with the executive branch and, by extension, not with the Senate or the National Assembly.
Senator Musa said, “The executive should be able to answer that question, because I know they are doing their work, they are working.
“As chairman of Senate Committee on Finance along with members of the committee, we have just interacted with the minister of finance, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPCL, and other top managers of the Nation’s economy on performance of the 2024 budget.
“They are definitely working on the 2025 budget and will forward it to us when work on it must have been completed. Decision on that lies with the executive and not us at the National Assembly.”
It will be recalled that as against tradition laid down during the 9th National Assembly in collaboration with the then President Muhammadu Buhari, the presentation of budget estimates for coming fiscal years, was always done in the first week of October of the proceeding year, after the required templates for that effect like Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, must have been presented for thorough scrutiny and dissection.
MTEF and FSP under Buhari were always received in the month of September for required engagements with relevant revenue generating agencies by committees on finance at both Chambers of the National Assembly.
Also recall that President Tinubu presented estimates for the 2024 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on November 29, 2023, which delayed passage of it by both the Senate and the House of Representatives to December 30, 2023, and signing into law on January 1, 2024, by President Tinubu.
Meanwhile, both the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, have assured Nigerians after their interactive session weekend, that there was light already showing at the end of the tunnel of economic reforms of government.
Senator Musa said, “I believe in the assurance given by the Finance Minister that our economy is taking good shape through results from the reforms.
“For example, our debt to GDP ratio is decreasing and not increasing. The positive indices are already showing and within the next 16 to 18 months, Nigerians themselves will see the gains in practical terms.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/11/president-tinubu-to-present-2025-budget-in-december/
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How Islamic finance can boost Kenya’s economic resilience
NOVEMBER 10, 2024
Itis commendable thatthe Treasury is championing legislative reformsthrough amendment Bills covering various business,tax and public finance laws. The amendment Bills are available forstakeholderreview and inputto refine them to serve theirintended purposes. The proposed amendments have a bearing on Islamic banking and finance, justlike it does on the entire financial markets ecosystem.The call for public participation in the review ofthe draftlegislative reforms offersthe Islamic finance industry stakeholdersthe opportunity to make theirinputto facilitate the realisation ofthe desired laws and regulationsforthe industry. Despite having Islamic banking and financialservices established in Kenya over a decade and a half ago,the laws and regulations have not been developed in tandem with the growing demands ofthe same. Disputesstemming from Shariah-based commercial contracts between the financing parties and their clients have no accommodation in ourlegalsystems. This challenge underminesthe promotion of Islami finance as an alternative financing model. The benefits of having responsive legislative reformsthatspeak to the principles and the true spirit of Islamic finance cannot be overemphasised. Forinstance, changesin the Public Finance Management Act may permitthe usage of commercially viable public assetsto form the basisforthe issuance of Islamic bonds(Sukuk). The proceedsfrom the Sukuk can then be ring-fenced to support a particular project and have the generated cashflowsfrom the committed commercially viable assetto pay the Sukuk investors. The level oftransparency and disclosures are quite high and may not work in the interest of wheeler-dealers! The Islamic Finance industry works quite well, and benefits may accrue to allthe stakeholders provided there are true commitments and compliance to its principles aItis worthwhile to mention thatthe proposed legislative reforms are designed to overcome barriersto private investment, establish sound fiscalresponsibility and optimise tax policies according to an op d shared by Principal SecretaryNational Treasury Chris Kiptoo. Islamic Finance too needsto be anchored in the proposed Amendment Bills, for Kenya to derive maximum benefitsfrom its contributionsto bolsterfinancial inclusion as well as financial market deepening. The realisation ofthe potential of Islamic Finance to contribute to economic growth and positioning Kenya as an alternative finance destination as well asfacilitate domestic resource mobilisation hinges on the bureaucrats’ and policymakers’ appreciation ofthe same. Now that a window has been opened forthe legislative reformsthatinclude possible amendmentsto the Banking Act,the Islamic Finance stakeholdersshould voice the collective needs ofthe industryThe banks offering Islamic banking products can leverage on the lobbying capabilities ofthe Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)to drive the mainstreaming of Islamic finance in the financial markets. KBA is quite an effective outfitthat worksin the bestinterest ofthe banking industry and the development ofthe financial markets. KBA can be well empowered and facilitated to have a better understanding ofthe challenges thatthe banks offering Islamic banking services endure. Some ofthese challengesinclude but notlimited to liquidity management, lack of enabling regulatory and legal infrastructure, low awarenesslevels amongstthe consumers and governance structures not fitfor purpose. Stakeholdersin the pension, Capital market, SACCOs, microfinance sectors and Takaful can easily benefitfrom the interventions ofthe banking sector which currently commandsthe biggestshare ofthe IF industry.
Source:businessdailyafrica.com
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Southeast Asia
Young Muslims Must Be Trained To Incorporate Islamic Values In AI - PM Anwar
11/11/2024
CAIRO, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Young Muslims should be equipped with religious knowledge, including the Quran and knowledge related to technology so that they can incorporate Islamic values into fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said that all Muslim students in Malaysia will be required to read the 40 Hadiths of Imam Nawawi, along with their translations, marking the first time in history this will be implemented. "We will start by completing the translation of the books, and we will also reinstate (any measures) that were cancelled, such as the aid to religious schools. Assistance to religious schools was abolished in 2003 until the MADANI government took over (where) we restore the aid to the schools nationwide," he said during a public lecture at Al-Azhar University here on Sunday.He also announced increased aid and scholarships for Malaysians in Islamic Studies, Medicine, and Engineering. Anwar said students from Maahad Tahfiz are also being directed towards Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) so that, in addition to mastering Arabic and the Quran, they can acquire skills in engineering, AI, and more, adding that some have even succeeded in becoming pilots. "This is part of the programmes we are implementing in Malaysia. The fields I mentioned are vast and expansive," he said. Meanwhile, he mentioned that during discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to elevate Malaysia-Egypt strategic relations, Anwar said cooperation has already begun involving the supply of gas to Egypt by Petronas, adding that the production of Proton vehicles in Egypt is set to kick off before the end of this year. -- BERNAM
Source:bernama.com
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Extraordinary Arab And Islamic Summit Aims To Halt Israeli Attacks, Arab League Secretary-General Says
11/11/2024 CAIRO, Nov 11 (Bernama-SPA) -- Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit emphasised that the upcoming Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh represents a vital opportunity for Arab and Islamic nations to rally together and put an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon. Taking place a year after the first summit, this gathering will allow participants to reassess their stances and collaborative strategies in support of the Palestinian and Lebanese causes. Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Gamal Roshdy shared Aboul Gheit's comments, highlighting that the international community has yet to rein in the Israeli military actions effectively. Despite multiple efforts, the occupying forces remain resolute in their plans, suggesting that a more significant commitment is needed and that the current pressures on Israel are still inadequate. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia played a crucial role last year by taking on the chairing positiHe anticipated to step up this involvement in light of the results from the upcoming summit. -- BERNAMA-SPA Source:bernama.com
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DOE investigates suspected water pollution near Penang’s Floating Mosque after images go viral
11 Nov 2024
GEORGE TOWN, Nov 10 — The Penang Department of Environment (DOE) is investigating a suspected pollution incident in the waters near the Floating Mosque in Tanjung Bungah, here.
Its director Norazizi Adinan said the department has asked the State Fisheries Department and the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) to look into the matter after images showing brown streaks in the waters went viral on social media.
“The DOE will investigate this issue, and it appears to be a possible act of sabotage or intentional, given its location in a highly visible area,” he told Bernama today.
Meanwhile, Penang Fisheries Department director Zarina Zainuddin said the department has not yet received any information on the incident.
“I was just informed of the matter and have not received any updates. We will investigate further,” she said.
The incident, which quickly gained attention on social media, has led to various speculations. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Arab, Muslim leaders fly to Saudi for talks on Mideast wars
11 Nov 2024
RIYADH, Nov 11 — Arab and Muslim leaders have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia for a summit scheduled for today that will focus on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon, Saudi state media said.
The Saudi foreign ministry announced the summit in late October, during the first meeting of an “international alliance” pushing for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Attendees will “discuss the continued Israeli aggression on the Palestinian territories and the Lebanese Republic, and the current developments in the region,” the official Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday.
It comes one year after a similar gathering in Riyadh of the Cairo-based Arab League and the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during which leaders condemned Israeli forces’ actions in Gaza as “barbaric”.
The Saudi state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya news channel broadcast footage on Sunday of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati landing in Riyadh.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also scheduled to attend, the Pakistani foreign ministry said last week, adding that he planned to call for “an immediate end to the genocide in Gaza” and the “immediate cessation of the ongoing Israeli adventurism in the region”.
In a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said he would not take part in the meeting due to pressing “executive matters”, according to a government statement.
Pezeshkian noted that Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref will attend instead, expressing confidence that the meeting “will have effective and tangible results in ending the crimes of the Zionist regime and the war and bloodshed in Gaza and Lebanon”.
The 57-member OIC and 22-member Arab League include countries which recognise Israel and those firmly opposed to its regional integration.
Last year’s summit in Riyadh saw disagreement on measures like severing economic and diplomatic ties with Israel and disrupting its oil supplies.
The war in Gaza erupted with Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed more than 43,600 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran, began firing on Israel after the October 7 attack.
The regular cross-border exchanges escalated in late September when Israel intensified its air strikes before sending ground troops into southern Lebanon against Hezbollah. — AFP
Source:malaymail.com
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NAIO to study laws to combat future technology challenges - Gobind
BERNAMA
11-11- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) which will be launched next month will study the need to upgrade existing laws or enact new laws related to artificial intelligence (AI) technology and other new technologies.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the study aims to address challenges that will emerge from the development of technology including the issue of personal data leakage.
“We are aware of this issue (leakage of personal data) and there are also other regional and global countries that have looked specifically at (the matter).
“After launching the AI Office next month, we will see the need for us to change the law or create the necessary standards to deal with the situation,“ he said during an oral question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was replying to a supplementary question by Datuk Abdul Khalib Abdullah (PN-Rompin) regarding the government’s measures to overcome the negative implications of AI including the issue of personal data leakage.
The establishment of NAIO under the supervision of MyDigital Corporation was announced on Sept 5 with the main focus on designing an ecosystem to ensure Malaysia is capable of becoming an AI hub in the region.
Gobind said NAIO is the main organisation that will monitor the implementation of AI technology by sectors in the country to ensure that all aspects will be well protected from any threats and abuse.
He said the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) had also launched the AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines (AIGE) on Sept 20 to provide an environment and ecosystem that supports the design and development of AI that is ethical and responsible.
Besides, Gobind said the Personal Data Protection Commissioner is also developing seven guidelines that can be used as reference documents by data controllers in Malaysia with three of them directly related to AI technology.
The three guidelines are the Guidelines on Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), the Guidelines on Privacy by Design (PbD) and the Guidelines on Automated Individual Decision Making (ADM) and Profiling.
Source:thesun.my
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MOE finalising proposed solution to 1BestariNet project
BERNAMA
11-11- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Education (MoE) is in the final stages of preparing a proposed solution for the 1BestariNet service project, which will be submitted to the Cabinet to decide on the next direction.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the government is committed to resolving the issue.
“No legal action has been filed by the government so far. The commitment from the MADANI Government is to ensure that past issues can be resolved and we leave it to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate,“ he said during an oral question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) regarding the 1BestariNet project and what action has been taken against the company that was awarded the tender.
Wong said the 1Bestarinet project is a government initiative carried out through the MoE to replace and improve the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) network system in schools.
It was an initiative intended as an improvement to the SchoolNet service that ended on Dec 12, 2011, by emphasising the end-to-end network service aspect and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
He said the Ministry of Finance, through a letter dated Nov 23, 2011, agreed to offer the 1BestariNet Phase 1 service tender to YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTLC).
Wong said the project was implemented from Dec 13, 2011, to June 12, 2014, for the Phase 1 contract and June 13, 2014, to June 30, 2016, for the Interim Phase Contract and then on July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019, for the Phase 2 Contract.
He said a total of 9,828 schools were supplied with the 1BestariNet service throughout the project.
For the purpose, he said, YTLC had built 2,748 communication towers within the school premises, including 1,143 structures built on land owned by the Federal Commissioner of Land (PTP) while 1,605 structures were built on school premises not owned by PTP.
“The 1BestariNet Phase 2 agreement expired on June 30, 2019, but there are issues that have not been resolved which are related to the site rental rate and electricity charges for the 1BestariNet Receiver Integrated System (1BRIS) towers involving 2,748 towers,“ he said.
Wong said that in 2019, the MoE planned to negotiate with the company regarding the site rental rate and electricity charges for the 1BestariNet tower, but the negotiations did not materialise because YTLC applied for leave to initiate a judicial review against the government.
YTLC withdrew the application on Oct 5, 2021, following negotiations were held, he said.
He said on March 17, 2023, a Cabinet Note regarding the Proposed Resolution of the 1BRIS Communication Tower Site Rental and Electricity Charges for the 1BestariNet Phase 2 and Post-1BestariNet Service Project was tabled.
Source:thesun.my
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Main suspect in UPNM bullying case to be questioned today
11-11- 2024
PETALING JAYA: Police are set to quiz the main suspect in the recent bullying incident at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) this afternoon.
It was reported previously that nine individuals, including the alleged victim, have already had their statements recorded in connection with the case, according to Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa.
Sources indicated that the injured victim was interviewed by investigators while receiving treatment at a hospital.
He also mentioned that a formal report on the incident has since been lodged.
“The suspect is expected to be questioned later this afternoon at the Cheras police headquarters,” he told New Straits Times.
The investigation began after a first-year student at UPNM sustained serious injuries, including fractures to his ribs and spine, allegedly caused by a senior student who reportedly stepped on him.
This incident occurred on October 21, just a day before another UPNM student suffered burns, reportedly from being pressed with a hot iron by senior students.
Source:thesun.my
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South Asia
Ministry of Refugees Assists 325 Afghan Nationals Deported from Turkey
2024-11-10
KABUL(BNA): In the past two days, 325 undocumented Afghan migrants residing in Istanbul, Turkey, were deported and have returned to Afghanistan.
The Media Office of the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced that Mawlawi Abdul Rahman Rashid, the Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs, visited the migrant reception center at Kabul International Airport to welcome the deportees. He reassured them that the Islamic Emirate is committed to addressing the issues faced by migrants and returnees.
According to the statement, Afghan nationals returning by air from Turkey receive legal guidance on civil documentation and rights support from the Ministry’s legal team. Additionally, each returnee is provided with €150, or its equivalent in Afghanis, funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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ARCS Delivers Health Services to 7,746 Individuals in Kapisa Province
2024-11-10
KAPISA(BNA): The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has reported the delivery of health services to 7,746 residents in Kapisa province.
According to the ARCS report, over the past month, their teams have provided medical consultations and treatments to 3,224 individuals across various areas in Kapisa. Additionally, they administered first aid to 316 injured individuals, vaccinated 400 women and children to prevent various diseases, offered essential pre- and postnatal counseling to 460 women, and provided special nutritional supplements to 216 children suffering from malnutrition.
The ARCS also conducted hygiene awareness sessions for 3,130 individuals to promote personal hygiene practices.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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US cuts 82% of aid to Afghanistan; SIGAR calls for end to mission
By Fidel Rahmati
November 10, 2024
The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has called on Congress to end its mission in Afghanistan due to a sharp decline in U.S. aid.
SIGAR reported that U.S. contributions to Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts have dropped by 82% since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
John Sopko, the U.S. Special Inspector General, presented the agency’s findings to Congress, highlighting a significant reduction in both financial assistance and political engagement.
The new report suggests that SIGAR’s mission should be phased out by 2025, with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) taking over oversight of U.S. aid after fiscal year 2026.
The report reveals that U.S. aid to Afghanistan has plummeted from $6.68 billion in June 2021 to just $1.21 billion by September 2024.
SIGAR also pointed out the lack of a replacement for the position of U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan after Tom West resigned in October 2023.
While the U.S. closed its embassy in Kabul, diplomatic engagement continues through meetings between U.S. officials and the Taliban in Doha, Qatar.
Despite an 82% reduction in funding, SIGAR notes that the U.S. remains Afghanistan’s largest donor, providing over $3 billion in aid under Taliban control since 2021.
The dramatic reduction in U.S. aid underscores a shift in American policy, marking a decline in both financial and political involvement in Afghanistan.
As U.S. support wanes, the future of Afghanistan’s reconstruction and stability remains uncertain, with international support increasingly limited.
Source:khaama.com
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NPP ready for national unity govt. with MPs representing Tamil, Muslim communities
11 November 2024
Colombo, November 11 (Daily Mirror) - The National People's Power (NPP) is confident of winning a majority seats in Thursday's Parliamentary Election but will look at forming a national unity government with Parliamentarians representing the Tamil and Muslim communities, in order to achieve national unity, Minister Vijitha Herath told Daily Mirror last evening.
Just days ahead of the November 14th Parliamentary Poll, Herath said the NPP was 'very confident' of winning the most number of seats in the new Parliament but in order to strengthen the political environment, his party would be open to invite parliamentarians representing the Muslims and Tamils as well.
However, this invitation of a national unity government would be restricted to only these MPs representing these communities and not the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and United National Party (UNP), he said.
"We are open to discuss forming a national unity government with these MPs representing the Tamil and Muslim communities because this way we can truly achieve national unity which we have been aiming for in this country. However, I must state that even without a unity government the NPP will be able to successfully run the government and work for all communities," Herath said.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has in recent weeks, in his campaign speeches for his Parliamentary candidates already mentioned that he is confident the NPP will secure a two thirds majority in the Parliamentary Election and said it was time for a strong, powerful government but not an opposition.
However, the opposition SJB claims that the NPP popularity has dropped since the Presidential Election and the public response towards the SJB has been very good. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had also last week called for experienced persons to be elected in the new Parliament to resolve the economic crisis adding that those who had worked with him within the past two years should be re-elected as they had that experience to handle the economy.
Campaigning for Thursday's Parliamentary Election will end at midnight tonight after which a two day silent period has been declared by the Elections Commission.
Source:dailymirror.lk
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3 surprise picks sworn in as advisers
Nov 11, 2024
Renowned filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, AkijBashir Group Managing Director Sk Bashir Uddin, and special assistant to chief adviser Mahfuj Alam were sworn in as advisers to the interim government last night.
The chief adviser also reassigned some advisers and appointed three special assistants who would be of the rank of state ministers.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at Darbar Hall of the Bangabhaban in presence of the chief adviser, senior officials, and dignitaries.
With the inclusion of the three, the interim government now has 24 advisers.
Farooki, a familiar face for his critically acclaimed films and plays over the decades, was given the charge of the cultural affairs ministry.
Bashir, a leading businessman, is the adviser of commerce and jute and textile ministries.
Mahfuj Alam was yet to be assigned any ministry.
A student of 2015-16 academic session of Dhaka University's Law Department, Mahfuj is a coordinator of the liaison committee of the student movement against discrimination. He was a pivotal figure in chalking up different programmes during the quota reforms protest that turned into a mass uprising in July.
PORTFOLIOS REDISTRIBUTED
According to a gazette notification issued by the cabinet division last night, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan was given the charge of the Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) ministry and was relieved of the charge of labour and employment ministry.
Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, who was attached to the Chief Adviser's Office, is now in charge of the food ministry, which Prof Yunus used to oversee.
Prof Yunus will now be in charge of four ministries and divisions instead of six.
He will be in charge of the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces Division, and the Ministry of Public Administration.
Alongside the land ministry, Hassan Ariff will now be in charge of the civil aviation ministry, which was under Prof Yunus.
Ariff was in charge of the LGRD ministry which will now be looked after by Asif Mahmud.
Asif Mahmud had been overseeing the labour and employment ministry but now Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hussain will be in charge of it along with the shipping ministry.
Finance Ministry Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed will not be overseeing commerce ministry as Bashir was assigned the ministry along with textile ministry which Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat used to run.
Asif Nazrul who used to run three ministries will now look after law and expatriate welfare ministries. Farooki will oversee cultural affairs ministry instead of Nazrul.
Prof Yunus yesterday appointed former inspector general of police Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Vice Chancellor Sayedur Rahman, and former Rajshahi University Prof M Aminul Islam as special assistants using the Rules of Business 1996, according to a cabinet division gazette issued last night.
They were entrusted with executive powers to assist advisers for the ministries of home, health, and education respectively.
The interim government was formed on August 8, following the fall of the Awami League government in the face of the student-led mass uprising, with Chief Adviser Yunus and 13 other advisers swearing in.
Two more advisers took oath on August 11. Another adviser took oath on August 13 and four more on August 16.
On August 8, for the first time in Bangladesh, two university students -- Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud -- were included in the advisory council.
Nahid and Asif were two key organisers of the student movement.
At just 26, Nahid and Asif are the youngest people ever to have the status of a minister.
Meanwhile, a group of people marched with lit torches and demonstrated near Bangabhaban in protest of the inclusion of Sk Bashir Uddin as an adviser.
They said Bashir is the brother of former Awami League MP Sk Afil Uddin.
Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of the student movement, yesterday strongly criticised the selection of new advisers.
On his verified Facebook page, he said, "Thirteen advisers from just one division! But there is not a single adviser from the North Bengal, Rangpur and Rajshahi division's 16 districts! On top of that, the killer Hasina's lackeys are also becoming advisers!"
Ashrefa Khatun, another coordinator of the movement, wrote on her Facebook page that many of the coordinators were in the dark about the appointments of new advisers and only came to know about the development through Facebook.
The government does not give importance to the coordinators but people hold them responsible for the government's failure.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Five more die of dengue
Nov 11, 2024
Five more deaths were reported from dengue in the 24 hours till yesterday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 350 this year.
In the recent fatalities, two were reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation, two in the Dhaka North City Corporation, one in the Dhaka division (outside the city corporation).
During the period, 1,337 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.
Of them, 257 dengue patients were admitted to the hospital under DNCC while 172 were hospitalised in DSCC.
Some 4,396 patients are undergoing treatment in different hospitals across the country.
A total of 69,922 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024.
Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3,18,749 recoveries last year.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Maj Abdul Gani’s death anniv today
Nov 11, 2024
Today is the 67th death anniversary of Maj Abdul Gani, founder of East Bengal Regiment.
He was born in Cumilla's Brahmanpara.
He studied in Cumilla, and later in Kolkata. He graduated from Kolkata Islamia College in 1940 and joined the British Indian Army in 1941, during World War II.
He was commissioned as a lieutenant, and fought in the Burma sector. As a mark for his courage, he was nicknamed "Tiger Gani".
Following the partition of India, he was promoted to captain in 1948. He dreamt of an independent Bangladesh, and so, established the regiment in 1948 to give a unique identity to Bangalee soldiers.
Gani directly protested the then Pakistan president Ayub Khan's speech against the Bangla language in 1948.
Pakistani rulers deprived him of everything, including promotion. Angered, he quit his service in 1953 and joined politics and eventually got elected as member of East Pakistan Provincial Assembly as an independent candidate.
Bangladesh Army will pay tributes at his mausoleum, while RAOWA, and all units of Bangladesh Army will organise a doa mahfil today.
Source:thedailystar.net
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RMG workers block highway for second day
Nov 11, 2024
Garment workers have blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for the second consecutive day over arrears, causing severe disruptions for travellers.
Around 2,000 workers from five T&Z Group factories -- T&Z Apparels Limited, Basic Clothing Limited, Apparels Plus, Basic Knitwear Limited, and Apparel Art Limited -- blocked the highway at Gazipur's Basan area around 8:00am yesterday, demanding three months' overdue wages.
"We've waited long enough based on the owners' promises. We can't wait any longer," a protesting worker said.
Gazipur Industrial Police Assistant Superintendent Mosharraf Hossain said, "We've tried several times to mediate, but the employer has repeatedly failed to meet payment deadlines."
The officer could not provide a timeline for resolving the standoff.
Workers said the employer missed the deadline for payments multiple times.
Due to the blockade, traffic pressure intensified on adjacent highways including Dhaka-Kishoreganj, Dhaka-Tangail, and Dhaka-Sylhet.
"A trip from Dhaka to Kishoreganj took eight hours today [yesterday] instead of the usual three," said Fatema Begum, a traveller heading to Kishoreganj.
Meanwhile, a notice from the T&Z Group's chairman, issued on Saturday, apologised for the delays, citing power supply issues as the cause of factory closures. However, repeated attempts to contact the factory officials were unsuccessful.
Source:thedailystar.net
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