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Islamic World News ( 5 Nov 2025, NewAgeIslam.Com)

No Registration For Muslim Man's Second Marriage If First Wife Objects: Kerala High Court

New Age Islam News Bureau

05 November 2025

Kerala High Court says first wife must be heard before Muslim man registers second marriage, directs registrar to halt process if wife objects. (AI-generated image)

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· No Registration For Muslim Man's 2nd Marriage If 1st Wife Objects: Kerala High Court

· Detect, Delete And Deport Bangladeshi Muslims And Rohingyas: BJP Leader Amid SIR

· Zohran Mamdani Elected New York’s First Asian American And Muslim Mayor

· Men Thought Allowing Pigs And Pigs' Blood Onto Thornton Hall in North Dublin Would Stop Muslims, Court Hears

· Iranian Security Forces Arrest Researchers, Economists in Tehran

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India

· Scent Of Harmony: What Delhi Will Miss Without Phool Walon Ki Sair

· Former Cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin Becomes 1st Muslim To Head Minorities Welfare In Telangana

· Gunfight breaks out between security forces, terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar

· Jaishankar Backs Gaza Peace Plan, Discusses Terrorism And Worker Issues With Israel

· Indian Sikh Pilgrims Enter Pakistan, First Major Crossing Since Operation Sindoor

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North America

· Western Muslim Groups Call on Nobel Prize Committee to Rescind Maria Machado’s Award Over Support for War, Fascism, and Anti-Muslim Hate

· CAIR-Houston Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Islamophobic Incident Targeting Muslim Students

· Illinois Islamic school makes state history with volleyball playoff run

· Western Muslim Groups Call on Nobel Prize Committee to Rescind Maria Machado’s Award Over Support for War, Fascism, and Anti-Muslim Hate

· California voters approve redistricting. Will it tip the balance of power in Washington?

· Is Trump plotting to be ‘king for life’?

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Europe

· Counter-terrorism officers take over mosque arson investigation

· Watford mosque graffiti suspect due in court today

· Zelensky visits troops near embattled front line town of Pokrovsk

· Ukrainians behind theft of EU citizens’ personal data – Orban

· Putin orders rare-earth metals strategy

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Mideast

· Iraq PM Al-Sudani Seen As Election Frontrunner, Seeks A Second Term

· Lebanon Could Reduce $11m Bail For Hannibal Qaddafi: Judicial Official To AFP

· Jordanian king, UK foreign secretary discuss Gaza ceasefire

· Not enough tents, food reaching Gaza as winter comes, aid agencies say

· International forces in Gaza should ensure Palestinians and Israelis don’t pose threat to each other, Qatar PM tells CNN

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Arab World

· Saudi Entertainment Authority Launches New Program To Spark Creativity And Innovation

· Crown Prince: Saudi Arabia Emerging As A Global Hub For Investment, Innovation

· Saudi Arabia highlights infrastructure growth in Paris

· Japan, Saudi Arabia foster gaming talent through Tokyo bootcamp

· Saudi, Uzbek culture ministers discuss expanding cultural cooperation

· Arab migration cooperation enters new phase

· Hajj registration for pilgrims from Muslim-minority countries officially opens

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Africa

· Six Terrorists Killed As Boko Haram Attacks Military Base In Borno

· Shettima, Emir Sanusi, Others Urge Africa to Leverage Islamic Finance for Inclusive, Sustainable Development

· Mali’s Leader Addresses Deadly Fuel Crisis Amid Jihadi Blockade

· ‘Nigeria can leverage Islamic finance to deepen inclusive economic growth’

· Uganda-born Zohran Mamdani to become New York City's first Muslim mayor

· Sudan defense minister says army to keep fighting RSF after US truce proposal

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South Asia

· Dy. PM of IEA Hanafi Stresses Honesty, Accountability Key to Strengthening Local Governance

· Proposed Bangladesh Visit Of Zakir Naik: Govt To Proceed With Caution

· Public Gathering Held in Nangarhar on Supreme Leader’s Decrees

· EC Meeting: Policy to Use Domestic Resources in Mining Approved

· Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Closure Strands Hundreds of Medical Students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Southeast Asia

· Sabah Umno Calls On State Islamic Council, Mufti To Explain Alleged Unauthorised RM14m Zakat Transfers

· Education Ministry to unveil 2027 co‑teaching model with two teachers per class and moral focus

· Sultan Nazrin warns Malaysia’s integrity ‘wall’ is weakening amid rising corruption and moral decay

· Government unveils plan for digital system to curb unfair fees by licensed moneylenders

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-man-second-marriage-kerala-high-court/d/137529

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No Registration For Muslim Man's 2nd Marriage If 1st Wife Objects: Kerala High Court

Shibimol KG

Nov 5, 2025

Kerala High Court says first wife must be heard before Muslim man registers second marriage, directs registrar to halt process if wife objects. (AI-generated image)

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The Kerala High Court held that a Muslim man seeking to register his second marriage while the first marriage is still valid must give the first wife an opportunity to be heard.

The bench made the observation while considering a petition filed by Muhammed Shareef and his second wife, who sought direction to register their marriage.

The court said a Muslim first wife “cannot be a silent spectator” to the registration of her husband's second marriage, even though Muslim personal law permits a second marriage in certain circumstances.

“If a Muslim man wants to register his second marriage, when his first marriage is in existence and the first wife alive, an opportunity of hearing should be given to the first wife,” the court stated.

The High Court further clarified that if the first wife objects and alleges that the second marriage is invalid, the registrar must refrain from registering it and refer the parties to a competent court to establish its validity under personal ^zz

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/kerala-hc-first-wife-cannot-be-a-silent-spectator-to-muslim-mans-second-marriage-registration-2813888-2025-11-05

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Detect, Delete And Deport Bangladeshi Muslims And Rohingyas: BJP Leader Amid SIR

Snehamoy Chakraborty

05.11.25

Suvendu Adhikari holds up placards announcing the themes of the BJP rally in Sodepur on Tuesday.

Sourced by the Telegraph

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Detect, delete and deport Bangladeshi Muslims and Rohingyas, leader of the Opposition in Bengal Suvendu Adhikari demanded on Tuesday while helming a BJP rally on the outskirts of Calcutta where he sought to counter Trinamool’s stand on the SIR.

While Trinamool pledged to protect all legitimate and existing voters in Bengal, Adhikari instructed BJP workers to ensure that not a single name of Bangladeshi Muslims, Rohingyas or voters with multiple entries figures on the fresh electoral rolls.

The three “Ds”, which featured prominently on posters and banners, were the theme of Adhikari’s march in Sodepur in North 24-Parganas.

“Your duty as party workers is to turn your polling booth into a bastion and ensure that the names of Bangladeshi Muslims, Rohingyas and voters with double or triple entries do not appear in the fresh electoral rolls,” Adhikari said while addressing a crowd at the end of the march called Parivartan Yatra.

“Today, the distribution of enumeration forms has begun across the state. The final electoral roll will be published on February 7. Then where will your (Mamata Banerjee’s) Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslim voters go? I challenge any TMC leader to have the guts to prevent the SIR process,” Adhikari said.

Adhikari led thousands of BJP leaders and workers from the Sodepur Traffic More to Tentultala More in Agarpara.

BJP sources said Adhikari had stepped up the attack on Mamata over her party’s stance on the SIR, claiming her move was intended to protect illegal infiltrators, particularly Bangladeshi Muslims and Rohingyas, believed to be a strong Trinamool vote bank.

Ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, the BJP has been whetting its Hindutva agenda in the hope of cornering at least an additional 4-6 per cent of the majority vote, which multiple party leaders believe will help it come to power.

“Detect, delete and deport is the party’s policy, and one of the party’s prominent faces pitched it perfectly on a day when the top two leaders of the Trinamool Congress, Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee, peddled their own narrative of protecting all voters. Trinamool has been trying to make it an issue just as it did with the anti-NRC movement ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections. Countering that narrative was important,” said a senior BJP leader.

Former BJP state president and Union minister of state Sukanta Majumdar on Tuesday said Trinamool’s uproar over the SIR was aimed at diverting the focus from anti-incumbency issues such as corruption in government recruitments and joblessness in the state. Adhikari reminded the party that such a tactic would not help it win the election.

“If they (Trinamool) do not allow the SIR to be conducted properly or if they beat up booth-level officers (BLOs), or if they resort to the same tactics used during the CAA protests — such as setting trains on fire and killing people — then the electoral roll will not be published on the stipulated date. If the electoral roll is not published, there would be no election,” Adhikari said.

“If elections are not held, then there would be President’s rule,” the Nandigram MLA said, before claiming that it would be Trinamool’s responsibility, besides the Election Commission’s, to help complete the SIR process properly.

However, he cautioned that if any BJP booth-level agent was attacked, he, along with Majumdar and state president Samik Bhattacharya, would fight back.

Source: telegraphindia.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/detect-delete-deport-suvendu-adhikari-targets-rohingya-bangladeshi-muslim-voters-amid-sir-prnt/cid/2131288

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Zohran Mamdani elected New York’s first Asian American and Muslim mayor

By Victor Feldman

November 4, 2025

Zohran Mamdani departs after talking to reporters on Election Day in Queens, New York. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

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Zohran Mamdani, who transformed himself from a little-known state lawmaker into a nationally recognized face of the Democratic Party’s left flank, was elected New York City’s 111th mayor on Tuesday.

Mamdani was leading his nearest challenger, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, 50 percent to 41 percent, when The Associated Press called the race at 9:35 p.m. Eastern time. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa was trailing in third place with 8 percent. Also on the ballot as an independent was the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, who ended his reelection bid in September and later endorsed Cuomo.

“My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty,” Mamdani told supporters at a campaign watch party in Downtown Brooklyn, referring to his win over Cuomo.

More than two million ballots were cast, the highest in a mayoral election since 1969, according to the New York City Board of Elections.

With his victory, the 34-year-old Mamdani becomes the first Asian American and the first Muslim elected to lead the nation’s largest city. He was born in Uganda to Indian-origin parents – filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani – and moved to the U.S. when he was 7 years old.

Mamdani told the roaring audience in Brooklyn that his win amounted to a mandate to enact his sweeping agenda and a moment for the city to turn the page “on a politics that abandons the many and answers only to the few.”

A self-described democratic socialist currently in his third term representing Queens in the state Assembly, Mamdani ran on a progressive platform aimed at tackling the city’s affordability crisis. He has promised to implement a temporary rent freeze, make public buses free and launch a city-run grocery store pilot program. To pay for these and other programs, he has proposed raising income taxes on wealthy residents and hiking the corporate tax rate.

His victory all but guarantees a coming showdown with the White House. President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to Mamdani as a “communist” and has threatened to withhold federal funds from New York City and deploy National Guard troops there if he wins.

On the eve of the election, Trump called for Big Apple voters to back Cuomo, saying they had “no choice” and a vote for Republican Sliwa was “a vote for Mamdani.” Sliwa had resisted calls to drop out of the race in an effort to consolidate the anti-Mamdani vote behind Cuomo.

Mamdani won a last-minute endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn, just before the start of early voting. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also backed his candidacy. But the Empire State’s two senators – Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, who chairs Senate Democrats’ campaign arm – opted not to weigh in.

A week before Election Day, Mamdani gathered some of the biggest names in progressive politics, including New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, to a rally in Queens, where they framed his candidacy as a bulwark against the current administration.

A Mamdani win, Sanders told the crowd, would be “Trump’s worst nightmare.”

Mamdani’s critical stance on Israel and his embrace of progressive policies have already made him a lightning rod for Republican-led attacks from Capitol Hill.

“House Democrats endorsed Mamdani’s dangerous policies — including defunding the police, seizing private property, and massive tax increases. Now, every House Democrat incumbent and candidate will co-own Mamdani’s disastrous record in the 2026 midterms,” Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement Tuesday after the race was called.

Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles has called on the Justice Department to investigate whether Mamdani should be stripped of his citizenship. Florida Rep. Randy Fine said the federal government should “review every naturalization of the past 30 years – starting with Mamdani.” Fine has also called for Mamdani’s deportation. Mamdani, who was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2018, has said attacks based on his faith and citizenship were rooted in anti-Muslim sentiment.

In June, Mamdani shocked New York’s political establishment when he clinched the Democratic nomination for mayor, finishing ahead of Cuomo, 56 percent to 44 percent, after ranked choice tabulations.

Cuomo, with the encouragement of some of New York’s financial powerbrokers, including billionaire investor and Trump ally, Bill Ackman, then opted to continue his mayoral bid as a third-party candidate.

Despite a significant financial boost from several super PACs, including one which spent nearly $30 million to defeat Mamdani, Cuomo could not overcome the baggage he carried into the race. He resigned as governor in disgrace in 2021 after the state attorney general concluded he had sexually harassed nearly a dozen women.

Throughout the campaign, Cuomo and his allies characterized Mamdani’s policies as being too far to the left. His candidacy, they warned, could hurt the Democratic Party brand – a view echoed by many party moderates who have voiced anxiety that national Republicans will seek to tie them to Mamdani.

“I’m a Democratic Capitalist, not a Democratic Socialist,” Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi said in a recent post on X endorsing Cuomo. “I can not back a declared socialist with a thin resume to run the most complex city in America.”

Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee has already announced a paid ad campaign targeting Democratic-held battleground districts in New York and New Jersey to “ensure every voter knows Zohran Mamdani is synonymous with the Democratic Party nationwide.”

In the final days of the race, Mamdani appeared to moderate some of his stances, most notably on the issue of public safety. He said he intended to have the city’s current police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, stay on once he assumes office and issued an apology to the New York Police Department over his past comments characterizing the police force as “racist” and calling for it to be defunded.

Mamdani has also drawn criticism from party leaders over his comments on Israel and Gaza. He has accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza and said he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he steps foot in New York City. His refusal to condemn the slogan, “Globalize the Intifada,” made headlines, though he told business leaders after the primary that he would not use the phrase and would discourage others from doing so.

Source: rollcall.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://rollcall.com/2025/11/04/zohran-mamdani-new-york-mayor-election/

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Men Thought Allowing Pigs And Pigs' Blood Onto Thornton Hall in North Dublin Would Stop Muslims, Court Hears

Declan Brennan

05 Nov 2025

The pigs were transported from a farm in Cavan, the court heard. (stock image) (Image: Tim Graham/Getty Images)

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A former IT worker has been jailed for 15 months for two acts of animal cruelty linked to protests against asylum seeker housing.

In June 2024, security guards at Thornton Hall in north Dublin found two pigs with stab and slash wounds, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on Tuesday. The 160 acre site was previously earmarked for a super prison but in 2024 plans emerged for an accommodation centre for international protection applicants on the site.

Darren Jackson (40) of Rivermeade, Co Dublin admitted driving four pigs from a farm in Cavan to the site, but said that an accomplice used a scalpel to injure the animals.

The court heard that some of men involved in the incident believed that by allowing pigs and pig blood onto the site, Muslim people would be prevented from going on to it due to religious observances.

Garda Philip Walsh gave evidence that Jackson had left a voice note for his brother telling him he needed “knives and scalpels” for a “job”. He went on to invite his brother to join him, saying: “If you want to do a job with us, it will be great craic.”

The court heard that a little after 5pm on June 26, 2024, security guards saw two men entering the site and followed them to a spot where they found three pigs. One of the animals had 5cm long cuts and was missing a front leg and was squealing while another one had cuts to the stomach.

The cuts were between four and five centimetres deep. A vet called to the scene concluded the four pigs brought onto the site were likely “cast off” farm animals. The two injured animals were ultimately put down while the other two were re-homed.

After his arrest, Jackson told gardai his actions “had nothing to do with god or colour” and that “it's not the people's fault”, meaning immigrants, the court heard. He subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty.

Cathal McGreal BL, defending, said that his client told gardai that he was homeless at the time and sleeping in a tent on the site. He said his protest was about the lack of resources and what he was getting.

He said there were other men on the site due to the ongoing protests against the plans for the international protection accommodation centre. He said there were discussions with these men about stopping the centre “indefinitely”.

“Somebody brought up the idea of pigs. I said they were idiots,” he told gardai, claiming that he also made a point about the 1916 Proclamation guaranteeing “freedom for all”.

He said he then told the men he knew somebody who could get pigs, saying: “I know how to get pigs for a barbeque.”

He claimed he believed the animals would be let off. A text message was found on his phone stating: “Ring that farmer first thing, get the contract for the dead.”

Garda Walsh said during garda interviews, Jackson “distanced himself from any real responsibility” and refused to name others involved, citing fears for his own well being.

Garda Walsh said that investigators found video footage showing Jackson driving his van wearing a balaclava singing versions of IRA songs modified to include the words pigs. The court heard it's believed the footage is of Jackson driving the pigs from Cavan.

Mr McGreal said this was not a crime for which his client is proud and he will live with the shame of it.

Judge Martin Nolan said that “to attack pigs in this way was a pretty base thing to do”.

He said that Jackson was keeping bad company at the time. He said he could accept that Jackson wasn't the “author of this scheme” but he participated in it.

He noted Jackson's good work record. He set a headline sentence of two years which he reduced to 15 months on the basis of the “substantial mitigations”.

Jackson has five previous convictions including assault. The court heard he has made a payment of €1,000 to an animal welfare trust.

Mr McGreal told the court that after the offence, his client received unsolicited messages from various organisations “associated with the right” offering to support his case by demonstrating out the court.

Counsel said Jackson told them that “he did not want anything to do with these people”.

Mr McGreal said his client was not a man to be followed but “a person who followed”.

He said that after the incident, Jackson attended five times at a local mosque and met the imam there who he had discussions with about “radicalisation”. Counsel said his client also reached out to the Irish Network against Racism but they understandably declined to meet with him.

The court heard that after his arrest Jackson expressed concern about the welfare of his dog.

He said that a psychological report indicated that Jackson's expressions of remorse were genuine and that “he does not have racist tendencies”. The report suggested that this offending stemmed from his wish to “impress” two other men involved.

He said Jackson has worked all his life and previously had a “very good job” in an IT company. He was also involved with the Order of Malta.

Counsel said the report set out that Jackson's views were “never hateful or violent”.

Source: irishmirror.ie

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/men-thought-allowing-pigs-pigs-36191156

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Iranian Security Forces Arrest Researchers, Economists in Tehran

NOVEMBER 4, 2025

Family members and relatives say they have no information about the women’s whereabouts or conditions

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Iranian security forces arrested two researchers and translators in Tehran on Monday.

Agents confiscated their electronic devices and books before taking them to undisclosed locations.

Mahsa Asadollahnejad, a sociologist, was detained Monday morning at her parents' home.

Shirin Karimi, a writer and translator, was arrested the same day when officers arrived at her home at 7:30 a.m., searched the premises, and seized books and personal belongings.

Authorities have not disclosed the reasons for the arrests or which agency ordered the detentions.

Family members and relatives say they have no information about the women’s whereabouts or conditions.

Asadollahnejad holds a doctorate in political sociology from Tarbiat Modares University. She has published translations and articles, including works by Herbert Marcuse and Theodor Adorno, as well as pieces on the war in Gaza.

Karimi, 41, holds a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Tehran.

The same day, security agents confiscated electronic devices and books from the homes of Mohammad Maljo and Parviz Sedaghat, both economists based in Tehran.

Officers arrested Sedaghat after seizing his belongings. Maljo’s family said he reported to a location designated by security authorities following the search.

On Saturday, authorities arrested Maryam Zobeydi, 58, in Ahvaz after summoning her to the enforcement branch of the Revolutionary Court.

Officers transferred her directly to the women’s ward of Sepidar Prison despite her reported respiratory and stomach ailments.

Zobeydi, an Iranian Arab civil activist and mother of three, was previously arrested in 2020 and convicted of “acting against national security” and “communicating with foreign entities.”

She was sentenced to four years in prison, a ruling recently upheld on appeal. Her son, Benyamin, was killed during the 2019 protests.

Source: iranwire.com

https://iranwire.com/en/news/146053-iranian-security-forces-arrest-researchers-economists-in-tehran/

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India

Scent of harmony: What Delhi will miss without Phool Walon Ki Sair

Nov 5, 2025

New Delhi: The air in Mehrauli feels different this year. For the first time in more than six decades, the Phool Walon Ki Sair, said to be Delhi's most fragrant symbol of harmony, will not be held.

A tradition that outlived empires and political regimes now finds itself paused by something as mundane as a "permissions tussle".

Every Delhiite knows Phool Walon Ki Sair as more than a festival. It's a city's heart in bloom. A time when Hindus and Muslims walk together through Mehrauli's narrow lanes, carrying floral pankhas and chaadars woven with devotion, music and the idea of India itself.

"It is recognised as an integral part of Delhi's intangible heritage," said Usha Kumar, general secretary of Phool Walon Ki Sair, Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan. "This is not only unfortunate for our organisation but also a loss for Delhi's spirit of cultural unity."

For a week each year, the centuries-old festival transforms Mehrauli with floral offerings at the dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki and the Yogmaya Temple. Kites fly and qawwalis are sung. Traditional wrestling matches are held. Each day, a particular activity takes place. "During the offerings at the dargah, the Hindus lead, and during the offerings at the temple, the Muslims lead. That is the beauty of this festival," an organiser said.

Over the years, Phool Walon Ki Sair nurtured phoolwalas, pankhawalas and an ecosystem of artisans. For many families, it was both a tradition and livelihood. "We work for weeks to prepare the phool ke pankhe. Each pankha is handmade and can take several days to complete, depending on its size and intricacy," Mohammad Rashid said.

The festival's story, historian Swapna Liddle said, began in the Mughal court of Akbar Shah II in the early 19th century. It is a tale of exile, of a mother's prayer and a city's love. "In the early 19th century, when the British East India Company had just started ruling Delhi, there was a disagreement with the Mughal royal family, and they exiled one of the princes, Mirza Jahangir," she said.

"He was the son of Akbar II. His mother took a vow that if he came back, she would offer a chadar at the grave of a saint. When he returned, she ordered a chadar made of flowers, which the phoolwalas of Delhi created. They also made pankhas, which were then offered at the temple of Yogmaya. So both offerings, at the dargah and the temple, took place together," she said.

That moment of devotion bloomed into something greater. The people of Delhi, delighted by the idea of a shared celebration, began joining in. "It became such a popular thing because Delhiites loved the idea of going to Mehrauli," Liddle said. "It was a pleasant place, with greenery and water, and it became an interesting annual occasion. That's how it turned into Phool Walon Ki Sair or Phoolwalon ka Mela. The Mughal emperors themselves sponsored it."

After the revolt of 1857, the celebration withered. Attempts to revive it faltered until 1961, when then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru revived it. The floral procession from Yogmaya Temple to the dargah of Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, which has drawn people from every corner of the capital to Mehrauli's Aam Bagh, was back.

"Right from the beginning, it was something that involved Hindus and Muslims," Liddle said. "In that sense, it's sad that there should be a break now, because it really symbolised harmony and togetherness."

Last year, a scaled-down version of the event was held after DDA withdrew permission just a day before the event. This year, the festival has come to a halt amid a continuing tussle over clearances.

"Since 1962, govt agencies, especially DDA, had supported this festival. But last year, permission was withdrawn at the last moment, and this year again, despite all our efforts, it has been denied. We appeal to the President and the Prime Minister to help revive this tradition in its true spirit," Kumar said.

This season, Mehrauli's lanes will be silent and the scent of the missing flowers will sit heavy on many.

Source: indiatimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/scent-of-harmony-what-delhi-will-miss-without-phool-walon-ki-sair/articleshow/125094570.cms

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Former Cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin Becomes 1st Muslim To Head Minorities Welfare In Telangana

Nov 5, 2025

Hyderabad: Former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin, who was sworn in as a cabinet minister on Oct 31, has been allocated the minorities welfare and public enterprises portfolios. With this, he becomes the first Muslim to head the minorities welfare department since the formation of Telangana.

Earlier, in the first term of the former BRS govt (2014-18), then chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao personally handled the minorities welfare portfolio, while BRS MLC Mahmood Ali, though active in community programmes and Iftar events, served as deputy CM holding the revenue, and stamps and registration departments.

During the former BRS govt's second term, the miorities welfare portfolio went to Koppula Eshwar, who also managed SC and disabled welfare, while Mahmood Ali was made home minister. After the Congress came to power in Dec 2023, CM A Revanth Reddy retained minorities welfare until the June 8 cabinet expansion, when it was handed to Adluri Laxman along with SC, ST, and disabled welfare.

Now, with Azharuddin's induction, the portfolio has once again shifted — a move seen as an effort by the Congress to strengthen its outreach to the Muslim community. The public enterprises portfolio, earlier held by the CM, has also been assigned to him.

However, Azharuddin's position in the cabinet depends on his entry into the legislature. As per constitutional requirements, he must become an MLA or MLC within six months — before April 30, 2026 — or he will lose his ministerial berth. He had contested and lost from Jubilee Hills in the Dec 2023 assembly polls.

The Congress govt has since recommended his nomination as MLC under the governor's quota, but governor Jishu Dev Varma is yet to approve it. The delay reportedly stems from a Supreme Court case that stayed previous governor's quota appointments, including those of M Kodandaram and Amer Ali Khan, following a petition by BRS leaders.

Source: indiatimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/azhar-becomes-1st-muslim-to-head-minorities-welfare-in-telangana/articleshow/125093873.cms

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Gunfight breaks out between security forces, terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar

05.11.25

A gun battle broke out between terrorists and security forces on Wednesday in Kishtwar district, officials said.

"In an intelligence-based operation, launched in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police early this morning, alert troops of the White Knight Corps established contact with terrorists in the general area of Chhatru," the White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

"The operation is in progress," it said.

The forces are battling against at least two to three terrorists, and there was a report of one jawan sustaining a minor injury.

Security forces are continuously monitoring the movement of terrorists in the mountainous district, resulting in multiple encounters in the belt which borders Doda and Udhampur districts.

Kishtwar has seen six encounters in the past seven months as forces continue their hunt for Pakistan-based terrorists hiding in these hills.

On September 21, a group of terrorists was engaged in a gunfight in the Chhatru area.

On September 13, two army men, one of them a junior commissioned officer, were killed and two more injured in an encounter with terrorists in the Naidgram area of Chhatru.

Violent confrontations took place in Dul and Chhatru belts on August 11 and July 2, but the terrorists managed to escape.

On May 22, a soldier and two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Singapore area of the Chhatru belt.

On April 12, three terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Kishtwar area, while the army foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists along the LoC in the Akhnoor sector.

Source: telegraphindia.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/gunfight-breaks-out-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-kishtwar/cid/2131321

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Jaishankar backs Gaza peace plan, discusses terrorism and worker issues with Israel

Anita Joshua

05.11.25

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday articulated India's support for the Gaza peace plan with the hope that "it paves the way for a durable and lasting solution".

However, the 20-point plan drawn up by US President Donald Trump in consultation with other stakeholders does not envisage a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood.

In his opening remarks at the bilateral with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar in the capital, Jaishankar also underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries. "India and Israel have a strategic partnership and particularly in our case, that term has a real meaning. We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and of reliability."

Jaishankar flagged issues being faced by Indian workers in Israel. Though earlier the Indian working community in Israel comprised mainly caregivers for the elderly, a new opportunity opened up for construction workers after the October 7, 2023, attack, when Tel Aviv cancelled work permits of Palestinians engaged in the sector. A number of Indian workers, recruited through labour camps, have moved to Israel over the past year.

"Indian workers are also present in Israel in growing numbers today as a result of our mobility understandings. They have some issues which need attention, and I hope that we can take that dimension of our ties forward," Jaishankar said.

The two sides also discussed connectivity projects. While Jaishankar did not refer to any one of them in particular, Sa’ar specifically mentioned I2U2 (the strategic partnership among India, Israel, the UAE and the US) and IMEC — the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Both have been affected by the Hamas-Israel conflict.

The two sides also discussed terrorism. "It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations," Jaishankar said.

Sa’ar condemned the Pahalgam attack before dedicating a sizable portion of his opening remarks to his country's fight against terrorism. "In the Middle East, Israel faces a unique phenomenon — 'terror states'. The radical terror states of Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen have established themselves over the past decades. Uprooting them is necessary for the security and stability of our region... Hamas must be disarmed. Gaza must be demilitarised. We won't compromise on it."

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jaishankar-backs-gaza-peace-plan-discusses-terrorism-and-worker-issues-with-israel-prnt/cid/2131270

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Indian Sikh pilgrims enter Pakistan, first major crossing since Operation Sindoor

Harpreet Bajwa

04 Nov 2025

A group of 2,100 Indian Sikh (Jatha) pilgrims crossed into Pakistan via Attari-Wagah on Tuesday, marking the first people-to-people contact between the two countries since Operation Sindoor. The clashes in May closed the land border between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The pilgrims will gather on Wednesday at Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak's birthplace, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Lahore by road.

They will then visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Sacha Sauda Farooqabad, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, before returning to India on November 13.

The Pakistani government granted visas to 2,150 Indian Sikh devotees to attend a 10-day festival marking the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

The Union government has permitted only Indian citizens to participate in the pilgrimage. Palwinder Singh, in charge of the Yatra Vibhag of the SGPC, said that he was unaware of the reasons behind the government’s decision to not allow Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

The Indian government had earlier declined permission for the pilgrimage, citing security concerns following Operation Sindoor. However, the decision was later reversed after appeals from Sikh organisations to allow at least a symbolic Jatha to uphold the long-standing tradition.

Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President and Punjab Minorities Minister Ramesh Singh Arora, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chief Sajid Mahmood Chauhan and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq received the devotees from India at the check post.

Shrimoni Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee delegation led by Gurinder Kaur and Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee's Ravinder Singh Sweeta were among those who crossed into Pakistan.

ETPB spokesperson Ghulam Mohyuddin said that around 2,100 Sikhs arrived in Lahore via Wagah and after completing immigration and customs formalities, the pilgrims departed for Gurdwara Janamasthan, Nankana Sahib, by special buses.

Source: newindianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Nov/04/indian-sikh-pilgrims-enter-pakistan-first-major-crossing-since-operation-sindoor

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North America

Western Muslim Groups Call on Nobel Prize Committee to Rescind Maria Machado’s Award Over Support for War, Fascism, and Anti-Muslim Hate

November 4, 2025

A coalition of western Muslim organizations today sent a letter to the Nobel Prize Committee calling on it to rescind its decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan politician Maria Corina Machado due to her ongoing support for her support for anti-Muslim fascism in Europe, her alliance with Israel’s openly racist Likud Party, and war as a method of achieving political change in her own nation.

In the letter, signatories said that the Nobel Prize committee’s decision to recognize Machado despite her support for racist, anti-Muslim and fascist movements was “insulting” to the many potential honorees around the world who advocate justice for all people, including the journalists, activists, and politicians who have taken great risks to peacefully oppose injustice against all people.

The letter sent to the Nobel Prize Committee was signed by nine of the largest Muslim civic organizations in the western world. Based in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the signatories are the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN), Canadians United Against Hate, the Collective Against Islamophobia in Europe (CCIE), the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), the Islamophobia Studies Center, the Muslim Council of Britain, the The March 15th Forum – Combating Islamophobia and the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO).

In a statement, the signatories said:

“The Nobel Peace Prize should go to individuals who have shown moral consistency by bravely advocating justice for all people, not to politicians who claim to support democracy in their own nation while supporting war, racism, bigotry and fascism.

“If Ms. Machado continues refusing to renounce her support for the Likud Party, anti-Muslim fascism in Europe and war as a tool to effect political change in Venezuela, the Nobel Prize committee should rescind the award. An anti-Muslim bigot and supporter of European fascism would have no place being mentioned alongside the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other worthy winners of the Nobel Peace Prize.”

“The Nobel Peace Prize committee should instead recognize an honoree who has shown moral consistency, such as one of the students, journalists, activists, medical professionals who have risked their careers and even their lives to oppose injustice in hot spots around the world.”

In February, Machado delivered virtual remarks at the far-right Patriots of Europe conference in Madrid, where speakers included anti-Muslim extremists Geert Wilders, Marie Le Pen and Viktor Orban.

Reuters reported in February, “All the speakers railed against immigration and most called for a new “Reconquista,” a reference to the Medieval re-conquest of Muslim-controlled parts of the Iberian Peninsula by Christian kingdoms. Earlier, former Estonian Finance Minister Martin Helme kicked off the rally following a video message by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.”

Machado has been a stronger supporter of the Israeli government, specifically the far-right, anti-Muslim and racist Likud Party led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Machado personally signed off on formal “alliance” between her Venezuelan political party and the Likud Party in 2020. She has also declared, “The struggle of Venezuela is the struggle of Israel.”

Machado has also said that she would move Venezuela’s Embassy to Israel to Jerusalem in recognition of its illegal occupation of the entire city.

Dear Members of the Nobel Prize Committee,

The undersigned civil and human rights organizations write to express our deep concern regarding the decision to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan politician Maria Corina Machado.

We support the Nobel Prize Committee’s past efforts to honor those who have peacefully, bravely and consistently advocated for causes of justice, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and South African President Nelson Mandela. However, the decision to nominate Ms. Machado contradicts the values upon which the Nobel Peace Prize was founded.

The facts are clear. Ms. Machado openly supports political movements and parties that promote war, genocide, bigotry, xenophobia, and fascism. She has even called for foreign nations to attack her own nation, purportedly to establish democracy.

Earlier this year, Ms. Machado delivered a virtual speech at the Patriots of Europe, a far-right conference for fascist, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant extremists. Other keynote speakers included anti-Muslim extremists Geert Wilders, Marie Le Pen, Viktor Orban.

According to Reuters: “All the speakers railed against immigration and most called for a new “Reconquista”, a reference to the Medieval re-conquest of Muslim-controlled parts of the Iberian Peninsula by Christian kingdoms. Earlier, former Estonian Finance Minister Martin Helme kicked off the rally following a video message by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.”

Ms. Machado’s political party, Vente Venezuela, established a formal alliance with the Likud Party in 2020 that remains in force to this day. Ms. Machado personally signed the agreement establishing the partnership.

The Likud Party is a far-right, openly racist and genocidal political party that has spent decades violently thwarting efforts to establish a Palestinian state and whose leader Benjamin Netanyahu is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Ms. Machado has declared that “struggle of Venezuela is the struggle of Israel,” pledged to move the Venezuelan Embassy to Jerusalem despite Israel’s illegal occupation of the entire city, and even reportedly sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu calling on him to support a military “regime change” in Venezuela.

The Nobel Peace Prize should go to a person who has shown moral consistency by peacefully pursuing justice for all people, not to a politician who claims to support democracy in her own nation while supporting war, fascism, xenophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry.

The Nobel Prize Committee’s decision to award Ms. Machado has undermined the committee’s storied reputation. Moving forward with the award despite Ms. Machado’s stances would cause further, irreparable damage. We therefore urge the Nobel Prize Committee to call upon Ms. Machado to publicly:

renounce her support for, and her party’s alliance with, Israel’s Likud Party,

apologize for her participation in the fascist, bigoted Patriots of Europe conference, and

retract her support for war as an appropriate tool to advance democracy or otherwise address Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis.

If Ms. Machado refuses to take these steps, the Nobel Committee should rescind her award and choose a new honoree who has shown both courage and consistency, such as one of the many activists, journalists, medical professionals or human rights leaders who have taken considerable risk to confront injustice around the world.

Thank you for your consideration of this urgent matter.

Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN)

Canadians United Against Hate

Collective Against Islamophobia in Europe (CCIE)

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO)

Islamophobia Studies Center

Muslim Council of Britain

The March 15th Forum – Combating Islamophobia

US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO)

Source: cair.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/western-muslim-groups-call-on-nobel-prize-committee-to-rescind-maria-machados-award-over-support-for-war-fascism-and-anti-muslim-hate/

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CAIR-Houston Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Islamophobic Incident Targeting Muslim Students

November 4, 2025

The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a reported hate incident targeting Muslim students at the University of Houston (UH) during prayer as a possible hate crime and commended the university for its response.

Chron.com reports: “According to the UH Muslim Student Association (MSA), the incident occurred Thursday, October 30, at Lynn Eusan Park. An individual reportedly entered the group’s reserved space, shouted anti-Islamic messages through a megaphone, and threw a copy of the Qur’an into a bonfire.”

“We are deeply disturbed by this hateful act targeting Muslim students who were exercising their right to gather peacefully in worship,” said Imran Ghani, Director of CAIR-Houston. “Publicly shouting xenophobic statements and burning the Quran, our most sacred scripture, is not only an attack on the Muslim community, but also an affront to the values of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We commend the University of Houston for filing an incident report and urge law enforcement authorities to treat this incident as a possible hate crime and to ensure the safety and religious freedom of all students.”

Last month, CAIR-Houston expressed support for a group of University of Houston students participating in a peaceful hunger strike and urge the university to engage with the students regarding their call to protect immigrant students on campus and end to partnerships with corporations allegedly complicit in human rights violations.

CAIR-Houston also expressed support for hate crime charges for a suspect who allegedly used racial slurs during an assault on a Black woman following a traffic incident.

Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.

CAIR recently released an analysis of the Islamophobic fearmongering led by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and anti-Muslim campaigner Amy Mek around a Muslim-led development project, EPIC City. The analysis places the attack in the context of a continuing tradition of Texas political figures engaging in anti-Muslim actions.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-houston-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-of-islamophobic-incident-targeting-muslim-students-as-they-prayed-commends-universitys-response/

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Illinois Islamic school makes state history with volleyball playoff run

November 4, 2025

CHICAGO - The Muslim Community Center Academy in Morton Grove has made Illinois history, becoming the first Islamic school in the state to advance to the IHSA sectional semifinals in girls’ volleyball.

The academy held a pep rally Tuesday at the Muslim Education Center to celebrate the team’s achievement, recognizing the students, families, and coaches who helped make the season possible.

The moment is especially meaningful given the school’s short history. It opened just six years ago and launched its sports programs only four years back.

Superintendent Habeeb Quadri said the success comes from a shared commitment to growth and teamwork.

"Coach Maji has been someone who’s been working with the kids all the time," Quadri said. "We made sure some of the kids went to summer camp so they can try to learn their skill sets. The idea was if you work hard and come together, we can speed up this process of winning, and some of these girls kind of played on the middle school team back in the day. So we knew that if we get that team together and get the star players to work with other individuals, major things can happen."

Each athlete on the team wears a traditional hijab, which they say represents both their faith and excellence.

What's next:

MCC Academy isn’t stopping at volleyball. The school also fields teams in basketball, soccer, and other sports.

Leaders hope to keep expanding athletic opportunities, starting with a long-awaited new gym. Until now, every game has been played on the road because the school doesn’t have a regulation-size facility. The team hopes to have its new gym ready by next season.

Source: fox32chicago.com

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https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/mcc-academy-islamic-school-illinois-ihsa-sectional-semifinals

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Western Muslim Groups Call on Nobel Prize Committee to Rescind Maria Machado’s Award Over Support for War, Fascism, and Anti-Muslim Hate

November 4, 2025

In a statement, the signatories said:

In February, Machado delivered virtual remarks at the far-right Patriots of Europe conference in Madrid, where speakers included anti-Muslim extremists Geert Wilders, Marie Le Pen and Viktor Orban.

Machado has also said that she would move Venezuela’s Embassy to Israel to Jerusalem in recognition of its illegal occupation of the entire city.

Dear Members of the Nobel Prize Committee,

The undersigned civil and human rights organizations write to express our deep concern regarding the decision to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan politician Maria Corina Machado.

renounce her support for, and her party’s alliance with, Israel’s Likud Party,

apologize for her participation in the fascist, bigoted Patriots of Europe conference, and

retract her support for war as an appropriate tool to advance democracy or otherwise address Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis.

Thank you for your consideration of this urgent matter.

Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN)

Canadians United Against Hate

Collective Against Islamophobia in Europe (CCIE)

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO)

Islamophobia Studies Center

Muslim Council of Britain

The March 15th Forum – Combating Islamophobia

US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO)

Source: cair.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/western-muslim-groups-call-on-nobel-prize-committee-to-rescind-maria-machados-award-over-support-for-war-fascism-and-anti-muslim-hate/

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California voters approve redistricting. Will it tip the balance of power in Washington?

November 5, 2025

Christal Hayes

Voters in California have approved a measure to redraw political lines to favour Democrats - launching a counterattack against similar efforts by conservative-led states in a nationwide battle for control of the US House of Representatives.

CBS projects that the redistricting measure, called Prop 50, passed.

It is aimed at reconfiguring the state's voting districts to give Democrats better chances at taking five House seats from Republicans during next year's midterm elections.

Whether the measure will tip the balance of power in Washington remains unclear as more Republican-led states are also redrawing their voting lines under pressure from President Donald Trump.

Currently, Republicans hold a small, five-seat majority in the 435-member House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress.

If Democrats win a majority in the chamber in the 2026 election, they will be able to stunt Trump's legislative agenda for at least the next two years and also lead congressional oversight of his administration - action that could range from investigations, complete with subpoenas, to impeachment.

A look nationally shows the effort in Democrat-heavy California won't be enough on its own to cancel out gains by Republicans who have also redone voting maps. Four Republican-led states have already redrawn their lines so far this year, giving the party a likely advantage in nine new voting districts.

Still, experts told the BBC that those changes to districts might not be enough for Republicans keep control of the House next November.

They are called midterm elections, where voters cast ballots for congressional candidates as well as state ones, because they take place in the middle of a president's four-year term. Historically, a president often loses power of at least one chamber in Congress in the midterms.

The Brookings Institution has found that the party of the president lost House seats in 20 of the last 22 midterm elections - going back to 1938.

"There are a lot of unknowns still and a lot can happen before the midterms politically, but looking at it historically - this is an uphill battle for Republicans," said Galen Sheely, research director for the State Voting Laws Roundup project, a collaboration between the Brennan Center for Justice and the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Redistricting typically is done once every 10 years, to reflect population changes recorded by the US Census.

Redrawing voting lines in the middle of the decade to try to engineer election gains is "a new strategy that is pushing boundaries that haven't been pushed before", Dr Sheely added.

The tit-for-tat redistricting battle started with Trump pressuring conservative-led states to redraw their congressional districts to help Republicans retain control of the House. Now, more than a dozen US states are openly mulling plans to redraw voting lines - known as political gerrymandering.

"Regardless of whether it's Democrats or Republicans, this is just not good for our republic in the long term," said Erik Nisbet, a professor at Northwestern University. "The question now is where does this stop? It's political sabotage to our democracy."

From his viewpoint, the battle runs the risk of both eroding trust in the government, with people seeing their votes and representation in Washington diminished, along with erasing battleground districts where members of both parties have equal shots at winning the seat.

Representatives from those districts often are crucial to negotiating deals and finding middle ground - things that have become harder in Congress amid a bitter political divide, he said.

"It's hard to not mention the ongoing government shutdown in this," he added. "This will worsen polarisation and gridlock in Congress. And the ripple effect of that will mean emboldening this president and future presidents to act unilaterally without Congress."

Trump, who began his redistricting push with Texas, has argued that he and Republicans are entitled to more congressional seats due to him winning those states in the 2024 presidential race.

Texas responded to Trump's call by redoing its maps to give Republicans an advantage in five new seats. And in turn, California Democrats introduced Prop, short for "Proposition", 50.

California's governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, a Trump foe with reported presidential ambitions, championed Prop 50. He is now pushing Democrats to follow his lead and fight fire with fire - something he argues the party hasn't been willing to do in the past.

"These folks don't play by the rules," he has said of Republicans. "If they can't win playing the game with the existing set of rules, they'll change the rules. That's what Donald Trump has done."

High-profile Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, Rep Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Kamala Harris helped fundraise and generate support for the measure across the country.

Campaigns in support of the measure and against it received $200m total, but Democrats far outraised Republicans, with Newsom telling donors last week that they could stop sending in money.

If other states do not join in, though, the proposition and its momentum may not lead to a significant change in the House.

While it could help score five seats for Democrats, more and more Republican-led states are also changing their maps.

North Carolina, Missouri and Ohio have all passed new maps that give Republicans a new edge. Utah has also passed a new map, which would give Democrats an advantage in one district, but it is under legal review.

Each state decides its voting districts differently and many Republican-led states have had an easier time changing their maps, due to their state laws, election deadlines, current districts or political leadership.

Texas, for instance, created its new districts through the state legislature.

California, though, needed voter support to change its political maps.

Under a state law intended to halt political gerrymandering, an independent commission usually sets California's voting districts once a decade. To deviate from that, the state had to call a special election, where Prop 50 was the only thing on the ballot, at a cost to taxpayers of more than $200m. The new Prop 50 maps will only be in use until 2030 when the commission will again redraw the districts.

As leaders in both liberal and conservative-leaning states look into redistricting, another factor is looming on the horizon, threatening to make an impact on the 2026 midterms: The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case that - depending on the ruling - could drastically reshape how districts are drawn.

Source: bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1lqr30l246o

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Is Trump plotting to be ‘king for life’?

4 Nov, 2025

On July 4, 1776, America freed itself forever, it believed, from the tyrannical rule of kings. Yet here we are today, almost 250 years later, as millions of Americans are gearing up for the 2028 presidential election, contemplating the possibility that Donald Trump will opt to remain in power. And it’s not altogether beyond the realm of possibility.

The US Constitution’s 22nd Amendment only bans a candidate being “elected” to more than two presidential terms without mentioning anything about taking the Oval Office on an additional occasion through succession.

Some Trump supporters have pointed to a legal loophole in which he could be the running mate to his vice-president, J.D. Vance, or someone else in the 2028 election. The individual to whom Trump would be the running mate in such an arrangement could then immediately step aside after winning and being sworn in as president, letting Trump assume power by succession.

While Vance has said he is not interested in participating in this scheme, what does Trump think about it?

Last week, Trump pointed to his presidential accomplishments as reasons to possibly campaign for a third term in office, the constitution be damned.

“We have the greatest economy we’ve ever had, I have my highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had,” he boasted to reporters in an interview on board Air Force One. “And, you know, based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run. So we’ll see what happens.”

It’s that “we’ll see what happens” part that has Trump’s opponents up late at night. In other words, Trump has given the plan some thought, as have other prominent people who have the president’s ear, including Steve Bannon, the former presidential aide.

“Trump is going to be president in ‘28, and people just ought to get accommodated with that,” Bannon told The Economist on October 23.

Meanwhile, Trump’s opponents say that the US president’s militarization of American states to round up millions of illegal migrants is a convenient way to keep Democratic voters home on election day. Democrat Illinois Governor JB Pritzker equated actions taken by the current Trump administration to the “early days of the Nazi regime,” and claimed that the National Guard would be deployed at polling stations for future elections.

In a recent interview with Rachel Maddow, Pritzker claimed that the deployment of the National Guard has been carried out for the “broader goal” of the militarization of major American cities before the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election.

He said, “I fear that what they’re going to do is deploy these folks eventually to polling places and say they’re protecting the vote. Donald Trump knows that without shenanigans and without these breaches of the Constitution, that he’s going to lose the Congress, and if he loses, he’s going to immediately… do what he said he might do in 2020 which is use the military to confiscate the ballot boxes and count the votes claiming that there’s fraud.”

Meanwhile, Trump has gone on record as saying he could use the excuse of a military conflict to remain in power as a ‘war president,’ much like Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has done in his own country where martial law has been in place fort years. During a visit to the White House by Zelensky in August, Trump suggested that he is not opposed to using a war to cancel the next election.

“So let me just say three and a half years from now – so you mean, if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections? Oh, I wonder what the fake news would say,” he said, before leading the Ukrainian leader to the White House gift shop, which was peddling ‘Trump 2028’ merch.

Are such comments merely designed to trigger and troll the Democrats as elections approach? It is possible, but we also have to consider Trump’s apparent belief that he is on some sort of messianic mission to save America. In his inaugural address, he claimed that when a gunman opened fire on him last summer, he “was saved by God to make America great again,” a remark that Peter Baker, a reporter from the New York Times, said was “an echo of the divine right of kings.”

Meanwhile, the billionaire real estate developer and former entertainer continues to repeat the claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him due to voter fraud, even though there is no evidence to support that belief.

After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump tried every conceivable method to retain his grip on power. He implored Vice President Mike Pence, urging him not to certify the result, which resulted in thousands of protesters descending on the Capitol Building on January 6. He put pressure on governors and state officials, notably Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who he urged in an infamous telephone call that got him impeached to “find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, because we won the state.”

“We won this election, and we won it by a landslide,” Trump told his millions of outraged followers during a rally before the Capitol riot. “We will stop the steal... We will never concede, it doesn’t happen... If you don’t fight like hell you’re not going to have a country anymore.”

January 6 was, in the opinion of Trump’s detractors, an attempted coup d’etat, and one that could possibly occur again in 2028 if the Orange Man is denied the Oval Office for a third term should he seek it. At this point, nothing should surprise us.

Source: rt.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.rt.com/news/627311-trump-king-for-life/

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Europe

Counter-terrorism officers take over mosque arson investigation

STANLEY MURPHY-JOHNS

November 5, 2025

Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation into an arson attack at a mosque in Sussex.

Two people were inside the mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, when the fire, which damaged the front entrance of the mosque and two cars, was started on October 4.

Sussex Police had released images of two people wearing balaclavas spraying a liquid on the entrance to the mosque in Phyllis Avenue and setting it alight.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) are now leading the case “as a result of information and evidence that has come to light” during ongoing police inquiries.

Ricky Ryder, 38, of Richington Way in Seaford, and Jack Slowey, 34, of Mayfield Avenue in Peacehaven, have both appeared in court charged with arson with intent to endanger life, relating to this attack.

They are due to appear at the Old Bailey for a hearing on November 14.

An additional arrest of a 69-year-old man from Newhaven was made on October 31 and he has since been bailed pending further inquiries.

Some £50,000 has been raised on GoFundMe from the community for the mosque to help rebuild and repair the damage.

Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Finlay, head of CTPSE, said: “I appreciate the concern an incident of this nature has caused to those living locally.

“There has been a huge amount of work by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team up until this point and also significant reassurance work carried out by officers within the community.

“We will continue to progress this investigation at pace.”

Sussex Police have said they will continue to work closely with the CTPSE.

Source: standard.co.uk

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https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/sussex-police-east-sussex-seaford-surrey-gofundme-b1256499.html

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Watford mosque graffiti suspect due in court today

By Liam Fitzpatrick

November 5, 2025

A Watford man is to appear in court today (November 4) on suspicion of religiously aggravated graffiti and weapon possession.

Danny Manning, of Langley Road, is due before St Albans Crown Court from 10am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The 26-year-old is charged with one count of religiously aggravated criminal damage, two counts of possession of a knife/bladed article, and one count of possession of an offensive weapon.

The first charge relates to cross symbols graffiti spray-painted onto the perimeter fencing around the former St Thomas’ Church in Langley Road, which is set to be turned into a mosque.

Similar graffiti was found at two other mosques in Watford during the weekend of October 4 and 5, which police previously said they are continuing to investigate.

Later searches led to police seizing an axe and a Stanley-type knife from a vehicle in Watford, with a samurai sword also recovered.

At the time, Detective Inspector Chris Parperi said: “We are pleased to have secured a charge in relation to the attack on the former St Thomas’ Church in Langley Road, which we hope will provide some reassurance to the community.

“I want to reiterate to them that we’re continuing our enquiries into both this case, and the two further incidents which happened elsewhere in Watford, while we await Manning’s next court date.”

Source: watfordobserver.co.uk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/25593242.watford-mosque-graffiti-suspect-due-court-today/

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Zelensky visits troops near embattled front line town of Pokrovsk

November 5, 2025

Laura Gozzi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he has visited troops near the town of Pokrovsk, where the fiercest front line battle between Russia and Ukraine is currently taking place.

Zelensky posted photos showing him meeting personnel at a command post in the Dobropillya sector, some 20km (12 miles) north of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.

Kyiv's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskiy, said on Monday that Ukraine was increasing pressure on the Dobropillya front to "force the enemy to disperse its forces and make it impossible to concentrate their main efforts in the Pokrovsk area".

Russia has been trying to seize Pokrovsk - a strategic frontline town and logistic hub - for over a year.

Although it has taken them months to approach the town's borders, Russian soldiers have now infiltrated it and on Friday, Zelensky said Russia had amassed 170,000 troops on its outskirts.

Both Ukraine and Russia continue to issue claims and counter claims on the situation in and around Pokrovsk.

Capturing Pokrovsk could give Moscow access to the rest of Donetsk, including the towns Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, Kostyantynivka and Druzhkivka - the so-called "fortress belt".

Gen Syrskiy, acknowledged his troops were withstanding the "pressure of a multi-thousand enemy grouping" but denied they were encircled. Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers claimed 90% of Pokrovsk was under Moscow's control.

Unverified videos posted on social media show instances of close quarter combat, drone attacks and street battles there.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that Russian forces were operating with "increasing comfort" within the town, which once had a population of 60,000 but has now been almost entirely emptied of civilians and largely destroyed.

Further east, Moscow's troops are also reportedly targeting the town of Myrnohrad, which would put Ukrainian soldiers at risk of encirclement.

Intense drone activity has cut off many logistics routes, making evacuations and the supply of ammunition and vehicles near impossible.

On Monday, Zelensky said Russia had had "no success" in Pokrovsk in recent days but acknowledged that "things were not easy" for Ukrainian forces in the area.

He added that a third of all front line clashes were happening in Pokrovsk, and a half of all glide bombs used by the Russians were launched at the town. Earlier last week the Ukrainian president said that Moscow's troops in the area were outnumbering Kyiv's eight to one.

Some Ukrainian commentators have criticised the government's efforts to continue to defend Pokrovsk, arguing that troops were being put at risk.

In a post accompanying the pictures of his visit to Dobropillya, Zelensky on Tuesday wrote: "This is our country, this is our East, and we will certainly do our utmost to keep it Ukrainian."

Russia now controls 81% of the Donetsk region and 99% of neighbouring Luhansk, which collectively make up the Donbas.

Moscow has never relented in its ambition to capture the entirety of the area, which Russia's President Vladimir Putin declared annexed in 2022 despite not being in full control of it.

However, its progress along the front line has been grinding and occupying the heavily fortified towns in northern Donetsk could come at a huge cost of both manpower and resources.

Away from the front line, Russia continues to pummel Ukrainian cities, targeting the country's energy facilities as winter draws in.

A large-scale drone attack overnight Monday targeted the southern port of Odesa on the Black Sea, damaging industrial facilities, causing fires and affecting the local power supply. At least 15 civilians were killed and 44 injured in combined drone and missile attacks across the country at the weekend.

Ukraine continues to hit back, mostly using drones to target industrial sites across Russia and border regions.

On Tuesday, Kyiv said it had attacked a petrochemical plant in the Bashkortostan region and a refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region, while earlier this week, a drone explosion killed a woman and injured three others in the Russian border region of Belgorod.

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Ukrainians behind theft of EU citizens’ personal data – Orban

4 Nov, 2025

Ukrainian individuals and a Hungarian opposition party are behind the theft and leak of personal data of 200,000 Hungarians, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said. He called the situation a “serious national security risk” that required an immediate state investigation.

The accusations, made in a video statement on Monday, follow reports in Hungarian media that a database with the names, addresses, and contact details of users who had downloaded the Tisza Party's Vilag organizing app was briefly published online late last week.

The pro-EU party and its leader Peter Magyar represent the main opposition to Orban's government.

“A serious scandal has shaken Hungarian public life. The personal data of 200,000 of our compatriots were published online without their consent,” Orban stated. “Based on current information, this data was collected by the Tisza Party.”

He said an analysis of the database showed “Ukrainian individuals were also involved in the data handling,” and he has ordered national security officials to lead the probe.

Both Tisza Party and their leader have denied any Ukrainian involvement in the app’s development. Magyar claimed on Sunday – without providing evidence – that the party’s app had been targeted by “international hackers... who are obviously backed by Russian services.”

However, a report by the Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet suggested the leaked data originated from the Vilag platform, noting that early entries corresponded to developer and tester accounts, some with Ukrainian state identifiers.

Orban, a determined critic of Western military support for Ukraine, has repeatedly claimed that the EU and Kiev are conspiring to influence Hungarian politics in order to bring the Brussels-backed Tisza party to power in the 2026 elections.

Similar claims were echoed earlier this year by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), which alleged that the European Commission was “studying regime change scenarios” in Hungary.

Brussels intends to bring Magyar to power in the 2026 parliamentary elections, “if not sooner,” the SVR claimed, adding that significant “administrative, media, and lobbying resources” are supposedly being deployed by Brussels, with Ukrainian intelligence services doing the “dirty work.”

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Putin orders rare-earth metals strategy

4 Nov, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to develop a long-term strategy for mining and producing rare-earth minerals, according to a directive published on the Kremlin’s website on Tuesday.

Under the order, the cabinet must by December approve a detailed “roadmap” for the sector, which is critical for most modern technology, ranging from cellphones to weapons systems.

Putin has described the industry as a strategic resource vital to strengthening Russia’s global competitiveness and supporting sustainable economic growth. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) last month, he emphasized the need to boost domestic demand and introduce advanced processing technologies.

Russia holds an estimated 658 million tons of rare metals, including 28.5 million tons of 15 rare-earth types, according to the Natural Resources Ministry, which says the reserves are sufficient to meet the country’s current economic needs and ensure long-term supply.

Global interest in rare-earth minerals has been rising in light of growing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. China, the world’s largest producer of rare-earths, has restricted exports in response to US tariffs, sparking supply disruptions for the automotive and other high-tech industries.

US President Donald Trump, whose administration has pushed to revive domestic manufacturing, has voiced interest in Russia’s “huge reserves” of rare-earths. Putin, for his part, has signaled a readiness to cooperate on such projects with foreign partners, including the US. Presidential aide Kirill Dmitriev later confirmed that talks on joint Russia-US projects were underway, calling them an important part of bilateral cooperation.

The White House has been seeking reliable sources of the vital minerals. In May, after months of contentious negotiations, Washington and Kiev signed a deal on the joint extraction of Ukrainian natural resources. Trump promoted the agreement as a way to recover the roughly $350 billion he claims the US has spent supporting Kiev. The accord grants Washington preferential access to the resources, while the security guarantees long sought by Vladimir Zelensky’s government were not included. However, much of what the West considers Ukraine’s mineral wealth lies in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, which voted to join Russia in 2022.

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Mideast

Iraq PM Al-Sudani seen as election frontrunner, seeks a second term

November 04, 2025

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has cast himself as the leader who can finally make the country a success after years of instability, and has moved against established parties that brought him to power as he seeks a second term.

Buoyed by signs of rising public support ahead of a November 11 parliamentary election, an increasingly confident Al-Sudani is running against key members of a grouping of parties and armed groups that originally tapped him for the job.

Campaigning on improving basic services and presenting himself as the man who can successfully balance ties with both Washington and Tehran, he says he expects to get the single-largest share of seats. Many analysts agree that Al-Sudani, in power since 2022 and leader of the Construction and Development Coalition, is the frontrunner.

However, no party is able to form a government on its own in Iraq’s 329-member legislature, and so parties have to build alliances with other groups to become an administration, a fraught process that often takes many months.

Al-Sudani, 55, has done many key jobs in Iraq’s volatile political system and is the only post-2003 premier who never left the country, unlike others who went into exile and returned, often with new citizenships, after the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

He has the tricky task of balancing Iraq’s unusual role as an ally of both Washington and Tehran, while trying to satisfy Iraqis desperate for jobs and services and protect himself in a world of cut-throat politics.

In 2024, allegations that staff in the premier’s office had spied on senior officials caused uproar. A political adviser to Sudani denied the claims.

Born on March 4, 1970 in Baghdad to a family originally from rural southern Maysan province, Al-Sudani worked as an agricultural supervisor under Saddam’s government, even though his father and other relatives were killed for political activism. Since the 2003 US-led invasion he has been a mayor, a member of a provincial council, a regional governor, twice a Cabinet minister and then prime minister. “When we speak of someone who stayed in Iraq all these decades, it means they understand Iraqis as people and the Iraqi system,” Al-Sudani said in 2023.

Iraq is navigating a politically sensitive effort to disarm the country’s militias amid pressure from the US, while at the same time negotiating with Washington to implement an agreement on a phased withdrawal of US troops.

But Al-Sudani said ahead of next week’s vote that any effort to bring all weapons under state control would not work as long as there is a US-led coalition in the country that some Iraqi factions view as an occupying force.

Source: arabnews.com

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Lebanon could reduce $11m bail for Hannibal Qaddafi: judicial official to AFP

November 04, 2025

BEIRUT: Lebanon may reduce or cancel the $11 million bail imposed for the release of Hannibal Qaddafi, son of deposed Libyan ruler Muammar Qaddafi, his lawyer and a judicial official said Monday.

Lebanese authorities arrested the younger Qaddafi in 2015 and accused him of withholding information about the 1978 disappearance of Lebanese Shiite cleric Mussa Sadr in Libya.

Qaddafi, who is now 49 according to his lawyer, was around two years old at the time of Sadr’s disappearance.

A judicial official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP a Libyan delegation met Lebanese judicial officials and President Joseph Aoun on Monday.

The delegation, he said, presented the judge investigating Sadr’s disappearance with “a copy of the investigations conducted by the Libyan authorities into the Sadr case, as well as transcripts of the interrogations of a number of political and security officials in the regime of ousted president Muammar Qaddafi.”

The official then noted “significant flexibility” from Lebanon in the Hannibal Qaddafi case, “with the $11 million bail to be reduced to the minimum... so that it no longer hinders Hannibal’s release.”

The judge also seemed open to lifting the travel ban imposed on Qaddafi, the official said.

Lawyer Laurent Bayon told AFP that the bail “should be significantly reduced or even canceled.”

According to Bayon, the bail was divided into two parts: “$10 million for the victims and $1 million as an appearance guarantee.”

The judge may decide to retain only the $1 million appearance guarantee, Bayon said, while noting that he nevertheless still aims to have the “unjustified” bail canceled.

Mussa Sadr — the founder of the Amal movement, now an ally of militant group Hezbollah — went missing during an official visit to Libya, along with an aide and a journalist.

Beirut blamed the disappearances on Muammar Qaddafi, who was overthrown and killed decades later in a 2011 uprising.

The official said that “the Lebanese judiciary will review the Libyan file and assess the information it contains to determine whether it helps uncover the fate of Sadr and his companions.”

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Jordanian king, UK foreign secretary discuss Gaza ceasefire

November 04, 2025

LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper discussed the need to intensify efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The meeting in Amman was attended by Crown Prince Hussein and focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the trade, industry and defense sectors.

King Abdullah warned against dangerous escalations against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the violation of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, Petra news agency reported.

He highlighted the need to support Syria and Lebanon in maintaining their security, stability and territorial sovereignty, and praised the UK’s decision in September to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, along with the Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, also attended the meeting.

In a separate meeting in Amman on Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed military cooperation with Vice Adm. Edward Ahlgren, the UK’s defense senior adviser to the Middle East and North Africa.

The meeting discussed regional and international developments, and explored ways to enhance military cooperation with the UK to improve the Jordanian military’s readiness and capabilities in training, armament and coordination, according to Petra.

The UK delegation was briefed on regional security challenges, defense coordination, training exchanges and operational readiness in Jordan, as well as Jordan’s humanitarian and medical efforts in Gaza and the West Bank.

Senior Jordanian officers and the British defense attache attended the meeting to review the implementation of defense agreements and programs aimed at strengthening bilateral military coordination and planning.

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Not enough tents, food reaching Gaza as winter comes, aid agencies say

November 04, 2025

CAIRO/GENEVA: Far too little aid is reaching Gaza nearly four weeks after a ceasefire, humanitarian agencies said on Tuesday, as hunger persists with winter approaching and old tents start to fray following Israel’s devastating two-year offensive.

The truce was meant to unleash a torrent of aid across the tiny, crowded enclave where famine was confirmed in August and where almost all the 2.3 million inhabitants have lost their homes to Israeli bombardment.

However, only half the needed amount of food is coming in, according to the World Food Programme, while an umbrella group of Palestinian agencies said overall aid volumes were between a quarter and a third of the expected amount.

Israel says it is fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, which calls for an average of 600 trucks of supplies into Gaza per day. It blames Hamas fighters for any food shortages, accusing them of stealing food aid before it can be distributed, which the group denies.

Gaza’s local administration, long controlled by Hamas, says most trucks are still not reaching their destinations due to Israeli restrictions, and only about 145 per day are delivering supplies.

The United Nations, which earlier in the war published daily figures on aid trucks crossing into Gaza, is no longer giving those figures routinely.

TENTS ‘COMPLETELY WORN OUT’

“It is dire. No proper tents, or proper water, or proper food, or proper money,” said Manal Salem, 52, who lives in a tent in Khan Younis in southern Gaza that she says is “completely worn out” and she fears will not last the winter.

The ceasefire and greater flow of aid since mid-October has brought some improvements, said the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA.

Last week OCHA said a tenth of children screened in Gaza were still acutely malnourished, down from 14 percent in September, with over 1,000 showing the most severe form of malnutrition.

Half of families in Gaza have reported increased access to food, especially in the south, as more aid and commercial supplies entered after the truce, and households were eating on average two meals a day, up from one in July, OCHA said.

There is still a sharp divide between the south and the north where conditions remain far worse, it said.

FOOD, SHELTER, FUEL NEEDED

Abeer Etefa, senior spokesperson for WFP, described the situation as a “race against time.”

“We need full access. We need everything to be moving fast,” she said. “The winter months are coming. People are still suffering from hunger, and the needs are overwhelming.”

Since the ceasefire the agency has brought in 20,000 metric tons of food assistance, roughly half the amount needed to meet people’s needs, and has opened 44 out of a targeted 145 distribution sites, she said.

The variety of food needed to ward off malnutrition is also lacking, she added.

“The majority of households that we’ve spoken to are only consuming cereals, pulses, dry food rations, which people cannot survive on for a long time. Meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits are being consumed extremely rarely,” she said.

A continuing lack of fuel, including cooking gas, is also hampering nutrition efforts, and over 60 percent of Gazans are cooking using burning waste, said OCHA, adding to health risks.

With winter approaching, Gazans need shelter. Tents are wearing thin. Buildings that survived the military onslaught are often open to the weather or unstable and dangerous.

“We’re coming into winter soon — rainwater and possible floods, as well as potential diseases because of the hundreds of tons of garbage near populated areas,” said Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian agencies that liaise with the UN

He said only 25-30 percent of the amount of aid expected into Gaza had entered so far.

“The living conditions are unimaginable,” said Shaina Low, spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council, which leads a group of agencies working on a lack of shelter in Gaza.

The NRC estimates that 1.5 million people need shelter in Gaza but large volumes of tents, tarpaulins and related aid is still waiting to come in, awaiting Israeli approvals, Low said.

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International forces in Gaza should ensure Palestinians and Israelis don’t pose threat to each other, Qatar PM tells CNN

November 04, 2025

DUBAI: International forces to be deployed in Gaza under the US-brokered ceasefire plan should ensure that Palestinians and Israelis do not pose a threat to each other, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told CNN.

Sheikh Mohammed added that the International Stabilization Force should have a clear mandate, which “we are working together with the United States in order to define.”

Speaking to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, he said: “When we are talking about international presence;… there should be a defined mandate. And we are working together with the United States in order to define the mandate of the international forces. And basically, the international forces’ role should be securing the Palestinians and the Israelis that both of them … don’t pose a threat for each other.”

Under the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, a coalition of mainly Arab and Muslim nations is expected to deploy forces in the Palestinian territory.

Sheikh Mohammed also spoke about the recent truce violations in Gaza, which he said were “happening every day,” recalling the Jan. 25 ceasefire, which Israel was also accused of violating.

“A lot of Palestinians (were) being killed during that ceasefire,” he said.

“The violations are happening every day. And we have, like we have in the deconfliction room, the operation room that we did together with Egypt and the United States. We register everything over there.

“The attack was really disproportionate and was about to jeopardize the deal. But what we have seen, we have seen that, then both parties, we work together very closely with them in order to make sure that the ceasefire stay intact.”

Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s support for the Palestinian Authority to be the “single agency” that presides over Gaza and the West Bank.

“Right now, there (are) ongoing talks between all the Palestinian factions, including Fatah and the PA, in order to make sure that this technocratic committee, it’s apolitical. It will take care of Gaza in this transition period, and it will be linked somehow to the Palestinian Authority … Once the reforms are in place, the Palestinian Authority should take over the governance in Gaza and the West Bank together,” he said.

“We cannot separate those two units. Those are one unit. Those are the future Palestinian state. Look, Fareed, whatever we do, whatever we say, there are wishful thinking from some politicians, maybe in Israel, that there are other solutions other than the two-state solution. There is no solution except the two-state solution. How can we figure out the formula where two people, they can live side by side together and feel safely?”

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Arab World

Saudi Entertainment Authority Launches New Program To Spark Creativity And Innovation

November 04, 2025

RIYADH: The General Entertainment Authority has launched the “Entertainment Innovations” program to boost creativity and innovation in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector.

Aimed at empowering talent and entrepreneurs, the program helps develop solutions that enhance sector growth and global competitiveness, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Registration is now open for the program. More than 100 participants will form diverse teams supported by mentors and industry experts, the SPA added.

The program includes several phases: registration via the authority’s website, screening and team selection for a virtual bootcamp, and a three-day challenge culminating in final presentations before judges, where winners will be honored.

The program focuses on building business models, brand identity, prototypes, and go-to-market strategies, the SPA added.

It aims to turn creative ideas into sustainable projects aligned with the Kingdom’s entertainment development goals and foster collaboration among creators, investors, and experts.

The program targets three goals: promoting innovation in entertainment, attracting specialized talent in technology, design, and entrepreneurship, and expanding the pool of young creatives in the sector.

In total, SR300,000 ($80,000) in prizes and support packages worth more than $1 million will be awarded to the top three winners.

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Crown prince: Saudi Arabia emerging as a global hub for investment, innovation

November 04, 2025

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a leading global destination for investment and innovation, as he chaired the weekly cabinet session in Riyadh.

At the start of the meeting, the crown prince briefed ministers on the outcomes of his discussions with several world leaders and heads of government who visited the Kingdom to participate in the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference.

The cabinet affirmed that the high-level international attendance at the event reflected global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economy and appreciation for its achievements and vision. The Kingdom, ministers said, has become “an international economic destination and a global center that brings together leaders and innovators to transform visions into practical strategies that shape the future of investment.”

The council discussed the strength and flexibility of the Saudi economy, its ability to adapt to global transformations, and its sustained growth across non-oil sectors such as advanced manufacturing, technology, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari said in a statement that the cabinet commended the private sector’s growing role in driving non-oil activities since the launch of Vision 2030, describing it as proof of the success of economic reforms and the expansion of the business environment.

The cabinet also celebrated Saudi Arabia’s election to preside over the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) for three years starting in 2031, calling it further recognition of the Kingdom’s leadership in transparency and governance.

The council also praised AlUla’s receipt of three World Travel Awards for 2025, and its rising prominence as a regional tourism hub and a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

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Saudi Arabia highlights infrastructure growth in Paris

November 04, 2025

RIYADH: CEO of the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority Khaled Alkhattaf led the Kingdom’s delegation as the guest of honor at the opening of Paris Infraweek, running from Nov. 3 to 7.

At the annual international event in the French capital, Alkhattaf highlighted the growing global significance of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure sector.

In his address, Alkhattaf reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its role as a regional and global leader in infrastructure development, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

He outlined the ambitious transformation driven by Vision 2030, which promotes innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration, with a focus on attracting foreign investment and advancing mega-development projects.

Alkhattaf said that Saudi Arabia plans to invest about $1 trillion in infrastructure over the coming years, covering sectors such as communications, information technology, healthcare, education, and industrial zones.

He noted that 50 percent of this investment will target key areas, including energy, water, and transportation, the SPA added.

During the event, the Saudi delegation presented the Kingdom’s infrastructure strategy and explored investment opportunities in key sectors such as railways and major projects.

They also discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation ahead of major events like Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Alkhattaf and his team held meetings with international officials to strengthen economic ties, promote mutual investment, and expand collaboration across sectors.

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Japan, Saudi Arabia foster gaming talent through Tokyo bootcamp

November 04, 2025

TOKYO: Emerging Saudi Arabia gamers recently received specialized training at a “Japan Game Business Bootcamp” in Tokyo.

The program was run by the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East, in partnership with the Saudi Digital Academy under the Kingdom’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

The three-week JCCME program ran from Oct. 13 to 31, bringing together 10 developers, including four women, selected by the SDA for their ambition to turn professional.

The bootcamp aimed to equip participants, who had already mastered the basics of game creation, with the technical and business skills needed to work independently. Training was led by leading figures from Japan’s game development and business sectors.

The 2025 edition was officially recognized as a commemorative event marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

With support from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Japan, the program concluded with a final pitch session attended by the Kingdom’s ambassador Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, during which participants presented their own game projects.

Entertainment is a key pillar of the Japan–Saudi Vision 2030 plan, developed by both governments.

In line with this framework, Saudi Arabia launched its National Gaming and Esports Strategy in 2022, identifying the industry as a major national growth sector.

To support this goal, the JCCME, working with Ludimus Inc., created the bootcamp to tap into Japan’s gaming expertise and train the next generation of Saudi creators.

The three-week course combined lectures, studio visits, and hands-on mentoring.

Twenty sessions covered topics including game design, development planning, XR games, scenario writing, sound design and esports.

Instructors included producers of hit Japanese titles, virtual reality pioneers and university lecturers, sparking lively exchanges between participants and mentors.

The developers toured leading Japanese gaming companies and startups, gaining firsthand insight into the country’s creative ecosystem and meeting professionals behind global hits.

Participants refined their own game projects throughout the program. On the final day, they pitched their games and business plans at the Saudi Embassy in Tokyo.

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive.

“I learned about the history of the Japanese gaming industry and how to collaborate with it,” said one participant.

“The best experience was visiting the studios and talking directly to developers,” another added.

Others described the program as the best training they had received, praising both the technical insights and the networking opportunities it provided.

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Saudi, Uzbek culture ministers discuss expanding cultural cooperation

November 04, 2025

LONDON: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met Gayane Umerova, chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, and Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Uzbekistan’s minister of culture, during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand on Tuesday.

Prince Badr congratulated Uzbekistan on hosting the conference and commended its role in global cultural dialogue, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During his meeting with Umerova, he praised the organization of the Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art, which is running until Nov. 20.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, and highlighted their growing partnership in heritage preservation and artistic exchange.

Prince Badr praised Uzbekistan’s participation in the Riyadh International Book Fair in October, which showcased the country’s diverse craftsmanship and creativity. He also commended Tashkent for its contributions in 2023 and 2025 to the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah through the loan of substantial Islamic art artifacts.

During a separate meeting, Prince Badr and Nazarbekov reaffirmed their ministries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation in cultural exchange, heritage preservation and the creative industries.

They also welcomed collaboration between the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and the Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art, which is displaying the Diriyah Biennale’s Al-Musalla Prize-winning design.

Prince Badr said that the Al-Musalla design of 2024, which presents a modern take on a musalla — an adaptable space for prayer and gathering — symbolizes cultural exchange between the two countries.

Al-Musalla was presented at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah from January to May, and subsequently exhibited at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, before traveling to Bukhara.

Prince Badr thanked the Uzbek government for its warm hospitality and wished the country continued cultural growth and prosperity, the SPA added.

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Arab migration cooperation enters new phase

HEBSHI ALSHAMMARI

November 04, 2025

RIYADH: Amy E. Pope, director-general of the International Organization for Migration, announced the launch of the second phase of the Arab Center for Technical Cooperation on Migration and Border Management in Riyadh on Monday.

The four-year initiative aims to strengthen regional collaboration in migration and border management.

Pope said the second phase will expand training programs, enhance research, and build stronger partnerships with regional and international bodies.

She noted that since 2009, the organization and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences have cooperated to address key challenges in these areas.

Established at the university, the center has become a regional platform for training and expertise.

Pope made her remarks during the university’s annual ceremony, attended by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif.

Founded in 1978, the university serves as the scientific body of the Arab Interior Ministers Council, specializing in training Arab security personnel and conducting research in security-related fields.

Pope said that joint events, research, and capacity-building programs have helped promote effective migration management practices.

The ceremony also celebrated the graduation of 374 students from 11 Arab countries in postgraduate security programs.

University President Abdulmajeed Al-Bunyan said the institution is proud of its contributions since 1978, having trained thousands of Interior Ministry personnel across the Arab world.

He added that under its 2029 strategic plan, the university aims to strengthen its global standing among security-focused institutions.

The event included a visual presentation on the university’s progress, followed by the announcement of graduation results, a student procession, and commemorative photos.

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Hajj registration for pilgrims from Muslim-minority countries officially opens

November 04, 2025

RIYADH: Registration for the Hajj pilgrimage 1447 AH–2026 has officially opened for worshippers from Muslim-minority countries, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Monday evening.

Prospective pilgrims can register directly through the official Nusuk Hajj Platform, without the need for external intermediaries.

Nusuk Hajj is the only official and authorized platform for registration under the Direct Hajj Program.

It is an integrated digital system that facilitates different aspects of pilgrims’ journeys, from registration through to the selection and payment of different Hajj packages, including various accommodation options and transport within the area of the Two Holy Mosques.

At this stage, worshippers can only secure their registration for the pilgrimage, with booking phases to be announced in due course.

To register, prospective pilgrims can visit the website hajj.nusuk.sa and enter information, including country of residence, contact details and identification documents.

They can then log in to the system to check the status of their application and add up to seven family members.

Those interested in becoming guides can also use the system to register, upon approval by service providers authorized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Nusuk offers support through live chat on the website, email and a call center.

Registration for Hajj can only be conducted through the official platform hajj.nusuk.sa.

No intermediaries, external offices or third parties are authorized to register pilgrims under the Direct Hajj Program.

The ministry warned members of the public to beware of unauthorized links or advertisements requesting payments or transfers outside the official Nusuk Hajj Platform.

Those wishing to complete the pilgrimage should also ensure that any third-party service providers are officially verified through the Nusuk Hajj Platform, the ministry added.

More than 1.7 million pilgrims attended last year’s pilgrimage.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2621392/saudi-arabia

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Africa

Six Terrorists Killed As Boko Haram Attacks Military Base In Borno

November 4, 2025

By Oladipo Abiola

Boko Haram terrorists on Tuesday, launched a daring attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kangar, located at Mallam Fatori in Borno State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the day, was, however, successfully thwarted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East.

The development was confirmed to Naija News in a statement on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

According to him, the terrorists launched the attack around 4.30 am using armed drones and mortar fire.

However, the troops, with assistance from the main force from the Battalion under Sector 3, held their ground and successfully quelled the attack.

During the encounter, six terrorists were killed while five AK-47 rifles; eight AK-47 rifle magazines; 258 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition; five RPG bombs; four armed drone bombs; five 36-type hand grenades; two bandoliers and one android phone were recovered from the terrorists.

Some of the soldiers who sustained minor injuries are already receiving treatment.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, have successfully thwarted a coordinated terrorist attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kangar, located at Mallam Fatori in Borno State, in the early hours of Tuesday, 4 November 2025.

“The attack, launched at about 0430hrs by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, involved the use of armed drones and mortar fire targeting the defensive positions of the base. The troops, reinforced by the Main Force from the Battalion under Sector 3, displayed exceptional gallantry and tactical superiority to defeat the assault.

“Despite the initial use of drones and indirect fire, the troops held their ground, engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight supported by close air support from the Nigerien Fighter Ground Attack platforms.

“The terrorists, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordination of the joint force, retreated in disarray into the waterways of the Tumbuns, evacuating several of their casualties.

“A post-battle exploitation of the area confirmed the neutralisation of six terrorists and recovery of the following items: Five AK-47 rifles; Eight AK-47 rifle magazines; 258 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition; Five RPG bombs; Four armed drone bombs; Five 36-type hand grenades; Two bandoliers and One Android phone

“Follow-on air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with the Nigerien Air Force on the retreating terrorists further neutralised additional scores of the miscreants.

“A few personnel of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI and some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries during the engagement. They have since been evacuated by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) platforms for medical attention and are all in stable condition. The MNJTF also provided Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) support to enhance situational awareness for the ground troops.

“Exploitation operations are ongoing in the waterways and adjoining areas to track fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of movement. Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as they continue to maintain dominance in the general area.

“The Military High Command commended the gallant troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism in the face of adversity. The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to restoring peace and security in the North East region through sustained and coordinated operations,” the full Army statement read.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/11/04/six-terrorists-killed-as-boko-haram-attacks-military-base-in-borno/

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Shettima, Emir Sanusi, Others Urge Africa to Leverage Islamic Finance for Inclusive, Sustainable Development

5 NOVEMBER 2025

Dike Onwuamaeze and Kayode Tokede

Vice President Kashim Shettima and other economic sstakeholders, yesterday called on African nations to deepen the adoption of Islamic finance as a tool for inclusive and sustainable economic transformation across the continent.

Equally, the 14th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi, expressed his heart’s desire to see an Islamic banking institution in Nigeria that will be as big as Access Bank, or First Bank of Nigeria, or the United Bank for Africa.

This was as the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, said Nigeria has witnessed growing relevance of Islamic finance services over the last decade, which brought with it the obligation for regulators to ensure that financial reporting for Islamic finance services is consistent, reliable, and globally comparable.

In furtherance of this, Olowo declared that the FRC “intends to formally include Islamic finance services within Nigeria’s financial reporting framework by adopting the standards issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).”

They all spoke yesterday in Lagos, at the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), where they enjoined Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) to deplore finances to the unreached and unbanked small-scale enterprises in rural areas to promote inclusive economic growth.

The Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the true measure of progress lies in inclusion.

Fasua added: “We believe that prosperity must be shared and sustained. In one year, our tax revenue has grown by over 400 per cent and tax to GDP ratio has nearly doubled.

“Our resources are being channeled into education, healthcare, and livelihood. We are ensuring that access to financing and insurance opportunities are extended to the underserved.

“From the Nigerian education loan fund that empowers our students, to real credit schemes that support SMEs, our objective is to build an economy that leaves no citizen behind.”

The Vice President emphasised that Islamic finance provides a credible framework for promoting shared prosperity, rooted in ethics, fairness, and social responsibility.

He said Nigeria’s experience demonstrates the transformative potential of Islamic finance instruments such as sukuk, takaful, murabaha, and waqf, which have financed critical infrastructure and expanded access to inclusive financial services.

“Our sukuk issuances, now in their seventh cycle, have funded more than 120 major road projects covering nearly 6,000 kilometres,” Shettima noted. “Each bond represents a covenant between government and citizens, proof that finance can build rather than burden.”

Shettima added that takaful insurance is extending protection to millions of previously excluded households, while waqf endowments are being explored to support schools, hospitals, and small businesses.

“Islamic finance aligns with our conviction that enterprise must serve humanity and wealth must circulate to uplift communities,” he said.

Across Africa, Shettima observed, countries like Egypt, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa are developing regulatory frameworks for Islamic banking, green sukuk, and socially responsible investments.

By 2030, the share of Islamic finance in Africa’s capital markets is projected to expand significantly, he said, urging policymakers to sustain reforms that strengthen transparency, governance, and investor protection.

He also underscored the need to mobilise Africa’s vast domestic capital, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance pools, through innovative instruments such as green sukuk and diaspora bonds.

“Africa’s future must be financed from within, guided by principles of justice, inclusion, and sustainability,” Shettima asserted.

Shettima concluded by urging participants to “build an Africa where enterprise and empathy coexist, where finance is not a privilege for the few but a promise to the many, and where every child, from Lagos to Lusaka, finds a stake in the continent’s future.”

In his contribution, Sanusi said: “Although there are many Islamic banks being licensed in Nigeria, I will really be much, much happier to see one or two Islamic banks that are as big as Access Bank or First Bank or UBA.

“I will like to see an Islamic bank that is ambitious enough to invest in capital that will grow a network that could reach out because that is the only way these institutions can reach the bottom of the pyramid.”

Sanusi said it has been projected that 85 per cent of poor people would be in Africa by 2050 and half of these 85 per cent would be in two countries, namely Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He said: “In Nigeria, 70 per cent of these poor people will be in the northern Nigeria.”

He, therefore, charged the IFIs to begin now to see how they could use finance to create economies for those small-scale people and lift them out of poverty.

Sanusi added: “IFIs need to go to the bottom of the pyramid. You cannot talk about inclusivity if you are not where the people are.

“Sitting in Abuja or Lagos and booking loans does not improve the lives of those in the rural areas and small towns and these are the majority of Nigerians that need support because these small enterprises employ 70 per cent of our population.

“Until we begin to grow them, we are not going to have a growth that is inclusive.”

The CEO, FRC, Olowo said: “Nigeria’s financial system is evolving, and our regulatory framework must evolve with it.

“The inclusion of AAOIFI standards into our national framework is not just a regulatory necessity—it is a strategic imperative for building trust, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that Islamic finance continues to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and financial inclusion.”

These standards, according to him, would complement the existing IFRS framework, ensuring that while Nigeria remained aligned with global reporting practices under IFRS, “we also provide a dedicated and internationally recognised reporting framework tailored to the unique principles, contracts, and financial instruments of Islamic finance.”

He added: “AAOIFI standards are developed specifically for Islamic finance institutions, addressing areas such as Murabaha, Ijarah, Mudarabah, Musharakah, and Sukuk.

“Many jurisdictions with vibrant Islamic finance sectors—including in the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa—already adopt or align with AAOIFI standards.

“Their adoption will enhance investor confidence, ensure transparency, and improve comparability for both domestic and international stakeholders.”

He clarified that “AAOIFI does not replace IFRS but fills the gap where IFRS does not adequately capture Shari’ah-compliant transactions.”

Olowo said the FRC has already commenced work in this area by building internal capacity within our directorates to understand and implement AAOIFI standards and holding stakeholders’ engagement with banks, insurance operators, capital market regulators, scholars, and professional bodies to ensure inclusiveness.

He also said the technical working group would be drawn from regulators, operators representing each part of the financial sector to give direction for implementation.

He said: “We recognise that successful adoption and implementation of AAOIFI standards in Nigeria cannot be achieved by the Council alone. It requires partnership with industry players, scholars, regulators, professional accountants, and development partners.

Speaking at the AICIF, the President/CEO African Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samaila Zubairu, said Islamic financing was the most suited to champion inclusive growth because its core investments are in real assets like roads, power plants, water, and digital networks.

He said: “In Nigeria, for instance, if we have constant access to electricity, we will easily have $1 trillion economy.

“And if you go beyond that and try to do import substitution, you will see that grow to $2 trillion economy.

“And Islamic finance has a critical role to play there because it is asset-backed financing. It is an investment in productive assets.”

He explained that Islamic financing institution fits perfectly to infrastructure finance better than any other financial institution because it is built on truth, where every financing is tied to a real, tangible asset that creates jobs and has long-term value.

Zabairu said there are proven models to show that Islamic finance was ready to fund Africa’s transformation, adding that the AFC has been mobilising Islamic financing for government because it in the business of building infrastructure.

He said: “Sharia-based capital can flow confidently into Africa’s real economy. Islamic finance builds roads, finances power plants and expands broad bands.”

In his opening remarks, SEC Chairman Mr. Mairiga Katuka said Nigeria’s non-interest capital market had grown rapidly under the Capital Market Masterplan (2015–2025), with sovereign sukuk raising over N1.4 trillion and funding 124 critical road projects nationwide.

Katuka noted that Nigeria now has 19 registered halal mutual funds managing over ₦112 bn in assets, up from one fund in 2008, and pledged the SEC’s commitment to evolving regulatory frameworks for innovations such as innovative sukuk, tokenisation, and blockchain-enabled transparency.

In her welcome address, the AICIF Conference Chair, Ms. Ummahani Ahmad Amin, said the road leading to the 7th AICIF edition had been defined by a spirit of partnership, collaboration and support borne out of a shared vision and commitment by the Metropolitan Skills Limited and the Metropolitan Law Firm to promote Islamic Finance as a viable alternative means of financing in addressing Africa’s socio-economic needs.

Source: thisdaylive.com

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https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/11/05/shettima-emir-sanusi-others-urge-africa-to-leverage-islamic-finance-for-inclusive-sustainable-development/

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Mali’s leader addresses deadly fuel crisis amid jihadi blockade

November 5, 2025

General Assimi Goita, the head of Mali's military junta, spoke for the first time on Monday about the country's fuel crisis.

The crisis stems from a jihadi group's blockade of fuel tankers entering the landlocked West African nation.

"During the escort of the fuel tanker convoy, people are dying; there are ambushes on the roads and tankers are catching fire with people inside them, who are burning to death," said Goita.

He was attending a meeting with Bougouni regional authorities during a trip in the south of the country to inaugurate the opening of a lithium mine.

Until now, Malian authorities have said little about the blockade imposed by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which is linked to al-Qaeda.

Militants from the JNIM group announced a ban on fuel imports from neighboring countries into Mali in early September, after authorities said early this year they were cutting down fuel supplies to remote areas as a measure to squeeze the jihadis in their hideouts.

The blockade has squeezed Mali's fragile economy and left hundreds of fuel trucks stranded at the border.

Mali's military has attempted to escort fuel trucks from border areas to Bamako while also targeting JNIM locations with airstrikes. Some trucks have made it to the capital, but militants have attacked others.

In his speech, Goita called on Malians to reduce the number of journeys they take to help alleviate the impact of the fuel shortage.

In Mali's capital, Bamako, endless queues have formed at gas stations, with some residents spending nights waiting.

The government announced school closures, embassies ordered citizens to evacuate, and citizens have been without power for hours.

The blockade has been a major setback for Mali's military junta in a country that relies on fuel imports from neighboring Senegal and the Ivory Coast.

JNIM is one of several armed groups operating in the Sahel, a vast strip of semi-arid desert stretching from North Africa to West Africa, where an insurgency is spreading rapidly with large-scale attacks.

Source: africanews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.africanews.com/2025/11/04/malis-leader-addresses-deadly-fuel-crisis-amid-jihadi-blockade/

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‘Nigeria can leverage Islamic finance to deepen inclusive economic growth’

November 5, 2025

Public policy and economic finance experts yesterday were unanimous that the emerging Islamic finance market could help to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructural gap and extend economic benefits to the generality of the people.

Experts who spoke at the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) yesterday in Lagos, agreed that Islamic finance could serve as a tool for inclusive and sustainable economic transformation across Africa.

The conference, themed “Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook,” was organised by Metropolitan Law and Metropolitan Skills Ltd in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Office of the Vice President, Dr. Tope Fasua said Africa’s demographic advantage must translate into equitable prosperity, stressing that the continent’s progress will be measured not only by economic growth but also by inclusion.

He drew attention to Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said have been instrumental in restoring stability and investor confidence.

According to him, Nigeria has unified its exchange rate, rationalised subsidies, modernised tax and customs systems, and opened new gateways for trade and investment reforms. These policy measures, he said, have lifted the nation’s reserves above $40 billion and earned favourable ratings from international agencies such as Fitch and Moody’s.

“These outcomes reaffirm Nigeria’s position as an anchor of the AfCFTA’s $3.4 trillion market and a driver of Africa’s growth,” Shettima said.

He noted that Islamic finance offers a credible framework for promoting shared prosperity, rooted in ethics, fairness, and social responsibility.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s experience demonstrates the transformative potential of Islamic finance instruments such as sukuk, takaful, murabaha, and waqf, which have been used to finance critical infrastructure and expand access to inclusive financial services.

He said: “Our sukuk issuances, now in their seventh cycle, have funded more than 120 major road projects covering nearly 6,000 kilometres. Each bond represents a covenant between government and citizens, proof that finance can build rather than burden”.

He added that takaful insurance has extended protection to millions of previously excluded households, while waqf endowments are being explored to support schools, hospitals, and small businesses.

He said: “Islamic finance aligns with our conviction that enterprise must serve humanity and wealth must circulate to uplift communities”.

According to him, across Africa, countries such as Egypt, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa are developing regulatory frameworks for Islamic banking, green sukuk, and socially responsible investments.

He projected that by 2030, the share of Islamic finance in Africa’s capital markets will expand significantly and urged policymakers to sustain reforms that strengthen transparency, governance, and investor protection.

He also called for the mobilisation of Africa’s vast domestic capital—such as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance pools—through innovative instruments like green sukuk and diaspora bonds.

“Africa’s future must be financed from within, guided by principles of justice, inclusion, and sustainability,” Shettima said.

He urged participants to “build an Africa where enterprise and empathy coexist, where finance is not a privilege for the few but a promise to the many, and where every child, from Lagos to Lusaka, finds a stake in the continent’s future”.

Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, called on Islamic finance institutions across Africa to focus more on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in underserved communities as a pathway to achieving shared prosperity and sustainable development.

He said that Islamic finance can only make a meaningful impact when it directly addresses the financial exclusion faced by small businesses and vulnerable groups.

He said: “I would be happier to see Islamic banks that are big, but more importantly, ambitious enough to grow a market that delivers real value to people and helps reduce poverty. We need to begin now to see how we can use finance to create opportunities for the small people”.

He also urged Islamic financial institutions to extend services beyond conventional models by reaching the grassroots, where the majority of Africa’s unbanked population resides.

He called for bold strategies to bridge the cultural and social barriers that have historically limited access to finance, particularly for women.

He said: “Go to the grassroots, have the courage to build and connect with the cultural conceptions and attitudes that have denied women. The empowerment of women is what will contribute to prosperity in Africa”.

Sanusi noted that inclusive finance remains central to Africa’s economic transformation.

He urged Islamic finance stakeholders to leverage their principles of equity, risk-sharing, and social responsibility to foster a more just, equitable, and prosperous continent.

Conference Chairperson, Ms. Ummahani Ahmad Amin, said that the AICIF was conceived as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance Islamic finance as a viable alternative source of funding for Africa’s socio-economic development.

She explained that although global Islamic finance assets reached $3.88 trillion in 2024, Africa still lags in harnessing its full potential to close the continent’s annual infrastructure financing gap of up to $170 billion.

She noted that challenges such as limited liquidity, weak market infrastructure, and inadequate investor education must be addressed if Islamic finance is to reach its full potential.

She said: “Artificial intelligence is also reshaping finance across the continent, from automating compliance to personalising ethical investment, and we must ensure ethical guardrails guide its use”.

Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mairiga Katuka said Nigeria’s non-interest capital market had grown rapidly under the Capital Market Masterplan (2015–2025), with sovereign sukuk raising over N1.4 trillion and funding 124 critical road projects nationwide.

Katuka added that Nigeria now has 19 registered halal mutual funds managing over N112 billion in assets, up from just one fund in 2008.

He assured participants that the SEC remains committed to evolving regulatory frameworks to support innovations such as tokenisation, blockchain-enabled transparency, and other Islamic financial instruments.

Source: thenationonlineng.net

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https://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-can-leverage-islamic-finance-to-deepen-inclusive-economic-growth/

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Uganda-born Zohran Mamdani to become New York City's first Muslim mayor

November 5, 2025

Uganda-born Zohran Mamdani won a resounding victory on Tuesday to become New York City’s next mayor.

It caps the Democrat’s stunning ascent from little-known state lawmaker just a year ago to one of the most talked-about politicians in the country.

The democratic socialist, who spent some of his formative years in South Africa, will be the first Muslim leader in the city’s history.

In a speech to a crowd of supporters on Tuesday night, he wasted no time in calling out United States President Donald Trump.

"So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up," he said shortly after being declared the victor.

Mamdani told the crowd that New York would be the light “in this moment of political darkness”.

He made countering the Republican president's actions in the city, particularly on immigration, a centrepiece of his campaign.

“New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants. And as of tonight, led by an immigrant,” he said.

“So hear me, President Trump when I say this. To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”

In the run up to the vote, Trump – whose celebrity is closely tied to New York - threatened to withhold federal funding and take over the city if Mamdani won the race.

The thirty-four-year-old will officially take office on 1 January, becoming the Big Apple’s youngest mayor in more than a century.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2025/11/05/uganda-born-zohran-mamdani-to-become-new-york-citys-first-muslim-mayor/

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Sudan defense minister says army to keep fighting RSF after US truce proposal

November 04, 2025

PORT SUDAN: Sudan’s defense minister said on Tuesday that the army would press on with fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after the country’s security and defense council met to discuss a US proposal for a ceasefire.

“We thank the Trump administration for its efforts and proposals to achieve peace,” Hassan Kabroun said in a speech broadcast on state television, adding that “preparations for the Sudanese people’s battle are ongoing.”

“Our preparations for war are a legitimate national right,” he said, following the council meeting in Khartoum.

No details of the US truce proposal have been made public.

The war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions more over the past two years, has spread to new areas of Sudan in recent days, sparking fears of an even greater humanitarian catastrophe.

After mediating in other conflicts in Africa and the Middle East in recent months, the US administration under Donald Trump is now pushing for a ceasefire in Sudan.

The army-aligned authorities had rejected an earlier truce proposal under which both they and the paramilitaries they are fighting would be excluded from a transitional political process.

The latest discussions follow an escalation on the ground, with the paramilitary RSF appearing to prepare an assault on the central Kordofan region after it captured El-Fasher, the last army stronghold in the vast Darfur region.

People forced to flee El-Fasher have described to AFP intimidation and violence from the RSF.

Mohamed Abdullah, 56, told AFP he was stopped by RSF fighters while fleeing El-Fasher on Saturday, just hours before its fall.

“They demanded our phones, money, everything. They kept searching us thoroughly,” he said of the RSF.

On his way to Tawila, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) to the west, he saw “a body left on the street that looked like it had been eaten by a dog.”

Trump’s envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, held talks in Sudan’s neighbor Egypt on Sunday with Cairo’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and then on Monday with the Arab League.

During the discussions, Abdelatty stressed “the importance of concerted efforts to reach a humanitarian truce and a ceasefire throughout Sudan, paving the way for a comprehensive political process in the country,” according to a foreign ministry statement.

According to the Arab League, Boulos met the regional body’s chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and briefed him on recent US efforts in Sudan to “halt the war, expedite aid delivery and initiate a political process.”

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2621423/middle-east

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South Asia

Dy. PM of IEA Hanafi Stresses Honesty, Accountability Key to Strengthening Local Governance

November 5, 2025

KABUL: Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, underscored the vital importance of honesty, accountability, and responsiveness in provincial administration, emphasizing that these principles are the foundation of effective and enduring governance.

In a recent meeting with local officials of Badghis province, Hanafi urged government administrators to serve the public with sincerity and dedication, according to a statement from Arg the other day.

“The true measure of governance lies not in authority, but in the ability to meet the people’s needs with transparency and compassion. The success of governance depends on how faithfully we fulfill our responsibilities to the people,” he said, highlighting that public trust can only be maintained through integrity and a genuine commitment to service.

The deputy PM assured the participants that the Islamic Emirate remains committed to supporting local administrations in addressing community challenges.

During the meeting, the Badghis delegation presented detailed reports on the province’s social, economic, and security conditions, outlining the achievements and ongoing challenges in public service delivery and local governance.

They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security, promoting stability, and improving public welfare across the region.

Deputy Prime Minister Hanafi praised the dedication and efforts of the provincial officials and security personnel, emphasizing the importance of honest service, accountability, and responsiveness in addressing citizens’ needs.

He assured the delegation that the Islamic Emirate remains committed to supporting provincial administrations and would strive to resolve local issues in accordance with available national resources.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/hanafi-stresses-honesty-accountability-key-to-strengthening-local-governance/

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Proposed Bangladesh Visit Of Zakir Naik: Govt To Proceed With Caution

Nov 5, 2025

The government will exercise caution regarding the proposed visit of Indian Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order, held at the Secretariat yesterday, with Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in the chair.

About Naik's visit, the meeting instructed the authorities concerned to engage with the organisers to understand their intentions, said sources at the Chief Adviser's Office and the home ministry.

The meeting also observed that hosting such a figure before the polls should be reconsidered.

Spark Events, an event management company, has announced plans to bring Zakir Naik to Bangladesh for a lecture series later this month.

Shahadat Hawlader, manager of the company, told The Daily Star that they will soon announce details of the tour.

A senior official of the Special Branch of police, requesting anonymity, told The Daily Star they had not yet received any instruction regarding his visit.

The meeting also discussed training for the armed forces members deployed in the field.

A source present at the meeting said, "Members of the armed forces have been deployed nationwide since before the August 5 mass uprising, with officers later given magistracy powers."

"Amid this situation, the meeting discussed the need for training for the armed forces members. However, the Armed Forces Division will decide how and when such training will be provided."

Several other issues were also discussed at the meeting.

After the meeting, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam briefed reporters at the secretariat. He said the meeting focused on preparations for ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

Responding to a question about possible police bias, Jahangir Alam said, "The election must be free, fair, credible, and festive. If any police member is found favouring a particular candidate or party, they will immediately be brought under the law."

He also said officials who were involved in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections would be reviewed before deployment this time.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/proposed-visit-zakir-naik-govt-proceed-caution-4027431

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Public Gathering Held in Nangarhar on Supreme Leader’s Decrees

November 5, 2025

KABUL: A public gathering aimed at raising awareness about the decrees of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate was held in Shirzad district of Nangarhar province, the Ministry of Information and Culture said in a statement on Tuesday.

The event, organized by the Nangarhar Directorate of Information and Culture, brought together district officials, religious scholars, tribal elders, community leaders, and youth representatives, the statement said.

Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of implementing the decrees and directives of the Amir-ul-Mu’minin to strengthen the foundations of the Islamic system.

They highlighted that these decrees aim to promote social well-being, eliminate harmful customs, and safeguard the legitimate rights of men and women under Islamic principles.

Printed copies of Decree No. 17, which focuses on discouraging harmful social practices, were distributed among participants.

Attendees reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Islamic Emirate in enforcing these decrees and ensuring their implementation across society.

Officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture reiterated that adherence to the decrees of the Amir-ul-Mu’minin is both a religious and social responsibility and emphasized that preventing un-Islamic customs, particularly those practiced during weddings, funerals, family gatherings, and upon return from Hajj and Umrah, is a collective duty.

They added that eradicating harmful customs is a pressing national need, as such traditions often lead to economic burdens, social inequalities, and moral challenges within communities.

It should be said that similar awareness programs have previously been conducted in various provinces by the respective Directorates of Information and Culture to explain the decree in detail to government officials, media representatives, tribal elders, poets, writers, cultural figures, and youth.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/public-gathering-held-in-nangarhar-on-supreme-leaders-decrees/

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EC Meeting: Policy to Use Domestic Resources in Mining Approved

November 5, 2025

KABUL: The meeting of the Technical Committee of the Economic Commission was held at the Qasr-e-Marmarin on Tuesday, discussing the draft policy on the use of domestic resources in mining projects.

Presented by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, the policy was deemed effective and approved for submission to the Economic Commission for final decision-making, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said in a statement.

“The implementation of this policy will enhance technical and professional skills in the mining sector, create permanent employment opportunities, increase domestic resource utilization, reduce dependence on imports, and stimulate local industries and the national economy,” the statement said.

The session also included discussions on other relevant topics, with necessary recommendations issued to related agencies.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Closure Strands Hundreds of Medical Students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

By Fidel Rahmati

November 5, 2025

Nearly 300 medical students from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province remain stranded after the Torkham border closure, unable to return to Afghanistan for crucial final-year examinations.

Around 300 Pakistani medical students are stranded due to the Torkham border closure, unable to return to Afghanistan for their final-year exams.

Hundreds of medical students from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are unable to cross into Afghanistan after the closure of key border crossings earlier this month.

The Pakistani daily Dawn reported on Wednesday that nearly 300 students are at risk of missing their final-year medical exams scheduled to begin in Afghanistan.

The students had returned home to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during holidays and were caught off guard when the Torkham crossing was sealed on October 12 amid escalating border tensions.

They said the Taliban-run Ministry of Higher Education has refused to extend the exam schedule, leaving them uncertain about their academic future.

One student told Dawn, “We are in a desperate situation — the border is closed, exams are starting, and we could lose an entire academic year.”

Most of the stranded students said air travel was unaffordable, urging provincial authorities in Pakistan to help arrange their safe passage to Afghanistan.

Hundreds of Pakistani students study in Afghanistan universities, drawn by lower tuition costs and cross-border educational ties between the two countries.

The border closure has also disrupted trade and movement for thousands of Afghans, including patients seeking medical care and merchants transporting essential goods across the frontier.

Source: khaama.com

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Southeast Asia

Sabah Umno calls on state Islamic council, mufti to explain alleged unauthorised RM14m zakat transfers

05 Nov 2025

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 5 — The investigation into the alleged transfer of RM14 million within the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) must be expanded beyond mere claims of “governance improvement”, said Umno Sabah Strategic Communications Director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman.

He said the matter was not a small issue or a technical mistake that could be dismissed with administrative explanations, as it involves the trust and management of zakat funds belonging to the Muslim community that must be handled transparently and in accordance with Islamic principles and the law.

“I believe the scope of investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) must be widened to include a comprehensive forensic audit of all Muis financial records, bank transactions, internal directives and meeting minutes,” he said in a statement, Tuesday.

Rosman also urged MACC to publicly clarify the governance issues it reportedly identified in the management and distribution of Muis zakat funds, as mentioned in the nine recommendations submitted to the relevant authorities recently.

When Sabah officially took charge of its own electricity and gas regulation under the present Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government in 2023 and 2024, it was a turning point few expected would happen so swiftly.

He said such clarification is vital to prevent public confusion and to safeguard the integrity of the state’s Islamic institution.

At the same time, Rosman questioned the progress of investigations into claims that the Muis official instructed the transfer of RM14 million from the Zakat Fund to the General (Management) Fund without the Majlis’ approval.

“While Muis has denied the allegation, calling it a malicious lie aimed at tarnishing its image, MACC cannot stop at denials alone.

“A full forensic review of Muis’ financial affairs must be conducted to confirm or refute the allegations based on evidence, not perception,” he said.

He pointed out that RM14 million is not a small amount, representing nearly 10 percent of Muis’ total zakat collection of RM141 million last year.

“Every sen belongs to the asnaf eligible to receive zakat aid. This issue cannot be taken lightly, as it directly affects public trust in the management of Islamic funds in Sabah,” he said.

Datu Rosman emphasised that transparency in the investigation is both a moral duty and a religious obligation.

“The people do not need excuses, they need explanations. They don’t want promises of ‘improvement’, they want real answers on who gave the order, who approved it, and where the RM14 million went,” he said.

Earlier, Rumpun Anak Melayu (Presbah) President Yahya Ahmad also called on Muis to explain to zakat payers, especially since the matter involves ummah funds.

He said he went to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office to request an investigation into possible violations and for appropriate action to be taken if any wrongdoing is found.

“What is happening now is a court case that has not yet begun. When it does, the defendant may reveal procedural breaches that could strengthen their case and prove they are ready to be held accountable,” he said.

He expressed disappointment that the long-standing issue was not resolved earlier and that Muis could not address the matter through internal disciplinary measures.

“If the official concerned was indeed in the wrong, he could have been suspended or dismissed without dragging the matter to court.”

Yahya questioned how much Muis funds would now be wasted on legal costs for suing its own staff. He said the legal action would not happen without concrete evidence or detailed transaction records.

He said this was a major weakness in Islamic institutions, which could tarnish public trust in Muis and Islam itself.

“If it is true there were early procedural breaches, what is the ruling when zakat funds were misused or spent without proper authorization? The Mufti, as Chairman of the Zakat and Fitrah Committee, should clarify this,” he said.

Yahya also questioned the efficiency of the Ministry and Muis’ top management in addressing the issue.

“Muslims have the right to speak up and demand explanation when it concerns zakat funds. The reported transfer of RM14.4 million allegedly without the knowledge of the Muis Supreme Council (MTM) and the Zakat Committee must be explained,” he said. — Daily Express

Source: malaymail.com

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Education Ministry to unveil 2027 co‑teaching model with two teachers per class and moral focus

By Malay Mail

05 Nov 2025

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 5 — The Ministry of Education will introduce a new “co-teaching” method involving two teachers in a single classroom and a dedicated weekly slot for character building as part of a major curriculum reform set for 2027.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said in an interview with Berita Harian tha the new curriculum is designed to balance academic excellence with strong moral values, discipline, and integrity.

More dynamic classroom

Fadhlina explained that the co-teaching approach is a key innovation designed to make learning more effective and engaging.

It will involve two teachers collaborating as equal educators in one class, sharing responsibility for the lesson.

“This active classroom interaction ensures every student receives sufficient attention, helping to reduce learning gaps and dropout risks,” she said.

The new curriculum will also emphasise integrated learning, where subjects like English, Science, and Music could be combined in a single session to promote cross-disciplinary understanding.

Fadhlina added that the co-teaching model also serves as an immediate strategy to better manage overcrowded classrooms while long-term infrastructure improvements are underway.

Focus on character

In a significant shift, the 2027 curriculum will integrate moral and character values into all subjects, moving beyond the previous focus on only Islamic or Moral Education classes.

This will be reinforced by a dedicated 60-minute weekly Character Building Programme for both primary and secondary students, allowing for structured activities that encourage positive behaviour and moral reflection.

Fadhlina clarified that the reform modernises teaching methods to suit current needs without altering the core principles of national education.

Preparatory training for teachers has already begun to ensure full readiness for the 2027 rollout.

The character-building programme will also be introduced in phases, starting with preschool students next year.

Source: malaymail.com

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Sultan Nazrin warns Malaysia’s integrity ‘wall’ is weakening amid rising corruption and moral decay

By John Bunyan

05 Nov 2025

IPOH, Nov 5 — Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, today expressed concerns over Malaysia’s integrity landscape, warning that two decades after the National Integrity Plan was launched, the gap between its ideals and the nation’s reality has widened significantly.

Speaking at the 2024 National Integrity Celebration, the Deputy Yang diPertuan Agong lamented that the country remains plagued by corruption, abuse of power, and a declining moral compass.

Sultan Nazrin painted a grim picture of the nation’s integrity, citing daily media reports of corruption, cronyism, and leakages of public resources.

He pointed to troubling reports of cartels dominating essential industries, large-scale illegal land clearing, and the country being “shamed on the world map” by its largest financial scandal.

He also highlighted the Auditor-General’s annual findings of serious weaknesses in public fund management and a rising crime index. This decline, he noted, is reflected in Malaysia’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking, which fell 20 places from 37th in 2003 to 57th in 2024.

In an analogy, Sultan Nazrin likened the nation’s vulnerability to the Great Wall of China, an iconic defence that ultimately failed not due to external force, but internal weakness.

“The wall was never broken. It was never scaled. Instead, the gates were opened from within,” he said.

“The enemy did not conquer the wall; they conquered the will of the men who guarded it. What failed was not the stone, but the spirit.”

He urged the current generation to learn from history, warning that “without integrity, power becomes fragile.”

The Sultan also highlighted the immense challenge faced by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), the body established in 2004 to implement the National Integrity Plan. Despite a broad mandate, he said the institute has operated with limited resources, receiving nearly RM212 million over 20 years.

He cautioned that the IIM is expected to deliver “near-miraculous outcomes” but “does not possess Aladdin’s lamp to simply rub and achieve wishes.”

“With limited financial and human resources, like having only a yard-long cloth to cover the most vital parts, IIM requires the wisdom to prioritise effectively,” he concluded.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/11/05/sultan-nazrin-warns-malaysias-integrity-wall-is-weakening-amid-rising-corruption-and-moral-decay/197256

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Government unveils plan for digital system to curb unfair fees by licensed moneylenders

By Muhammad Yusry

05 Nov 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — The government is developing a real-time digital platform to monitor licensed moneylenders and curb excessive charges on borrowers, in a move aimed at improving transparency and consumer protection in the industry, Parliament heard today.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the initiative, now in the final stage of its pilot project design, is aimed at improving transparency and oversight within the licensed moneylending industry.

“The ministry is in the final stage of concluding a pilot project proposal to develop a platform or data repository system for borrowers and licensed moneylenders that can record loan transactions in real time,” she said during the question and answer session.

“This system will be equipped with monitoring and digital payment features aimed at strengthening the regulation of licensed moneylenders,” she added.

Aiman said the platform will also ensure that no additional charges are imposed on members of the public who intend to take loans from these companies.

She was responding to a supplementary question from Batu MP P. Prabakaran, who had asked whether the government planned to build an integrated portal between the ministry, licensed moneylenders and borrowers to automatically calculate interest rates and late payment charges, so that lenders could not arbitrarily set their own fees.

She added that the ministry also intends to include a loan insurance protection scheme in the system to provide coverage for eligible borrowers.

Source: malaymail.com

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No Registration For Muslim Man's Second Marriage If First Wife Objects: Kerala High Court

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